Historic Resource Commission

Schenectady Historic District Commission Meeting Minutes August 24, 2023 I. Call to Order Commissioner Yager called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. A new commissioner, Michael Barron, was introduced to the HDC. . Roll Call PRESENT: Patricia Yager, Chair; Richard Unger, Zakhar Berkovich, Shaun Andriano, Austin Erickson, Christopher Marney, City Counsel, and Sylvia Jimison, Development Staff EXCUSED: Dr. Dean Bennett I. Conflicts of Interest None . Adoption of Prior Meeting's Minutes A. July 27th IV. Call for Members of Public to Speak on Agenda Items VI. New Applications A. Consideration for approval submitted by Frank L. Marro to replace front steps and railings. The premises is located in the Stockade Historic District at 235 Green St. Mr. Frank L. Marro came before the commission to request to replace front steps and railings. Mr. Marro said he has been in contact with Gloria for the Heritage Foundation grant Commissioner Yager asked if any changes to the application. Commissioner Unger inquired about when the work will be completed. Once railings are finished what will they look like? What materials will be used? Mr. Marro stated that Armando & Son’s General Welding on Broadway would be replacing the railings. Commissioner Andriano asked about shop drawings and elevation for the project and would need for application to be complete with this information. Commissioner Berkovich inquired about the spindles, height, tint, and color for the steps. The application was deferred until the next meeting to allow the applicant to provide more details on the materials and design of the steps and railings. RESOLUTION Commissioner Berkovich made a motion to table the application and for Mr. Marro to return within a month, September 12, 2023 with a completed application the following and seconded by Commissioner Unger with the following conditions:   Concrete Steps  Application will be completed by September 12, 2023  To specify the exact color to be used as they are approved colors recommended by the historic district guidelines  Clarify materials to be used for railing and steps  More details needed for materials and designs  Elevation needed Motion carried unanimously. This is in coordination with standards 2,6 and 9. Type II SEQR B. Consideration for approval submitted by Harline Andrus to repair and paint porch on back of the building. The premises is located in the Union Triangle Historic District at 1053 Park Avenue. For the application submitted by Harline Andrus for 1053 Park Avenue, Commissioner Berkovich made a motion to approve the application as submitted. The motion included conditions that the work be completed within one year, all necessary permits and approvals be obtained, and the project meet building code requirements. It also specified that the doors, railings and columns would be repaired/replaced and painted the same colors as existing. RESOLUTION For the application submitted by Harline Andrus for 1053 Park Avenue, Commissioner Berkovich made a motion to approve the application as submitted. The motion included the following conditions and resolution:  Return HDC decide on a new plan Check last meeting  Railings replace in the same manner  Decking, paint colors  Polar Bear American Casual  Vinyl lattice will not be approved – must be wood lattice and submit drawing to the city for staff approval  Limited visibility - All necessary permits and approvals must be obtained. - The project must meet building code requirements. - The doors, railings and columns would be repaired/replaced and painted the same colors as existing. The motion was seconded and approved unanimously by the commission. RESOLUTION Commissioner Berkovich made the motion to approve the application as submitted. C. Consideration for approval submitted by Nicholas Webb to 1. replace the termination cap on the chimney and 2. Add ventilation for high efficiency boiler. The premises is located in the GE Realty Plot at 1186 Wendell Ave. For the application submitted by Nicholas Webb for 1186 Wendell Ave: - The commission did not make a decision on this application during this meeting. - It was then suggested to move this application to the end of the agenda. There were a few comments made about PVC piping: - Commissioner Berkovich noted they had run into issues with PVC piping sticking up on buildings before and suggested the applicant could look into decorative ways to conceal the PVC or route it differently than just up the wall. - Counsel Marney mentioned their historic property routed the PVC through the roof and painted it black so it couldn't be seen. - Commissioner Berkovich said it was good for the applicant to discuss alternatives with staff, as usually PVC pipes just take the least resistant path up the wall but there may be better options. D. Consideration for approval submitted by Michael J. Barron & John R. Allen to replace garage door and repaint, replace rotted side panels, and installation of garage door opener. The premises is located in the GE Realty Plot at 1174 Lowell Rd. Mr. John R. Allen came before the commission to replace garage door and repaint, replace rotted side panels, and installation of garage door opener. The applicant stated no changes to application. The garage door will go up and looks like a 1950’s style door and want to add a garage door opener. He also said, the door gets hung on the tracks and its heavy. It will be painted the same color.  Commissioner Berkovich indicated for the file will need number of color and color must match house trim.  The work must be completed in one year; carriage door hardware; 1 diagonal model #27; and paint trim to match house trim. RESOLUTION For the application submitted by Michael J. Baron and John R. Allen for 1174 Lowell Road, Commissioner Berkovich made a motion to approve the application. The motion was to approve replacing the garage door and repainting, replacing rotted side panels, and installing a new garage door opener. It included conditions that the work be completed within one year, all necessary permits be obtained, and the project meet building code requirements. The garage doors and trim were to be painted the same color as the house. Standard 2, 6, 9, and 10 Type II SEQR Motion by Commissioner Unger and seconded by Commissioner Berkovich. Commissioner Barron excused. E. Consideration for approval submitted by Ben Wiles & Sharon Wiles to 1. repair exterior chimneys and clean door and 2. Repair roof and back porch roof. The premises is located in the GE Realty Plot at 1302 Stratford Rd. Mr. Ben Wiles came before the commission to repair exterior chimneys and clean door and repair roof and back porch at 1302 Stratford Road. Commissioner Yager stated that she checked with the National Park Service for Historic Buildings and treating the back chimney, SHPO does not approve it. The applicant can read about it in brief 1 and in some instances it has been disapproved. The applicant stated the chimney is not visible. Part of roof a little tiny slit and is the only part that is visible. Commissioner Unger said the cap will match the other chimney. RESOLUTION Commissioner Unger motion to approve application as submitted. The project will be completed in one year; no water proofing; cap will match other chimney roof on the porch. Commissioner Berkovich seconded the motion. For the application submitted by Ben Wiles and Sharon Wiles for 1302 Stratford Road: - The commission approved the application to repair the exterior chimneys, clean the doors, and repair the roof and back porch roof, as submitted. - The approval was subject to the following conditions: - The project must be completed within one year - All necessary building permits must be obtained - There will be no waterproofing of the chimney or mortar - The chimney cap must match the cap on the other chimney - The porch will be repaired as is - The commission found the application met the relevant standards for approval. Standard 2,5,6, and 9 and Type II SEQR  F. Consideration for approval submitted by Moross Moross Revocable Trust remove exterior asphalt siding, repair/replace clapboards and to paint siding. The premises is located in the Stockade Historic District at 6 North Ferry St. For the application submitted by Moross Moross Revocable Trust for 6 North Ferry Street, the commission approved the application to remove the exterior asphalt siding, expose and repair the existing clapboard siding, and paint. The approval included conditions that clapboard siding be repaired wherever possible and only replaced where determined necessary by staff. It also specified the paint colors. The rear vinyl siding was noted not to be visible. The commission found the application met the relevant standards. Applicant came before the commission to remove exterior asphalt siding, repair/replace clapboards and to paint siding. Commissioner Yager read a letter received from the Heritage Foundation. The applicant stated it would have been nice if the Heritage Foundation had mentioned to him about what was stated in the letter. The letter stated would like to see aluminum removed. The applicant showed one picture of the awnings that was in place in 1950. The application is for siding removal. The awning came off to remove the shingles, per applicant. Commissioner Unger stated once its off – it’s part of the process and he asked what the size of the shingles will be. The applicant said 2.4. scallop window bay. Commissioner Andriano asked about the cornice and the applicant said will paint, repair and replace. Commissioner Unger said he was supportive of asphalt, and it appears that the siding on the back, in terms of width can get the clapboard the same width. He likes the application as presented. RESOLUTION Commissioner Andriano to approve application as submitted to remove asphalt siding, repair/replace clapboards and to paint siding HC 128, and windows snow white. Seconded by Commissioner Berkovich.  The rear – existing vinyl  Clapboard siding maybe replaced, if can’t be repaired  Rear elevation not visible  Exterior white paint to staff – Benjamin Moore Standard 2, 5, 6, and 9 Type II SEQR  G. Consideration for approval submitted by submitted by Josephine Jones for the repair of front steps, bricks above front door, basement window ceiling, the handrail leading to basement, and to clean discoloration bricks. The premises is located at 223 Union Street in Stockade Historic District. Ms. Josephine Jones came before the commission to repair front steps, bricks above front door, basement window ceiling, the handrail leading to basement and to clean discoloration on bricks. She said she was new to the process. Austin Erickson, city staff, said he would connect her to Gloria at the Heritage Foundation. Commissioner Yager said the steps were painted red and recommended they be painted Terracotta color. Also, the motor joints, and a concave jointer, which makes convex joints would be nice for detailing of the stonework. Ms. Jones said three of the blocks are sliding and the contractor found about it. Commissioner Berkovich asked when are they putting the blocks back? Commissioner Yager showed Ms. Jones what she was talking about so that Ms. Jones would have a better understanding of what needs to take place- the Terracotta color. Commissioner Unger questioned the cleaning for the discolored brick and what type of cleaner would be used. No sand blasting and no cleaning with water, he stated. Commissioner Yager stated brief 6 from the National Preservation addresses cleaning of historic buildings. Counsel Marney said to first remove the paint that is there because it is what got the steps into the current condition. This happens because the paint traps the water. Commissioner Berkovich wanted to know if the contractor will repair the tile. Commissioner Unger said the contractor needs to put together a plan. RESOLUTION Commissioner Berkovich made a motion to table the application for the contractor to come before the commission. There is not enough information in the application to make a recommendation. The contractor needs to write a procedure for the project. Ms. Jones will be traveling back to Colorado and can appear virtual at the next meeting. VII. Miscellaneous VIII. Adjourn