Historic Resource Commission

APPROVED 6/21/18 Schenectady Historic District Commission Meeting Minutes May 14, 2018 I. CALL TO ORDER Commissioner Wiles called the meeting to order at 7:06 PM. II. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Shaun Andriano; Frank Gilmore; David F. Lowry; Ben Wiles, Vice Chair STAFF: Rima Shamieh, Assistant Planner; Ashlynn Savarese, Assistant Corporation Counsel; Kelly Walsh, Assistant Corporation Counsel; Jennifer Mills, Secretary EXCUSED: Patricia Yager, Chair ABSENT: Dr. Dean Bennett Counselor Savarese announced that this would be her last meeting serving as Counsel for the Commission. She introduced Ms. Walsh, who will be her replacement. III. CONFLICT OF INTEREST None. IV. ADOPTION OF MEETING MINUTES Motion by Commissioner Gilmore, seconded by Commissioner Andriano, to approve the January 16, 2018 Meeting Minutes as submitted. Motion carried unanimously. Motion by Commissioner Wiles, seconded by Commissioner Lowry, to approve the April 16, 2018 Meeting Minutes as submitted. Motion carried unanimously. V. NEW BUSINESS - APPLICATIONS A. Consideration for approval submitted by Gordon Furlani on behalf of St. John the Evangelist Church to repair or replace the front steps of the church and alter the site plan. The premises are located at 816 Union Street in the Union Street Corridor Historic District. Historic District Commission Meeting Minutes – May 14, 2018 –Page 1 of 10  APPROVED 6/21/18 Gordon Furlani, project manager, appeared before the Commission. He was accompanied by Mary Moore Wallinger, landscape architect for the project, Luigi Palleschi, of ABD Engineers and Surveyors, and Father Richard Carlino, Pastor of St. John the Evangelist Church. Mr. Furlani explained that since the previous presentation was made by the church in late 2016 he has taken over as manager of the project and has been working with Assistant Planner Shamieh on revising the original proposal, which was found unacceptable by the Commission because it included removing the side portions of the front steps of the church. He stated that the church has decided to leave the design of the steps as they exist, and either repair or replace them. He noted that because the center portion of the steps has been covered with wood and carpet for approximately 15 years, it is difficult to tell what condition the steps are currently in. Commissioner Gilmore asked what the original material of the steps is. Mr. Palleschi stated that they are constructed of brownstone. Mr. Furlani stated that until the carpet is removed they will not know the current condition of the steps, but once they remove the current overlaying materials the repair or restoration must start immediately, so they would like to have permission from the Commission to either repair or replace the steps, whichever proves necessary. He explained that they are hopeful that the stair treads are in satisfactory condition, and that only their foundation needs repair, but that if replacement proves necessary they would like to use a colored concrete product which would appear almost identical to the original sandstone. Mr. Furlani noted that the concrete product would also have a longer lifespan than the brownstone. Mr. Palleschi briefly reviewed the rest of the site plan. He explained that there will be a driveway for wedding and funeral processions, but all the existing asphalt will be removed and there will no longer be any parking in front of the church. He noted that the old pipe railing will be removed, and that the new railing shown on the site plan will be like that used on the church rectory. Commissioner Gilmore stated that he would like to see a detail of the iron work design before it is installed. Mr. Palleschi stated that they would submit it for approval. Mr. Furlani stated that it is their intention to design a sign in brownstone that will match the church, but that unfortunately the man that was hired to make the sign has passed way. He explained that he is currently looking for a new craftsperson to make the sign, and that they would return to the Commission with a sign proposal at a later date. Commission Gilmore stated that the scale of the steps leading down to the sidewalk does not seem to match the scale of the church. Mr. Palleschi stated that they are approximately 12 feet wide. Commissioner Gilmore stated that he believes that a width of 15-18 feet would be better. Ms. Shamieh asked if the width of the stairs is Historic District Commission Meeting Minutes – May 14, 2018 –Page 2 of 10  APPROVED 6/21/18 an issue of historic appropriateness or simply aesthetics. Commissioner Gilmore stated that he believes that it is a question of historic significance because it relates to the original intent of the grand view of the front of the church, and stairs that are too small would detract from the original design. Mr. Palleschi stated that he does not think it will be a problem to increase the width of the steps. Commissioner Wiles asked if there are any drawings or photos of the church when it was first built, or soon thereafter. Ms. Shamieh stated that the only photo she has been able to find is a side view of the building, so very little of the front of the property is visible. Commissioner Wiles asked if there is evidence of any previous alterations to the front of the building and property. Ms. Shamieh stated that there are no records of any. Commissioner Wiles asked if the landscaping around the steps up from the sidewalk will be low. Ms. Wallinger stated that it will be. Commissioner Wiles asked if the design of the front steps of the church, with the two side wings, is original. Ms. Wallinger stated that it is. Commissioner Wiles stated that if the steps are replaced with sandstone it will be an in-kind restoration. Ms. Shamieh confirmed this. Commissioner Wiles asked what color the stamped concrete will be. Mr. Palleschi stated that it will be light brown and gray. Commissioner Gilmore asked if they had considered using the stamped concrete product on the whole driveway, out to the street. Mr. Palleschi stated that the City requires that driveway aprons be concrete to match the sidewalks. Commissioner Gilmore stated that he would advise them to ask the city if they could stamp the aprons or at least tint them to match the rest of the driveway. Motion by Commissioner Wiles, seconded by Commissioner Gilmore, to approve the application as submitted, with the following modifications and conditions: 1. The project will be completed within one year. 2. The repairs to the front steps will maintain the dimensions and configuration of the stairs that wrap around both sides of the staircase. 3. The applicant is proposing to reuse the brownstone stairs, if possible. If it is not possible to use only the brownstone, the applicant will use tinted concrete that will be very similar in appearance. 4. The church sign, iron or aluminum railing, and lighting are not part of this approval. The applicants will return to the Commission for approval of these elements of the site plan before they are installed. 5. The steps from the sidewalk will be increased in width to 15-18 feet and will be constructed of the same material as the front steps of the church, if possible. If not, they will be constructed of a material that very closely resembles that of the church steps. 6. If granted permission by the City, the applicants may use stamped and/or tinted concrete on the driveway aprons. Historic District Commission Meeting Minutes – May 14, 2018 –Page 3 of 10  APPROVED 6/21/18 Findings: 1. This is a Type II SEQRA. 2. The applicants have submitted a letter from Mayor McCarthy in support of their application for a grant from the Sacred Sites NY Landmark Conservancy Program. Motion carried unanimously. B. Consideration for approval submitted by Christine Galvin to change the paint color on the primary building and reconstruct its deteriorated steps. The premises are located at 105 Front Street in the Stockade Historic District. Christine Galvin appeared before the Commission. Ms. Galvin explained that she would like to paint the building, replace the roof, and replace the front steps and landing. Commissioner Wiles asked if she will be painting the house a different color than it currently is. Ms. Galvin stated that it will be slightly different, as it currently has a white body and white trim, while the new body color, Benjamin Moore Morning Dew, is a very light warm gray color. Commissioner Gilmore suggested that Ms. Galvin consider using a gloss finish on the black front door to make it stand out more. Commissioner Wiles asked Ms. Galvin if she is replacing the entire roof, and what color it will be. Ms. Galvin replied that she will be replacing the whole roof, and that it will be a black rolled roof product. Commissioner Wiles stated that he believes that very little, if any, of the roof is visible from the public right-of-way. The Commissioners agreed. Commissioner Andriano commented that Ms. Galvin should check with her roofer to make sure that how he is installing the roof will meet the requirements for the warranty. He explained that he was concerned when he saw on the estimate sheet that fiber board is being proposed for the underlayment, as fiber board is usually not the recommended material for an application such as this. Commissioner Wiles asked if the front porch will be completely removed and replaced, and if the design will differ from what is existing. Ms. Galvin stated that the design will be very similar. She stated that originally she had been told that the lower two steps are sandstone and she wanted to try to save them, but she was later told by two masons that they are concrete. Commissioner Gilmore commented that the porch drawing submitted shows no spindles on the iron railings going up the stairs; he noted that the existing railings have two spindles on each tread. Ms. Galvin stated that if the Commissioners did not approve of the new design she could try to reuse the existing railing. Commissioner Gilmore stated that he would prefer that the existing railing be reused or a new railing of the same design, two spindles per tread, be used. The Commissioners agreed. Historic District Commission Meeting Minutes – May 14, 2018 –Page 4 of 10  APPROVED 6/21/18 Commissioner Andriano asked Ms. Galvin if she could provide any more information about the style of brick proposed for facing the new steps and landing. Ms. Galvin stated that she could not, but that it will be as close to what is existing as possible. Commissioner Andriano asked if Ms. Galvin knows what color mortar is proposed. Ms. Galvin replied that it will be a standard color, like what is there now. Commissioner Gilmore suggested that perhaps the Commission could require Ms. Galvin to provide a sample of the proposed brick. Commissioner Wiles stated that he does not believe the porch should be a part of this approval if the other Commissioners feel like they still need to see a sample of the brick. Commissioner Gilmore asked Ms. Galvin if she had considered leaving the sandstone steps. Ms. Galvin said she had, but then was told by two masons that they are probably not sandstone but concrete. The Commissioners discussed the photos and concluded that the existing bottom steps are most likely concrete and should be replaced. Assistant Planner Shamieh noted that there are no visible seams, as there most likely would be if the steps were stone. Commissioner Wiles stated that he would approve the proposal for the steps as submitted if the existing railing was reused or replaced in kind. The Commissioners agreed. Motion by Commissioner Wiles, seconded by Commissioner Lowry, to approve the application as submitted, with the following modifications and conditions: 1. The project will be completed within one year. 2. The body of the building will be painted Benjamin Moore Morning Dew (1493). The trim will be Benjamin Moore China White, and the door will be Benjamin Moore Black. 3. The front steps will be replaced as submitted, with the exception that the existing iron railings will be reused or will be replaced in-kind to exactly match the existing. Findings: 1. This is a Type II SEQRA. 2. Following a discussion, it became apparent that the existing two bottom steps are most likely cement, not sandstone, and that because of their current state of disrepair they should be replaced. Motion carried unanimously. C. Consideration for approval submitted by Donald Liebers and Ann Reilly to replace the 3-tab shingle roof on the primary building using architectural shingles. The premises are located at 4 Morris Avenue in the Morris Avenue Historic District. Historic District Commission Meeting Minutes – May 14, 2018 –Page 5 of 10  APPROVED 6/21/18 Ann Reilly appeared before the Commission. Ms. Reilly explained that the roof on her home is at the end of its lifespan and needs to be replaced. She stated that it currently has three-tab shingles, but they would like to replace the roof using architectural shingles. She explained that while she has spoken with four roofing companies, and while some said they would install a three-tab roof, they also informed her that they could not give a warranty on the roof. Ms. Reilly noted that most of the houses on the street have slate roofs, but a few have architectural shingles. She stated that the existing roof is the one that has been on her house since she and her husband purchased it, and that they would be willing to use whatever color the Commissioners might suggest as most appropriate. Commissioner Andriano stated that there are synthetic shingles available that look like slate or a three-tab configuration. He noted that these products come with a strong warranty. He explained that he feels that the look of the architectural shingles is significantly different than that of the three-tab shingles, but whether they would be less historically appropriate in this case might be a matter of opinion. The Commissioners discussed the brochure provided by Ms. Reilly and concluded that either the Estate Gray or Quarry Gray shade would be the closest to what is existing. Commissioner Wiles explained that when he joined the Commission the preference was toward architectural shingles, but about five years ago the Commission switched to recommending three-tab shingles because they more closely resembled what the original look of the roof might have been. He stated that three-tab shingles have been becoming less popular, however, because they do not have as long of a warranty available, they are more expensive to install, and it can be more difficult to find a roofing company willing to work with them. He noted that he would support leaving the choice between the two types of shingles up to the applicants. The Commissioners agreed. Motion by Commissioner Wiles, seconded by Commissioner Andriano, to approve the application as submitted, with the following modifications and conditions: 1. The project will be completed within one year. 2. The shingles will be either Estate Gray or Quarry Gray, as shown in the Owens Corning samples provided at the meeting. 3. The applicants may choose to use either a three-tab or an architectural shingle. If they choose a three-tab style and the color varies from what was approved they will return to city staff for final approval of the color. Findings: 1. This is a Type II SEQRA. Historic District Commission Meeting Minutes – May 14, 2018 –Page 6 of 10  APPROVED 6/21/18 Motion carried unanimously. D. Consideration for approval submitted by Susan DuFour to replace the screen door in the sunroom with a reclaimed wooden door with a large glass panel and dentil shelf. The premises are located at 4 Cucumber Alley in the Stockade Historic District. Susan DuFour appeared before the Commission. Ms. DuFour explained that the Pella door that the Commission had approved at the April meeting cannot be sized to fit the opening in her sunroom. She stated that she has found a salvaged door which was originally used on a house on Parkwood Boulevard in Schenectady, and that she would like to use this door instead of the Pella door. Commissioner Wiles stated that this looks like a heavier door than the one Ms. DuFour had previously chosen. Ms. DuFour stated that it is, but that she believes that there is enough glass in it to make it acceptable for this application. Commissioner Wiles asked what color the door is. Ms. DuFour stated that the exterior is a reddish-brown color and the interior is the original unpainted wood. She added that she had originally planned to paint the door white to match the window trim but is now leaning toward painting it a deep red color to match her front door. Commissioner Gilmore suggested that she use a semi-gloss finish paint with a door of this age. Motion by Commissioner Wiles, seconded by Commissioner Gilmore, to approve the application as submitted, with the following modifications and conditions: 1. The project will be completed within one year. 2. The door will be painted a deep red color to match the color of the front door. Findings: 1. This is a Type II SEQRA. 2. The Pella door that the Commission approved at the April 2018 meeting is not available in the size needed for this project. Motion carried unanimously. VII. MISCELLANEOUS A. Discussion about changing the regularly scheduled Commission meeting day to the 2nd Tuesday or 2nd Wednesday of the month Assistant Planner Shamieh explained that she has been canvassing the Commissioners regarding changing the meeting day and two Commissioners have Historic District Commission Meeting Minutes – May 14, 2018 –Page 7 of 10  APPROVED 6/21/18 conflicts - Commissioner Bennett on the second Tuesday and Commissioner Wiles on the second Wednesday. Commissioner Wiles stated that his conflict would make it impossible for him to attend the Wednesday evening meeting, and thus he would be unable to continue serving on the Commission. He stated that due to Commissioner Bennett’s absence he did not support taking any action on this topic at this meeting. Commissioner Andriano stated that he would prefer that the process of choosing a new meeting date not be extended over months. Counselor Savarese stated that the change would have to be made and voted on at a public meeting of the Commission. Commissioner Wiles asked why the meeting had to be changed from Monday. Ms. Shamieh stated that for many reasons it is better for the Commission to meet in Room 110, and the Monday meetings often conflict with the City Council committee meetings taking place in that room at that time. B. Staff Report a. Landscaping changes in the historic districts Ms. Shamieh explained that the HDC currently has no written design guidelines or written policy document. She stated that work is moving forward to formulate one, but it is not yet complete. Ms. Shamieh stated that over time the policy has developed that all landscaping changes within the historic districts must come before the Historic District Commission. She explained that under this policy if a property owner wants to plant some tulips or prune a tree, they must get approval from the HDC, which seems to be beyond what the original intent of the policy was. Ms. Shamieh stated that there are currently some conflicting opinions among City staff as to what the policy should be, which is why she has not yet presented the Commissioners with a draft policy document regarding the landscaping issue. Ms. Shamieh explained that the issue arose when a property owner was taking down some weed trees in the Stockade and was told by City staff that they must stop the work until they were able to get permission from the Commission to continue. She stated that this led to the question of what types of landscaping issues, if any, should be under the purview of the Commission. Commissioner Gilmore stated that in many cases he believes that landscaping plays a very big role in the historic appearance of a property. He gave the example of an eighteenth-century home with a stone foundation, which would never have had any foundation plantings at the base of the house. Ms. Shamieh stated that she agrees, but it is the opinion of some staff that the HDC should have no purview over landscaping at all, which she does not agree with. She gave the hypothetical example of a homeowner in the GE Realty Plot who would like to take out his front lawn and put in cornfields, stating that of course the Commission should have the power to regulate such a situation since it speaks directly to the historic landscape setting of the neighborhood. Historic District Commission Meeting Minutes – May 14, 2018 –Page 8 of 10  APPROVED 6/21/18 Ms. Shamieh stated that at the same time she does not believe that every landscaping alteration, such as removing weed trees, should have to be approved by the Commission. She explained that under the current policy, the property owner whose work was stopped is required to come before the Commission. Commissioner Wiles stated that for weed or sapling trees he agrees that permission should not be necessary but stated that he does believe that older trees have a very definite effect on an entire landscape of a property and neighborhood, as they speak directly to an historic time and place. Ms. Shamieh agreed, stating that she thinks that a policy can be developed around the concept of an historic vernacular landscape that develops over time, and what would be significant alterations to that landscape. For example, if a homeowner wanted to take out some shrubs and replace them with similar species, that would not raise an issue, while the corn field would require full review. Commissioner Gilmore added that he feels that landmark trees are very important in an historic setting. He cited examples of two trees which were removed in the Stockade, and American Chestnut and a Gingko, which were a very important part of the history of the area. Commissioner Wiles stated that when trees are removed he would like the property owners to be required to give information about the age and species of the tree to the City for the property records. Ms. Shamieh stated that she sees this practice as somewhat of an impractical, stop-gap measure, explaining that it would be more practical and effective do to a study to record an inventory of the landscaping in the historic districts and to write a policy specifically speaking to the Commission’s role in the preservation and protection of that landscape. b. Guidance document draft status Ms. Shamieh stated that once Commissioner Yager returns from her vacation she will forward a revised draft to the subcommittee members. c. Electronic application has been launched, now soliciting feedback Ms. Shamieh noted that two of the applications for this meeting had been submitted using the online version of the application. Commissioner Wiles asked if the electronic version asks for the same information as the traditional application. Ms. Shamieh stated that it does. d. Historic Tax Credit workshop given by SHPO on May 31, 6:30-8 pm, Mt. Olivet Missionary Baptist Church at 1068 Park Ave. in the Union Triangle Historic District Ms. Shamieh asked that the Commissioners spread the word and invited them to attend the workshop if possible. Historic District Commission Meeting Minutes – May 14, 2018 –Page 9 of 10  APPROVED 6/21/18 e. Press release and mailing to all Union Triangle and Morris Ave. homeowners about district certifications and historic tax credit eligibility Ms. Shamieh stated that the press release will be released shortly. VIII. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Lowry, seconded by Commissioner Andriano, to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 9:08 pm. Historic District Commission Meeting Minutes – May 14, 2018 –Page 10 of 10