12-21-2020 Historic Preservation Commission Meeting - Virtual

City of Cape May Historic Preservation Commission Monday, December 21, 2020 - 6:00 PM Opening: The regular meeting of the City of Cape May Historic Preservation Commission was called to order by Chairperson Warren Coupland at 6:00 PM virtually on Zoom and livestreamed on Facebook. 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. Cataldo Absent Mr. Clemans Present Mr. Cogswell Present Ms. Wilson Stridick Present Mr. Testa Present Vacant Alt. 1 -------- Mr. Stevenson Alt. 2 Absent Also Present: Robert Fineberg, Esquire – Commission Solicitor Zack Mullock, Commission Liaison Karen Keenan, HPC Secretary MINUTES: Motion made by Mr. Cogswell to approve the minutes of November 23, 2020. Seconded by Mr. Clemans and carried 5-0. Those in favor: Mr. Clemans, Mr. Cogswell, Ms. Wilson Stridick, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Coupland. Those opposed: None. Those abstaining: Mr. Testa. RESOLUTION(S): Murray, 819 Kearney Avenue, 1072/7.01 – Resolution #2020-19 DeMutis, 22 Ocean Street, 1047/4 – Resolution #2020-20 Shadyside Lane, LLC, 1325 New York Avenue, 1148/23 – Resolution #2020-21 KG III Realty LLC, 1213 Lafayette Street, 1061/85.01 – Resolution #2020-22 Van Walsum, 329 Congress Street, 1031/61 & 62 – Resolution #2020-23 Oceanfront Properties LLC, 1045 Beach Avenue, 1101/7, 8, 9 – Resolution #2020-24 Motion made by Mr. Carroll to approve Resolution #2020-19, #2020-20, #2020-21, #2020-22, #2020-23 and #2020-24. Seconded by Mr. Cogswell and carried 5-0. Those in favor: Mr. Clemans, Mr. Cogswell, Ms. Wilson Stridick, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Coupland. Those opposed: None. Those abstaining: Mr. Testa. HPC 1 December 21, 2020 APPLICATIONS APPROVED IN REVIEW: DeLuca, 725 Page Street, 1077/10 & 11, Contributing – Addition, Deck, Shower Tucker, 1122 Lafayette Street, 1113/5, Contributing – Window Crilly, 900 Washington Street, 1093/1, Contributing – Fence Hillegas, 707 Benton Avenue, 1070/4, Contributing – Windows Klineburger, 629 Columbia Avenue, 1057/15, Roof - Decking, Screen Door, Shower, Lighting, Railing, Demo Shed Itzkowitz, 915 Madison Avenue, 1111/13 C-915, Contributing – Rear Storm Door Piraino, 604 Madison Avenue, 1088/17, Contributing – Furnace & A/C Belvedere Condo Association, 101 South Lafayette Street, 1025/10, Contributing – Roof Shubin, 808 Sewell Avenue, 1073/5, Contributing – Roof DeMutis, 22 Ocean Street, 1047/4, Contributing – Roof, Soffits, Facia, Decorative Trim Connolly, 906 Washington Street, 1093/2, Contributing – Deck, Steps Gallagher, 257 Grant Street, 1023/20, Contributing – Driveway, Sidewalk Dvorkin, 17 Jackson Street, 1041/26, Key – Pool Laudeman, 1311 New Jersey Avenue, 1147/32 & 33, Not Rated – Extend Deck, Railing, Lattice, Generator Brawner, 937 Beach Avenue, 1081/15, Contributing – Roof Officers Quarters Condo Association, 120 Stockton Place, 1063/2 C-01 to C-04, Non Contributing – Siding 617 Columbia Avenue LLC, 617 Columbia Avenue, 1057/20, Contributing – HVAC Gabay LLC, 609 Columbia Avenue, 1057/22, Contributing – A/C, Coil Pontin, 30 Gurney Street, 1056/4, Contributing – Roof Strong & Gill, 680 Washington Street, Unit 2, 1058/11.02 C-2, Not Rated – Windows Motion made by Mr. Clemans to approve the Applications Approved in Review. Seconded by Mr. Carroll and carried 5-0. Those in favor: Mr. Clemans, Mr. Cogswell, Mr. Testa, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Coupland. Those opposed: None. Those abstaining: Ms. Wilson Stridick. OLD BUSINESS: BLEVINS (PETER)….…….………………………………………....………1122 NEW JERSEY AVENUE NEW HOMES BLK 1115 LOTS 17-19 (NOT RATED) Contract Purchaser Scott Peter returned to present new designs for construction of two new single family homes for this project that previously received approval for demolition. Mr. Peter introduced Architect Catherine Lorentz who presented the project details for the HPC by sharing her screen. She remarked that she wants the project to blend in and be complimentary with neighborhood 1920s beach cottages and noted that the homes must be attached to meet zoning requirements. She went on to say that she noticed porte cocheres in the neighborhood and thought that is a way to connect the two buildings situated so that they appear to be two different houses. Commissioners were allotted time for questions. Commissioner Cogswell commented that he likes to see dimensions, which are lacking in the drawings, but that he found the design to fit in. Commissioner Testa commented that the project looks well-proportioned with the view from New Jersey looking like a single home and from Reading looks long but is an excellent improvement. Vice Chairperson Carroll complimented Mr. Peter and Architect Lorentz and added that he believed the HPC could offer conceptual approval. He also stated that there is no turnabout for coming out of the driveway making a long back out through the porte cochere and that he wants Zoning Official approval prior to offering final approval. Commissioner Wilson Stridick found the design better than previous designs and said that the authentic Victorian farmhouse will no longer been seen from Reading Avenue after construction. She said consideration is in order for the immediate neighbor whose property is of a different style. HPC 2 December 21, 2020 Chairperson Coupland echoed most of the comments by the Commissioners. He said design detail on the railing system and trim are needed. OPEN TO PUBLIC: Discussion was open to the public at 6:31 PM. Catherine and Douglas Davis, 1127 New Jersey Avenue, said the design is an improvement over past designs but found a tremendous amount of mass on Reading Avenue. Catherine Davis added that the port cochere is not used in Cape May to connect structures but instead creates mass. She added that she is concerned about parking troubles in the summer. She said most homes in the area are occupied by single families and by the room on the property for a great number of people. Applicant Peter commented that there will be an extensive zoning review, and the homes could easily be three stories and are thirty percent less than what could have been permitted. He said he pushed the garage far back to allow for parking of four off street vehicles. Architect Lorentz commented that the house at 1127 New Jersey is higher and bigger than the proposed structures. Catherine Davis said it is hard to see the scale/dimensions on the plans. Ali Finkelstein, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, said she is directly across the street and is concerned with the multi-family/condo feel. She added that there is a multi-family dwelling at Beach and Reading. She asked how many bedrooms are in each house. Applicant Peter replied that the living space is divided equally to each house with the volume combined not greater than 100% of the neighboring homes. Architect Lorentz said the porte cochere is not as high as the rest of the building, and there are four bedrooms per unit. Applicant Peter said he did not want to overwhelm the neighbors, so he kept the structures at two stories versus three stories, which takes away potential views of these structures. Donald Andersen, 1123 New Jersey Avenue, said he is across the street and asked about the allowable impervious coverage. Applicant Peter replied that he is using 30% versus the 60% allowed. He said they are nowhere close to using the maximum allowed, and additions or a pool could be made by future owners but he is not pursuing anything more than the application presented. Discussion was closed to the public at 6:52 PM. Commissioner Wilson Stridick remarked that she is concerned by the porte cochere and infill. There was a discussion on zoning with the determination that the only way to avoid the buildings touching would be to application to and approval by the Zoning Board. Motion made by Mr. Carroll for conceptual approval with the applicant getting full zoning review, including the City Engineer, and subject to submission of plans with dimensions and interior plans. Seconded by Mr. Cogswell and carried 5-1. Those in favor: Mr. Clemans, Mr. Cogswell, Mr. Testa, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Coupland. Those opposed: Ms. Wilson Stridick. Those abstaining: None. NEW BUSINESS: HPC 3 December 21, 2020 SHERMAN…………….……………………………………………………………….……1525 NEW JERSEY AVENUE DECK/SCREENED PORCH BLK 1175 LOT 5 (NOT RATED) Attorney Jeffrey Barnes introduced the application on behalf of Peter and Darlene Sherman who were present for the meeting. Attorney Barnes described the application for a 12’ x 19’ second floor deck over a proposed screened porch and said that required variances were granted by the Zoning Board. He added that the materials list includes materials identical to the existing materials at the property. Chairperson Coupland asked for comments and questions of the Commissioners. Vice Chairperson Carroll said, and Chairperson Coupland and Commissioner Testa agreed, that a full design is not required if the applicants agree to match the front. Commissioner Testa said that the house is hemmed in with very little view to the rear, and the project is understandable and agreeable. Motion made by Mr. Carroll for approval with the applicant agreeing that the new rails in rear will match exactly with the front trim of the house and submission of architectural plans, with dimensions, for approval by the Review Committee. Seconded by Mr. Testa and carried 6-0. Those in favor: Mr. Clemans, Mr. Cogswell, Mr. Testa, Ms. Wilson Stridick, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Coupland. Those opposed: None. Those abstaining: None. KRUPINSKI……..…..…………………………………..…………………………………1307 NEW JERSEY AVENUE RENOVATIONS/SCREENED PORCH/POOL BLK 1147 LOTS 34, 35, 36 (CONTRIBUTING) Owners Jean and Steve Krupinski introduced themselves and presented the proposed renovations including the porch ceiling, pool with bluestone, fencing, enclosure of the deck, extension of the outside shower, screened second floor porch, removal of window, and addition of condensers to a place that is not visible. Commissioners were allotted time for questions and observations. Vice Chairperson Carroll asked about the railing and commented that a picket fence is not compatible. Commissioner Testa suggested a board over board fence, and the applicant agreed. Motion made by Mr. Carroll for approval as presented subject to submission of fencing plan with location details and dimensions, for approval by the Review Committee. Seconded by Mr. Cogswell and carried 6-0. Those in favor: Mr. Clemans, Mr. Cogswell, Mr. Testa, Ms. Wilson Stridick, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Coupland. Those opposed: None. Those abstaining: None. HOLLENBACH………………………………………………………………………………..1030 NEW YORK AVENUE REAR ADDITION BLK 1102 LOT 17 (CONTRIBUTING) Owner Michael Hollenbach introduced the application for a rear addition, and Architect Pam Fine shared the application details with the Commissioners. Commissioners were allotted time for observations and questions. Vice Chairperson Carroll said that the homes of the 1910s and 1920s tend to maximize the balustrades, and he recommends a 1 3/4” balustrade with three inch opening and heavier top rail to give a beefier look. Architect Fine agreed to the balustrade size and opening and also a two inch by four-inch top rail. Motion made by Mr. Carroll for approval as presented subject to submission of front and rear railing plans for approval by the Review Committee. Seconded by Mr. Cogswell HPC 4 December 21, 2020 and carried 6-0. Those in favor: Mr. Clemans, Mr. Cogswell, Mr. Testa, Ms. Wilson Stridick, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Coupland. Those opposed: None. Those abstaining: None. RODGERS (FISHER)…………………………………………….……………………………....710 SEWELL AVENUE PORCH ADDITION/RENOVATIONS BLK 1070 LOT 2 (CONTRIBUTING) Owner Alan Fisher, who purchased this property the previous week, was present for this application with Architect Ellen Happ and Contractor DeTorre. Mr. Fisher said a lot of the renovations are inside of the structure with some exterior changes as well. Architect Happ described the proposed work to be: move the air conditioners, add a porch/deck to the second floor of the one-story addition on the right hand side of the house with a proposed change to the baluster size to 1 3/4” wide with three inch spacing from those in the application, and add triple wide windows on the porch with trim to match existing, add a second floor door, and replacement of windows with Jeld- Wen windows. Contractor DeTorre shared the details of deleting the chimney that is not original but secondary. Commissioners were allotted time for questions and comments. Vice Chairperson Carroll asked about the windows, and Contractor DeTorre described what was found at the property including some windows that are original. Contractor DeTorre said the preference is six over six full wood Jeld-Wen windows. Vice Chairperson Carroll said that four and six over one were more common at the time of original construction. Motion made by Mr. Carroll for approval as presented noting that only original existing windows will be restored and later added windows to be replaced subject to submission of rail system plan for approval by the Review Committee. Seconded by Ms. Wilson Stridick and carried 6-0. Those in favor: Mr. Clemans, Mr. Cogswell, Mr. Testa, Ms. Wilson Stridick, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Coupland. Those opposed: None. Those abstaining: None. STEVENSON…..……………………….……………….................................................233 CAPEHART LANE ELEVATE STRUCTURE/RENOVATIONS BLK 1031 LOTS 39, 38.02 (NON CONTRIBUTING) Owner Gail Stevenson appeared with daughter Sarah Stevenson and shared the hidden issues that came to light after receiving HPC approval in October 2018. She said the new proposed project budget exceeds the dollar limit set by FEMA, so they must look at lifting the house. She described the history of the property and a photo of the property in the 1970s. The plans were outlined. Commissioners were allotted time for questions and comments. Chairperson Coupland asked about the flood elevation minimum requirements with the answer being two and a half feet for FEMA plus two feet for the City of Cape May, and the plan is eight feet but are flexible with a need of at least seven feet for the doors. There was discussion on elevating for parking, visible garage doors and the loss of the contributing status. Gail Stevenson asked what is needed, and the response was a revised application/plan to include an elevation certificate. HPC 5 December 21, 2020 Motion made by Mr. Cogswell to table the application with the applicant’s agreement of waiver of time constraints for a decision. Seconded by Mr. Testa and carried 6-0. Those in favor: Mr. Clemans, Mr. Cogswell, Mr. Testa, Ms. Wilson Stridick, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Coupland. Those opposed: None. Those abstaining: None. OPEN TO PUBLIC: Discussion was open to the public at 8:40 PM and closed at 8:52 PM with no public coming forward. DISCUSSION: Mayor Elect Mullock Chairperson Coupland thanked Mayor Elect Mullock for his participation as a member of the HPC and liaison to the HPC. Mayor Elect Mullock said he will not be the liaison to the HPC in 2021 when he begins his term as Mayor and thanked the Commissioners, Chairperson Coupland, Solicitor Fineberg and Secretary Keenan for their service to the City. HPC Compliance Officer Chairperson Coupland shared news about new HPC Compliance Officer John Tudor who will begin his new position on January 4, 2021. HPC Surveys Chairperson Coupland shared that City Council adopted 532 historic property surveys on the evening of December 15, 2020 for the surveys done in years 2013, 2015, and 2018 with more historic surveys to be conducted in 2021. Chairperson Coupland added that surveys are to be presented to City Council each year versus submitting several years at a time, as was favored by previous City Councils. Motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Mr. Testa at 8:53 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 6 December 21, 2020