HPC Administrative Record - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Application No. 2016-0809, fell afoul of Group B Standard, "C", which states, "additions to landmarks should not detract from the original form and unity of the landmark." The six out of the nine commissioners of HPC who were present at the June 19, 2017 public hearing explained that Mr. Boyd's proposed modifications did not keep to the architectural integrity of the building. In its denial letter, the HPC specifically found that the roof would"alter and modify the structure and change it greatly by adding this type of roof'; "does not meet the existing character of the structure"; "alter the fagade, architectural integrity, and its style"; "does not keep the historical character or look of the building"; "not in keeping with the Standards and Guidelines that the Commission must use"; and"too far outside of the mandated Standards and Guidelines". The HPC's decision that the proposed alterations were not I appropriate was entirely consistent with the Appropriateness standard of Section(e)(1) of Ordinance No. 9495-04. I Mr. Boyd presented no evidence at the hearing to show that the public would benefit from the proposed modifications,the second consideration HPC must evaluate. If the HPC had issued the COA, it would change the very structure that was given Historic Landmark protection by the Common Council through Ordinance No. 9037-99. The Landmark status was given in the first place in order to preserve the Firehouse as it then existed. Allowing a modification that changed the frame, mass, and overall silhouette of the building would remove all value of the Historic Landmark. HPC was within its ordinance authority to determine that the proposed alteration in Mr. Boyd's COA Application No. 2017-0602A would impose a detriment to public welfare by violating the Historic Landmark Ordinance which protects the Firehouse, and to therefore deny the application. 12