Historic Resource Commission

Schenectady Historic District Commission Meeting Minutes August 23, 2018 I. CALL TO ORDER Commissioner Yager called the meeting to order at 7:02 PM. II. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Patricia Yager, Chair; Shaun Andriano; Dr. Dean Bennett; Frank Gilmore; Christopher Marney STAFF: Rima Shamieh, Assistant Planner; Jennifer Mills, Secretary EXCUSED: Ben Wiles, Vice Chair; David F. Lowry III. CONFLICT OF INTEREST None. IV. ADOPTION OF MEETING MINUTES Motion by Commissioner Bennett, seconded by Commissioner Marney, to approve the July 16, 2018 Meeting Minutes as submitted. Motion carried unanimously. V. NEW BUSINESS - APPLICATIONS A. Consideration for approval submitted by Francis and Nancy Landry to remove without replacement an aluminum awning, all storm windows, both storm doors and all shutters; remove all chain link fence; repaint the house with a new trim and foundation color scheme; refinish the two doors on the east (front) and south (side) facades; replace three deteriorated wood windows on side facades with fiberglass windows and three wood windows on the east (front) façade with wood windows. The premises are located at 123 North Ferry Street in the Stockade Historic District. Francis and Nancy Landry presented the application. Mr. Landry explained that they are completely renovating the house after it was badly damaged by flooding from Hurricane Irene. He stated that they are working with the NYS Historic Preservation Office and have had several meetings with SHPO representative Weston Davey, who has visited the site. Historic District Commission Meeting Minutes – August 23, 2018 –Page 1 of 8 Commissioner Yager asked if the aluminum awning was original to the house. Mr. Landry stated that it was not, and that they believe that it was added in the fifties or sixties, along with the storm doors. Commissioner Yager asked if additional repairs will be needed when the awning and storm door are removed. Mr. Landry stated that they will complete all repairs necessary to remove any evidence of the awnings or storm doors. Assistant Planner Shamieh noted that she has been speaking with the Landrys about the project over the last several weeks and she had also spoken to Mr. Davey at SHPO. Mr. Davey had informed her that as a 1840-1850 Greek Revival the home most likely never would have had storm doors, although she noted that if they were replaced they would help to protect the interior doors from the elements. The Commissioners agreed that they would not object to the removal of the awning and storm doors. Mr. Landry stated that he had spoken with Mr. Davey regarding the windows, which are currently different styles, with some six-over-six configurations and some two-over-two. He explained that Mr. Davey had advised leaving all the windows six-over-six on the front façade and using the two-over-two configuration on the other facades. Mr. Landry stated that the windows that they are proposing to replace would be replaced with aluminum-clad wood and not fiberglass as stated in the application. Commissioner Marney stated that he does not believe that fiberglass would be an acceptable material but does not object to the clad wood windows being used where the existing windows absolutely cannot be repaired. Mr. Landry stated that Mr. Davey had pointed out that the existing two-over-two windows that need to be replaced were not original windows and were not of very good quality. He noted that they are repairing any of the windows that they can, and that they prefer repair to replacement as well. Mr. Landry stated that Mr. Davey felt that using the six-over-six design on the front façade and the two-over- two on the other sides is the most appropriate way to preserve the historic character of the home. Mrs. Landry noted that aesthetically she would prefer all six-over-six windows, but SHPO does not agree. Mrs. Landry asked what the acceptable material for the windows would be. Commissioner Yager responded that they should be wood or aluminum-clad wood. Commissioner Andriano asked what color the windows will be. Mr. Landry stated that they are proposing white. Commissioner Yager noted that it would have been helpful to have some record of the communication with SHPO submitted in writing for the record. Mr. Landry stated that he and Mr. Davey had consulted many times, but never in writing. Commissioner Yager asked the Commissioners if they had any objection to the proposed paint colors. The Commissioners indicated that they did not. Commissioner Yager asked how the front doors will be treated. Mrs. Landry stated that they appear as though they had been coated with polyurethane, but they have Historic District Commission Meeting Minutes – August 23, 2018 –Page 2 of 8  never been painted. She stated that they would like to strip and refinish them. Commissioner Marney stated that he had no objection to this, but should the applicants decide in the future that they would like to paint the doors they would have to come back before the Commission for approval. Mrs. Landry stated that she understood. Commissioner Andriano asked what floor material is used in the front alcove. Mr. Landry responded that there is currently only a sub-floor there, but he plans to replace it with stone tile. Commissioner Bennet asked the applicants if they were aware that this house was part of the Flood Plain Design Guideline presentation. Mrs. Landry stated that they were not. Ms. Shamieh stated that the design guidelines are posted on the City website and the house was used as an example in it. Commissioner Yager asked what the applicants propose to do with the fence. Mrs. Landry stated that they plan to remove it. She asked if they would have to get approval if they choose to replace it in the future. Commissioner Yager stated that they would. Commissioner Yager stated that there is a problem with the windows because the proposal states that the applicants wish to use fiberglass windows, but the Commission is approving wood or aluminum-clad wood. Commissioner Marney asked if the application could be modified. Ms. Shamieh stated that she will need to see a spec sheet of the two-over-two wood windows, as none was included in the application. She explained that the Commissioners could require the applicants to come back with this information or they must be very specific about what they are authorizing staff to approve. Mrs. Landry stated that they prefer to use the aluminum-clad windows as they will require less maintenance. She stated that the windows would be very similar to those on the spec sheets provided. The Commissioners agreed that they would be comfortable with staff approving the spec sheet. Commissioner Yager asked if any of the Commissioners objected to the side storm door being removed. The Commissioners indicated that they did not. Mrs. Landry noted that the door behind the storm door is historically appropriate and most likely original to the house. PUBLIC COMMENTS None. RESOLUTION (Motion by Commissioner Marney, seconded by Commissioner Bennett) Motion carried unanimously. B. Consideration for approval submitted by Christine Galvin to replace a gray diamond asphalt shingle roof with asphalt Atlas Roof Stormmaster Slate shingles in the Hearthstone Slate color and remove snow breaks. The premises are located at 11 North Ferry Street in the Stockade Historic District. Historic District Commission Meeting Minutes – August 23, 2018 –Page 3 of 8  Christine Galvin appeared before the Commission. Commissioner Yager asked Ms. Galvin if she would like to present the proposal. Ms. Galvin stated that she believes that the proposal is sufficiently explained on the application. Commissioner Bennet asked why the snow breaks are being removed. Ms. Galvin stated that her roofing contractor said that they are no longer used very often. Commissioner Bennet asked if Ms. Galvin anticipates any problem with large clumps of snow coming off the roof and possibly harming a pedestrian on the sidewalk. Ms. Galvin responded that she hopes it will not be a problem. Commissioner Yager asked if Ms. Galvin brought a sample of the shingles with her to the meeting. Ms. Galvin stated that she did not. Assistant Planner Shamieh pointed out that there is a photo of the shingles in the application. Commissioner Gilmore asked Ms. Galvin if she knows how old the existing roof is. Ms. Galvin replied that she does not. Ms. Shamieh noted that in the assessment file there is a photo dated 1962 that shows this same roof, or an identical one, on the building. Commissioner Yager asked the Commissioners if they had any objection to the proposed shingles. The Commissioners indicated that they did not. PUBLIC COMMENTS None. RESOLUTION (Motion by Commissioner Bennett, seconded by Commissioner Gilmore) Motion carried unanimously. C. Consideration for approval submitted by Tim Castle on behalf of City Mission of Schenectady – Schenectady Works to replace all aluminum windows on the property with double-paned aluminum windows with clear glass, restore a previously enclosed patio, replace a deteriorated wood fence with a black aluminum fence, modify the approaches to two doors to make them ADA- compliant by adding concrete ramps and railings, install a business sign on the front lawn, and replace the north (front) façade storm door and side façade door with new aluminum and glass commercial doors. The premises are located at 816 Union Street in the Union Street Corridor Historic District. Tim Castle presented the proposal. Mr. Castle explained that the City Mission plans to use this building for a career development center. He stated that they have been informed by the City that they will have to install ADA-compliant ramps and railings. He also noted that they are Historic District Commission Meeting Minutes – August 23, 2018 –Page 4 of 8 proposing to replace all the windows with more energy-efficient windows of the same style. Assistant Planner Shamieh noted that the building was built around 1960 and seems to be mostly original. She stated that a few of the windows have been cut into for air conditioning units, but that most of the original colored and textured glass remains intact. Commissioner Yager asked if the windows are original to the structure. Mr. Castle stated that as far as he can determine he believes they are. Commissioner Marney pointed out that the 1962 photo from the assessment file appears to show the same windows as are existing. Commissioner Yager stated that because the windows are original the best option would be that they are repaired and preserved rather than replaced. She noted that interior storm windows could be added to increase energy efficiency. Mr. Castle stated that they are proposing to replace the windows not only because they are inefficient, but also because none of them work very well and they are very difficult to open and close. He stated that the new windows would look the same but would work and conserve energy. Commissioner Yager asked if the colored glass would be preserved. Mr. Castle responded that the new windows would be all clear glass. He stated that he believes that this would be appropriate because the building will be undergoing a change of use, as it was built as a convent and will now be used as office and meeting space. He explained that the amber glass was most likely originally used for privacy in the living quarters, and there is no longer a need for the glass to function in this manner. Mr. Castle noted that he included photos of the church school in the application that show that only clear glass was used in the school, and it was built at approximately the same time. He stated that the amber glass makes it impossible to see the view of Union College through the windows and causes the interior of some of the upstairs rooms to be rather dark. Commissioner Bennett stated that he agrees that the change of use could be an acceptable argument for changing the glass and replacing the windows, particularly if some of the windows have been cut into and many do not function. Commissioner Marney stated that he could see both sides of the argument but feels that the glass going from amber to clear could probably be justified by the change of use. He added that he does not see it as a significant change in the historic integrity of the building. Commissioners Gilmore and Andriano agreed. Commissioner Yager asked what materials they are proposing to use for the front entrance. Mr. Castle stated that they would like to remove the white exterior door, which they know is not original, and add an aluminum commercial door that will match the windows. Commissioner Yager asked if the new windows will match the style that is existing. Mr. Castle stated that they will, with the same configuration and hoppers. He noted that the sills will remain as they are so as not to damage the existing masonry. Historic District Commission Meeting Minutes – August 23, 2018 –Page 5 of 8 Commissioner Gilmore stated that the proposed rear door, which will now be an exterior door leading to the restored patio, seems very closed in. He stated that a more commercial door, like the one proposed for the front entrance, would allow more of the outside to be visible from inside the office space. Mr. Castle stated that his concerns with using the same door in the rear would be that the rear door is not a public entrance, and he does not want it to appear as such. He noted that to a lesser degree he would also be worried about the security of an all-glass door at the rear of the building Commissioner Yager asked if he would consider a wood door, perhaps metal clad, with a larger window. Commissioner Gilmore agree that this might be the best solution. Commissioner Marney suggested that they consider a door like the one proposed but with a larger glass area. The Commissioners agreed. Ms. Shamieh stated that she would need a spec sheet of the door to approve it, but she would also need very specific information from the Commissioners as to what they would approve. Commissioner Marney sketched the design and the Commissioners and Mr. Castle agreed that this configuration would be acceptable. Commissioner Andriano noted that the door would either be solid wood or steel, as metal-clad wood is not an available option. The Commissioners agreed that a steel door, like the one shown on the rear of the school building, in the design sketched by Commissioner Marney and in a bronze or dark brown color, would be acceptable. Commissioner Yager asked if the style of the handicap ramp railing was specified by the ADA. Commissioner Andriano stated that he disagreed with the City that the building would require a ramp to the front entrance. Commissioner Gilmore suggested that perhaps the sidewalk could be graded gradually to achieve the necessary effect without an actual ramp being installed. Mr. Castle stated that they would prefer this option for the front entrance but in the rear, where there are stairs in very close proximity to the entrance, a railed ramp is necessary. Ms. Shamieh noted that the railings could be considered temporary and could easily be removed if necessary. Commissioner Marney asked the Commissioners if they had any objection to the ramps and railings. The Commissioners indicated that they did not. Commissioner Yager asked if the applicants propose to light the sign. Mr. Castle stated that they most likely will want to, but he is not sure yet whether it will be lit from the ground up or from the top. Commissioner Gilmore stated that backlit letters might be another possibility. Commissioner Yager stated that she was comfortable allowing staff to approve the final sign lighting. The Commissioners agreed. Ms. Shamieh noted that according to the property file the patio was enclosed in 1989. Commissioner Marney asked if the roof will remain once the addition walls are removed and the patio restored. Mr. Castle stated that the roof and concrete pad will remain, and that the original brick exterior walls are still intact and in good shape. Historic District Commission Meeting Minutes – August 23, 2018 –Page 6 of 8  Commissioner Marney asked where the proposed new fence will be. Mr. Castle stated that they would like to remove the deteriorated green wood fence and replace it with the black aluminum. The Commissioners indicated that they had no objection to the fence. Mr. Castle pointed out the exact fence style they plan to use, and Ms. Shamieh noted it on the resolution. PUBLIC COMMENTS None. RESOLUTION (Motion by Commissioner Marney, seconded by Commissioner Andriano) Motion carried unanimously. VII. OTHER BUSINESS A. Consideration of recommendations to National Grid regarding the installation of meters and vents for the new gas service in the Stockade Historic District in order to reduce their impacts on individual properties and the district as a whole. Richard Swim, a consultant with National Grid, explained that his company is currently working on updating meters on Union Street. He stated that some meters will have to be moved, and that on meters that remain inside the buildings, which is not preferred due to a mandated inspection every three years, an exterior vent will be installed on the property. He showed the Commissioners what the vent looks like and explained that it may be painted to match the exterior of the building. Commissioner Gilmore asked about the alternative of the pencil vent system that was used recently on some historic buildings in Albany. Mr. Swim explained that he initially proposed that system, but it proved too costly and too difficult to get the parts to complete. He stated that the parts must be imported from Italy and are often delayed or out of stock. The Commissioners discussed the guidelines proposed by staff and agreed that they would be the best course to follow. It was determined that a subcommittee of Commissioners Yager and Gilmore would work with the National Grid representatives to review the cases that would require their consultation prior to the work being performed. Ms. Shamieh noted that Avi Epstein, Zoning Officer and interim HDC staff, should also be included in the consultation. B. Discussion of recent news articles regarding a deteriorated Stockade property. Historic District Commission Meeting Minutes – August 23, 2018 –Page 7 of 8  Commissioner Yager explained that there had been articles in The Daily Gazette and the Times Union regarding a deteriorated Stockade property. She noted that the Gazette article stated that the demolition of the building was stopped by the objection of a member of the Historic District Commission. The Commissioners present stated that they knew nothing about the situation and had not taken any action on it. It was concluded that the statement regarding a Commissioner being involved was most likely an error. VIII. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Yager, seconded by Commissioner Gilmore, to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 10:00 pm. Historic District Commission Meeting Minutes – August 23, 2018 –Page 8 of 8