Historic Resource Commission

APPROVED 11/13/17 Schenectady Historic District Commission Meeting Minutes November 2, 2017 I. CALL TO ORDER Commissioner Wiles called the meeting to order at 6:33 PM. II. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Dr. Dean Bennett; Jackie Craven; David F. Lowry; Ben Wiles; Patricia Yager STAFF: Rima Shamieh, Assistant Planner; Ashlynn Savarese, Assistant Corporation Counsel; Jennifer Mills, Secretary III. CONFLICT OF INTEREST None. V. NEW BUSINESS A. Consideration for approval submitted by Paul Bonacquisti to replace wood windows on a secondary façade with wood windows of a different design. The premises are located at 508 Union Street. Paul Bonacquisti appeared before the Commission. Mr. Bonacquisti explained that in their original application, which was approved by the Commission earlier this year, the developers had communicated that they planned to repair the wood windows. He stated that once they removed all the debris from the building and could closely examine the windows they realized that many were beyond repair. He noted that their first response was to replace all the windows, which are currently mismatched, with the same grille configuration, but that in consulting with the State Office of Historic Preservation (SHPO) they were informed that SHPO would like them to try to save and repair all the windows that they can. Mr. Bonacquisti reviewed the elevation drawings that were submitted with the application, on which he had noted which windows they would like to repair if possible and which are beyond repair and need to be replaced. Commissioner Wiles asked if the replacement windows will be wood and have true divided light sections. Mr. Bonacquisti replied that the windows will be wood, but that they will have inserted grilles and would be simulated divided lights. He noted that from street level it would be difficult to discern that they are not true divided light. Commissioner Wiles asked if they would like to replace the windows on the Historic District Commission Meeting Minutes – November 2, 2017 –Page 1 of 4  APPROVED 11/13/17 side facades and the rear all with one over one windows. Mr. Bonacquisti stated that this would be their first choice. He noted that currently all the windows have different divided light designs, and that it has been difficult to pinpoint which windows are from which point in time in the history of the building. He explained that they are willing to use whatever design the Commission approves, but that they would prefer that all the replacement windows be one over one. Commissioner Bennett noted that since the windows will all be replaced with wood windows the only point of consideration for the Commissioners would be the choice of the division of the window panes. Commissioner Wiles agreed. Mr. Bonacquisti noted that SHPO has communicated to him that they would prefer that the windows on the Union Street and Jay Street sides be replaced in the same configuration as they currently exist, so that they would not match. He explained that SHPO has less of a strong opinion regarding the alley side and the rear of the building. He noted that they stated that they would approve the one over one configuration because that design is the only one that can be specifically linked to a certain time period. Mr. Bonacquisti noted that time is of the essence because the windows must be ordered, and they have a signed lease with a tenant that would like to move in on December 1st, 2017. Commissioner Yager stated that she is surprised that SHPO does not prefer that the replaced windows match. Assistant Planner Shamieh noted that this may because of the history of the building and that the mismatched windows tell part of the story of that history, which would be lost if they were all replaced with a uniform design. Mr. Bonacquisti agreed to share SHPO’s comments with Ms. Shamieh. Commissioner Yager stated that she was uncertain what the Commission can say if SHPO has already stated their opinion on what they think the windows should look like. Commissioner Wiles stated that the Commission can say whatever they would like, but that they obviously do not want to create a direct conflict for the applicants to have to deal with. He noted that in the decision the Commissioners could also note that if SHPO changed their opinion, this would be the alternative that the Commission would like to see. Commissioner Wiles asked Mr. Bonacquisti if what is on the submitted diagram reflects SHPO’s opinions. Mr. Bonacquisti stated that it mostly does, but that they had communicated that they would approve of the replacement windows being one over one or two over two on the rear and alley facades, and that if the replaced windows do not match the repaired ones it would be okay. He stated that they would prefer the one over one because that is the configuration of most of the windows that are being replaced on those sides. He noted that the representative from SHPO was adamant that the two small second-story windows on the Jay Street side must be repaired and should not be replaced. Commissioner Craven asked if SHPO had specified that the sash configurations must remain the same, i.e. with the smaller upper window as now exists on the first floor of the Jay Street Historic District Commission Meeting Minutes – November 2, 2017 –Page 2 of 4  APPROVED 11/13/17 facade. Mr. Bonacquisti stated that the sash configurations must, and will, remain the same. Mr. Bonacquisti stated that he would be willing to come back before the Commission to report on the progress or to discuss what configuration of grilles they had decided on. Commissioner Wiles stated that while he appreciates this, he believes that the decision can be constructed so that they have some leeway as to which window design may be chosen. Commissioner Bennett agreed that if possible the application should be approved so that the applicants can move forward without first returning to the Commission. Commissioner Craven asked if at the previous review the cellar windows and side door were addressed. Mr. Bonacquisti stated that he believes that they were approved to be repaired or replaced in kind, and that the cellar windows are fixed in place and in various states of disrepair. Commissioner Yager asked if the sealed cellar windows pose any problem with adequate ventilation. Mr. Bonacquisti stated that the cellar is quite dry and that in some sections there is a dirt floor. He added that any repairs to the windows would be in kind. Commissioner Wiles asked the Commissioners if they have a preference of one over one windows or two over two. The Commissioners indicated that they do not. Commissioner Craven noted that she prefers that they are as consistent as possible. The Commissioners agreed. Motion by Commissioner Wiles, seconded by Commissioner Lowry, to approve as submitted the application to replace the windows at 508 Union Street with the following modifications and conditions: 1. Once commenced, the project will be completed within one year. 2. According to the diagram provided, the windows on the Union Street façade will be repaired except for the second-floor window that will be replaced in kind, twelve over one. 3. On the Jay Street façade, the windows indicated will be repaired if possible, and those indicated as needing to be replaced on the second floor will be two over two or one over one, where the two over two configuration exists now. The current six over six second-floor window and attic window may be replaced in kind as one over one, or two over two. 4. On the alley side, the windows indicated will be repaired if possible, and the second-floor windows will be replaced with one over one or two over two windows. The Commission would prefer two over two windows where they currently exist now. The six over six attic window may be replaced in kind, or as a one over one or two over two window. 5. On the rear of the building, the windows indicated will be repaired if possible, and the second-floor windows that are currently six over six will be replaced in kind or as one over one or two over two, and the existing one over one windows will be replaced in kind or as two over two. Historic District Commission Meeting Minutes – November 2, 2017 –Page 3 of 4  APPROVED 11/13/17 Findings: 1. This is a Type II SEQRA. 2. The scope of this application is limited to the grille configuration of the windows because all the windows that need to be replaced will be replaced with wood windows. 3. The building has had windows replaced during many different time periods in its history. 4. The applicant is working with SHPO to devise an acceptable overall design for the fenestration of the building. The Commission has made every attempt to formulate a decision that will coordinate with this goal while still upholding the standards and guidelines that they are required to consider. Motion carried unanimously. VI. MISCELLANEOUS None. VII. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Wiles, seconded by Commissioner Craven, to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 7:12 pm. Historic District Commission Meeting Minutes – November 2, 2017 –Page 4 of 4