Historic Resource Commission

Approved 11/13/17 Schenectady Historic District Commission Meeting Minutes October 16, 2017 I. CALL TO ORDER Commissioner Wiles called the meeting to order at 7:05 PM. Vice Chair Wiles explained to the public that with four Commissioners present there were enough votes to have a quorum and to act on application, and that because the Commission has seven members, a majority of the full Commission (four votes) is required to approve or deny a proposal regardless of how many Commissioners are present at the meeting. Thus, for an item to be approved at this meeting it would require all four Commissioners present to vote to approve. He noted that it is up to the applicants to decide if they would prefer to wait to present their proposal at a future meeting when more Commissioners might be present, and that they should be aware that such a choice is available to them. II. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Dr. Dean Bennett; Jackie Craven; Ben Wiles; Patricia Yager STAFF: Avi Epstein, Zoning Officer; Ashlynn Savarese, Assistant Corporation Counsel; Jennifer Mills, Secretary EXCUSED: David F. Lowry III. CONFLICT OF INTEREST None. IV. ADOPTION OF MEETING MINUTES Motion by Commissioner Craven, seconded by Commissioner Wiles, to approve the September 18, 2017 Meeting Minutes as submitted. Motion carried unanimously. V. NEW BUSINESS A. Consideration for approval submitted by Joseph and Anthony Daddario to replace a 3-Tab roof with brown architectural shingles. The premise is located at 1007 Union Street. Joseph Daddario appeared before the Commission. Historic District Commission Meeting Minutes –October 16, 2017 –Page 1 of 9  Approved 11/13/17 Mr. Daddario explained that the current roof is brown three-tab shingles that are more than 27 years old and have reached the end of their lifespan. He stated that they have chosen an Owens-Corning Duration Series architectural shingle in the shade Brownwood. Commissioner Yager noted that the application stated that the proposed drip edge was be white. She asked if Mr. Daddario would consider instead using a brown drip edge, to better blend with the shingles and trim. Mr. Daddario stated that this was an excellent suggestion, and that he would confirm the change with his roofing contractor. Commissioner Wiles noted that the proposed shingle color is slightly darker than the existing roof. Mr. Daddario agreed, stating that the contractor had suggested it as the closest match to the existing, adding that they both think that the color complements the colors of the house well. Commissioner Wiles asked Mr. Daddario how he came to decide on the architectural-style shingles. Mr. Daddario responded that the contractor had suggested this style because the architectural shingles have a much longer warranty. He added that he was not aware that three- tab shingles are used anymore. Commissioner Wiles stated that in the past the Commission has given applicants the option of choosing to use three-tab or architectural shingles, both because three-tab are both more economical and because they were often applied as the next roof after a slate roof was replaced, and thus they are more historically appropriate, as they are closer to the original roof. He stated that in the past the Commission has let the property owner choose which style to use. Mr. Daddario stated that he would appreciate being given both options. Commissioner Bennett noted that in some cases he feels that architectural shingles are not appropriate, but in this case, he does not have any objection to them. Motion by Commissioner Wiles, seconded by Commissioner Yager, to approve as submitted the application with the following modifications and conditions: 1. Once commenced, the project will be completed within one year. 2. The applicant has proposed using Owens-Corning Duration Series architectural-style shingles in Brownwood. This choice is approved as submitted, however the Commission also grants the applicant the option of using a three-tab shingle in a similar color. 3. The white drip edge is not approved. The drip edge will be brown, as discussed at the meeting. Findings: 1. This is a Type II SEQRA. 2. The existing roof is in disrepair and must be replaced to preserve the integrity of the structure. It has reached the end of its intended lifespan. 3. The shingle color chosen is consistent with the color scheme of the building. Motion carried unanimously. Historic District Commission Meeting Minutes –October 16, 2017 –Page 2 of 9  Approved 11/13/17 B. Consideration for approval submitted by Renee Farley to paint the exterior of the home. The premise is located at 28 North Street. Ms. Farley was not present at the meeting and thus the application was not considered. C. Consideration for approval submitted by Charles E. Contompasis to replace the existing wooden fence with a black aluminum fence. The premise is located at 1345 Union Street. Charles Contompasis and his wife appeared before the Commission. Mrs. Contompasis explained that the existing wood fence is in severe disrepair and has reached the end of its lifespan. She stated that they decided that they would prefer to replace it with an aluminum fence, which will last longer and require less maintenance. She added that she believes that the aluminum fence is more appropriate for the area, as many of the properties close by have metal or cast-iron fences. Commissioner Wiles asked if they intend to replace the two brick end posts. Mrs. Contompasis stated that the post will remain. Commissioner Wiles asked if the fence along the north end of the property is on the property line. Mr. Contompasis stated that he does not believe so, but that the fence was in this location when they purchased the property. Commissioner Wiles asked if they had considered adding any landscaping, either in front of the new fence or behind it, since the new design would significantly reduce the amount of privacy they have now. Mrs. Contompasis stated that they had not considered adding landscaping. Mr. Contompasis stated that he realizes that the aluminum fence will result in reduced privacy, and that he had been considering modifying the proposal to include a section of wood privacy fence along the property line at the rear of the yard. He added that it might also help to restrict the access of unwanted animals to the yard. Commissioner Yager stated that she had found a picture of a wood fence similar to the existing and wondered if they might consider this option instead of the aluminum. She shared a picture of the fence with the applicants and the Commissioners. Mr. Contompasis stated that the picture is very much like the current fence, which he knows was very expensive when it was installed over 20 years ago, and that they had decided against another wood fence both because of the cost and the maintenance required. Commissioner Yager asked Commissioner Wiles if the Commission had ever allowed a PVC or vinyl fence. Commissioner Wiles stated that they had not. Mr. Contompasis stated that PVC would be his first choice for the rear of the yard where he would like to put a section of privacy fence. Commissioner Yager stated that in her research she had seen several examples of aluminum fences with Trex® posts. She added that she is bothered that the posts shown in the application appear too narrow and do not give sufficient weight and Historic District Commission Meeting Minutes –October 16, 2017 –Page 3 of 9  Approved 11/13/17 grounding to the fence. Commissioner Craven agreed. Commissioner Craven asked why the applicants chose black, as the fence is also available in a brown/bronze finish. Mr. Contompasis stated that they had chosen black because most of the cast or wrought iron fences that they have seen are black, but that they would be happy to defer to the Commission regarding which color would be most appropriate for this application. Commissioner Craven stated that she asked because she had installed a similar fence in bronze on her property at 1025 Gillespie Street and she is very pleased with the color choice. She suggested that the applicants might want to go look at it, so that they could observe an example of the bronze fence in person. Commissioner Yager stated that traditionally homes of this style had fences using two different materials. She asked if the other Commissioners had an opinion about the Trex® posts. Commissioner Wiles stated that he did not think it would be appropriate and that it would be introducing a new material, which he would not support. Commissioner Yager stated that she is concerned about the visual balance of the posts if they are the thin aluminum. Commissioner Bennett stated that he has concerns that aluminum fences can become dented and bent if they are not a heavy enough material. Mr. Contompasis stated that the fence they have chosen is a heavy gauge aluminum and that if a section becomes damaged it can be taken out and replaced. Commissioner Yager asked the applicants if given the opportunity they would investigate other design options for the fence. Commissioner Wiles commented that he had suggested the added landscaping because he believes that the applicants might not be happy with the fence as proposed, due to the loss of privacy. Mr. Contompasis stated that the cost and maintenance of landscaping would be prohibitive. He explained that he had proposed the wood fence at the rear of the yard, a few sections in from the street, because it would provide some added privacy. Commissioner Wiles stated that he did not agree that the different section of fence would be a good idea, and that he did not believe that landscaping would be a very large expense. Mr. Contompasis disagreed, stating that the amount of landscaping required would be a significant investment and that they did not wish to have to maintain it. Commissioner Wiles stated that this proposal might be one where the applicants feel that it is in their best interest to wait a month so that another Commissioner would be present, because he would not support the modified application with the added different style of privacy fence at the rear of the yard. Mrs. Contompasis asked if the Commissioners felt that they could approve the aluminum fence as submitted in the application. Commissioner Wiles asked if the aluminum panels will have a bar along the bottom. Mrs. Contompasis stated that the cut sheet for the style that they had chosen shows the bottom rail. Commissioner Craven asked if the new fence would be the same height as the current fence. Mr. Contompasis Historic District Commission Meeting Minutes –October 16, 2017 –Page 4 of 9  Approved 11/13/17 stated that it would be. Commissioner Bennett sated that he would not object to the aluminum fence as submitted. Mr. Contompasis stated that there are other homes along Ardsley Road with privacy fences in the backyard. He added that he and his wife have always done their best to be in compliance with the HDC requirements and that he does not believe that the small section of fence at the rear of the yard would be a very noticeable addition. He stated that he is not certain that he would choose to have the section of fence in a different material, but he would like to have it as an option. Commissioner Yager asked if the object of having that section of fence would be to provide privacy from the Ardsley Road neighbor’s backyard. Mr. Contompasis stated that it would be. Mrs. Contompasis stated that she would like to have the application as submitted be approved if possible, because she is concerned that the current fence is falling down and would like to know that they can replace it before winter. She added that they would be willing to investigate other options for posts that would give a more grounded appearance to the fence. Mr. Contompasis stated that if the Commissioners preferred he would be willing to table the proposal and return with more information regarding the exact location of the property line, and other fence design options. Commissioner Wiles explained that he had only asked about the location of the property line related to whether or not there could be room for added landscaping. He added that the applicants could request that the proposal be considered as submitted with the black aluminum fence, and they would always have the option to return with a new application if they changed their minds. Mr. Contompasis asked what the fence would have traditionally been made of. Commissioner Wiles replied that it would have been black cast iron. Mr. Contompasis stated that he would like the application to be considered as submitted. Commissioner Bennett stated that it would be helpful to see a photo of the proposed wood privacy fence if they applicants return to the Commission for further consideration. Mrs. Contompasis stated that she had a photo with her and showed it to the Commissioners. Commissioner Yager asked if they would consider staining the privacy fence a dark color. Mr. Contompasis stated that they do not like to do outside work and feel that a stained fence would have to be maintained more. Commissioner Wiles stated that he would not approve the separate wood section of privacy fence at this time. Commissioner Craven stated that when she had visited the property she had not viewed it with this possibility of considering the different fence, so she would have to see it again with that in mind. Commissioner Yager stated that she felt that considering the modified application without having had more time to consider it would not be acceptable. Mrs. Contompasis stated that she would like something to be approved at the meeting. Historic District Commission Meeting Minutes –October 16, 2017 –Page 5 of 9  Approved 11/13/17 Commissioner Yager stated that she would like the applicants to consider a modified design with a heavier post. Commissioner Craven commented that she is concerned that the applicants will not be happy with the fence once it is installed, as it will provide significantly less privacy than the existing fence. Commissioner Bennett noted that the new fence would allow more of the house to be seen, which he thinks is a positive result. Commissioner Wiles stated that he would be willing to make a motion to approve the application as submitted, and then if the applicants wish to make any significant changes they would return for further consideration. Commissioner Yager stated that they might consider adding another brick post. Mrs. Contompasis stated that she did not think that her neighbor would like a brick post close to the property line. Motion by Commissioner Wiles, seconded by Commissioner Bennett, to approve as submitted the application to replace the existing wood fence with an aluminum fence with the following modifications and conditions: 1. Once commenced, the project will be completed within one year. 2. The aluminum fence may be black or bronze (brown). Findings: 1. This is a Type II SEQRA. 2. The existing wood fence is more than 25 years old and is at the end of its lifespan. 3. The applicants may choose a wider post of the same material if they decide that it would be more appropriate. 4. This approval was issued with the understanding with the applicants that they might decide to propose modifications to the proposal in the future, and would return to the Commission for further consideration at that time. Motion carried unanimously. D. Consideration for approval submitted by Susan Van Heukelom to repaint the entire exterior woodwork and masonry foundation. The premise is located at 14 North Street. Susan Van Heukelom appeared before the Commission. Ms. Van Heukelom explained that she would like to finish as much of the painting as possible this fall, and then continue in the spring. Commissioner Wiles noted that the Commission’s decision will include a condition that once it is started, the project must be completed in one year. Ms. Van Heukelom stated that this would not be a problem. She noted that she would like to paint the front façade and the south side of the building, both of which are showing the most wear, as soon as possible. Historic District Commission Meeting Minutes –October 16, 2017 –Page 6 of 9  Approved 11/13/17 Commissioner Craven asked Ms. Van Heukelom what color she plans to paint the front steps. She stated that she would like to use the Spiced Cider color so that they will show less dirt than with the darker color. Commissioner Craven asked if the foundation wall and the gate will remain black. Ms. Van Heukelom stated that they will. Commissioner Craven asked what the box under the attic window is for. Ms. Van Heukelom stated that the previous owners told her that it might have been for an alarm or security system, but that they had never used it in the 18 years that they had owned the property. She added that it will be removed and the clapboard underneath will be repaired or replaced as necessary. Ms. Van Heukelom explained that she chose the proposed colors because she believes that they will bring out the Victorian character of the house, which she stated is not fussy but does reflect that time period quite well. The Commissioners agreed. Commissioner Yager asked if Ms. Van Heukelom plans to accent the basement windows by painting the frames Spiced Cider, or leaving them black so that they will blend in more. Commissioner Bennett stated that he does not have a strong opinion either way. Commissioner Craven agreed. Ms. Van Heukelom stated that she would most likely leave them black. Commissioner Wiles asked what color the front door and porch posts will be. Ms. Van Heukelom stated that the door will be Spiced Cider, and the posts will be Muslin with Spiced Cider accents. Commissioner Bennett asked if the Commissioners had an opinion about painting the small accents on the porch posts Spiced Cider, as traditionally they would have been only Muslin, but in the recent past it has become a practice to add the darker color, and this practice can be observed throughout the Stockade. He added that he does not have a strong opinion either way. The Commissioners concurred. Commissioner Wiles asked if the aluminum storm windows will be painted. Ms. Van Heukelom stated that she would like them to be the Spiced Cider, as the window sashes will be. Commissioner Wiles asked what color the porch rails will be and if the front door is currently painted black. Ms. Van Heukelom replied that the porch rails will be Muslin and the storm door is currently painted black. She added that she would like to paint the front door, the storm door, and the surrounding sidelights the Spiced Cider color. Motion by Commissioner Yager, seconded by Commissioner Craven, to approve as submitted the application, with the following conditions and modifications: 1. Once commenced, the project will be completed in one year. 2. The body of the building will be painted Sherwin Williams Garden Sage (SW7736), with the trim Sherwin Williams Muslin (HGSW4048), and the accents Sherwin Williams Spiced Cider (SW7702), as shown in the application. The basement window trim will be black, instead of Spiced Cider, as shown. Findings: 1. This is a Type II SEQRA. Historic District Commission Meeting Minutes –October 16, 2017 –Page 7 of 9  Approved 11/13/17 2. The applicant states that the small box under the third-floor window will be removed and the clapboard repaired or replaced as necessary. 3. The aluminum storm windows will be painted the same color as the window sashes. Motion carried unanimously. E. Consideration for approval submitted by Ronnie Gardner to replace the existing 3-Tab shingles with architectural shingles. The premise is located at 1030 Wendell Avenue. Ronnie Gardner appeared before the Commission. Mr. Gardner explained that he had recently purchased the property and the roof is in very bad disrepair. He stated that the shingles he has chosen are black, as are the current shingles, but they are architectural-style while the existing are three-tab. Commissioner Craven asked if Mr. Gardner brought a sample of the shingles. Mr. Gardner stated that he had not. Commissioner Bennett stated that according to the guidelines if an element is black no sample is required. Commissioner Craven stated that she would like to see a sample to be certain that the shingles are truly black in color. Zoning Officer Epstein found a sample photo on his phone and shared it with the Commissioners. Commissioner Wiles stated that Mr. Gardner had most likely heard the earlier conversation about three-tab and architectural shingles. Mr. Gardner state that he had, and that he has chosen the architectural-style shingles because they were what had been recommended by his roofing contractor, who had explained that they had a longer life span and were less expensive to install. Motion by Commissioner Bennett, seconded by Commissioner Wiles, to approve as submitted the application to replace the existing roof with architectural-style Owens Corning Duration Series shingles in black onyx with the following condition: 1. Once commenced, the project will be completed within one year. Findings: 1. This is a Type II SEQRA. 2. The homeowner recently purchased the property and the roof was in a severe state of disrepair at the time of purchase. 3. The new shingles will be very similar in color, if not identical, to the existing. Motion carried unanimously. Historic District Commission Meeting Minutes –October 16, 2017 –Page 8 of 9  Approved 11/13/17 VII. MISCELLANEOUS Zoning Officer Epstein reported that following the discussion of composite slate roof materials initiated by Commissioner Yager at the September meeting he had contacted the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) regarding any position or opinion they might have about the materials available as traditional slate roof alternatives. He explained that they told him that they do not have an official opinion at this time. He also noted that he had spoken with Assistant Planner Shamieh about it, and she suggested that this would be something that the Commissioners might want to include in a set of design guidelines that they would formulate and use as a standard against which to consider applications. Mr. Epstein stated that Ms. Shamieh, who has recently returned from maternity leave, will continue to follow-up. VIII. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Wiles, seconded by Commissioner Yager, to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 8:26 pm. Historic District Commission Meeting Minutes –October 16, 2017 –Page 9 of 9