Loading...
HDC Minutes 7-23-20CITY OF BEVERLY PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES COMMITTEE /COMMISSION Historic District Commission DATE: LOCATION: MEMBERS PRESENT MEMBERS ABSENT: OTHERS PRESENT: RECORDER: • Call to Order July 23, 2020 Google Meet William Finch, Chair; Suzanne LaMont, Vice Chair; Caroline Mason, Wendy Pearl Emily Hutchings (Planning Department, City of Beverly), Robert Tolan Jodi Byrne Chair William Finch calls the July 23, 2020 meeting of the HDC to order at 7:00 pm. Vice Chair Suzie LaMont reads the following script: Before beginning the meeting, I would like to announce that this meeting is being recorded by the City of Beverly. I am confirming that all members and persons anticipated on the agenda are present and can hear me. Members, when I call your name, please respond in the affirmative. Suzie LaMont William Finch Caroline Mason Wendy Pearl Staff, when I call your name, please respond in the affirmative. Emily Hutchings Anticipated speakers on the agenda, please respond in the affirmative. Robert Tolan Introduction to Remote Meeting: Good evening. This Open Meeting of the Historic District Commission is being conducted remotely, consistent with Governor Baker's Executive order of March 12, 2020, due to the current State of Emergency in the Commonwealth due to the outbreak of COVID -19. In order to mitigate the transmission of the virus, we have been advised and directed by the Commonwealth to suspend public gatherings, and as such, the Governor's Order suspended the requirement of Open Meeting Law to have all meetings in a publicly accessible physical location. Further, all members of public bodies are allowed and encouraged to participate remotely. The Order allows public bodies to meet entirely remotely so long as adequate alternative public access is afforded so that the public can follow along with the deliberations of the meeting. Ensuring public access does not ensure public participation unless such participation is required by law. This meeting may feature public comment. For this meeting, the Historic District Commission is convening by telephone and video conference via Google Hangouts as posted on the City's website identifying how the public may j oin. Please note that this meeting is being recorded, and that some attendees are participating by video conference. Accordingly, please be aware that other participants or viewers may be able to see and hear you, and anything that your broadcast may be captured by the recording. You have the option to turn off your video if you are participating via computer. All participants should keep their microphones or phones muted unless recognized by the Chair to reduce background noise and feedback. Please wait until the person speaking has finished before speaking so we can clearly hear all participants. Meeting Materials Supporting materials that have been provided to members of this body are available from the Planning Department. Please contact Associate Planner Emily Hutchings to request supporting materials. The public is encouraged to follow along using the posted agenda unless the Chair notes otherwise. Meeting Ground Rules We are now turning to the first item on the agenda. Before we do so, I will cover some ground rules for effective and clear conduct of our business and to ensure accurate meeting minutes. The Chair will introduce each item on the agenda. After speakers conclude their remarks, the Chair will invite Commission members to provide any comment, questions, or motions. a. Please remember to mute your phone or computer when you are not speaking. b. You may mute yourself or be muted by the meeting host by clicking the microphone mute /unmute icon, pressing the mute button on your telephone, or by pressing *6 on your telephone keypad. c. Please reserve the Chat function for technical difficulties and not for public comment. d. Please remember to speak clearly and in a way that helps generate accurate minutes. For any response, please state your name and affiliation before speaking. Regarding public comment: e. After members have spoken, the Chair will afford public comment as follows: i. The Chair will first ask members of the public who wish to speak to identify their names and addresses only; ii. Once the Chair has a list of all public commentators, I will call on each by name and afford 3 minutes for any comments. For those individuals present in person, please take care to speak loudly and clearly so the microphone associated with the webcam or telephone can effectively broadcast your comments to those participating remotely. As applicant Robert Tolan is not present, the Chair moves to item 2 on the agenda. 2. Approval of minutes May 28, 2020 The minutes are discussed and amended as needed. Wendy Pearl motions to approve the May 28, 2020 minutes as amended. Caroline Mason seconds. There is a formal roll call vote of the Commission: William Finch, Chair; Suzanne LaMont, Vice Chair; Caroline Mason, and Wendy Pearl. The motion passes (4 -0). As Robert Tolan is now present, the Chair moves back to item 1 on the agenda. 1. Informal Review — 35 Front Street — Robert Tolan — Window Replacements Chair Finch states that the purpose of this meeting is for the Commission to discuss Mr. Tolan's plan to install new windows on his property at 35 Front Street. Chair Finch says that there is no available formal record from the agreement of the previous installation in 1984, and there are no images to show what the house looked like previous to that time. Mr. Tolan says that his father (who is a professional carpenter) thinks that the property's current two over two windows are probably from a 1950's or 1960's installation. Chair Finch reports that this prior installation was a controversial case, and the past Chair of the HDC was reportedly not in favor of the replacement decision. Tolan reports that the current windows are from the Andersen Narroline 200 series, and that Andersen still makes these inexpensive windows. He says that he would like to install the more expensive and higher - quality 400 series. Chair Finch says that the challenge with this installation lies within the HDC's requirement for people who have houses more than 50 years old to install windows that match the historic nature of the building. He says that Mr. Tolan's case is different, however, in that the previous windows were approved by the HDC at that time. Mason says that it is her opinion that this is different as the past windows were approved and that it may not be fair to have Mr. Tolan restore to historic past window treatments. LaMont requests clarification on the number of windows to be replaced, and Mr. Tolan answers that replacements are planned for the three sides that can be seen from the road. Mr. Tolan says he plans to replace one side at a time, with the ultimate goal of replacing all to match the current windows with an upgraded version. Wendy Pearl asks what the replacements would be, and Mr. Tolan says that while he is not stuck to any particular, he is favoring two- over -two vertical windows. Chair Finch says that they could choose to replace with in -kind windows with regards to the last approval, and then choose the level of choice and grid position. Hutchings reminds the Commission that this agenda item is only for an informal discussion and that they can make a final decision when the application is formally made. Chair Finch asks each Commission member for their opinion. Pearl says that she is on the fence as she understands both the need to acknowledge the prior approval and the fact that the 1984 approval was contentious. Hutchings says for in -kind replacement windows, a Certificate of Non - Applicability could be instituted where it could be approved by the Chair or a representative of the Commission. Chair Finch says that he has concerns that this route would diminish the role and purpose of the Commission. LaMont says that her concerns are in the grid placement. Pearl suggests that the Commission think within the in -kind definition and not change the grid configuration. She says that the Commission can then report that this decision was based on what was previously approved. The Commission asks if permits are required for a window replacement, and Hutchings says that a building permit is not required, but a Certificate of Appropriateness will need to be applied for. Mr. Tolan confirms that the 6- over -6 would be the easiest replacement for the Commission's enforcement, as it is the same model and improvement for an in -kind replacement from the 1984 (vinyl -clad wood) installation. Hutchings explains the next steps, stating that there would be a hearing with formal discussion and public comment for an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness. Mr. Tolan is instructed to send the application form to the Commission via the Planning Department with the manufacturer cut sheet and specific profile circled. The Commission states that Mr. Tolan's application should indicate the specific window and grid as well as other necessary details. It is also noted that any structural work would require a permit. Pearl thanks Mr. Tolan for his responsibility in coming to the Commission to ask for advice. Chair Finch notes the requirement of the public hearing and a notice to property abutters and receives timeline guidance. The Commission notes that Mr. Tolan can consider vendors other than Andersen. 3. New /Other Busines: Other discussion or action items related to Commission business, if any I. Lamont asks about a potential demolition delay on 179 West Street. Chair Finch says that the work was not historical. He notes that while the building dates to 1929, the interior held modern sheetrock and windows, with a staircase that was constructed in the last 20 years. Chair Finch says that he concluded that there was nothing historical within the structure. Mason states she also saw the demolition and says that there was not much worth saving as most was gone already. Chair Finch says that the current owner wants to tear the structure down to gain access to the lot. Hutchings says that it is to demolish the building and not to put anything in its place, which the owner called "undeveloping." 2. Hutchings reports that the Powder House restoration will be completed by July 31st. She also says that project architect Richard Smith is working on the completion reports for MHC, and that she will be finalizing the report for Essex Heritage and the CPC. 3. Hutchings says that the Historic Preservation Plan is continuing to progress. She says that the public outreach time is over and that there will be a meeting next week to plan phase two. She says that there is a request to extend the grant to the end of November with expected completion at the end of October. Hutchings reports that there were 584 responses to the Historic Preservation Plan survey. She describes mostly positive feedback with a few concerns in the areas of development and the need for historical requirements. She says that the reports revealed much support for programs and grants, especially on downtown Cabot Street, Fish Flake Hill, and Beverly Farms. She said there is a hope for a future online public forum for input to plans and activities. 4. Hutchings reports that she has accepted the Asst. Planning Director position for Beverly and that the City is now looking for an Associate Planner. She notes she will continue to staff the HDC. 5. Pearl reviews the past meeting from the CPC where there was a discussion of the out - of -cycle Briscoe Project. She says that this applicant is requesting $700K to go toward a $42 million project, with the applicant hoping that a local commitment will leverage state funding. Pearl says that this will be further discussed in the August meeting of the CPC. LaMont asks about the CPC's decision not to fund the historic documents project. Pearl reviews the history of the CPC's decision. Pearl then asks the Commission if they had previously discussed whether the CPC should consider a proposal for small grants for private businesses of historic properties. Hutchings says yes, the Commission had discussed the idea over a year ago, including the goal of providing specific recommendations on how to go about this such as protecting public investment and private property. Pearl cites The Cabot as a model, and Hutchings says she has discussed this with Beverly Economic Development Planner Denise Deschamps who staffs the CPC. Pearl says a framework would need to be in place prior to the end of September, so that this year may not be the year to roll this out. Commission members express support for this initiative and the initial proposal sent two years ago. Hutchings agrees to add this topic to the next month's agenda of the HDC, and Pearl says she will raise it informally with the CPC. Adjournment LaMont motions to adjourn the meeting at 8:30 pm. Pearl seconds. There is a formal roll call vote of the Commission: William Finch, Chair; Suzanne LaMont, Vice Chair; Caroline Mason, and Wendy Pearl. The motion passes (4 -0).