Historic Review Board

HISTORIC REVIEW BOARD September 10th, 2019 112 Confederate Street 4:30 PM AGENDA CALL TO ORDER ELECTION OF HRB VICE-CHAIRPERSON APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. HRB Meeting: August 13th, 2019 [Pages 2-8] NEW BUSINESS 1. Request for Certificate of Appropriateness [Pages 9-13] Applicant Name: Cody Garrett Owner Name: Carolina Crown, Inc. Property Address: 227 Main Street Purpose: Request to install window decals on front display windows and front door Zoning: LC, Local Commercial/ Historic District ADJOURN The following press was notified of the meeting by email or fax in accordance of the Freedom of Information Act: The Herald; CN2; WRHI; Fort Mill Times and WBTV. The agenda was also posted at the entrance to Town Hall the required length of time and on the Town website. The Town of Fort Mill is committed to assuring accessibility with reasonable accommodation, of Town services and facilities for all individuals, in compliance with federal law. Please contact the Town Manager’s Office at 803-547-2116 if you need assistance. 1  MINUTES TOWN OF FORT MILL HISTORIC REVIEW BOARD August 13th, 2019 Council Chambers – 112 Confederate Street 4:30 PM Present: Chairman Louis Roman, David Booth, Megan Brinton, Scott Couchenour, Samantha Nifong, Sarah Shaw, Planning Director Penelope Karagounis, Senior Planner Alex Moore Guests: Davy Broom, Fort Mill Town Manager CALL TO ORDER Chairman Louis Roman called the meeting to order at 4:37 PM. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Chairman Roman entertained a motion to approve the minutes from the June 11th, 2019, meeting as presented. Scott Couchenour made a motion to approve the minutes. David Booth seconded the motion. The minutes were then approved with by a vote of 6-0. NEW BUSINESS Chairman Roman opened the new business portion of the meeting by noting the contents of the agenda and the associated packet of information. This included an application submitted by the Town of Fort Mill for a Certficate of Appropriateness (COA) at 345 N. White Street within Walter Y. Elisha Park. Senior Planner Moore then introduced the request by noting that the purpose of the application for the COA was so that the Town of Fort Mill could implement enhancements within Walter Y. Elisha Park. Moore noted that only a portion of Elisha Park lay within the Town of Fort Mill Historic District. Thus, some of the proposed improvements would not be required to be reviewed by the Historic Review Board (HRB). The components of the project which HRB would be responsible for reviewing include the 2nd Restroom, the Amphitheater, Parking Area B, along with associated hardscaping and landscaping associated with each of these areas. Senior Planner Moore first presented that portion of the project to include the 2nd Restroom. In discussing the architectural elevations for this building, he stated that the brick to be used, along with that of the other proposed structures, would be like the brick used within Millstone Park. Mr. Booth inquired about that portion of the 2nd Restroom site plan which indicated a sidewalk of twelve feet in width would traverse that area in front of the bathroom entrance. He had some concern about the necessity of the sidewalk being this wide. 2 Senior Planner Moore noted that this is what had been proposed at this location and asked Town Manager Davy Broom to provide some background on this sidewalk width. Mr. Broom stated that the reason for the sidewalk being 12 feet wide at this location was that in the future it was the Town’s intention to widen the entirety of sidewalks within Elisha Park. Thus, that portion of the park within the current scope of enhancement would be designed with a wider sidewalk than the typical width of five feet. Chairman Roman noted that wider sidewalk was common in public use areas to facilitate heavier emergency vehicles. Ms. Shaw asked if the wider sidewalk would assist with emergency preparedness. Mr. Booth indicated his experience as a landscape architect revealed that wide sidewalks were not an essential part of preparing for emergency vehicle access. Moreover, he stated that a taper from a width of 12 feet to five or six feet, such as proposed in this instance, would cause pedestrian conflicts. He advised that the Town should be cautious in the design of the sidewalk at this location for this reason. Mr. Broom noted that the Town would certainly be cognizant of this. Mr. Cochenour asked if there was a timeline on additional improvements within the park such as the sidewalks that Mr. Broom had touched on. Mr. Broom said there was not currently a timeline for such additional improvements, but that he expected that the present scope of park construction would likely elicit positive feedback on moving forward with future enhancements. Ms. Shaw asked Mr. Broom if the plan was to taper the 12’ sidewalk down to the existing black asphalt sidewalk. Mr. Broom affirmed this. Senior Planner Moore interjected that the new sidewalk at this location would be typical white concrete with no brick soldiers. He also noted that the concrete sidewalk with brick enhancements would be located closer to the actual amphitheater area. Mr. Cochenour then stated that he believed the HRB was in favor of speeding up the entirety of the enhancements within Elisha Park, such as wider sidewalks throughout the park. Mr. Broom said he would certainly pass this sentiment along. Ms. Brinton asked Mr. Broom if the wider sidewalks throughout the park in the future would be asphalt or concrete. Mr. Broom noted that it would be the intention to extend the wider, concrete sidewalks throughout the park. 3 Planning Director Penelope Karagounis then noted to the HRB that there were discussions about including a downtown master plan into the next budget which could include planning for such future sidewalk enhancements. Mr. Booth then asked if there was now and overall master plan for the park and downtown. Ms. Karagounis responded that there was not currently a master plan for downtown. She noted that this was something that the Town would like to see done. Mr. Booth then asked why the location as proposed was chosen for the 2nd restroom building. Mr. Broom responded that there were a couple of reasons for this location. First, there are already utilities in this vicinity. Second, the Town wanted the restrooms in general proximity to the amphitheater stage. Mr. Booth then asked if the Fort Mill Police Department had reviewed this plan. Senior Planner Moore stated that the various town departments had not yet reviewed the site plan but that this would happen as a matter of course subsequent to the HRB review. He stated that Planning Staff could then pass along any suggestions or recommendations from the HRB to the various reviewers. Chairman Roman asked at what time would the restrooms be closed each day. Mr. Broom responded that the restrooms would be closed as dusk. Ms. Shaw asked about clean-up and maintenance of the park facilities after concerts. Mr. Broom stated that this would be handled by a public works crew. Ms. Brinton asked about the location of the existing playground in relation to the proposed park improvements. Senior Planner Moore noted the location of the existing playground on the site plan. Ms. Brinton asked if the new sidewalk would be extended to the playground. Senior Planner Moore responded that there would not be a sidewalk extension to the playground within the current scope of the project. Ms. Shaw asked where restroom one was located on the plan. Senior Planner Moore stated that restroom one was proposed to be located adjacent to the existing town soccer field off Calhoun Street, and that this was not within the historic district. Thus, it would not be reviewed by the HRB. Ms. Shaw noted that both restrooms as planned would be a good distance from the recreational/playground area of the park and reiterated what Ms. Brinton had inquired about regarding sidewalk extension. 4 Ms. Brinton concurred and stated that lack of existing sidewalk connectivity was one of the complaints she often heard regarding Elisha Park. Mr. Broom noted that existing asphalt sidewalk circumvented the park which allowed for pedestrian connectivity to the proposed restrooms via sidewalk. He added that another consideration in the location of the restrooms was that of the wishes of Leroy Springs Company for the sight lines from White Street down to the proposed amphitheater area to remain open. Chairman Roman then noted that the new, permanent amphitheater structure would be in the same portion of the park where temporary stages had always been set up for events. Mr. Broom confirmed this. Ms. Brinton then responded that she believed the location of restroom building two was fine, but that her issue was with the walking distance from the playground to the restrooms. Mr. Booth stated that the second restroom building could be an iconic element of the park if located closer to White Street, while additionally better serving the playground section. Mr. Cochenour then noted that many years ago when the Springs Mill was located where Elisha Park is, there was a one-story office building owned by Springs adjacent to White Street and in front of the Mill. Chairman Roman stated that a common architectural method for improving the look of what might otherwise be considered a negative aspect of the landscape, is to make such buildings, perhaps restrooms, an iconic element of the site. Mr. Broom then noted that this was indeed what the Town of Fort Mill had done with the design of the second restroom building. This building did harken back to the building which Mr. Cochenour had referenced adjacent to White Street. Mr. Booth then estimated that the cost per square-foot of the second restroom building would be $150 to $200 per square-foot. He stated that if the town was going to spend this much on the building that they should not want it tucked down into the corner of the site as planned. Rather, the goal should be to have this be a very recognizable element of the park’s design and thus be located closer to White Street. Mr. Broom noted that this building would be on a knoll and thus would be an identifiable and important piece of the enhanced park design. Senior Planner Moore then stated that the amphitheater itself only had one, unisex restroom within its design. The point being that many performers, such as with an orchestra, would be better served by having restrooms generally close by as was reflected with the current site plan, rather than locating them adjacent to White Street. Mr. Cochenhour asked if the proposed second restroom building would be large enough for events such as the Strawberry Festival. 5 Mr. Broom noted that the Town of Fort Mill in fact typically rents approximately 106 temporary restroom units for the Strawberry Festival. Thus, event with the addition of the restroom building, a number of these temporary units would continue to be needed. Chairman Roman then stated that he believed the proposed location of the second restroom was a great spot in that it would efficiently serve the amphitheater area. He then suggested that another, third restroom building for the park might someday be useful closer to the playground and White Street. Such a future structure might be located where the former Springs Mill office building was sited. Mr. Cochenhour then stated that if such a building were constructed in the future that it should more closely match the original Springs Mill office building. Ms. Shaw inquired about the lighting within the enhanced portion of the park. Senior Planner Moore noted pedestrian lighting would be included. Mr. Booth inquired about the removal of existing trees within the park as part of new construction. Senior Planner Moore then went over the project site plans and indicated that approximately seven trees would be removed. He stated that the removal of these trees was somewhat mitigated by the new landscaping which would be implemented along with the new construction. Chairman Roman then asked that the overview of the entire park be shown on the power point so that the locations of these trees could be discerned. Senior Planner Moore placed the aerial photograph of the overall park on the presentation screens and then illustrated where these trees were located as they corresponded with the submitted project site plan. The HRB wished to have the willow oak trees targeted for removal mitigated. Senior Planner Moore then moved the discussion toward the amphitheater portion of the site plan. He noted the proposed architectural elevations along with the landscaping and hardscaping elements. Mr. Booth asked if there was any existing architecture in town which resembled that of the proposed amphitheater structure. Mr. Cochenour noted that the buildings along Main Street have numerous, similar arched windows. Mr. Broom indicated that elements of the former Springs Mill building were looked at in designing the amphitheater structure. Discussion then shifted toward meshing the design of the second bathroom building with that of the amphitheater. 6 Regarding the amphitheater building, the consensus of the HRB was a request to recreate the rear façade design elements of the amphitheater building on the front and side façades on this amphitheater building. This would entail adding the arched, bricked/faux window element and perhaps a faux door on the front façade and one arched, bricked/faux window on the side facades. The recommendation on bathroom building two involves a synthesis of façade design between it and the amphitheater building. This would be accomplished by removing the four rectangular windows at the center of the side elevations and replacing them with two bricked/faux windows. The two arched windows would remain at each end of the side elevation as currently designed. The current dormer windows would be replaced with arched windows to match the arched windows remaining on the side facades. Senior Planner Moore then presented that portion of the project which would include on-street parking along Ardrey Street, immediately adjacent to the park. Mr. Booth suggested that the Town of Fort Mill look at doing reverse angle parking at this location rather than traditional angled parking. Ms. Nifong noted that there needed to be some handicapped parking spaces included. Senior Planner Moore noted that these recommendations could be examined during the site plan review stage. Senior Planner Moore then presented the proposed bench swing concept which would be implemented at various locations in Elisha Park. The HRB recommended that the bench swings be redesigned to remove the masonry portion at the bottom of the respective supporting posts. Additionally, the HRB recommended that the chain portion of the swings be modified. These recommendations were based on safety concerns. The HRB also recommended that understory trees, such as crepe myrtles, be planted adjacent to the swings for shade purposes. Senior Planner Moore indicated that these recommendations would be passed along. Senior Planner Moore then went over the basic zoning parameters of the project which included the underlying zoning considerations and subsequent site plan review by the various town departments. There was general agreement by the HRB to approve the Elisha Park enhancements with the following strong recommendations: 1. During the site-plan review process, which will include evaluation by the utilities and stormwater departments, an attempt should be made to save the willow oak trees scheduled for removal. If these trees cannot be saved, then HRB would like for these trees to be mitigated by planting like species at appropriate locations. 2. There should be a more cohesive design binding the second restroom building and the amphitheater building. Regarding the amphitheater building, the consensus of the HRB was a request to recreate the rear façade design elements of the amphitheater building on the front and side façades on this amphitheater building. This would entail adding the arched, bricked/faux window element and perhaps a faux door on the front façade and one arched, bricked/faux window on the side facades. The recommendation on bathroom building two involves a synthesis of façade design between it and the amphitheater building. This would be accomplished by removing the four rectangular windows at the center of the side elevations and replacing them with two bricked/faux windows. The two arched windows would remain at each end of the side 7  elevation as currently designed. The current dormer windows would be replaced with arched windows to match the arched windows remaining on the side facades. 3. Reverse angle parking should be considered for the on-street parking proposed along Ardrey Street. Additionally, handicapped parking spaces should be added at this location. 4. The design of the bench swings should be modified to remove the masonry elements at the bottom of the support posts. The proposed chain element of the swing support should be removed or modified as well. Both recommendations are for safety. Additionally, crepe myrtle trees should be planted adjacent to the swing benches to provide shade. Chairman Roman then asked for a motion on the proposed approval with the above strong recommendations. Mr. Cochenhour made a motion to approve. Ms. Nifong seconded the motion. The HRB then voted 5-0 (Ms. Shaw had to leave the meeting early) to approve the proposed Elisha Park enhancements, with the aforementioned strong recommendations, within the Town of Fort Mill Historic District. There being no other business, the meeting adjourned at 6:15 PM. Respectfully submitted, Alex J. Moore, AICP Senior Planner September 3rd, 2019 8 9 10  H I S T OR I C R E V I E W B OA R D APPLICANT Mr. Cody Garrett Subject Property: 227 Main Street Tax Map # 020-02-01-012 Zoning District: LC, Local Commercial District/Historic Zoning Case: 2019-0677 REQUEST The Planning Department has received an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) from Mr. Cody Garrett for proposed window signage at 227 Main Street in downtown Fort Mill. SITE DESCRIPTION AND GENERAL CONSTRUCTION PLAN The property is located at 227 Main Street in downtown Fort Mill. The parcel and those around it are currently zoned Local Commercial/Historic. Properties located in this area include professional offices, restaurants, and small-scale retail. The COA application indicates that Mr. Garett wishes to install new window decals on both front display windows, as well as the front door at 227 Main Street. The existing business this location is the “Five-Oh” Skate Shop. The applicant has provided a schematic of the existing front façade juxtaposed with the proposed window decal stickers with the respective dimensions. HISTORIC DISTRICT DESIGN GUIDELINES REVIEW The parameters for window signage are enumerated within the Historic District Design Guidelines on page 106 in Section 5.11. These requirements indicate that a window sign is a sign painted on the surface of, or located on the interior of, a display window. In this instance, the proposed signage will consist of decals located on the inside of the windows. Additionally, Section 5.11 indicates that a window sign should be designed to minimize the amount of window covered and be painted on the glass or hung inside a window. 11 The applicant initially presented Planning Staff with proposed window decals which were much larger than those currently intended to be implemented. Upon review Staff indicated to the applicant that the proposed window decals should be reduced in size. The revised window decals are presented below: 12 ZONING DISTRICT GUIDELINES REVIEW • The subject property being reviewed by the HRB is zoned LC, Local Commercial District. • Within the Town Zoning Ordinance, there is a definition for a window sign which states it is a sign located near, or attached to, the interior of a window that is observable from the exterior of the building. • Beyond this definition there are no parameters for window signs found within the Town of Fort Mill Zoning Ordinance. • A skate shop is a permitted use in the LC Zoning District. • Subsequent to HRB review/approval, the sign company will need to obtain a Town of Fort Mill business license prior to installing the window decals. Staff Recommendation Planning Staff recommends that the HRB grant Approval for a Certificate of Appropriateness for the proposed window signage at 227 Main Street in downtown Fort Mill. 13