08/21/2023 Historic Preservation Commission Meeting

City of Cape May Historic Preservation Commission Minutes August 21, 2023 Opening: the regular meeting of the City of Cape May Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) was called to order by Chairperson Warren Coupland at 6:03 p.m. In compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act, adequate notice of this meeting was provided. Pledge of Allegiance Mr. Coupland, Chairperson Present Mr. Carroll, Vice Chairperson Present Ms. Cogswell Present Mr. Campbell Present Ms. Pessagno Present Ms. Wilson-Stridick Present Mr. Testa Present Mr. Stevenson (Alt. 1) Present Mr. Boecker (Alt. 2) Present Also Present: HPC Secretary Judith Decker, Solicitor Robert Fineberg and Deputy Mayor Lorraine Baldwin. MINUTES Motion made by Mr. Testa to approve the July 17, 2023, minutes seconded by Mr. Carroll and carried 6-0. Those in favor: Mr. Coupland, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Cogswell, Ms. Campbell, Ms. Pessagno, Mr. Testa. Those opposed: none. Those abstaining: Ms. Wilson Stridick. RESOLUTIONS NJ Cape Properties, LLC, 1006 Washington Street, Block 1110, Lot 2 - Resolution 2023-29 Mistretta, 660 Hughes Street, Block 1066, Lot 8 - Resolution 2023-30 Corradino Vivian P., Trustee, 1519 Beach Avenue, Block 1174, Lots 17 & 18 - Resolution 2023-31 Steger, 906 Page Street, Block 1090, Lot 57 - Resolution 2023-32 Motion made by Mr. Cogswell to approve Resolutions 2023-29 through 2023-32 seconded by Mr. Testa and carried 5-0. Those in favor: Mr. Coupland, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Cogswell, Ms. Campbell, Mr. Testa. Those opposed: none. Those abstaining: Ms. Pessagno, Ms. Wilson Stridick. APPLICATIONS APPROVED OR DENIED IN REVIEW Boecker, 114 Lafayette Street, 1113/3, Contributing - Condenser Chew, 401 Lafayette Street, 1046/8, Noncontributing - Signs Clemens, 504 Jefferson Street, 1074/8, Contributing - Three Windows Deluca, 1515 Beach Avenue, 1174/22, Contributing - Columns, Railing DeMayo, 729 Franklin Street, 1080/1.01, Key Contributing - Fence DiFillipo, 1238 Washington Street, 1128/24 C-4, Noncontributing - AC Fader, 819 Corgie Street, 1091/17, Noncontributing - Partial Roof Fite, 933 Sewell Avenue, 1089/39, Contributing - Roof Fleck, 1101 Washington Street, 1113/34, Contributing - Porch Decking 1 Flynn, 1248 Lafayette Street, 1129/20, Contributing - Fence Gibson, 22 Gurney Street, 1056/9, Key Contributing - Fence, Paver Patio, Walkway Gibson & Nadelstumph, 1001 St. James Place, 1061/68 C-1001, Noncontributing - Condenser Giordano, 1001 Washington Street, Unit 1B, 1111/11 C-02, Noncontributing - Roof Decking Hamilton, 1028 New York Avenue, 1102/15, Contributing - Condenser Harrison, 1017 Stockton Avenue, 1096/11, Noncontributing - Condensers Hay, 910 Lafayette Street, 1094/5, Noncontributing – HVAC Kings Cottage Enterprises, 9 Perry Street, 1034/15, Key Contributing - Columns, Trim Repairs Kroberger & Carpenter, 906 Lafayette Street, 1094/1 C-906, Contributing - HVAC Longfellow Family LLC, 652 Hughes Street, 1066/5, Contributing - HVAC McKelvey, 725 Kearney Avenue, 1065/11, Contributing - Renovate Two Front Decks Mistretta, 660 Hughes Street, 1066/8, Contributing - Roof Morreale, 1621 Beach Avenue, 1185/14 C-101, Noncontributing - Condenser Oakes, 1145 Washington Street, 1113/22, Contributing - Condenser Overstory Lane LLC, 34 Gurney Street, 1056/3, Key Contributing - HVAC Peterson Little Post 386 VFW, 419 Congress Street, 1032/17, Contributing - Rear Siding Regent Beach Condos, 10 Congress Street, 1024/7, Noncontributing - Retaining Wall Riehl, 911 Benton Avenue, 1085/20, Condenser, Contributing - Condenser Sheller, 45 Jackson Street, 1041/33, Key Contributing - Roof Shoemaker, 413 S. Broadway, 1032/1, Contributing - Window, Sign Ternove, 719 Franklin Street, 1080/32, Contributing - AC & Lattice Enclosure Venner, 821 Corgie Street, 1091/16, Noncontributing - Porch Steps, Decking, Railing WCN Realty NJ LLC, 10 Congress Street, 1024/7 C-308, Noncontributing – Condenser White, 1623 New Jersey Avenue, 1186/4, Contributing - Siding Yacovelli, 1251 Washington Street, 1129/24, Contributing - Driveway 303 S Broadway LLC, 303 Broadway, 1027/25, Contributing - Condenser 1022 Lafayette LLC, 1022 Lafayette Street, 1122/3, Contributing - Windows, Fence, Railing Motion made by Mr. Cogswell to approve the applications approved or denied in review seconded by Mr. Carroll and carried 7-0. Those in favor: Mr. Coupland, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Cogswell, Ms. Campbell, Ms. Pessagno, Ms. Wilson Stridick, Mr. Testa. Those opposed: none. Those abstaining: Mr. Testa from 1515 Beach Avenue. OLD BUSINESS Conrad - 347 Congress Street, 1031, 82, Contributing Front Porch Attorney Andrew Catanese, Project Architect Paul Kiss and owner William Conrad were sworn in by Solicitor Fineberg. Mr. Catanese testified that the extensive project received HPC approval in June 2022 including renovation of the entire front porch. In May, after moving the house to place it on the new foundation, the original porch collapsed. The applicant intends to reconstruct the porch in conformity to the original plans presented by Mr. Kiss 15 months ago. Mr. Coupland asked why the porch collapsed. Mr. Catanese submitted Exhibit 1-A, a photo which shows the elevated porch supported by two steel beams over a one block high gap to the new foundation. Mr. Conrad explained that when the porch collapsed they discovered it had been supported only by rotted ¾” pine beams with no supporting columns. Mr. Coupland responded that 1-A shows very little support for the entire structure. The Chair turned the discussion to the replaced windows. He reported that following emails with Mr. Conrad, he understood that a site meeting would be held regarding possible restoration of some original windows and a date was agreed upon by the applicant. Prior to that meeting, Mr. Conrad reported that all the original windows were gone. Mr. Catanese responded that the resolution of approval included window 2 replacement confirmed by the HPC Compliance Officer and City Solicitor. He confirmed that the original windows were gone and that was not the issue before the commission. Mr. Coupland thought the property had lost its contributing status due to the replacement of all the exterior original materials. Discussion ensued. Mr. Kiss presented the proposal to replicate the original porch noting materials with the only change from the prior approval being new roof rafters and floor joists. Mr. Kiss confirmed that the veneer of brick pilasters and board infill will hide the new block porch foundation. HPC requested detailed plans for the new porch project including materials and determined to table the plan. The applicant agreed to a one-month extension. Motion made by Mr. Testa to table the application with a waiver of the 45-day time constraint, seconded by Mr. Cogswell and carried 7-0. Those in favor: Mr. Coupland, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Cogswell, Ms. Campbell, Ms. Pessagno, Ms. Wilson Stridick, Mr. Testa. Those opposed: none. Those abstaining: none. NEW BUSINESS Jersey Development Group LLC – 359 Congress Street, 1031/2.02, Non-contributing New Home Scott Peter presented a plan seeking conceptual approval for a four bedroom, two story single home with a recessed carport on a vacant corner lot. Mr. Carroll noted that the application was incomplete as streetscape photos were not submitted, nor a site plan, or variances needed including driveways. Mr. Peter stated no variances would be needed. HPC objected to the front-loading carport and front yard parking. Discussion ensued. HPC suggested amending the design to fit in with Cape May and include a 3-D rendering. The applicant agreed to waive the 45-day time constraint. Motion made by Mr. Coupland to table the application with a waiver of the 45-day time constraint, seconded by Mr. Carroll and carried 7-0. Those in favor: Mr. Coupland, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Cogswell, Ms. Campbell, Ms. Pessagno, Ms. Wilson Stridick, Mr. Testa. Those opposed: none. Those abstaining: none. Deluca – 1515 Beach Avenue, 1174/22, Contributing Fence Mr. Testa recused himself from this application. Attorney Steve Morris, Karavan & Morris and Peter McGarrity, McGarrity Landscaping appeared for the applicant seeking final approval for a front and side yard fence installed without HPC review and not included in any prior approvals. Mr. Morris stated that the client made a spontaneous decision to extend the fence from an approved 6’ stockade rear yard fence to surround the property at the front and side yards. Exhibits A-1, Karaven & Morris letter dated August 21, 2023, including sample neighboring fences and Exhibit A-2 of the installed wood picket fence and gate with rendered front landscaping were distributed to HPC. Mr. Morris proposed that the Murphy #301 Classic 48” high Wood Picket fence set 6” from the property line was appropriate. Following discussion, HPC explained they would like the fence painted white with increased post and rail size as more appropriate to the revival styles on west Beach Avenue. As a point of order, Ms. Baldwin pointed out that Karaven & Morris was not listed as a representative of the applicant, who was not present. Mr. Coupland noted that had the fence proposal had come before HPC prior to being erected, it would not have been approved as presented. Motion made by Mr. Carroll to approve the application conditional upon replacing or cladding the posts to be 6” X 6” with a larger cap, the horizontal top rail decreased to 2.5” maximum, the fence 3 painted semi-gloss white, with the amended fence profile and enhanced landscape plan to be submitted to the review committee seconded by Mr. Cogswell and carried 7-0. Those in favor: Mr. Coupland, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Cogswell, Ms. Campbell, Ms. Pessagno, Ms. Wilson Stridick, Mr. Stevenson. Those opposed: none. Those abstaining: none. Sackstein – 29 Ocean Street, 1056/1, Contributing Roof, Siding, HVAC Lines Victor Aguilar, The Harbor Contracting LLC, was present representing the applicant, Aaron Sackstein, who could not be present. Solicitor Fineberg stated that HPC would ask for documentation from the applicant stating that Mr. Aguilar was authorized to represent him. Mr. Coupland suggested tabling the application until September until Mr. Sackstein could be present or submit a document authorizing Mr. Aguilar to represent him. Mr. Aguilar gave a brief history of the numerous issues with the project, including work completed without permits. Mr. Fineberg noted that the September 18 meeting would fall within the 45-review period. Motion made by Mr. Coupland to table the application seconded by Mr. Testa and carried 7-0. Those in favor: Mr. Coupland, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Cogswell, Ms. Campbell, Ms. Pessagno, Ms. Wilson Stridick, Mr. Stevenson. Those opposed: none. Those abstaining: none. Iannacone – 1045 Washington Street, 1112/10, Contributing Landscape Plan, Fence, Lighting Mr. Boecker recused himself from the application. Mr. Carroll noted that city council is reviewing Ordinance 517-2023, regarding lighting that will relate to this application and the HPC review. Owner Ronald Ianacone was present. Architect Walter Chepurny, Beechwood Landscape Architecture & Construction LLC, introduced associate Tom Wyllner, who presented the application for entire site landscaping, low voltage lighting, stormwater management, a pool, a bluestone patio, a gravel driveway enclosed by stone block and fencing buffered by a hedge. In response to a question from Mr. Fineberg, Mr. Wyllner stated that the proposal was approved by the Zoning office with no variances required and several tree removals have been or are being reviewed by the Shade Tree Commission. Mr. Coupland suggested two separate reviews: landscape then lighting. Mr. Wyllner presented the landscaping proposal. HPC favored the landscape plan in general but requested a traditional straight front walkway as currently exists. As the landscape plan was extensive, HPC agreed upon a conditional landscaping covenant that would run with the land. The 4’ side yard fence close to the front yard buffered by a privet hedge was discussed. Ms. Baldwin asked if the pool buffering and landscaping was compliant with the new city ordinance; the applicant responded they were not aware of that ordinance. Motion made by Mr. Testa to grant final approval of the landscape plan conditional upon compliance with the forthcoming city landscape ordinance and that the front walkway be straight and composed of brick or bluestone seconded by Mr. Carroll and carried 7-0. Those in favor: Mr. Coupland, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Cogswell, Ms. Campbell, Ms. Pessagno, Ms. Wilson Stridick, Mr. Stevenson. Those opposed: none. Those abstaining: none. The lighting plan was next reviewed. HPC determined that lighting the front façade of a house is inappropriate. It was decided to review the lighting portion of the plan after the new ordinance is adopted. 4 Motion made by Mr. Cogswell to table the lighting plan portion of the application until such time of adoption of lighting ordinance 519-2023 with the consent of the applicant of the waiver of the 45-day review period seconded by Mr. Carroll and carried 7-0. Those in favor: Mr. Coupland, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Cogswell, Ms. Campbell, Ms. Pessagno, Ms. Wilson Stridick, Mr. Stevenson. Those opposed: none. Those abstaining: none. Ms. Pessagno departed the meeting at 8:40 p.m. Caselton/Console - 213 Perry Street, 1038/7, Contributing Rear Addition - Windows, Siding, Roofing, Exterior Shower, Condenser Mr. Stevenson recused himself from the application. Project designer Adam Crossland was present with owners Lisa Castelton and Steven Console. Mr. Crossland presented the plan for a renovation of a rear one-story addition with copper metal roofing reducing the side overhang from 12” to 6”, wood facias, replacement wood siding to match existing, two new all wood windows, rebuilding an exterior shower, relocating the condenser to the roof of the shower enclosure, a new rear wood door and a new staircase. Motion made by Mr. Carroll to grant final approval conditional upon the use of a 1” standing seam copper roofing and the use of a solid wood door seconded by Mr. Testa and carried 7-0. Those in favor: Mr. Coupland, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Cogswell, Ms. Campbell, Ms. Wilson Stridick, Mr. Testa, Mr. Boecker. Those opposed: none. Those abstaining: none. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC - Mr. Coupland opened public comment at 8:50 p.m. Divided Light Windows Pete Leisenring of Jeld Wen windows had comments about true divided light windows, which they no longer offer. He explained that divided light windows develop stress cracks, and they discontinued that product. The current windows they offer are double paned and have applied divided light panels. He added that they do not repair original divided light windows. Mr. Boecker reported that he discovered four manufacturers who currently offer faux-divided light windows. HPC discussed the issue of divided light windows. Public comment was closed it at 9:05 p.m. DISCUSSION HPC Roof Video HPC decided to offer a metal roof application video on the HPC section of the city website. Ordinance 517-2023 Review – Light Pollution HPC determined to develop a subcommittee to review the ordinance to offer advice and council, headed by Mr. Testa, with the document to be submitted by Mr. Coupland. Discussion ensued. Ms. Decker asked Mr. Fineberg the proper procedure for the Secretary to obtain a record copy of executed documents sent by HPC to the city council with no response from Mr. Fineberg. 5 Mr. Boecker introduced a piece of infused Accoyo wood for HPC consideration. Cape May City Seawall Project – Advisory Letter Mr. Carroll reported that Mayor Mullock held a conference call with the State Historic Preservation Office regarding the seawall project and he is seeking the HPC advisory letter to move the project forward. Mr. Coupland responded that the draft advisory report is in the works administratively. He reported that he and Mr. Fineberg had a phone conversation with the engineer of the project, Ian Walczak, Colliers Engineering & Design, and was assured that what HPC has requested was possible. He reviewed the contents of his draft letter with HPC. Discussion ensued regarding a modification on the original approval advisory memo sent earlier this year. Ms. Baldwin thought the applicant should return to HPC for review if an updated letter was submitted. ADJOURNMENT Motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Mr. Cogswell and carried at 9:43 p.m. with all in favor. A verbatim recording of said meeting is available on the City of Cape May website. Respectfully Submitted, Judith E. Decker HPC Secretary 6