11/25/2024 Historic Preservation Commission

City of Cape May Historic Preservation Commission Minutes November 25, 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 Absent Mr. Boecker Present Mr. Stevenson Present Mr. Testa Present Ms. Pessagno Present Ms. Wilson-Stridick Present Mr. Johnson (Alternate 1) Absent Mr. Hammeran (Alternate 2) Present Also Present: Chris Gillin-Schwartz, Esq., HPC Solicitor, Judith Decker, HPC Secretary, Deputy Mayor Lorraine Baldwin. MINUTES: October 21, 2024 Motion made by Ms. Wilson Stridick to approve the minutes of October 21, 2024, seconded by Mr. Stevenson and carried 5-0. Those in favor: Mr. Coupland, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Testa, Ms. Wilson-Stridick, Mr. Hammeran. Those opposed: none. Those abstaining: Mr. Boecker, Ms. Pessagno. RESOLUTIONS City of Cape May, 643 Washington Street, Block 1059, Lot 11 – Resolution 2024-35 JTG Group LLC, 1382 Lafayette Street, Block 1145, Lot 6 – Resolution 2024-36 Doherty, 211 Grant Street, Block 1022, Lot 23 – Resolution 2024-37 Hoff, 1006 Washington Street, Block 1110, Lot 2 – Resolution 2024-38 Hammeran, 1010 Washington Street, Block 1110, Lot 3 – Resolution 2024-39 Motion made by Mr. Testa to approve Resolutions 2024-35 through 2024-39 seconded by Ms. Janice Wilson Stridick and carried 5-0. Those in favor: Mr. Coupland, Mr. Boecker, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Testa, Ms. Wilson-Stridick. Those opposed: none. Those abstaining: Ms. Pessagno, Mr. Hammeran. APPLICATIONS APPROVED/DENIED IN REVIEW Baxter, 226 Grant Street, 1019/15, Non-contributing – Condenser Corradino, 1519 Beach Avenue, 1174/17,18, Contributing – Lift Crane, 1026 New York Avenue, 1102/13,14, Contributing – Partial Siding Garage DeWeese, 1212 Union Street, 1113/15, Non-contributing – Condensers, Lattice Fabbri, 1143 Lafayette Street, 1061/69.01, Non-contributing – Siding Gilbert, 1117 New York Avenue, 1117/28, Non-contributing – Roofing Heald, 508 Jefferson Street, 1074/7, Non-contributing – Roofing Jeca Too Properties LLC, 640 Hughes Street, 1066/3, Contributing – Paver Driveway, Walkway Jeca Too Properties LLC, 640 Hughes Street, 1066/3, Contributing – Paver Driveway, Walkway Revised Plan HPC Minutes November 25, 2024 1 Jeca Too Properties LLC, 640 Hughes Street, 1066/3, Contributing – Extension - Accessory Building Repair Kris Kon Corp., 315-317 Washington Street, 1037/6, Contributing – Stucco Repair Lokal Stockton LLC, 5-9 Stockton Place, 1064/17, Contributing – DENIED - Lattice Not Completed Marks, 821 Washington Street, 1092/20, Contributing – Eight Windows, Siding McGowan, 263 Grant Street, 1023/23, Contributing – Sleepers, Decking Merry Widow Condo Association, 42 Jackson Street, 1034/1 C-7, Key Contributing – Partial Roofing Ruggerio, 1021 Beach Avenue, 1095/14, Non-contributing – Curb Cut Scheffer, 1011 Washington Street, 1111/8, Contributing – Fencing Uffleman, 219 North Street, 1031/43, Contributing – Landscaping Waxman, 931 Corgie Street, 1093/11, Contributing – Doors, Paver Walkways Wilkinson, 1021 New Jersey Avenue, 1102/48, Contributing – Siding 519 Franklin Street LLC, 519 Franklin Street, 1076/1, Contributing – Railings, Shutters 519 Franklin Street LLC, 519 Franklin Street, 1076/1, Contributing – Remove Stairs, Deck, Doorway Motion made by Mr. Boecker to approve the applications approved or denied in review seconded by Mr. Testa and carried 7-0. Those in favor: Mr. Coupland, Mr. Boecker, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Testa, Ms. Wilson-Stridick, Ms. Pessagno, Mr. Hammeran. Those opposed: none. Those abstaining: Mr. Stevenson from 219 North Street, Mr. Testa and Ms. Wilson Stridick from 1021 Beach Avenue. OLD BUSINESS Kliewe - 501 Hughes Street, Block 1049, Lot 10.01, Non-contributing Fence Attorney John Amenhauser, The DeWeese Law Firm, introduced Architects Andrew Bechtold and David Shorten of Thomas/Bechtold with the owners in the audience. Mr. Amenhauser stated they were seeking an amended approval for the fencing and gates at 501 Hughes Street. HPC approval in review for the fencing, a pool and patio pavers was granted on May 28, 2024. Site plan approval was granted at the Planning Board on August 27, 2024, conditional upon returning to HPC for the height of the 6’ wooden fence along Decatur Street. The applicants propose a black 48” wrought iron fence rather than wood as more appropriate. Exhibit A-1 consisting of prior documents relating to the project was distributed. Mr. Shorten explained where the fence would be located with holly bush buffers behind the fence on Decatur Street. Mr. Coupland announced that the HPC approval was granted in error as the pool affected the streetscape. Mr. Amenhauser objected to discussion regarding the pool as it was previously approved. Mr. Gillin Schwartz stated that it was not too late to revisit the pool as this application should have been referred to the full commission and it was an oversight. Mr. Boecker noted that the documents submitted to the Planning Commission significantly differed than those approved by HPC. Mr. Testa made a motion that the application be reviewed as a pool and surrounding fence seconded by Mr. Boecker and carried 7-0. Those in favor: Mr. Coupland, Mr. Boecker, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Testa, Ms. Pessagno, Ms. Wilson-Stridick, Mr. Hammeran. Those opposed: none. Those abstaining: none. Mr. Amenhauser reiterated his objection but agreed to proceed on the merits of the pool and requested a recess at 6:32 p.m. The meeting resumed at 6:41 p.m. Mr. Amenhauser announce that his clients agreed to present the entirety of the plan. Mr. Shorten described the proposal as a side yard inground 18’ X 25’pool with a 22’ conforming setback from the street. One of two pool patios was removed at the Planning Board meeting to eliminate a variance request. One pool paver patio was retained and enhanced landscaping behind the proposed fence along Decatur Street. HPC favored the fence proposed as more appropriate. Page 45 of the Standards was cited and a 5’4” high robust buffer suggested. HPC did not favor a pool that may be visible from the street. Mr. Boecker submitted Exhibit HPC1 showing the existing stone wall behind which the proposed pool would be located and visible from the street. HPC suggested the landscape buffer extend behind the wall and requested a deed covenant to run with the land. Discussion followed. HPC Minutes November 25, 2024 2 Mr. Testa made a motion to approve the application as submitted for a 48” high fence and pool conditional upon a landscape plan of mature dense planting behind the fence at least five foot four inches high subject to a maintenance covenant that would run with the land in favor of the city. Without a second, Mr. Testa withdrew the motion pending public comment. Public comment was taken at 7:05 p.m. Thomas Scanlan, 128 Decatur Street, objected to the pool as a negative impact to the neighbors and noted page 12 of the Standards as the side yard effectively operates as a front yard. Mark Sucher, 124 Decatur Street, also objected on the same grounds. Owner Jason Kliewe made comments in support of the proposed pool. He stated that the house is rented, they use it two weeks a year and the proposed changes will enhance the property. Jane Lyons, 124 Decatur Street, thought the pool could be smaller. John Scanlan, 128 Decatur Street objected to the pool as inappropriate. Public comment was closed at 7:22 p.m. Mr. Amenhauser made a closing statement in support of the application. In response to a question from Mr. Gillin Schwartz, Mr. Amenhauser replied that his clients would agree to the land covenant. HPC discussion commenced. Mr. Testa made a motion to approve the application as submitted for a 48” high fence and pool conditional upon a landscape plan of mature dense planting behind the fence and wall at least five foot four inches high subject to a maintenance covenant that would run with the land in favor of the city so long as the pool exists with the landscape plan to be submitted for review. Mr. Boecker noted that page 12 of the Standards cites Not able to be seen by a person standing in any public thoroughfare. Vegetation, seasonal foliage, and fencing are not considered, as they may be removed over time. Mr. Coupland noted that noise was included in streetscape review. The motion was seconded by Mr. Coupland. A vote was taken and the motion failed 1-6. Those in favor: Mr. Testa. Those opposed: Mr. Coupland, Mr. Boecker, Mr. Stevenson, Ms. Pessagno, Ms. Wilson-Stridick, Mr. Hammeran. Those abstaining: none. 7 Ocean Street LLC – 7 Ocean Street, Block 1056, Lot 13.02 – Key Contributing Vinyl Porch Enclosure Inn of Cape May Manager Manny DeMutis and General Manager Dwayne Ridgeway presented a plan to partially enclose the front porch from mid-October to mid-April with a clear vinyl and canvas panel system with two doors. Following discussion, HPC asked for a floor plan and more details and stated that the current product proposal is not appropriate for a Key Contributing building. Following discussion, HPC determined that the application was incomplete, and requested that the applicants to return with more details. Motion by Mr. Testa to table the application subject to a waiver of the time for official action seconded by Mr. Boecker and carried 7-0. Those in favor: Mr. Coupland, Mr. Boecker, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Testa, Ms. Wilson- Stridick, Ms. Pessagno, Mr. Hammeran. Those opposed: none. Those abstaining: none. NEW BUSINESS CMC of Cape May LLC – 721 Beach Avenue, Block 1064 Lot 16, Non-contributing Railings, Pool Fence Owners of the Heritage Inn Gwen Finlay and Eric Bednar appeared with contractor Scott Johnson to present a project to replace the wood hotel and chain link pool railings with aluminum reinforced vinyl of the same design for safety and endurance. HPC suggested stick-built with a matt finish vinyl material. The applicant agreed to return with an amended plan. HPC Minutes November 25, 2024 3 Motion by Ms. Wilson Stridick to table the application seconded by Mr. Testa and carried 7-0. Those in favor: Mr. Coupland, Mr. Boecker, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Testa, Ms. Pessagno, Ms. Wilson-Stridick, Mr. Hammeran. Those opposed: none. Those abstaining: none. Stevenson – 233 Capehart Lane, Block 1031 Lots 38.02, 39, Non-Contributing Addition, Windows, Siding, Roofing, Cupola, Doors, Shutters, Lighting Mr. Stevenson recused himself from his own application. Owners Joseph and Gail Stevenson appeared to present a conceptual plan to renovate the exterior of the house and add a rear second floor addition. They propose to reclad the house in vertical and horizontal Hardie Board siding, install a silver metal roof with 1” high seams topped by a cupola, replace all windows with Anderson 400 4/1 white windows on the first floor, 4-light single pane windows on the second and first floors with operable shutters and five 15-pane windows on the rear addition, add shed roofed front entry, install three new barn style doors, period lighting and a reproduction barn hoist. Motion by Mr. Boecker grant final approval conditional upon Zoning Board approval, a 1” standing seam on the metal roof and submission of a cut sheet for the rear 15-light windows seconded by Mr. Testa and carried 7-0. Those in favor: Mr. Coupland, Mr. Boecker, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Testa, Ms. Pessagno, Ms. Wilson-Stridick, Mr. Hammeran. Those opposed: none. Those abstaining: Mr. Stevenson. Mr. Stevenson returned to the meeting. OPEN TO PUBLIC Public comment was opened at 8:42 p.m. and closed at 8:54 p.m. with no public comment. DISCUSSION Mr. Coupland issued a statement of resignation effective December 31, 2024, after serving 18 years on HPC. Following a round of applause, each HPC member thanked Mr. Coupland for his service. ADJOURNMENT Motion to adjourn the meeting was made at 8:54 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 November 25, 2024 4