09/20/2021 Historic Preservation Commission Meeting

City of Cape May Historic Preservation Commission Monday, September 20, 2021 - 6:00 PM 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 PM in the City of Cape May Auditorium. In compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act, adequate notice of this meeting was provided. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Roll Call: Mr. Coupland, Chairperson Present Mr. Carroll, Vice Chairperson Present Miss Campbell Present Mr. Cogswell Present Ms. Pessagno Absent Ms. Wilson Stridick Present Mr. Testa Present Mr. Stevenson Alt. 1 Present Mr. Boecker Alt. 2 Present Also Present: Robert Fineberg, Esquire, Commission Solicitor Chris Bezaire, Commission Liaison Karen Keenan, HPC Secretary ANNOUNCEMENTS: Chairperson Coupland introduced new Commissioner, Philippa “Pip” Campbell who returns to serve on the on the HPC. Chairperson Coupland advised that no new applications or topics can be introduced after 10:00 PM, and no discussion can be continued after 10:30 PM. OATH OF OFFICE: The Oath of Office was administered by Solicitor Fineberg to new member Pip Campbell. Miss Campbell was welcomed back to the HPC by the members. RESOLUTION(S): First Presbyterian Church, 500 Hughes Street, 1048/1.01 – Resolution #2021-26 Cape Real Estate Developers, 628 Broad Street, 1060/8 – Resolution #2021-27 Vtown Properties, 1163 Lafayette Street, 1061/76 – Resolution #2021-28 Uffleman, 219 North Street, 1031/43- Resolution #2021-29 Motion made by Mr. Cogswell to approve Resolutions #2021-26, #2021-27, #2021-28 and #2021-29. Seconded by Mr. Carroll and carried 6-0. Those in favor: Mr. Cogswell, Ms. Wilson Stridick, Mr. Testa, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Coupland. Those opposed: None. Those abstaining: Miss Campbell. HPC 1 September 20, 2021 APPLICATIONS APPROVED IN REVIEW: Ward, 914 Corgie Street, 1090/22, Contributing – HVAC, Lattice Van Syckle, 712 Lafayette Street, 1080/1.02, Contributing – Fence Barker, 1017 New Jersey Avenue, 1102/50, Contributing – Patio Extension, Grill Island, Pergola, Fire Pit Mullock, 808 Corgie Street, 1090/2, Contributing – Shed Quinn-Robinson, 517 Broad Street, 1054/13 C-3, Contributing – Shed Mendoza, 818 Washington Street, 1091/4, Contributing – Shower Enclosure Oakes, 1145 Washington Street, 1113/22, Contributing – Water Main Pipe Moehrle, 1301 Maryland Avenue, 1149/46, Contributing – Posts, Railings Heritage Triangle Condo Association, 215 Heritage Lane, 1019/29 C-01 to C-20, Non Contributing – Siding Cloninger, 1621 Beach Drive Unit 110, 1185/14 C-110, Non Contributing – Windows, Patio Doors Koehler, 1005 Beach Avenue, 1095/15, Key – Roof Cura, 924 Corgie Street, 1090/28, Contributing - Shed Martel, 704 Columbia Avenue, 1065/3 C-1, Non Contributing – A/C & Air Handler Chew, 1365 Washington Street, 1145/16, Contributing – Rear Cottage Siding, Windows, Door Foxx, 615 Hughes Street, 1058/30, Contributing – A/C, Coils Dempsey, 665 Hughes Street, 1058/15, Contributing – A/C Compressor GC Ventures LLC, 314 Claghorn Place, 1031/63 & 64, Non Contributing - Demolition Duffy, 1607 New Jersey Avenue, 1186/15, 16, 17, 18.01, Contributing – Basement Steps, Railings Bernato/Crosson/Bonnette, 500-502 West Perry Street, 1032/2 C502, C500A, C500B, Contributing – Roof Murray, 819 Kearney Street, 1072/7.01, Contributing – Temporary Windows Motion made by Mr. Carroll to approve the Applications Approved in Review. Seconded by Mr. Testa and carried 6-0. Those in favor: Mr. Cogswell, Ms. Wilson Stridick, Mr. Testa, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Coupland. Those opposed: None. Those abstaining: Miss Campbell. APPLICATIONS: KIMSEY…………………....................................................................290 WINDSOR AVENUE ROOF DORMERS, ADDITION, PORCH BLK 1023 LOT(S) 6 (CONTRIBUTING) Architect Catherine Lorentz and Owners Donna and Dave Kimsey were present for this application to extend roof dormers, repair front porch and a two story rear addition. Architect Lorentz reviewed the application including the existing front, rear, right and left side elevations and the proposed right side and left side elevations plus a rendering of the proposed structure. She said the project will include using Hardie board and Andersen 400 windows to replace the vinyl siding and vinyl windows. Commissioners were allotted time for questions and comments. Commissioners were pleased with the proposed work including retention of the bungalow look. It was determined that the Hardie board to be parallel to the structure (not perpendicular). Motion made by Mr. Testa to approve the application as submitted with the Hardie board to be parallel not perpendicular. Seconded by Mr. Carroll and carried 7-0. Those in favor: Miss Campbell, Mr. Cogswell, Ms. Wilson Stridick, Mr. Testa, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Coupland. Those opposed: None. Those abstaining: None. 1022 LAFAYETTE LLC……………………….…………………………………1022 LAFAYETTE STREET RENOVATIONS, FENCE, POOL, PATIO BLK 1112 LOT(S) 3 & 4 (CONTRIBUTING) Architect Patrick Lesbriel presented this application and shared that there was a preliminary meeting with HPC regarding the project. He said in order to meet egress requirements, the roof needs to be raised. Architect Lesbriel shared that zoning has been approved for the project, and HPC 2 September 20, 2021 he is seeking final approval for the project including adding a pool and changing the existing shed to a pool house. He referred to application drawings of the existing and proposed renovations and reviewed the proposal materials. After discussion with the Commission, the materials were determined to include true wood full frame windows and wood horizontal siding with a four-inch reveal. Motion made by Mr. Carroll to approve the application with siding to be changed from board and batten siding to horizontal wood siding with a four- or five-inch reveal and the windows to be real wood windows, not clad windows. Seconded by Mr. Testa and carried 7-0. Those in favor: Miss Campbell, Mr. Cogswell, Ms. Wilson Stridick, Mr. Testa, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Coupland. Those opposed: None. Those abstaining: None. SWAIN’S PROPERTY MANAGEMENT LLC…………………………………….313 JACKSON STREET ROOF BLK 1040 LOT(S) 4 (CONTRIBUTING) Glen McBrearty, spouse of Terri Swain who could not be present at the meeting, explained that the application is for replacement of a tin roof with an asphalt roof. He shared that the roof is over 100 years old and the history of the roof which currently leaking and tarped. He said the roof can no longer be repaired. Chairperson Coupland disclosed that he advised the applicant that a standing seam metal roof could be approved in review for a contributing property but not an asphalt roof. Commissioners agreed with Chairperson Coupland that an asphalt roof does not meet the standards. Vice Chairperson Carroll suggested a product called Acrymax that may work to patch the roof. Motion made by Mr. Carroll to approve the application as presented. Seconded by Mr. Testa and did not carry 0-7. Those in favor: None. Those opposed: Miss Campbell, Mr. Cogswell, Ms. Wilson Stridick, Mr. Testa, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Coupland. Those abstaining: None. DOUGHERTY……………………………………………………………………512 WASHINGTON STREET SIGNS BLK 1050 LOT(S) 2 (NON CONTRIBUTING) Owner Wistar Dougherty and Chris Bezaire of Coldwell Banker presented this application for new signs of MDF material. One of the signs is to replace one that was damaged and the other sign is a new additional sign. One sign is to be 10 feet by two feet and affixed to a wall, and the other is to be a hanging sign 24 inches by thirty inches. After discussion with the Commissioners, it was determined that the fonts can be approved in review, and the signs are to be framed around the edges. Motion made by Mr. Testa to approve the application with the fonts to be submitted for approval in review and the signs to be framed around the edges. Seconded by Mr. Stevenson and carried 7-0. Those in favor: Miss Campbell, Mr. Cogswell, Ms. Wilson Stridick, Mr. Testa, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Coupland. Those opposed: None. Those abstaining: None. HPC 3 September 20, 2021 CAPE MAY SEA GLASS PROPERTIES LLC…………………………..…………..933 BEACH AVENUE RENOVATIONS BLK 1081 LOT(S) 16 (NON CONTRIBUTING) Owners Sean and Bonnie Wilhelm, Draftsman Adam Crossland of Bachich Architects and Attorney Andrew Catanese, were present for the return of this application which received conceptual approval in April 2021 and Zoning Board approval in August 2021. Attorney Catanese presented an overview of the property and shared that there have been two changes since the HPC conceptual approval: no lattice wall has been incorporated into the plan due to fencing and limited space and the ground floor of the main building conceptually approved with a drive aisle on the right and the left for storage has been changed per the Zoning Board approval that is conditioned on parking to be under the left of the main structure increasing parking from four off street parking spaces to eight off street parking spaces at the property. Draftsman Crossland reviewed the architectural drawings, Sheets 1 through 8 and showed the gate to shield parked cars from the street. Chairperson Coupland said that the HPC does not approve parking under buildings and that the flood mitigation ordinance is clear: the project parking is not consistent with the ordinance. He went on to say that the rear building seems to be in conformance with the front building to be in conformance aside of the parking under the front building. Commissioners were allotted time for questions and comments. Commissioner Stevenson asked about the gate and Draftsman Crossland replied that it is a Certainteed Restoration product that is manually operated. Commissioners felt that tenants would not close the gate. Draftsman Crossland read the materials list. After discussion on the front fence, it was eliminated from the project. OPEN TO PUBLIC: Discussion was open to the public at 8:02 PM. Anne Brawner Peabody, 937 Beach Avenue, asked if the materials of the carriage house will be the same as the main building with Draftsman Crossland replying that the materials are the same. There was a short discussion on flood drainage plan, and Attorney Catanese said that the plan was shown on the previously filed site plan. The flood drainage plan was determined to not be an HPC issue. Discussion was closed to the public at 8:04 PM. Motion made by Mr. Testa to approve the project as submitted with the conditions of no parking under the structure, removal of lattice work/garage door, removal of the front fence, and detailed lighting to be submitted to the Review Committee for approval. Seconded by Mr. Carroll and carried 6-0. Those in favor: Mr. Cogswell, Ms. Wilson Stridick, Mr. Testa, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Coupland. Those opposed: None. Those abstaining: Miss Campbell. A short break was taken at 8:07 PM. The meeting resumed at 8:15 PM. HPC 4 September 20, 2021 SAWYER’S DOWRY LLC………………………………………………..655 & 655.5 HUGHES STREET ELEVATE/REAR ADDITON/POOL BLK 1058 LOT(S) 10 & 18 (CONTRIBUTING) Architect Pamela Fine presented this application for the owners who could not attend the meeting. She described Sheet P-1, the Site Plan with a proposed curb cut of twelve feet and a clamshell or stone driveway. She then described Sheet P-6 that shows two sheds: the one shed with no architectural significance is to be removed with the other shed to remain. Sheet P-10 with existing elevation was explained to show that the existing historical portion of the home to be saved. Then Sheet P-2 was described with the proposal to lift the house about one foot from elevation 10.1 feet to elevation 11 feet with raised brick flower beds to eliminate the need for railings and soften the look of the house. She went on to say the addition is 214 square feet and described Sheets P-3, P-4 and P-5 which show added bathrooms, elevations, porch with raised standing seam roof, and wood shingles elsewhere. Commissioners were allotted time for questions and comments. Architect Fine said no zoning variances are needed and a landscaping design and lighting plan to match existing will be provided. Positive comments were made on the sensitive design. Pavers were preferred over the proposed material as well as no parking in the front yard. Motion made by Mr. Carroll for conceptual approval of the application with detail on the fence plan, lighting plan, landscaping plan, redesign of the driveway for tire strips with all parking behind the building line and detailed barge boards on the gable of the new addition to be submitted when return for final approval. Seconded by Mr. Stevenson and carried 7-0. Those in favor: Miss Campbell, Mr. Cogswell, Ms. Wilson Stridick, Mr. Testa, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Coupland. Those opposed: None. Those abstaining: None. RUSHLOW………………………………………….…………………………………….20 SECOND AVENUE PORCH/REAR ADDITION/ BLK 1012 LOT(S) 5 (CONTRIBUTING) GARAGE/FOUNDATION Architect Christina Amey returned to present changes to the previous design for this application. Architect Amey described the project to restore the porch to an open porch, an addition on the rear of the house with an upper level deck and removal of the rear deck. The plan to elevate the structure has been eliminated, and the plan is to submit a separate application to reduce the garage at a later date. Commissioners were allotted time for questions and comments. It was determined that Zoning Board approval is needed, so conceptual approval is being sought. Commissioners made positive comments on the redesign and the open porch. Motion made by Mr. Testa for conceptual approval of the application with suggestions to remove the driveway clamshells to be replaced with stones, provide a cut sheet for the spiral stair and four columns on the third level. Seconded by Mr. Carroll and carried 7-0. Those in favor: Miss Campbell, Mr. Cogswell, Ms. Wilson Stridick, Mr. Testa, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Coupland. Those opposed: None. Those abstaining: None. HPC 5 September 20, 2021 WALTERS…………………………………………………………………………………223 NORTH STREET ELEVATE/FOUNDATION BLK 1031 LOT(S) 41 (CONTRIBUTING) Mr. Stevenson recused himself from this application. Owners Sean and Monica Walters and Draftsman Adam Crossland of Bachich Architects were present for this application. Draftsman Crossland described the plans to elevate the house to BFE +2 feet and the Elevation Certificate dated August 18, 2021 with the house to be placed on a block foundation surrounded with thin brick material and horizontal lattice. Motion made by Mr. Carroll for approval of the application as presented. Seconded by Mr. Cogswell and carried 7-0. Those in favor: Miss Campbell, Mr. Cogswell, Ms. Wilson Stridick, Mr. Testa, Mr. Boecker, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Coupland. Those opposed: None. Those abstaining: None. MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE CONDOS……….…………………….….…………..501 BEACH AVENUE ANTENNAS BLK 1047 LOT(S) 1 (NON CONTRIBUTING) Joya Pieri of Jacobs who represents AT&T presented this application for replacement of nine antennas with six new antennas and equipment. Joya Pieri shared that the project underwent Section 106 review under the National Historic Preservation Act and was approved. It was determined that the new antennas are longer but behind panels and not visible from the street. Motion made by Mr. Cogswell for approval of the application as presented. Seconded by Mr. Carroll and carried 7-0. Those in favor: Miss Campbell, Mr. Cogswell, Ms. Wilson Stridick, Mr. Testa, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Coupland. Those opposed: None. Those abstaining: None. Solicitor Fineberg exited the meeting. VTOWN PROPERTIES LLC…………………………………...................1163 LAFAYETTE STREET NEW CONSTRUCTION BLK 1061 LOT(S) 76 (NON CONTRIBUTING) Architect Joseph Scarpa of the Hyland Group returned for final approval of this application with the changes per the HPC recommendations. He changed the corner boards and the driveway to permeable strip pavers. He referred to HPC-004, the Site Plan, which shows parking for two cars that are not visible from the front. Commissioners were allotted time for questions and comments. It was determined that the reveal of the clapboards to be at five inches versus six inches. Some Commissioners were concerned about the streetscape while others were not as concerned given that conceptual approval had previously been given. Motion made by Mr. Carroll for final approval of the application as revised with the parking plan, the corner boards shown on the plan and five inch reveal of the clapboards. Seconded by Mr. Testa and carried 5-1. Those in favor: Ms. Wilson Stridick, Mr. Testa, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Coupland. Those opposed: Mr. Cogswell. Those abstaining: Miss Campbell. HPC 6 September 20, 2021 SHAPIRO…………………………………….……..…………………………………1413 BEACH AVENUE POOL BLK 1161 LOT(S) 1.13 (NON CONTRIBUTING) Mr. Testa recused himself from the hearing of this application. Architect Dominic Schuster of Asher Slaunwhite Architects presented this application for a pool plan that had been approved but recently revised. Chairperson Coupland expressed concern about the increased size of the pool, the addition of a deck and the increased visibility from the street. He thought that landscaping was necessary to screen the pool from view. Architect Schuster agreed to submit a landscape plan. Motion made by Mr. Carroll for approval of the application subject to a landscaping plan with screening between the deck and the pool and facing toward the front yard to reduce the visibility down the side yard to be submitted to the Review Committee for approval. Seconded by Mr. Stevenson and carried 6-0. Those in favor: Miss Campbell, Mr. Cogswell, Ms. Wilson Stridick, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Coupland. Those opposed: None. Those abstaining: Mr. Boecker. DISCUSSION: Chairperson Coupland showed a thin brick sample and asked if it is appropriate for use on a façade, wall, foundation or chimney. It was determined that it is appropriate for walls and foundations but it is not appropriate for a façade nor a chimney. Commissioner Boecker said when turn corners, the thin brick becomes problematic. He added that there are some manufacturers that make corner pieces. The Commissioners agreed that the material can be approved in review. Motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Mr. Cogswell at 9:33 PM, with all in favor. A verbatim recording of said meeting is available on the City of Cape May website. Respectfully submitted: Karen Keenan – HPC Secretary HPC 7 September 20, 2021