Board of Historic & Architectural Review

Meeting Minutes Historic and Architectural Review Board (HARB) September 7, 2023 Public Safety Operations Center ROLL CALL HARB Members Present: Chair Joe Maguire, Gerald Martin, David Walski, Ervin Young, Ellsworth Spicher, and Frank Lilley Staff: Adam Lantz, City Attorney – City Attorney’s Office; Carlos Rodriguez, Code Enforcement Officer – Developments and Permits; Marvin Hodges, Senior Planner – Planning Department, and Kevin Finn, Recording Secretary – Planning Department. Chair J. Maguire called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. MINUTES Approval of August 3, 2023 regular meeting minutes, motion to accept minutes made by G. Martin and seconded by E. Spicher, all members present voting for. Approval of August 24, 2023 special meeting minutes, motion to accept minutes made by G. Martin and seconded by F. Lilley, all member present voting for. COMMITTEE REPORTS None ADMINISTRATIVE APPROVALS K. Finn reported three (3) administrative approval. ZONING REPORT C. Rodriquez reported that there have been several instances of after-the-fact work performed in the District which will come before the Board in the coming months. OLD AND NEW BUSINESS K. Finn informed the Board that the Department of Public Works has again requested their input on the replacement of the stamped concrete sidewalks on Chesapeake Avenue. Residents have suggested the use of an exposed aggregate concrete and Public Works would like the Board to discuss the appropriateness of the material within the South Norfolk Historic District. F. Lilley provided additional information on the suggestion for exposed aggregate, mainly as a way to distinguish the Historic District from other areas of the City. E. Spicher stated that exposed aggregate was not typically used during the early 1900s and that the color, size and other factors of the aggregate could alter the coloring and look of the concrete. Other members of the Board agreed that consistency was a key factor, citing that a concern with the stamped concrete was the inconsistency of its replacement. Motion to continue discussing Old and New Business after hearing the regular agenda made by J. Maguire and seconded by G. Martin, with all members present voting for. CONSENT AGENDA None REGULAR AGENDA 1104 Jackson Avenue (PLN-CAPP-2023-062) Original Request • Replace front porch overhand with 6” by 6” PVC wrapped columns, repair/replace siding, like-for-like. • Motion to approve the application as presented made by E. Spicher, with no second. Motion died on the floor. 1  • Motion to approve the application with the use of a 6” by 6” wood, square, non-tapered, smooth column, painted white made by G. Martin and seconded by F. Lilley, with five (5) members voting for and one (1) member voting against. OLD AND NEW BUSINESS CONTINUED J. Maguire shared photos with the Review Board of the repaving taking place outside of his property on Park Avenue, discussing the several inches of concrete and the disappearance of his curb. J. Maguire recapped the discussions held at the special meeting on August 24th to discuss the update to the Design Guidelines, stating his confidence in the process moving forward. The Board was in agreement, expressing their approval of the process and how impressed they were with the example guidelines provided. E. Spicher requested an update on the notice letters when transfers of property take place within the Historic District, to which K. Finn responded that the Planning Department has been monitoring the City Assessor Office’s daily transfer report and will be sending letters out to new buyers within the Historic District, informing them of the requirement to acquire a Certificate of Appropriateness prior to performing work visible from a paved public street. PUBLIC INPUT None LEGAL GUIDANCE A. Lantz followed up a question posed last month regarding the use of drones to assess structures within the Historic District, stating that method could not be used unless given consent by the property warrant or through an issued warrant. ADJOURNMENT: Motion to adjourn was made by J. Maguire and seconded by D. Walski with all members present voting for. Meeting adjourned at 6:15 PM MEETING MINUTES APPROVED: __10/5/2023______ 2