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CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS STAFF REPORT <br />1.B.3 Prohibited <br />No changes may be made to the appearance of the site by removing trees, <br />fencing—and other elements before evaluating their importance to the <br />property's history and development. <br />RECOMMENDATION <br />The applicant seeks to replace the retaining system at the terraced hillside <br />along the streetfront of this house. The change in levels at the existing <br />terraces are presently retained by old wood (probably railroad ties) which has <br />become significantly deteriorated. The proposal entails replacement of these <br />wood members with "rock faced" concrete block specially designed for a <br />mortarless retaining wall application while maintaining the existing terraces. <br />It is fairly apparent that the RR tie terracing is not greater than fifty <br />years old and is therefore not specifically historic. Although the most common <br />treatment of these sloped lawns (which are typical of Riverside Drive in this <br />district) is maintenance of grass cover,.several other locations also have <br />terraces with stone or wood retaining systems_. So long as the general geometry <br />or these slopes is maintained as to top and bottom locations and average <br />slope, the exchange of material has no adverse affect on a historic feature. <br />Staff therefore recommends approval with the understanding that the same or <br />similar flora is to be retained. <br />DBD <br />6/8/98 <br />