Historic Preservation Commission

MINUTES HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION September 25, 2023 City Council Chambers The Regular Meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission of the City of Woodstock was called to order by Chairman Donovan Day at 7:00 PM on Monday, September 25, 2023, in Council Chambers at Woodstock City Hall. CALL TO ORDER / ROLL CALL COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Tom Ellinghausen, Jose Rey, and Chair Donovan Day. COMMISSION MEMBERS ABSENT: Marti Dejon and Erica Wilson. STAFF PRESENT: City Planner Darrell Moore, City Clerk Jane Howie, and Clerk Melissa McCain. OTHERS PRESENT: Matt Goyke, Architect for Blue Lotus MINUTES: a. June 26, 2023 Motion made by T. Ellinghausen, second by J. Rey, to accept the June 26, 2023 Minutes as presented. Ayes: T. Ellinghausen, J. Reys, and Chair Day. Nays: none. Abstentions: none. Absentees: M. Dejon and E. Wilson. Motion carried. PUBLIC COMMENT: none. OLD BUSINESS: none. NEW BUSINESS: a. 110 South Jefferson Street Woodstock Square Mall Window Replacement Planner Moore advised that the application for the “110 South Jefferson Street Woodstock Square Mall Window Replacement” has been withdrawn and will be resubmitted for a future meeting. b. 221 Dean Street – Blue Lotus Temple Exterior Stair Replacement and Landscaping Changes Architect Goyke advised that a few members of the Blue Lotus Council were present at this meeting for any questions. Architect Goyke reviewed a site and landscape plan, and advised that the application included making exterior improvements to the building and the grounds along the Dean Street frontage. He advised that proposed is a slightly expanded west stair, which now serves as the building’s main entrance as well as a small reconfiguration to allow for easier access to the door and the replacement of the existing railing with a new wrought-iron railing containing decorative lotus flower designs.  Historic Preservation Commission 09/25/2023 Page 2 of 4 Continuing, Architect Goyke stated that in between the side yard, which is currently comprised of grass, flower beds, and a small patio with statue, will be reconfigured into a much larger patio lowered to sidewalk grade. It will feature a second statue and knee walls with built-in downlighting that provides seating. Architect Goyke reviewed pictures and materials proposed for each area of the project, which included brick/stone pavers, concrete wall caps, and stucco finishes. Ellinghausen inquired if the decorative lotus flower design on the railing would be facing in or out. Architect Goyke said out, but they are considering a design that would be double faced so the flower would be shown from either side of the railing. Ellinghausen asked if the statue is proposed to be lowered. Architect Goyke advised that it would be lower, but still elevated and lighted. Rey inquired why the design included gray brick as opposed to the red that matches the current brick on the building. Architect Goyke stated that part of the design does include reddish pavers and the colors would all coincide with each other. Rey inquired about the drainage of the area. Architect Goyke advised that the property would be sloped away from the building and directed toward the landscaping. Rey inquired on handicap access. Architect Goyke advised that the handicap ramp will remain in the back and enter on the main floor. Planner Moore advised that the applicant’s proposal is sensitive to the existing elements of the building while infusing new aspects that reflect the current building use. The proposed changes improve access to the building, the applicant is using quality building materials and designs, and it will create an accessible patio/plaza for the public. Further, Planner Moore stated that the Downtown Historic Business Preservation District Guidelines include a section on public and institutional buildings; however, it offers little in the way of guidance regarding this type of project, which does not include modifications to the building beyond rebuilding of steps. It is the recommendation of Staff to approve the requested Certificate of Appropriateness. Motion made by Rey, seconded by Ellinghausen to approve the 221 Dean Street – Blue Lotus Temple Exterior Stair Replacement and Landscaping Changes. Ayes: T. Ellinghausen, J. Rey and Chair Day. Nays: none. Absentee: M. Dejon and E. Wilson. Abstentions: none. Motion carried. REPORTS AND DISCUSSION There were no reports presented. Ellinghausen inquired about the heavy equipment being stored on the North Jefferson property. He noted that a demolition permit was issued, but that heavy equipment storage was not approved.  Historic Preservation Commission 09/25/2023 Page 3 of 4 Planner Moore will investigate this concern. There was a question regarding if the City had a Surety Bond for 101 Throop St. as that building has yet to have the brick painted or the landscaping completed as per the Certificate of Appropriateness. Planner Moore advised that there is a $3,500 Surety Bond and that he would investigate the next steps to get this completed. It was noted that Dr. Behm recently had a child and that has delayed the enforcement of this requirement. Ellinghausen advised that there was also a requirement of the old lumber yard to grade and seed their property, and requested that Planner Moore research the application and find out if there was a Surety Bond for that property as well. Chairman Day inquired on the Die Cast site. Planner Moore advised that there was a development agreement proposed for the Council meeting on October 17th, and if all is approved, the project is proposed to start next spring. Continuing, Planner Moore advised that the first phase would be the senior housing followed by the assisted living phase and finally the apartment and mixed use as the third phase of the project. There are current negotiations proposing that if the third phase is not completed by a date specific the TIF funds for that project can be allocated to another project. Rey inquired about the opening of the microbrewery. Planner Moore advised that they are ready to go and are just waiting for the final approval from the County Health Department. Ellinghausen inquired on the neon sign that has been installed and asked if a permit has been issued. Planner Moore advised that they have not yet applied, but he will meet with the owners to get this application completed. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS: Planner Moore advised that the Die Cast preliminary plan should be coming before the Commission for at least Phase I. Further, Planner Moore advised that the Hutchens Street project is still being adjusted to follow current regulations and that the owners could be cited and fined as they’re not in compliance with the approved Certificate of Appropriateness. Chairman Day advised that he felt the City should cite the owner. ADJOURNMENT: Motion made by T. Ellinghausen, second by J. Rey to adjourn this Regular Meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission.  Historic Preservation Commission 09/25/2023 Page 4 of 4 Ayes: J. Rey, T. Ellinghausen, and Chair Day. Nays: none. Abstentions: none. Absentees: E. Wilson and M. Dejon. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 7:33 PM. Respectfully submitted, Melissa McCain Commission Clerk