Board of Historic & Architectural Review

Wednesday, February 10th, 2021 TO: BOARD OF HISTORIC & ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW (BHAR) FROM: JOHN SETTLE, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & PLANNING DIRECTOR RE: MONTHLY MEETING The BHAR will hold its regularly-scheduled monthly meeting on Tuesday, February 16th, 2021 at 6:30 PM at the Smithfield Center, 220 N Church St, Smithfield, VA 23430. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact John Settle at 1-(757)-365-4200 or jsettle@smithfieldva.gov. cc: Town Council William H. Riddick, III, Town Attorney The Smithfield Times The Daily Press File COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & PLANNING DEPARTMENT 310 Institute St, PO Box 246 / Smithfield, VA 23431 / 1-(757)-365-4200 / Fax 1-(757)-357-9933 www.smithfieldva.gov  SMITHFIELD BOARD OF HISTORIC & ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW (BHAR) MEETING AGENDA Tuesday, February 16th, 2021, 6:30 PM 1) Community Development & Planning Director’s Report 2) Upcoming Meetings and Activities Monday, February 22nd, 3:00 PM – Town Council Committee Meetings Tuesday, February 23rd, 3:00 PM – Town Council Committee Meetings Tuesday, March 2nd, 6:30 PM – Town Council Meeting Tuesday, March 9th, 4:00 PM – Pinewood Heights Management Team Meeting Tuesday, March 9th, 6:30 PM – Planning Commission Meeting Tuesday, March 16th, 6:30 PM – Board of Historic & Architectural Review Meeting 3) Public Comments 4) Board Member Comments 5) Accessory Structure – 318 Main St – Contributing – KOTA of Smithfield, LLC, C/O Gary Brooks, applicant (staff report, BHAR application & illustration enclosed). 6) *Discussion Item* Invitation to Comment – 19514 Casper Cir – Tower Engineering Professionals, Inc., C/O Ryan Malek, agent (staff report, letter, and illustrations enclosed). 7) Approval of the Tuesday, January 19th, 2020 Meeting Minutes (enclosed). 8) Adjournment ***ATTENTION*** Owing to the pandemic, we are encouraging remote public comment on all land use applications, whether or not a public hearing is required. If you do not feel comfortable with attending a meeting in person, please submit your comments in writing to Mr. John Settle, Community Development & Planning Director. Your comments will be conveyed to the appropriate Board or Commission. Mr. Settle can be reached via email (jsettle@smithfieldva.gov) or mail at the address below: Town of Smithfield Community Development & Planning Department ATTN John Settle, Director PO Box 246 Smithfield, VA 23431 NOTICE OF INTENT TO COMPLY WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) Reasonable efforts will be made to provide assistance or special arrangements to qualified individuals with disabilities in order to participate in or attend Board of Historic & Architectural Review (BHAR) meetings. ADA compliant hearing devices are available for use upon request. Please call 1-(757)-365-4200 at least twenty-four (24) hours prior to the meeting date so that proper arrangements may be made.  BOARD OF HISTORIC & ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW (BHAR) STAFF REPORT Tuesday, February 16th, 2021, 6:30 PM Applicant Gary & Minette Brooks 11170 Olde Towne Pl Smithfield, VA 23430 Owner KOTA of Smithfield, LLC C/O Gary Brooks 11170 Olde Town Pl Smithfield, VA 23430 Property 318 Main St TPIN 21A-01-152 0.25 ac NW side Main St 300’ SW Main St & Institute St Classification Contributing Zoning Downtown (D) & Historic Preservation Overlay (HPO) Adjacent Zoning Downtown Neighborhood Residential (DNR), D & HPO Project Description The applicant is seeking approval to erect a twelve foot (12’) by twenty foot (20’) shed. The shed will be sided in white horizontally-lapped wooden shiplap siding (six inches (6”) in height) with white trim. The roof will be side-gabled with dark-gray metal. A set of solid white double- doors with panels will be centered on the long side of the shed. The shed will be fenestrated by two windows, one on either side of the doors, which will be bordered by inoperable black shutters. The overall appearance of the shed is intended to emulate the appearance of the primary building. Recommendation Town staff recommend approval as submitted. For inquiries, please contact John Settle at 1-(757)-365-4200 or jsettle@smithfieldva.gov.  2/16/2021 757-303-0734  BOARD OF HISTORIC & ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW (BHAR) STAFF REPORT: INVITATION TO COMMENT *DISCUSSION ITEM: TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16TH, 2021* 19514 CASPER CIR On Thursday, January 28th, 2021, Town staff received the enclosed letter from Ryan Malek, of Tower Engineering Professionals, Inc. The letter concerns the proposed increase in height of the existing cellular base station tower at 19514 Casper Cir (TPIN 32-01-102) from 148 feet to 168 feet. Specifically, the letter requests comments from the Board of Historic & Architectural Review (BHAR), pursuant to the applicable federal laws, rules, and regulations noted in the letter, in response to the proposed project with the following questions in mind: (1) Do any historic properties exist within the vicinity of the proposed project? (2) If so, does the proposed project cause an adverse effect to such properties? The tower, which is located well outside of the Town’s corporate limits, is visible from positions within the Town. However, the nearest cultural and/or historic resource, the circa. 1848 Edwards house at 13453 Benns Church Blvd (TPIN 32-01-096A1), does not appear to be adversely impacted by the proposed project. The proposed enlarged tower is not currently, nor will it be, visible from the Historic Preservation Overlay (HPO). Town staff have enclosed a photograph of the existing Tower taken from a position located behind the Tractor Supply Company at 13500 Benns Church Blvd (TPIN 32-01-005A), which is located one-quarter (1/4) of a mile closer to the tower than the aforementioned Edwards house. It is the opinion of Town staff that a twenty-foot (20’) extension in the tower’s height will not adversely impact the cultural and/or historic significance of the Edwards house, any other cultural and/or historic resource in the Town, and/or the HPO. Town staff encourages the BHAR to discuss the potential adverse impacts, if any, of the proposed project on any of the Town’s cultural and/or historic resources. All comments generated on the proposed project will be conveyed to Mr. Malek in writing. For inquiries, contact John Settle at 1-(757)-365-4200 or jsettle@smithfieldva.gov. January 28, 2021 Smithfield Board of Historic and Architectural Review Attn: John Settle – Community Development & Planning Director PO Box 246 Smithfield, VA 23431 Subject: Invitation to comment on a proposed increase in height of an existing 148-ft AGL overall with appurtenances monopole communications tower to 168-ft AGL overall with appurtenances associated with the collocation of antennas at 155-ft AGL on the aforementioned tower American Towers, LLC Site Name: Benns Church VA American Towers, LLC Site Number: 94366 19514 Casper Circle Smithfield, VA 23430 (Isle of Wight County) Mr. John Settle: I am writing on behalf of American Towers, LLC and the Federal Communications Commission ("FCC"), regarding the proposed increase in height of an existing 148-ft AGL overall with appurtenances monopole communications tower to 168-ft AGL overall with appurtenances associated with the collocation of six (6) 96” x 19.6” panel antennas at 155-ft AGL on the aforementioned tower. The existing telecommunications facility is located at 19514 Casper Circle, west of a portion of Benns Church Blvd, south-southeast of the Town of Smithfield, within the Isle of Wight County, Virginia. The existing telecommunications facility is on the northwestern portion of an approximately 83.87-acre parcel of land identified as Parcel Number: 32-03-001 by the Isle of Wight County Tax Assessors Office. The purpose of this letter is to invite the participation and input of the Smithfield Planning Commission in the review of this project under federal law, to help determine: (1) whether or not any historic properties may exist in the area of this project; and (2) if so, whether the project may cause an adverse effect to such properties. This review of potential effects to historic properties is required by federal law, including Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 ("NHPA") (16 U.S.C. § 470f), and the FCC’s rules, including the Nationwide Programmatic Agreement for Review of Effects on Historic Properties for Certain Undertakings Approved by the Federal Communications Commission (the “NPA”) (47 C.F.R. Part 1, Appendix B), and the Nationwide Programmatic Agreement on the Collocation of Wireless Antennas (the “CNPA”) (47 C.F.R. Part 1, Appendix C). Please provide any comments that the Smithfield Planning Commission may have regarding any potential adverse impacts that the proposed project may have on historic resources. American Towers LLC is proposing an increase in height of an existing 148-ft AGL overall with appurtenances monopole communications tower to 168-ft AGL overall with appurtenances associated with the collocation of six (6) 96” x 19.6” panel antennas at 155-ft AGL on the aforementioned tower. The existing telecommunications facility is located at 19514 Casper Circle, west of a portion of Benns Church Blvd, south-southeast of the Town of Smithfield, within the Isle of Wight County, Virginia. The existing telecommunications facility is on the northwestern portion of an approximately 83.87-acre parcel of land identified as Parcel Number: 32-03-001 by the Isle of Wight County Tax Assessors Office. 326 Tryon Road, Raleigh, NC 27603-3530 O) (919) 661-6351 F) (919) 661-6350 tcns@tepgroup.net A portion of the pertinent USGS 7.5-Benns Church, VA topographic map and a Google Earth ® Satellite Image have been included for your review. If you wish to comment on this project, please provide any comments to us by February 27, 2021. Written comments may be addressed to George Swearingen at Tower Engineering Professionals, Inc. 326 Tryon Road, Raleigh, NC 27603-3530 or tcns@tepgroup.net. If there are any questions, or if any additional information is needed, please do not hesitate to call. Thank you for your assistance and cooperation. Sincerely, Ryan A. Malek Environmental Division Manager Tower Engineering Professionals, Inc. 326 Tryon Road, Raleigh, NC 27603-3530 O) (919) 661-6351 F) (919) 661-6350 tcns@tepgroup.net  The Smithfield Board of Historic and Architectural Review held its regular meeting on Tuesday, January 19th, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. at the Smithfield Center. Members Present: Trey Gwaltney - Chairman Julia Hillegass – Vice Chair Gary Hess Ronny Prevatte Russell Hill Justin Hornback Judith Lally Staff present: John Settle – Community Development & Planning Director William H. Riddick, III – Town Attorney Tammie Clary - Planner Press: None Citizens: None Chairman Gwaltney welcomed everyone to the meeting. Community Development & Planning Director’s Report: The Community Development & Planning Director congratulated Vice Chair Julia Hillegass and Justin Hornback on their reappointments to the BHAR. Now that the Smithfield Comprehensive Plan update is underway, Town staff are in need of public input. The consultants, Summit Design & Engineering Services, PLLC, have prepared a citizen survey to assist in gathering this input. The survey was mailed in the Town’s fall newsletter to all recipients, and is available in hard copy at Town Hall upon request. It is also available online via survey monkey and the Town’s website. Input is requested no later than Thursday, February 4th, 2021. Following conversations with the consultants, it was determined that extending the survey period would assist the Town in expanding public input. Town staff would like to congratulate Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) member Gene Monroe for obtaining his certified BZA member certificate last month. Town staff would also like to congratulate staff members Tammie Clary and John Settle for obtaining both their certified BZA member certificates, as well as their certified Planning Commissioner certificates. Upcoming Meetings and Activities: Monday, January 25th – 3:00 PM – Town Council Committee Meeting Tuesday, January 26th – 3:00 PM – Town Council Committee Meeting Tuesday, February 2nd – 6:30 PM – Town Council Meeting Tuesday, February 9th – 6:30 PM – Planning Commission Meeting Tuesday, February 16th – 6:30 PM – BHAR Meeting Public Comments: There were no public comments. Board Member Comments: Vice Chair Hillegass asked if officers needed to be elected. Board of Historic and Architectural Review January 19th, 2021 The Community Development & Planning Director explained that he checked the bylaws. The bylaws state that elections are held at the first meeting of every even-numbered year. Color & Material Change – 207 Main Street – Non-Contributing – Vernon Ray & Linda Edwards, applicants: The Community Development & Planning Director reported that the applicant is seeking approval to change the color of the existing awnings on the front of the building from burgundy and white to navy blue and white. Town staff recommended approval as submitted. Chairman Gwaltney asked if they stated why they wanted to change the color. The Community Development & Planning Director stated that they had not indicated why they wanted to change the color. Mr. Settle did not notice any signs of dilapidation on the awning when he went by the property. Mr. Hess indicated that he did not see white in the illustrations provided for the new awnings. Mr. Settle stated that you have to look closely in order to see it. Mr. Hornback made a motion to approve the application as presented. Mr. Hill seconded the motion. With no further discussion, Chairman Gwaltney called for the vote. On call for the vote, seven members were present. Mrs. Lally voted aye, Mr. Hess voted aye, Mr. Hill voted aye, Mr. Hornback voted aye, Mr. Prevatte voted aye, Vice Chair Hillegass voted aye, and Chairman Gwaltney voted aye. There were no votes against the motion. The motion passed. Accessory Structure – (After-the-Fact) 259 James Street – Contributing - Stephanie Pressley, applicant: The Community Development & Planning Director explained that the applicant requested attendance at the meeting via phone. Mr. Settle called and she was available by phone for questions from the Planning Commission. Mr. Settle gave the staff report and explained that the applicant already erected a freestanding “little library” at the Luter Family YMCA. The little library is a wooden rectangular box resembling a building and suspended at breast height by a wooden pole that can be moved if needed. It is located at the front entrance of the building, facing the Goose Hill Creek subdivision. The applicant will place books in the little library that are free of charge and available to all. Town staff recommended approval as submitted. The applicant, Ms. Pressley, explained that it was a project started by first grade students last year. Project based learning is unique to Isle of Wight County Public Schools. It is a first grade student effort and Covid put a damper on the project. The central question of the project is “how do we build the love of reading?” There is a video in circulation highlighting the project’s endeavors. Some students are still virtual learners due to Covid and are utilizing the little libraries in the community; specifically, the one at the YMCA. Interestingly, in this project, the adults are the helpers and the children are the ones who do the work. Chairman Gwaltney stated that he thought it was a nice project. Mr. Hill made a motion to approve the application as presented. Vice Chair Hillegass seconded the motion. With no further discussion, Chairman Gwaltney called for the vote. On call for the vote, seven members were present. Mrs. Lally voted aye, Mr. Hess voted aye, Mr. Hill voted aye, Mr. Hornback voted aye, Mr. Prevatte voted aye, Vice Chair Hillegass 2 Board of Historic and Architectural Review January 19th, 2021 voted aye, and Chairman Gwaltney voted aye. There were no votes against the motion. The motion passed. Chairman Gwaltney congratulated Ms. Pressley and the first grade students on helping Smithfield become an even better place. Ms. Pressley thanked the BHAR for their approval. She stated that the students would be excited to hear it. She thanked everyone for their help; specifically, Tammie Clary for help with the application. Chairman Gwaltney asked if Mr. Settle could come up with a congratulatory certificate to send to the students. The children could have something to hang on the wall for their achievement. Mr. Settle stated that he would be happy to do that. Mr. Hill stated that there are little libraries throughout the Town of Smithfield; one on Hayden’s Lane, two in Jersey Park, one at the YMCA, and other locations. HPO Map and Inventory Amendment – Town of Smithfield, applicant: The Community Development & Planning Director explained that, pursuant to Smithfield Zoning Ordinance (SZO) Section 3.M.D.6, Town staff must update and amend the Historic Preservation Overlay (HPO) district map and inventory from time to time to reflect changes that occur within the HPO in real time, with the review and approval of the Board of Historic & Architectural Review (BHAR). On Friday, October 23rd, 2020, Town staff approved a lot consolidation plat for 215 Cary Street (TPINs 21A-04-002 & 21A-04-003A). The plat was recorded later that day, resulting in the vacation of the lot line that separated the two properties, and the elimination of Lot 2, Cary Street (TPIN 21A-04-002). Consequently, the classification of 215 Cary Street (TPIN 21A-04-003A), a contributing property under Article 3.M of the SZO, now prevails over the area of land that formerly comprised Lot 2, Cary Street (TPIN 21A-04-002), which was a non-contributing vacant lot prior to the recordation of the plat. This map amendment seeks to achieve two items: (1) To illustrate 215 Cary Street (TPIN 21A-04-003A) as a single, contributing property on the HPO district map. (2) To eliminate Lot 2, Cary Street (TPIN 21A-04-002) from the HPO district property inventory. An updated version of the HPO district map and property inventory has been attached to this staff report for the convenience of the BHAR. A copy of the recorded lot consolidation plat has also been included. Town staff recommended approval as submitted. Chairman Gwaltney stated that the color-coded map is nice to look at. He felt that staff had done a great job on it. It is a clear indication of all properties and a good reference point for the BHAR members. Vice Chair Hillegass made a motion to approve as presented. Mr. Hess seconded the motion. Chairman Gwaltney called for the vote. On call for the vote, seven members were present. Mrs. Lally voted aye, Mr. Hess voted aye, Mr. Hill voted aye, Mr. Hornback voted aye, Mr. Prevatte voted aye, Vice Chair Hillegass voted aye, and Chairman Gwaltney voted aye. There were no votes against the motion. The motion passed. Approval of the Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 Meeting Minutes: The Town Attorney recommended approval of the minutes. 3 Board of Historic and Architectural Review January 19th, 2021 Vice Chair Hillegass made a motion to approve as presented. Mr. Hess seconded the motion. Chairman Gwaltney called for the vote. On call for the vote, seven members were present. Mrs. Lally voted aye, Mr. Hess voted aye, Mr. Hill voted aye, Mr. Hornback voted aye, Mr. Prevatte voted aye, Vice Chair Hillegass voted aye, and Chairman Gwaltney voted aye. There were no votes against the motion. The motion passed. The meeting adjourned at 6:55 p.m. ____________________________ ____________________________ Mr. Trey Gwaltney - Chairman Mr. John Settle – Community Development & Planning Director 4