Historic Resource Commission

Schenectady Historic District Commission Meeting Minutes September 27, 2018 REVISED I. CALL TO ORDER Commissioner Yager called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. II. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Patricia Yager, Chair; Ben Wiles, Vice Chair; Shaun Andriano; Dr. Dean Bennett; Frank Gilmore; Christopher Marney STAFF: Avi Epstein, Zoning Officer; Jennifer Mills, Secretary III. CONFLICT OF INTEREST None. IV. ADOPTION OF MEETING MINUTES Motion by Commissioner Andriano, seconded by Commissioner Marney, to approve the August 23, 2018 Meeting Minutes as submitted. Motion carried unanimously, with Commissioners Wiles and Bennett absent from the vote. V. NEW BUSINESS - APPLICATIONS A. Consideration for approval submitted by Renee Farley to allow an entry door on the detached garage to remain, a pair of prairie-style casement wood windows to remain on a side façade of the primary building, and a prairie- style glass and wood door to remain on the rear façade of the primary building. The premises are located at 28 North Street in the Stockade Historic District. Renee Farley and her attorney Susan DeVoe appeared before the commission. Ms. Farley explained that the garage had not had a back wall on it and was in imminent danger of collapsing. She stated that as an emergency measure she had the back enclosed, only to realize that there was now no way to access the tools stored inside the garage because the large overhead garage door does not work. She explained that at that time she had the door installed and she did not realize that it required approval by the Commission. Zoning Officer Epstein noted that the Historic District Commission Meeting Minutes – September 27, 2018 –Page 1 of 12 door was not part of Ms. Farley’s original application, and that this should be considered a new application. Commissioner Yager asked why the prairie-style casement windows were installed when they were not what the Commission originally approved. Ms. Farley stated that she had originally submitted an application to replace the windows and that application was approved. She explained that she thought the windows were approved in the size and location submitted and did not realize that they had to be a certain style. She added that when she purchased the windows the salesperson suggested the prairie-style and stated that they were a historically appropriate window that would be approved by the HDC. Commissioner Yager stated that all the rest of the windows are a different style. She asked Ms. Farley if she had asked the manufacturer’s representative if the window sashes could be replaced. Ms. Farley stated that new windows would cost $1500 and she would not be able to cover that additional purchase. She added that she obviously had no idea that she had done anything wrong or she would not have invited City staff to the property to see it. Commissioner Gilmore asked if the windows are visible from the public right of way. Ms. Farley showed pictures of the windows which are screened by a fence and greenery and thus are only partially visible. Commissioner Gilmore asked if Ms. Farley knows the age of the house. Ms. Farley stated that she believes it is about one hundred years old. Mr. Gilmore stated that this information is relevant because the prairie style became common around 1910-1920. Commissioner Marley stated that the originally approved windows were not this style and that unfortunately the Commission cannot consider any financial burden on the property owner when making their decisions. He stated that he believes that the Commission should consider whether they would allow this style window if this was a new application and the windows had not already been installed. Commissioner Yager asked if the property is currently for sale. Ms. Farley stated that it is. Commissioner Yager read a portion of a sales advertisement for the property that referred to river views. She asked Ms. Farley how there are views of the river if the kitchen window is obscured by greenery and a fence. Ms. Farley stated that there are river views from many other windows in the house. She added that the house is currently for sale with an asking price of $169,000. She stated that although her original renovation budget was $90,000, her total investment in the property now exceed $145,000 plus carrying costs. Commissioner Yager stated that her concern is that the next homeowner could remove all the greenery surrounding the windows. Commissioner Marley stated that the Commission had already established that the windows can be seen from the right of way. Ms. DeVoe stated that the City owns the fence on the property line and thus the next homeowner would not be able to remove it. She added that her client had no intent to deceive the Commission and believed that she was doing all that she could to make historically appropriate choices. Historic District Commission Meeting Minutes – September 27, 2018 –Page 2 of 12 Commissioner Marley stated that he is concerned that by allowing the windows to remain the Commission would be setting a precedent. Ms. Farley stated that it not financially feasible for her to alter the windows in any way at this time. Commissioner Yager stated that financial issues cannot be part of the Commission’s consideration process. Commissioner Bennett stated that it is his understanding that the Commission does not set precedents, but that every application is unique and must be considered on its own merit. Commissioner Yager agreed. Commissioner Gilmore asked Ms. Farley what the state of the building was when she purchased it. Ms. Farley stated that it had to be completely rehabilitated. She added that one could not walk through the interior because of large holes in the floor. Commissioner Gilmore asked if the house was in such poor condition due to flooding. Ms. Farley responded that it was. Commissioner Wiles asked what the length of the space is between the side of the house and the fence. Ms. Farley stated that it is approximately three feet. Commissioner Wiles stated that he understands that Ms. Farley is saying that the cost would be too great to replace the windows, but he asked if she had investigated replacing only the glass. Ms. Farley responded that she had not. Commissioner Wiles stated that the salesperson might have some incentive to work with her since she stated that it was his comments about the window being acceptable that led her to make the initial purchase. Commissioner Wiles stated that the Commission has previously allowed applicants to use landscaping to screen portions of a building or property that were historically inappropriate although landscaping is not permanent and could potentially be removed or altered in the future. Commissioner Yager asked if using this argument would be the same as to saying the Commission had previously set a precedent, which it is not supposed to do. Commissioner Wiles stated that a precedent implies that a decision is dictated by a previous action, while he is referring to a consistency of practice which might be considered. Ms. DeVoe asked if perhaps planting larger trees between the fence and the house might be a solution. Commissioner Wiles stated that he was thinking of any sort of landscaping that would screen the window more completely. Commissioner Yager asked what the Commissioners’ opinion were about the rear door. Ms. Farley stated that she would be willing to plant arbor vitae that would screen the door from the public view. Commissioner Bennett stated that he does not believe that this is a case of abuse or intentional deception by the applicant. He added that he feels that it would be unreasonable to ask the applicant to tear out the window at this time. Commissioner Gilmore agreed, stating that buildings go through periods of alteration at different times in their lifespan. He noted that he feels that it is a much more important consideration that the house was saved from Historic District Commission Meeting Minutes – September 27, 2018 –Page 3 of 12  demolition and will remain as an example of this type of housing stock within the Stockade. Commissioner Bennett agreed. PUBLIC COMMENTS None. RESOLUTION Motion by Commissioner Wiles, seconded by Commissioner Yager, to approve the application as submitted, with the following condition: 1. The project will be completed within one year. 2. The garage door and the rear door on the house are approved as submitted. 3. The prairie-style casement windows are not approved as part of this application. And with the following findings of fact: 1. This is a Type II SEQRA. Motion carried, with Commissioner Marney opposed. B. Consideration for approval submitted by Renee Farley to paint, alter the fenestration on the northwest secondary and first-floor façade, repair the foundation, replace the deteriorated driveway with gravel, and replace a concrete slab with landscaping. The premises are located at 122 North Ferry Street in the Stockade Historic District. Renee Farley and her attorney Susan DeVoe appeared before the Commission. Ms. Farley stated that the building needs foundation repair and that her structural engineer had told her that she was crazy to take on the project. She explained that right now there is very little holding the house up. Commissioner Yager asked her when she can begin the stabilization work. Ms. Farley stated that her contractor is ready to start now but she is having problems with the neighbor. Commissioner Yager asked Ms. Farley how she plans to finish the outside of the foundation. Ms. Farley stated that she is new to this kind of work and would like to reuse some of the existing stone if possible, or use a new stone facing. Commissioner Marney asked if Ms. Farley had any more information about the material she would like to use. Ms. Farley stated that she had submitted information in her application. Commissioner Marney stated that there is nothing in the application about how the foundation will be rebuilt. Commissioner Andriano stated that it is necessary to consider how any new facing material will meet the existing trim. Commissioner Yager asked if Ms. Farley was familiar with parging. She explained that it is a resurfacing of the foundation wall with cement. Ms. Farley stated that Historic District Commission Meeting Minutes – September 27, 2018 –Page 4 of 12 she is sure that this is what her contractor plans to do. Commissioner Gilmore stated that it is important that when the foundation is rebuilt there is enough space left for the new facing. Ms. Farley stated that she had been told by the previous Assistant Planner, Ms. Shamieh, that parging would not be allowed, but if it were to be allowed that is what she would like to do. Commissioner Marley asked how much of the foundation needs to be rebuilt and refaced. Ms. Farley replied that the sides and rear must be rebuilt, but the front is stable and the existing bluestone facing is in good repair. Commissioner Yager asked where the parging will end and how it will transition to the front portion of the foundation with the existing stone facing. Ms. Farley suggested that she could use some of the salvaged foundation stones from the sides and rear to wrap around the front corners of the foundation and then transition to the parging. Commissioner Andriano stated that if possible three to four feet of the stone facing on the sides would be preferable so that the stone will be visible from the right of way. The Commissioners and Ms. Farley agreed. Commissioner Yager asked the Commissioners if they had any objection to the proposed paint colors of the building. The Commissioners indicated that they did not. Ms. Farley stated that she had submitted cut sheets of the proposed windows to Zoning Officer Epstein. Commissioner Marney asked if the windows indicated on the application are the only ones to be replaced. Ms. Farley stated that they are, unless others prove to be irreparable, in which case she would return for further review. Commissioner Wiles asked if the new windows will be a two over two configuration. Mr. Epstein stated that they will be. Commissioner Yager asked the Commissioners if they had any objection to the kitchen windows being resized. The Commissioners indicated that they did not. Commissioner Andriano stated that he is not concerned because the other windows are also of varying sizes. Commissioner Yager stated that she is more concerned that the existing rhythm of the windows be maintained, and the application does not make clear exactly where the new windows will be placed. Mr. Epstein stated that the details of the windows can be approved by staff if the Commission makes it clear what is acceptable. Commissioner Yager stated that the windows should be directly lined up vertically, as they are now. The Commissioners agreed. Ms. Farley stated that she would like to remove the concrete between the sidewalk and the building and install landscaping. The Commissioners indicated that they had no objection to this. PUBLIC COMMENTS None. RESOLUTION Motion by Commissioner Andriano, seconded by Commissioner Wiles, to approve the application as submitted, with the following condition: Historic District Commission Meeting Minutes – September 27, 2018 –Page 5 of 12  1. The project will be completed within one year. 2. The applicant will repair and replace the foundation on the rear and the sides of the building. The existing bluestone facing on the foundation on the front of the building will remain and the applicant will use the salvaged existing bluestone to wrap around the front corners of the building. The foundation will then transition to a parged finish. 3. The proposed new wood windows in a two over two design are approved. The windows must align vertically to maintain the current rhythm of the fenestration. 4. The back porch is not part of this application as it is not visible from a public right of way. 5. The body of the building will be sage green, the trim will be repainted as existing, and the accents will be burgundy. 6. The removal of the concrete between the building and the sidewalk is approved. And with the following findings of fact: 1. This is a Type II SEQRA. Motion carried unanimously. C. Consideration for approval submitted by Green Street Development Corp. to demo and replace retaining wall, install gates and railings, replace damaged siding and trim, replace all windows, replace rear stairs and porch, replace front porches and stairs, replace roof, install new shutters on front façade, and install porticos on the front of the building. The premises are located at 308- 310 Green Street in the Stockade Historic District. Al-Malik Bey, architect for the project, and Ron Gardner of Green Street Development Corp appeared before the Commission. Mr. Bey explained that the building had been heavily damaged by a neighboring fire in 2017 and will need to be completely rehabbed. He stated that the building is on two separate lots, and they plan to restore it to a two-family residence. Commissioner Yager asked if there is any evidence that there were shutters on the house. Mr. Bey stated that there is not, but he believes that the shutters are in keeping with the style of the building. Commissioner Bennett asked if the shutters will be wide enough so that they appear that they could close over the windows. Mr. Bey stated that as proposed they are not, because that width would cover the trim on the sides of the building. Commissioner Yager asked what type of doors are proposed. Mr. Bey stated that they are six-panel steel doors, which are required by code, and they will be painted black. Mr. Bey noted that after speaking to Historic District Commission Meeting Minutes – September 27, 2018 –Page 6 of 12  Zoning Officer Epstein he had amended the application to include wood windows and shutters. The Commissioners discussed the applicants’ working with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and how that will impact the scope and timeline for the project. It was determined that the applicants should be allowed to secure the building and make it weather-proof by replacing the roof and siding, but that they should return for further consideration of the design details of the exterior. The Commissioners emphasized that the existing porches should not be removed before the applicants returned for further consideration by the Commission. PUBLIC COMMENTS The Schenectady Heritage Foundation submitted a letter in support of the project. The letter states the Foundation’s position on the appropriateness of some of the proposed rehabilitation plans and materials and offers their alternate suggestions. RESOLUTION Motion by Commissioner Marney, 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 roof will be replaced with Oakridge Estate Gray three-tab shingles. 3. The existing siding and sheathing will be removed, and the new siding and sheathing may be installed. 4. The retaining wall, gates and railings, windows, front and rear porches, front and rear stairs, porticos, and shutters are not a part of this approval. The applicants understand that they will return to the Historic District Commission for further consideration of these items. 5. Demolition of the porches is not approved a part of this decision. No porches may be removed without further consideration and approval by the Historic District Commission. And with the following findings of fact: 1. This is a Type II SEQRA. Motion carried unanimously. D. Consideration for approval submitted by Mary Ruggiero to paint shutters in Benjamin Moore Lancaster Whitewash and to repaint the front door in Benjamin Moore Hale Navy. The premises are located at 1189 Lowell Road in the G.E. Realty Plot Historic District. Historic District Commission Meeting Minutes – September 27, 2018 –Page 7 of 12  The applicant was present at the beginning of the meeting but stated that she could not wait to have her application considered and that she would return at another time. E. Consideration for approval submitted by Patricia Drago to replace existing roof shingles with Owens Corning Colonial Slate architectural shingles. The premises are located at 1014 Nott Street in the G.E. Realty Plot Historic District. Charles Craft appeared before the Commission. Mr. Craft explained that he had previously had two other shingle colors approved by City staff only to find out that those shingle colors had been discontinued by the manufacturer. He explained that he does not know if the roof on the house was originally slate or wood shingles, but he believes that the architectural shingles look closest to the shingles that he discovered under the existing roof, which were not traditional three-tab shingles. Commissioner Gilmore asked if Mr. Craft knows the age of that prior roof. Mr. Craft stated that he does not. PUBLIC COMMENTS None. RESOLUTION Motion by Commissioner Andriano, seconded by Commissioner Bennett, to approve the application to replace the existing roof shingles with Owens Corning Duration Series architectural shingles in Colonial Slate as submitted, with the following condition: 1. The project will be completed within one year. And with the following findings of fact: 1. This is a Type II SEQRA. Motion carried unanimously. F. Consideration for approval submitted by Simon’s Rock Inc. to install a 24”x36” double-sided wood sign, repaint aluminum siding in Sherwin- Williams Summer White, and to repaint the trim. The premises are located at 826 Union Street in the Union Street Corridor Historic District. Peter DellaRatta and Amae Martin appeared before the Commission. Ms. Martin showed two proposed signs that she had considered for her business, which will be a hair salon and massage office. She indicated that she would prefer Historic District Commission Meeting Minutes – September 27, 2018 –Page 8 of 12  the second sign, which has a representation of a woman’s head which will be incorporated with a real rose bush so that it appears that the roses are growing into her hair. The Commissioners indicated that they have no objection to the sign design but stated that the type used on the first alternative sign is much easier to read and perhaps Ms. Martin would like to incorporate that typeface with the second sign. Mr. DellaRatta stated that the sign will be a 2’x3’wood sign with tapered wood posts. Commissioner Wiles asked if the sign will be lit. Mr. DellaRatta stated that they would like to light it from below. Commissioner Wiles stated that he believes that the sign should be perpendicular to the building so that it would be like other signs in the area, as the Commission has required in the past. The Commissioners and Mr. DellaRatta agreed. PUBLIC COMMENTS None. RESOLUTION Motion by Commissioner Marney, seconded by Commissioner Yager, to approve the application as submitted, with the following modifications and conditions: 1. The project will be completed within one year. 2. The sign will be a double-sided 2’x3’ wood sign with the bold font (shown on the alternate sign at the meeting) and the design incorporating the rose bush. 3. The sign posts will be wood and will be tapered. 4. The sign will be placed perpendicular to the building. 5. The sign will be lit from below. 6. The body of the building will be painted Sherwin-Williams Summer White (SW 7557). If the applicant decides to paint the trim on the building a color other than Summer White, he will submit the color to City staff for approval prior to painting. And with the following findings of fact: 1. This is a Type II SEQRA. Motion carried unanimously. G. Consideration for approval submitted by 1004 Union Street, Inc. to install a 24”x36” wood sign and to replace the existing garage door with an aluminum- clad 9’x4’ triple-pane light Pella window. The premises are located at 832 Union Street in the Union Street Corridor Historic District. Peter DellaRatta appeared before the Commission. Historic District Commission Meeting Minutes – September 27, 2018 –Page 9 of 12  Mr. DellaRatta stated that he would like to use the carriage house on the property as the office for his real estate business. He explained that when he acquired the property the building had been in danger of collapsing but he had done extensive renovations to make it structurally sound. He stated that the bump out and garage door on the building are not original, and he believes that they were added in the last twenty years. The Commissioners discussed the garage door and determined that because the building is undergoing a change of use it would be permittable to allow the removal of the garage door and its replacement with the new window. Commissioner Gilmore stated that the window should be recessed to make it clear that it was not original to the building. The Commissioners and Mr. DellaRatta agreed. The Commissioners indicated that they had no objection to the proposed sign. They determined that the final paint colors should be submitted to City staff for final approval. PUBLIC COMMENTS None. RESOLUTION Motion by Commissioner Yager, seconded by Commissioner Bennett, to approve the application as submitted, with the following modifications and conditions: 1. The project will be completed within one year. 2. The garage door will be removed and replaced with a 9’x4’ triple-pane light aluminum-clad Pella window with three sections. 3. The existing garage door opening will be modified to be made slightly wider. The window will be recessed 8-10 inches. 4. The trim color will be submitted to City staff for approval prior to painting. 5. All other wood repairs and painting on the building will be in kind. 6. The 2’x3’ sign will be installed in the green space in front of the building. The sign will be wood and will have tapered wood posts which will match the trim color of the building. And with the following findings of fact: 1. This is a Type II SEQRA. Motion carried unanimously. H. Consideration for approval submitted by Chris LaFlamme to stabilize the north wall of the structure by installing steel plates and turnbuckles. The Historic District Commission Meeting Minutes – September 27, 2018 –Page 10 of 12  premises are located at 56 Washington Avenue in the Stockade Historic District. Chris LaFlamme appeared before the Commission. Mr. LaFlamme briefly reviewed the application and explained the scope of the work to take place. Commissioner Yager asked if there was a water problem in the basement that caused the problems that led to the need for this stabilization. Mr. LaFlamme stated that there was a drain pipe running along the side of the biding that had been leaking for many years and eventually burst. He stated that once the turnbuckles are installed he does not believe that any further damage will take place. PUBLIC COMMENTS None. RESOLUTION Motion by Commissioner Marney, seconded by Commissioner Wiles, to approve the application as submitted, with the following condition: 1. The project will be completed within one year. And with the following findings of fact: 1. This is a Type II SEQRA. Motion carried unanimously. VII. OTHER BUSINESS Commissioner Marney disseminated to the other Commissioners information about Portsmouth, New Hampshire and how they explain on their City website the guidelines used by their Historic District Commission. He suggested that similar information such would be useful to have available on the Schenectady website. It was decided that Commissioners Marney and Andriano would work as a subcommittee to draft a document to submit to the Mayor and City staff for consideration for addition to the website. Zoning Officer Epstein informed the Commissioners that he has suspended the online application for the HDC. He explained that the online applications were being submitted without key information and required him to take too much time following up with the applicants. He suggested that when the Commission once again has a full-time staff person they might consider using the online application again, with modifications. Historic District Commission Meeting Minutes – September 27, 2018 –Page 11 of 12 VIII. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Yager, seconded by Commissioner Marney, to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 10:00 pm. Historic District Commission Meeting Minutes – September 27, 2018 –Page 12 of 12