Historical And Architectural Review Board

DOYLESTOWN BOROUGH HISTORIC & ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD MEETING MINUTES THURSDAY, AUGUST 22, 2024 The Doylestown Borough Historic and Architectural Review Board held its meeting at 7:30 PM on Thursday, August 22, 2024, at Borough Hall, 10 Doyle Street. The following members attended: Denise Blasdale, Kim Jacobsen, Heather Walton, Marie Kovach, Ralph Fey, Constance Magnuson, John Eichert, Andy Happ, Richard Chase, and Karyn Hyland, Director of Building and Zoning. CALL TO ORDER: Ms. Jacobsen called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. MINUTES APPROVAL: The July meeting minutes were approved as submitted (Blasdale/Magnuson). SIGN APPLICATIONS: 5 S. Main Street – Thomas Kramer, representing the Strada Hair Salon, presented the application for the exterior sign. The Board voted to recommend approval as submitted (Happ/Magnuson). BUILDING APPLICATIONS: 47 W. Ashland Street – Larry Thomson, the applicant and property owner, presented the application for a new roof at the property. Mr. Thomson provided a sample of the proposed roofing material, an architectural Timberline shingle. Due to the age and condition of the decorative elements, Mr. Thomson would also have to permanently remove the metal ridge elements, gutters, and downspouts. The historical significance of this building was mentioned several times. The HARB believes more appropriate materials can be used to repair the roof. The Board denied the application for the removal of the metal roof elements, light architectural Timberline shingles, surface gutters, and downspouts (Happ/Walton). 137 Lafayette Street – Ellen Happ, the architect, presented the application for building renovations and the addition of a garage. Ms. Happ gave a brief history of the home and provided a list of proposed building materials. The HARB voted to recommend approval, with the exterior lights being reused or replaced in-kind or with cylinder-style (up and down) lights, like the proposed light on the garage (Fey/Walton). 184 E. State Street – Anna Kate Payha, representing the architecture firm of Phillips and Donovan, and the property owner, Robert Sigety, presented the application for an amendment to a previously approved roof application. Ms. Payha reviewed the proposed material changes. Mr. Sigety noted the prominence of the building and the style of the mansard roof in question. After discussion with the applicants, the Board recommended approval for the application with the condition that the mansard roof shingles be changed to a smaller-scale, non-shadowed shingle in a similar color. A fish scale or diamond-shaped slate would also be acceptable. The applicant will submit the new shingle and color to Borough staff later to ensure it meets what was initially proposed (Blasdale/Kovach). 154-156 W. Oakland Avenue – Ralph Fey recused himself from this application as he is the architect representing the applicant. Dexter Chen, an associate of Mr. Fey, was also in attendance with Mr. Darren Wassman, the homeowner. Mr. Fey gave a detailed presentation of the amended application. The board reviewed all the proposed building materials. The Board recommended approval of the amended application with the condition that the application will return with a color palette and the finial on the conservatory space will be as shown on the renderings (Blasdale/Walton). Ms. Magnuson and Ms. Kovach voted in opposition to the amended application. NEW/OLD BUSINESS: Ms. Hyland reminded the Board of the upcoming meeting dates for the remainder of the year: 9/26/24, 10/24/24, 12/5/24 (rescheduled for Thanksgiving), and 1/2/25 (rescheduled for December). Karyn is still working on the 2025 meeting calendar for future planning purposes. The board consensus is to have meetings continue to begin at 7:30 p.m. Constance asked if there are any plans for property surveys on other historic buildings in the Borough to determine whether they are in decline or neglected. Karyn explained that the 34 W. State Street situation was a property maintenance issue that was brought to our attention due to the lintel falling. Constance is concerned about the loss of architectural significance caused by the property owner's neglect. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE: Mr. Happ provided an update on the Comprehensive Plan. The Planning Commission will meet again on September 10, 2024. The decision on whether to host a public workshop or presentation has yet to be made. ADJOURNMENT: With no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 9:26 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Erika Fellman