11-22-2021 Historic Preservation Commission Meeting

City of Cape May Historic Preservation Commission Minutes Monday, November 22, 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 6:00 p.m. In compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act, adequate notice of this meeting was provided. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Roll Call Ms. Campbell Absent Mr. Cogswell Present Ms. Pessagno Absent Ms. Wilson Stridick Present Mr. Testa Present Mr. Stevenson (Alt.1) Present Mr. Boecker (Alt.2) Present Mr. Carroll, Vice Chairperson Present Mr. Coupland, Chairperson Present Also Present: Robert Fineberg Esq., HPC Solicitor, Judith Decker, HPC Assistant, Karen Keenan, Board Secretary MINUTES Motion made by Mr. Testa to approve the February 22, July 19, and September 20, 2021, Minutes, seconded by Mr. Cogswell and carried 7-0. Those in favor: Mr. Cogswell, Ms. Wilson Stridick, Mr. Testa, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Boecker, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Coupland. Those opposed: none. Those abstaining: none. Mr. Coupland announced that the October 18, 2021, Minutes would be considered at the December 20, 2021, meeting. RESOLUTION(S) Elaine’s Property Management, LLC, 513 Lafayette Street, 1053/13 & 15 – Resolution #2021-39 Anemone, 275 Windsor Avenue, 1027/14 & 15 – Resolution #2021-40 Adis, Inc, 1317 Beach Avenue, 1146/6 7, 1024 – Resolution #2021-41 Seashell Properties, LLC, 609 Hughes Street, 1058/31 – Resolution #2021-42 Platzer, 208 Ocean Street, 1049/2 – Resolution #2021-43 Motion made by Mr. Carroll to approve Resolution #2021-39 through 2021-43, seconded by Mr. Boecker and carried 7-0. Those in favor: Mr. Cogswell, Ms. Wilson Stridick, Mr. Testa, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Boecker, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Coupland. Those opposed: none. Those abstaining: none. APPLICATIONS APPROVED IN REVIEW 1 S Lafayette, 1 South Lafayette Street, 1021/9, Contributing – Windows 1380 Washington Street Cape May, 1380 Washington Street, 1144/19.01, Non-Contributing – Canopy 921 Beach Avenue, 921 Beach Avenue, 1081/19, Key Contributing – 2nd Floor Standing Seam Porch Roof Anstey, 208 Windsor Avenue, 1022/18, Contributing – Windows, Deck, Beams Avondale By the Sea, 609 Beach Avenue, 1056/13.01, NON-Contributing – Roof, Mansard Frame Beachfront Ventures LLC, 725 Columbia Avenue, 1066/13, Contributing – Fence Brown, 717 Washington Street, 1079/2, Contributing – Heat Pumps Campbell, 827 Corgie Street, 1091/13, Non-Contributing – HVAC Condenser and Platform 1 Cape May LLC, 927 Beach Avenue, 1081/18, Non-Contributing – Deck Caselton, 213 Perry Street, 1038/7, Contributing – Porch Stairs, Railings, Posts, Finials CDOG7 LLC, 1315 New Jersey Avenue, 1147/29,30,31, Contributing – Porch Columns Chappell, 1301 New Jersey Avenue, 1147/38, Non-Contributing – Front Decking Coan, 917 Queen Street, 1094/28, Contributing – Fence Cromie, 15 Queen Street, 1095/17, Contributing – Paver Driveway Desatnik, 1105 Washington Street, 1113/33, Contributing – Roof Fleck, 1101 Washington Street, 1113/34, Contributing – Fence Guarino, 943 Sewell Avenue, 1089/34, Non-Contributing – Garage Siding Hopely, 1516 New York Avenue, 1175/1.05, No Survey – Deck Beam Itzkowitz, 911 Madison Avenue, 111/12, Contributing – Windows King’s Cottage Enterprises, 9 Perry Street, 1034/15, Key Contributing – Standing Seam Roof Kraemer, 733 Columbia Avenue, 1066/10, Contributing – HVAC Units Ledwin, 1041 New York Avenue, 1103/33, Contributing – Roof McCormick, 29 Second Avenue, 1014/25, Non-Contributing – 2 Level Rear Deck and Elevator McDevitt, 830 Lafayette Street, 1092/8, Contributing – Replace Windows Mcmahon, 1416 New Jersey Avenue, 1161/1.05, Non-contributing – 1 HVAC Unit Merry Widow, 42 Jackson Street, 1034/1 C1-C7, Key Contributing – 3rd Floor Siding Noel, 1303 New Jersey Avenue, 1147/37, Non-Contributing – Rear Addition, Siding, Roof O’Donoghue, 811 Corgie Street, 1091/19, Non-Contributing – Front Porch Deck & Railing Parker, 108 Howard Street, 1064/4.02, Not Rated – Siding, Windows Petrin, 1046 Lafayette Street, 1112/9, Key Contributing – Spa Platform Pole: Atlantic City Electric, Adjacent to 1036 Beach Avenue, 1101/4, Non-Contributing – Wireless Equipment Popdan, 1239 Lafayette Street, 1061/93.02 0 HVAC Platform, Fence Schwab, 712 Columbia Avenue, 1071/4, Contributing – Fence Steinour, 1405 Beach Avenue, 1161/1.15, Non-contributing – Windows, Siding Swain’s Property Management LLC, 313 Jackson Street, 1040/4, Contributing – Roof Victorian Hotels, Inc., 7 Ocean Street, 1056/13.02, Key Contributing – Replace Ductless System Ward, 914 Corgie Street, 1090/22, Contributing – Patio, Fence, Stairs Zeitler, 26 Ocean Street, 1047/2, Contributing – Porch Decking Motion made by Mr. Carroll to approve the Applications Approved in Review seconded by Mr. Cogswell and carried 7-0. Those in favor: Mr. Cogswell, Ms. Wilson Stridick, Mr. Testa, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Boecker, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Coupland. Those opposed: none. Those abstaining: Mr. Testa for McMahon and Steinour. APPLICATIONS Mullock – 808 Corgie Street, Block 1090/Lot 2, Contributing John Amenhauser, DeWeese Law Firm P.C., was present representing the applicant seeking final approval for rear and side additions to the dwelling totaling 1596 square feet with removal of a rear addition. Exhibits were presented. Photos of the former and existing side yard, filled to reduce the grade were presented. All siding, windows, soffits and trim are to be wood, existing windows will be restored and exterior storm windows will be replaced by interior storm windows. An asphalt roof to match the existing roof is proposed with a standing seam metal roof for the side porch. The existing front porch will remain asphalt roofed. Mr. Coupland sought HPC comments. Mr. Testa asked if the rear addition, proposed to be four feet higher than the front roof, will be visible from the street. Mr. Amenhauser responded that it should be hidden. Mr. Carroll asked that consideration be given to a standing seam or flat metal roof on the front porch should it be restored in the future. Mr. Testa asked for a complete set of construction plans which is required for a Final approval; Mr. Coupland concurred. The applicant responded that no changes would be made as a condition of approval. Mr. Stevenson suggested a change in one window. Discussion ensued. Mr. Testa made a motion to grant Final Approval in review conditional upon delivery of full construction plans seconded by Mr. Carroll and carried 7-0. Those in favor: Mr. Cogswell, Ms. Wilson Stridick, Mr. Testa, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Boecker, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Coupland. Those opposed: none. Those abstaining: none. Gounaris – 515 Bank Street, Block 1054, Lot 19, Contributing 2 Representing the applicant, Pamela Fine, Fine Architecture, stated that the project received HPC Preliminary approval about a year ago and that all variance relief was granted. Final approval was now requested. The applicant proposes to retain the original front gable roofed portion of the house, elevate it three feet and move it three feet back from the street to accommodate a new front porch with a standing seam metal roof, remove the back portion of the house and the front sunroom, add a 2-story rear addition with a smaller footprint than the original rear addition, and construct a detached garage and pool at the rear. A rear detached shed will be removed. Paver tire strips and walkways are proposed. Dormers at attic level will accommodate a new code compliant interior staircase. As possible, original windows will be retained or replaced with wood windows and the front door will be wood. Asbestos shingles will be removed and, as possible, original clapboards will be restored. All trim, soffits, windows, and fences will be wood. Mr. Coupland requested construction plans and cut sheets for the windows. Mr. Testa requested an elevation certificate and added that he approved of the plan; Mr. Stevenson agreed. Mr. Carroll suggested using heavier supports for the fence. In response to a question from Mr. Carroll, Ms. Fine confirmed that the proposed shutters would be operable. Mr. Testa made a motion to grant Final Approval in review conditional upon delivery of full construction plans, the elevation certificate, and the cut sheet for the windows, seconded by Ms. Wilson Stridick and carried 7-0. Those in favor: Mr. Cogswell, Ms. Wilson Stridick, Mr. Testa, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Boecker, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Coupland. Those opposed: none. Those abstaining: none. Sawyers Dowry LLC – 655 & 655.5 Hughes Street, Block 1058 Lot 10 &18, Contributing Pamela Fine, Fine Architecture, representing the applicant Pashelinsky, stated that they received HPC Preliminary approval a few months ago and are seeking Final approval. Issues with the previous drawings have been resolved: the pool has been removed from the plans, a brick paver tire strip has been added, three parking spaces will be in the rear, decorative verge boards at the gable ends will be matched to original and lighting fixture specs have been submitted. Ms. Fine offered recently received storm water management grading plans and confirmed that the house is to be lifted the minimum required, less than one foot. No railings are proposed for the front porch as they are not currently extant; a raised landscape bed will resolve this issue. No fencing is proposed. Mr. Carroll suggests researching an appropriate color scheme with HPC. HPC approved of the plan. Mr. Carroll made a motion to grant Final approval in review conditional upon receipt of construction plans and the flood elevation certificate seconded by Mr. Boecker and carried 7-0. Those in favor: Mr. Cogswell, Ms. Wilson Stridick, Mr. Testa, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Boecker, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Coupland. Those opposed: none. Those abstaining: none. Cela Tega LLC - 1521 Beach Avenue, Block 1174 Lot 15, Contributing Mr. Testa announced that he recused himself from this application. Joseph Adamson, Architect, and owner Jim Knipper returned to HPC with a Conceptual plan. They are seeking approval to reconstruct the garage into a three-story addition to the primary house with a similar footprint and porches and decks similar to the original house. The proposed rotated roofline reflects the original in this revised plan, as requested by HPC. Windows, doors, and trims will be wood. The dormers will be standing seam metal roofed, columns will be similar in scale and massing to the originals, railings will match the existing home. Mr. Coupland advised that a vinyl clad wood window was not appropriate and would not be approved, nor would a fiberglass or vinyl door. Mr. Boecker asked about the demolition of the existing garage, addressed by Mr. Fineberg. Mr. Carroll made a motion to grant Conceptual approval conditional upon receipt of construction plans and cut sheets for the windows and doors as discussed to be approved in review seconded by Mr. Boecker and carried 6-0. Those in favor: Mr. Cogswell, Ms. Wilson Stridick, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Boecker, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Coupland. Those opposed: none. Those abstaining: Mr. Testa. Mr. Testa returned to the dais at 6:47p.m. 3 Leska - 277 Windsor Avenue, Block 1027 Lot 16, Contributing William McLees, Architect, was present seeking Final approval for a shed roofed rear kitchen addition to replace the existing rear porch area, a rear deck addition, and elevation and re- location of the basement door to the driveway side of the house and, an exterior shower and an HVAC system. Wood clapboard siding is proposed, and asphalt roofing to match existing. The owner would like to replace the front porch windows with wood casement windows to match the existing windows. Mr. McLees asked to use a clad sliding door in the rear addition. Mr. Coupland advised a wood French door and wood decking as appropriate. Mr. Carroll made a motion to grant Conceptual approval conditional upon receipt of construction plans, wood decking and windows specifications and wood front doors if altered in the final plan, seconded by Mr. Testa and carried 7-0. Those in favor: Mr. Cogswell, Ms. Wilson Stridick, Mr. Testa, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Boecker, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Coupland. Those opposed: none. Those abstaining: none. Howard – 706 Corgie Street, Block 1077 Lot 1, Contributing Owners Jane and John Howard presented the plan to replace the existing vinyl and aluminum windows with vinyl windows. Mr. Coupland strongly encouraged using wood replacement windows and explained why HPC does not approve vinyl in a Contributing property. The Howards stated that the vinyl windows are dated 1991 and that the “Florida room” was enclosed in the 1950s with aluminum storm windows. Mr. Coupland explained that HPC sought to improve the Historic District and this would be an opportunity to address a former error. There was discussion with the applicants regarding windows. Mr. Testa noted that wood windows in the house were mentioned in the 2009 survey description. The applicants found the cost of 30 wood windows prohibitive. HPC repeated that they could not approve vinyl or aluminum windows. Mr. Testa made a motion seconded by Mr. Carroll to table the application and waive the statutory period and carried 7-0. Those in favor: Mr. Cogswell, Ms. Wilson Stridick, Mr. Testa, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Boecker, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Coupland. Those opposed: none. Those abstaining: none. Belotta-O’Gorman – 817 Stockton Avenue, Block 1068 Lot 16, Contributing Owners Donna O’Gorman and Anthony and Alicia Belotta were present. Mr. Carroll announced that he had met with the applicants regarding replacement windows. Mr. Belotta explained that Pella was hired to install approximately 20 windows, many hazardous or inoperable. They relied upon Pella to recommend the appropriate windows and obtain permits. The vinyl clad wood windows Pella chose have been partially installed in the house. The project was stopped when it was discovered that permits had not been obtained. Discussion ensued. Mr. Belotta proposed using four wood windows on the front of the building only, install operable front shutters, and continue the use of vinyl clad windows on the sides and rear of the house. Mr. Carroll noted that he did make the suggestions Mr. Belotta proposed in addition to removing asbestos shingles from the front of the house. He did not offer an approval. Mr. Testa was opposed to waiving the Standards, Mr. Coupland and the Solicitor concurred. HPC responded that the applicant’s issue was with Pella and that only all wood windows would be approved for a contributing building in the Historic District. Discussion ensued. Solicitor Fineberg advised that the principle of wood windows on contributing properties has remained consistent throughout the years with HPC. Mr. Testa made a motion to approve the application as submitted seconded by Mr. Cogswell. The motion did not carry 0-6. The application was denied. Those in favor: none. Those opposed: Mr. Cogswell, Ms. Wilson Stridick, Mr. Testa, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Boecker, Mr. Coupland. Those abstaining: Mr. Carroll. Acker - 637 Hughes Street, Block 1058 Lot 24, Key Contributing 4 Owners Beth and Frank Acker explained that they previously replaced the front original cedar shake gabled roof in kind and were seeking approval to replace the roofing on the four rear addition roofs, which are leaking. The Acrymax product has failed. They contend the rear roofs are not visible from the street. Mr. Testa noted that the original house and all additions have occurred during the period of significance. Mr. Carroll stated that other contributing homes on the street have been permitted to install asphalt on rear roofs only. Discussion ensued on the original materials on the rear roofs, which are low pitched. The roofer is proposing a frame over standing seam with plywood under a GAF Liberty low pitch 2-ply roofing system. HPC agreed that a standing seam metal roof would be appropriate, not rubber, on a Key Contributing resource. Discussion ensued. HPC requested an elevation and detailed roof plan to offer more guidance. Mr. Carroll suggested a subcommittee. Mr. Testa made a motion to table subject to the applicant waiving the statutory period and appoint a subcommittee consisting of the Chair, Mr. Boecker, and Mr. Cogswell, to meet with the applicants and their roofing contractor to develop a viable plan for resubmission seconded by Ms. Wilson Stridick and carried 7-0. Those in favor: Mr. Cogswell, Ms. Wilson Stridick, Mr. Testa, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Boecker, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Coupland. Those opposed: none. Those abstaining none. The meeting arrangements were discussed with Mr. Acker. Yacht Harbor Marine LLC – 1505 Yacht Avenue, Block 1160 Lot 6, 6.01 & 7, Non Contributing Joseph Ross, Architect, presented the plan for seven new condominium units in two buildings on a non-contributing property with a rehabilitated residential unit on the property that will remain. Mr. Ross was seeking Conceptual approval pending a zoning hearing. There is a public access and parking in and around the marina as an element of the project. Standing seam metal roofs are proposed with cedar shingles, wood board and batten siding in the gables, wood windows, mahogany doors and garage doors. Mr. Coupland objected to the size and height of the building in regard to the streetscape. Mr. Ross replied that the 49-foot height is conforming; there is an 11-foot elevation required on Yacht Avenue. Discussion followed. The NJ State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) required a Phase 1-A archeological survey as a condition of receiving a CAFRA permit, which is completed. SHPO determined that the view shed of the Historic District would not be affected by this project, subject to HPC review. The project was discussed. Mr. Coupland repeated his objections to the height. Mr. Carroll made a motion seconded by Mr. Boecker to grant Conceptual approval and carried 6-1. Those in favor: Mr. Cogswell, Ms. Wilson Stridick, Mr. Testa, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Boecker, Mr. Carroll. Those opposed: Mr. Coupland. Those abstaining: none. OPEN TO PUBLIC Discussion was open and then closed to the public at 8:42 p.m. with no comment. DISCUSSION HPC Training and Revised Application Project Mr. Coupland proposed meeting at 5:00 p.m. on December 20 to address the HPC organization regarding any misunderstandings that have come up. Mr. Fineberg will also discuss the revised HPC application. The regular meeting will commence on December 20, 2021, at 6 p.m. OPEN TO PUBLIC Discussion was reopened to the public at 8:48 p.m. Mr. Acker presented potential dates to meet with the HPC subcommittee regarding their roof project. 5 DISCUSSION HPC Training and Revised Application Project Mr. Fineberg distributed a packet of suggested amendments and additions to the HPC application. Discussion ensued. Mr. Coupland reported that there were plans to post the property surveys online in 2022. ADJOURNMENT Motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Mr. Carroll at 9:06 p.m., with all in favor. A verbatim recording of said meeting is available on the City of Cape May website. Minutes respectfully submitted by: Judith E. Decker, HPC Assistant 6