Historic Preservation Commission Meeting

MINUTES HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION Thursday, April 10, 2014 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm 580 PACIFIC STREET, COUNCIL CHAMBER MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA Commissioners Present: Fletcher, Barlow, Hawley, McLain, O'Neil, Petty Commissioners Absent: O'Brien Staff Members Present: Principal Planner Caraker, Senior Associate Planner Hopper, Recording Secretary Nelson CALL TO ORDER Chair Fletcher called the meeting to order at 4:04 pm. CONSENT ITEMS On a motion by Commissioner McLain, seconded by Commissioner O'Neil, and carried by the following vote, the Historic Preservation Commission approved the CONSENT ITEMS: AYES: 6 COMMISSIONERS: Fletcher, Barlow, Hawley, McLain, O'Neil, Petty NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 1 COMMISSIONERS: O'Brien ABSTAIN: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None RECUSED: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None Approval of Minutes 1. March 13, 2014 ACTION: Approved as amended. Commissioner Hawley requested that the first sentence under Public Comments on page two be corrected so it reads “Frank Donangelo, Cannery Row Company, said major alterations including a complete second floor demolition, a north elevation change, and modifications to siding, windows, doors, decking and stairs make the property at 487 Foam Street ineligible for the Reconnaissance Survey.” She also requested that that the spelling of “holistic” be corrected under Commissioner Comments on page four and that the first sentence under Public Comments on page four be corrected so it reads “Sherna Stewart said she is very concerned that in the Downtown Specific Plan addresses historic resources but they are scattered throughout town and represented on the maps with small symbols regardless of their large size.” ***End of Consent Agenda*** PUBLIC COMMENTS None.  Historic Preservation Commission Minutes Thursday, April 10, 2014 PUBLIC APPEARANCE 2. Consider 426 Alvarado Street; Sign Permit 13-334 and Historic Permit 14-112 for New Signs on Alvarado Street and Calle Principal; Applicant/Owner John C. Hill; PC-D-H2 Zoning District; Exempt from CEQA Requirements ACTION: Adopted a Resolution approving Sign Permit 13-334 and Historic Permit 14-112 for new signs on Alvarado Street and Calle Principal at 426 Alvarado Street. Staff Presentation/Commissioner Questions Christine Hopper presented the Agenda Report and answered Commissioners’ questions. Applicant John Hill, applicant, said the front of the awning will have a vertical face allowing the wording to be visible when it is retracted, similar to a French café awning. He also said the bear on the fin sign is a historic reference to the bear and bull fights that took place in the area. Public Comments None. Commissioner Comments Commissioner O’Neil said she supports staff’s recommendation. Chair Fletcher concurred. Commissioner O’Neil made a motion to adopt a Resolution approving Sign Permit 13- 334 and Historic Permit 14-112 for new signs on Alvarado Street and Calle Principal at 426 Alvarado Street. Commissioner Hawley seconded the motion. On a motion by Commissioner O'Neil, seconded by Commissioner Hawley, and carried by the following vote, the Historic Preservation Commission adopted a Resolution approving Sign Permit 13-334 and Historic Permit 14-112 for new signs on Alvarado Street and Calle Principal at 426 Alvarado Street: AYES: 6 COMMISSIONERS: Fletcher, Barlow, Hawley, McLain, O'Neil, Petty NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 1 COMMISSIONERS: O'Brien ABSTAIN: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None RECUSED: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None 3. Consider 290 Figueroa Street; Sign Permit 13-403 and Historic Permit 14-113 for a New Vehicle-Oriented Freestanding Sign; Applicant Anjanette Adams of Monterey Signs; Owner City of Monterey; O-H1 Zoning District; Exempt from CEQA Requirements ACTION: Adopted a Resolution approving Sign Permit 13-403 and Historic Permit 14-113 for a new vehicle-oriented freestanding sign at 290 Figueroa Street with amended Conditions of Approval. Staff Presentation/Commissioner Questions Ms. Hopper presented the Agenda Report and answered Commissioners’ questions. Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, April 10, 2014 2 Historic Preservation Commission Minutes Thursday, April 10, 2014 Applicant Shawn Adams, Monterey Signs, said the proposed monument sign is a reasonable and attractive way to make the Wharf Marketplace easy to locate, memorable and successful. Mr. Adams said he does not support staff’s recommendation for a reduction in height because the sign was designed at the proper height for vehicle viewing, could be blocked by parked cars if it is too short, and is appropriate given the large lot and surrounding signs. He also said he does not support staff’s recommended change from internal to external illumination because as proposed the monument sign would perfectly match the Wharf Marketplace rooftop sign and would not cause additional light impacts to the well lit intersection. In response to Commissioners’ questions, Mr. Adams clarified that the proposed sign would consist of two identical faces, an aluminum base cover with a silver matte finish and white neon letters that have a gold appearance in the day time. He also said if neon lighting is not allowed the next favorable option would be halo-lit lighting. Public Comments Rick Antle, partner of the Wharf Marketplace, said the height of the sign is the main issue as large vehicles regularly park in the lot in front of the business and could potentially block a shorter sign. He also said many people do not know the Wharf Marketplace exists, and a lit monument sign would establish a presence on the street. Sherna Stewart, Monterey resident, said an additional monument sign would create congestion of signs on Del Monte Avenue and block views, and suggested a sign at the driveway entrance of the Wharf Marketplace instead. Commissioner Comments Commissioner Hawley said she supports the applicant’s proposal with a height of 12.5 feet because the sign will not be effective it if cannot be seen. Regarding lighting, Commissioner Hawley said the use of neon on the existing Wharf Marketplace sign is charming and may be appropriate for the monument sign. Commissioner McLain said the success of the business will come from quality food and service, and that having a large monument sign will take away from the Fisherman’s Wharf Sign and be a distraction for the area. Commissioner Petty said he supports the applicant’s proposal for a larger sign for visibility, but would prefer a type of illumination other than neon. Vice Chair Barlow said the sign would be far enough from the building to not detract from its historic character, and agreed the sign should be lit with a type of illumination other than neon. Commissioner O’Neil said she initially supported a shorter sign, however a taller sign may be appropriate given the large vehicles in the parking lot. She also said landscaping should be added around the base of the sign. Chair Fletcher said the building has new life because of the applicant and the Commission should support any efforts to make the business a success. He also said he supports the taller sign, but would prefer a different lighting approach. Vice Chair Barlow made a motion to adopt a Resolution approving Sign Permit 13-403 Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, April 10, 2014 3  Historic Preservation Commission Minutes Thursday, April 10, 2014 and Historic Permit 14-113 for a new vehicle-oriented freestanding sign at 290 Figueroa Street allowing the height of 12’-6’ with the following Conditions of Approval: Special: 1. That prior to the issuance of Building Permits: a. The plans shall be revised to show the sign set back no less than six feet from the Figueroa Street property line and externally illuminated or halo-lit and submitted to staff for review and approval. b. That a landscaping plan for the area around the sign be submitted to staff for review and approval. c. That the property lines at the corner be verified by a licensed surveyor to ensure that no part of the sign is within the public right-of-way. Commissioner Hawley seconded the motion. On a motion by Commissioner Barlow, seconded by Commissioner Hawley, and carried by the following vote, the Historic Preservation Commission adopted a Resolution approving Sign Permit 13-403 and Historic Permit 14-113 for a new vehicle-oriented freestanding sign at 290 Figueroa Street with amended Conditions of Approval: AYES: 5 COMMISSIONERS: Fletcher, Barlow, Hawley, O'Neil, Petty NOES: 1 COMMISSIONERS: McLain ABSENT: 1 COMMISSIONERS: O'Brien ABSTAIN: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None RECUSED: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None Vice Chair Barlow said the monument sign will bring more visitors and attention to the Wharf Marketplace and its historic resources. 4. Consider Recommending to the City Council to Accept the 2014-2015 Planning Office Work Program ACTION: Adopted a Resolution recommending to the City Council to accept the 2014-2015 Planning Office Work Program to include revising the Historic Ordinance. Staff Presentation/Commissioner Questions Elizabeth Caraker presented the Agenda Report and answered Commissioners’ questions. Public Comments Sherna Stewart, Monterey resident, said she hopes the HPC will include the designation of a historic district running from the Lower Presidio Historic Park to the Royal Presidio Chapel in their Work Program. Ms. Caraker clarified that next year’s Work Program for Historic Preservation items will only focus on the Historic Ordinance, but in the near future the HPC will re-examine the Historic Landmark District and survey information regarding whether expansion of the District is appropriate. Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, April 10, 2014 4 Historic Preservation Commission Minutes Thursday, April 10, 2014 Commissioner Comments Vice Chair Barlow suggested that discussion on the area between the Lower Presidio Historic Park and Royal Presidio Chapel be a part of future educational work done by the HPC if the subject is not part of the Work Program. Commissioner O’Neil made a motion to adopt a Resolution recommending to the City Council to accept the 2014-2015 Planning Office Work Program to include revising the Historic Ordinance. Commissioner McLain seconded the motion. On a motion by Commissioner O'Neil, seconded by Commissioner McLain, and carried by the following vote, the Historic Preservation Commission adopted a Resolution recommending to the City Council to accept the 2014-2015 Planning Office Work Program to include revising the Historic Ordinance: AYES: 6 COMMISSIONERS: Fletcher, Barlow, Hawley, McLain, O'Neil, Petty NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 1 COMMISSIONERS: O'Brien ABSTAIN: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None RECUSED: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Commissioner O’Neil encouraged everyone to participate in the upcoming California Preservation Foundation tour of Point Sur. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS & STAFF COMMENTS Ms. Caraker said staff is very excited about the upcoming California Preservation Foundation Conference at Asilomar happening the week of April 21, 2014. Ms. Hopper said many people have come together and put in time and effort to ensure that the conference will be a great success. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 5:17 pm. Respectfully Submitted, Approved, Elizabeth Caraker, AICP Chair Principal Planner Historic Preservation Commission Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, April 10, 2014 5