10/21/2024 Historic Preservation Commission

City of Cape May Historic Preservation Commission Minutes October 21, 2024 Opening: The regular meeting of the City of Cape May Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) was called to order by Chairperson Warren Coupland at 6:02 p.m. 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 Mr. Boecker Absent Mr. Stevenson Present Mr. Testa Present Ms. Pessagno Absent Ms. Wilson-Stridick Present Mr. Johnson (Alternate 1) Absent Mr. Hammeran (Alternate 2) Present Also Present: Solicitor Chris Gillin-Schwartz, HPC Secretary Judith Decker, Deputy Mayor Lorraine Baldwin. MINUTES: August 12, 2024, and September 16, 2024 Motion made by Mr. Carroll to approve the minutes of August 12, 2024, and September 16, 2024, seconded by Mr. Stevenson and carried 6-0. Those in favor: Mr. Coupland, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Testa, Ms. Wilson-Stridick, Mr. Hammeran. Those opposed: none. Those abstaining: none. RESOLUTIONS City of Cape May, 643 Washington Street, Block 1059, Lot 11 – Resolution 2024-33 Gallagher, 257 Grant Street, Block 1023, Lot 20 – Resolution 2024-34 Motion made by Ms. Wilson Stridick to approve Resolutions 2024-33 and 2024-34 seconded by Mr. Testa and carried 6-0. Those in favor: Mr. Coupland, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Testa, Ms. Wilson-Stridick, Mr. Hammeran. Those opposed: none. Those abstaining: none. APPLICATIONS APPROVED/DENIED IN REVIEW Aylmer, 520 Elmira Street, 1054/9, Non-contributing – Siding, Roofing, Brick Veneer Baldwin, 909 Washington Street, 1094/22, Non-contributing – Replace Deck, Stairs Bassett Family Trust, 701 Kearney Street, 1063/9, Contributing – Doors Belvedere Condo Association, 101 South Lafayette Street, 1025/10, Contributing – Trim Repairs Burns, 261 Grant Street, 1023/22, Contributing – Siding and Trim Repair Chatzkel, 629 Hughes Street, 1058/26, Contributing – Roofing City of Cape May, 1048 Washington Street, Key Contributing – Condensers, Fencing Coller, 212 Grant Street, 1019/20, Non-contributing – Roofing Coyne, 1155 Washington Street, 1113/19, Contributing – Window Sash Elliott, 1130 Washington Street, 1110/20, Contributing – Fencing Fader, 819 Corgie Street, 1091/17, Non-contributing – HVAC Faison, 411 Broadway, 1032/22, Contributing – Roofing Fernando, 729 Washington Street, 1079/6, Contributing – Fence Garner, 664 Hughes Street, 1066/9, Contributing – Repair Carriage Doors, Siding Hirsh, 22 First Avenue, 1014/9, Contributing – HVAC location HPC Minutes October 21, 2024 1 Holland, 710 Corgie Street, 1077/2 C-710, Contributing – Fence Jeca Too Properties LLC, 640 Hughes Street, 1066/3, Contributing – Fence Kiraly Family Trust, 295 Windsor Avenue, 1027/23.02, Contributing – Siding Repair Lesser, 207 Congress Place, 1029/2, Key Contributing – Balusters Locascio, 1243 Washington Street, 1129/29, Contributing – Roofing Lynch, 714 Corgie Street, 1077/3, Contributing – Fence McGluckin, 105 North Street, 1026/24, Contributing – Heat Pump, Line Sets Muscella, 1126 Washington Street, 1110/18, Contributing – Roofing O’Donnell, 612 Hughes Street, 1057/4, Contributing – DENIED – Roofing Reed, 948 Sewell Avenue, 1088/6, Non-contributing – Condenser Reinert, 216 Perry Street, 1031/34, Contributing – DENIED – Porch Reconstruction Seidenburg, 9 Jackson Street, 1041/16 C-206, Non-contributing – Condenser Stonitsch, 1216 New York Avenue, 1131/9.02, Contributing – A/C system Strona, 106A Howard Street, 1064/6 C-01, Non-contributing – Condenser Taylor, 921 Washington Street, 1094/16, Contributing – Roofing 7 Ocean Street LLC, 7 Ocean Street, 1056/13.02- DENIED – Key Contributing 420 Perry Street LLC, 420-422 W Perry Street, 1031/15, Non-contributing – Condenser, Lattice 519 Franklin Street LLC, 519 Franklin Street, 1076/1, Contributing – Porch Railings, Shutters Motion made by Mr. Carroll to approve the applications approved or denied in review seconded by Mr. Stevenson and carried 6-0. Those in favor: Mr. Coupland, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Testa, Ms. Wilson- Stridick, Mr. Hammeran. Those opposed: none. Those abstaining: none. OLD BUSINESS Kliewe – 501 Hughes Street, Block 1049, Lot 10.01, Non-contributing Fence Mr. Coupland reported that a pool was approved in review in error in this case. He suggested continuing the application until the November HPC meeting. Mr. Gillin-Schwartz confirmed that the applicant approved an extension of time for a decision. NEW BUSINESS City of Cape May – 643 Washington Street, Block 1059, Lot 11, Key Contributing Front Doors Deputy Manager Justin Riggs presented a proposal to replace the front entry doors of City Hall with half-light all wood doors to match what was originally installed. HPC liked the replica door plans but requested specifications for the hardware. It was agreed that the doors would be stained and not painted. Motion made by Mr. Testa to grant a positive advisory report conditional upon submission of period appropriate hardware seconded by Mr. Coupland and carried 6-0. Those in favor: Mr. Coupland, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Testa, Ms. Wilson-Stridick, Mr. Hammeran. Those opposed: none. Those abstaining: none. OLD BUSINESS JTG Group LLC – 1382 Lafayette Street, Block 1145, Lot 6, Contributing Addition, Doors, Siding, Roof, Front Porch, Deck, Fire Escape, Railings Architect Pamela Fine, Fine Architecture, returned following conceptual approval in March 2023 and having obtaining Zoning Board relief. The HPC conceptual conditions were responded to as follows: the rear addition roof profile was changed to gabled from gambrel with shed and gabled dormers, the ridgeline was dropped 2’and corner boards were added to delineate the original structure from the addition, and the front porch steps were widened. The HPC Minutes October 21, 2024 2 revised site plan shows the parking and landscaping plan. HPC responded that all conditions have been met and they appreciated the addition of the front porch. Motion made by Mr. Coupland to grant final approval as presented seconded by Mr. Carroll and carried 6-0. Those in favor: Mr. Coupland, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Testa, Ms. Wilson-Stridick, Mr. Hammeran. Those opposed: none. Those abstaining: none. Cement Ship Inc – 1613 Beach Avenue, Block 1185, Lots 17, 18, 19, Key Contributing Two Story Rear/Side Addition, Siding, Rebuild Front Porch, Window and Trim Repairs, Wall Renovate Garage Mr. Testa recused from this application. Architect Dave Schultz, DAS Architects, returned with owners Hunter & Margaret Cochrane seeking conceptual approval for a side and rear addition and to rebuild the front porch. Mr. Schultz stated that no Zoning Board relief is required. The application was tabled in August to meet with the review committee and modify the design. Mr. Schultz presented the revised plan to elevate the house 2’8”, add a new 2-2.5’ front yard brick retaining wall, apply new cedar siding, repair trims and doors, replace windows with 6/1 all wood windows or repair windows and reconstruct the front porch with a brick foundation with 75/25 wood lattice and appropriate period correct materials. A 2,590 SF 2-story addition is proposed to the rear and west side, articulated by a recessed notch, which will replace most of the rear of the home and features a one story “cooks refuge” bump out on the east side topped by a deck. The existing detached garage was previously altered, and they propose to remove the lean-to and renovate it with appropriate materials. Discussion ensued with HPC regarding the proposal. Several members of HPC were concerned with the east side addition as inconsistent with the Standards and the potential loss of the Key Contributing status. Public comment was taken from Jeff Morris 1621 Beach Avenue, and Mike Casino, 1621 Beach Avenue, both objecting to the east side addition and requesting for a landscape plan. Motion made by Mr. Carroll to grant conceptual approval as presented conditional upon submission of the landscape plan. The motion died for lack of a second. Motion by Mr. Coupland to grant conceptual approval as presented seconded by Janice Wilson Stridick. The motion did not carry 1-4. Those in favor: Mr. Carroll. Those opposed: Mr. Coupland, Mr. Stevenson, Ms. Wilson-Stridick, Mr. Hammeran. Those abstaining: none. Mr. Testa returned to the meeting. Doherty – 211 Grant Street, Block 1022, Lot 23, Contributing Dormers, Windows, Deck, Rebuild Front Porch, Fence, Driveway, Walkways Architect Pamela Fine returned representing owners Donna & John Doherty (present in the gallery) having received conceptual approval in July 2023 with conditions from HPC. As per the Zoning Board decision, the HVAC equipment platform was moved above the rear exterior shower, a retaining wall was removed, the rear deck was removed and replaced with a landing and stairs and horizontal slats were added under the front porch. All window grills have been removed and windows will be 1/1; lighting details and ceiling fan designs have been submitted. Discussion ensued with HPC suggestions. Motion made by Mr. Testa to grant final approval conditional upon the use of square wood 75/25 lattice under the porch, the ceiling fan be as close as possible to period, 6’ X 6” fence posts and red brick pavers for walkways and driveway with a final submission to the review committee seconded by Ms. Wilson Stridick and carried 6-0. Those in favor: Mr. Coupland, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Testa, Ms. Wilson-Stridick, Mr. Hammeran. Those opposed: none. Those abstaining: none. NEW BUSINESS HPC Minutes October 21, 2024 3 Hoff – 1006 Washington Street, Block 1110, Lot 2, Contributing Fence Mr. Hammeran recused himself. Owner Richard Hoff appeared to present a plan for wood picket fencing (Dennisville Fence W800) 4’ for the front, 6’ horizontal board to the rear with 6” X 6” posts. HPC agreed upon vertical board fencing as appropriate for the rear yard and not horizontal as proposed. Motion made by Mr. Testa to grant final approval conditional upon a 6’ vertical wood privacy rear fence with or without a lattice top to be submitted to the review committee, seconded by Mr. Carroll and carried 5-0. Those in favor: Mr. Coupland, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Testa, Ms. Wilson-Stridick. Those opposed: none. Those abstaining: none. Mr. Hammeran returned to the meeting. Dempsey – 665 Hughes Street, Block 1058, Lot 15, Contributing Outdoor Shower Owner Joan Dempsey presented a conceptual plan to install a 6’ X 4’ outdoor shower enclosure to an accessory building set 35’ from Hughes Street. A type C Zoning Board variance will be needed for this project. She gave a narrative of the restoration of the house stating that there is no option to attach the outdoor shower stall to the house. HPC complimented Ms. Dempsey for the appropriate restoration of the house. HPC had a mixed reaction to the proposal. Public comment was taken from Bev Heckler, 637 Hughes Street, in support of the project. Motion made by Mr. Testa to grant conceptual approval conditional upon submission of a landscape plan as presented seconded by Ms. Wilson-Stridick and carried 4-2. Those in favor: Mr. Carroll, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Testa, Ms. Wilson-Stridick. Those opposed: Mr. Coupland, Mr. Hammeran. Those abstaining: none. GC Ventures LLC – 314 Claghorn Place, Block 1031, Lots 63 & 64, Not Rated Fences Mr. Stevenson recused himself from this application. Owners Paul Grana and Neil Clancey presented the plan for existing black aluminum fencing enclosing their pool and yard. They are seeking a Certificate of Occupancy and were sent to HPC by the Zoning Officer as the fencing and driveway wall do not comply with Resolution 2022-15, which states that the fencing would be wood. They were approved for a 4’ cedar fence atop the retaining wall. Following discussion, HPC noted that only cedar fences were approved in 2022 and suggested complying with the Zoning requirements and returning to HPC with a new request for the pool fence if they choose. Motion made by Mr. Coupland to grant approval as presented seconded by Mr. Testa. The motion did not carry with a vote of 0-5. Those in favor: none. Those opposed: Mr. Coupland, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Testa, Ms. Wilson- Stridick, Mr. Hammeran. Those abstaining: none. Waxman – 931 Corgie Street, Block 1093, Lot 11, Contributing Shed, Door, Fence, Exterior Shower, Concrete Walks and Patios Owners Miriam and Gary Waxman returned seeking conceptual approval with cut sheets for horizontal siding on the shed, red brick paver walkways and the three doors proposed following a meeting with the HPC review committee. They must seek Zoning Board relief for the location of the shed which has been removed and the shower stall. HPC approved demolition of the shed at the September 16 meeting. HPC Minutes October 21, 2024 4 Motion made by Mr. Carroll to grant conceptual approval conditional upon revised shed plans seconded by Ms. Wilson Stridick and carried 6-0. Those in favor: Mr. Coupland, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Testa, Ms. Wilson-Stridick, Mr. Hammeran. Those opposed: none. Those abstaining: none. Hammeran – 1010 Washington Street, Block 1110, Lot 3, Contributing Porch Posts, Railings, Trims Mr. Hammeran presented a plan to repair or replace his porch balusters, posts and trims as close as possible to original, replace the porch steps and install period appropriate all wood functional shutters. He would like to add short spindle runs to the porch eaves. HPC suggested finding examples of the houses in the city with the proposed eave spindles to present. Motion made by Mr. Testa to grant final approval conditional upon submission details of the porch eave spindles to the review committee seconded by Mr. Carroll and carried 5-0. Those in favor: Mr. Coupland, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Testa, Ms. Wilson-Stridick. Those opposed: none. Those abstaining: none. OPEN TO PUBLIC Public comment was opened at 8:44 p.m. and closed at 8:44 p.m. with no public comment. DISCUSSION Wrap Signage/Art in Historic District At the request of MAC, Mr. Coupland asked if HPC would be favorable to vinyl wrap photos of Cape May landmarks applied to the electric box located near the trolley stop on Ocean Street. Following discussion, Mr. Coupland withdrew the request. HPC Awards Pip Campbell reported on the progress of the awards program. A protracted discussion ensued regarding whether the city or HPC would manage the award program. The Chair suggested an HPC standing committee and the current four members of the committee disagreed. All agreed to continue the discussion. ADJOURNMENT Motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Mr. Carroll at 9:48 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 HPC Minutes October 21, 2024 5