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DESCRIPTION OF STRUCTURE/ SITE: Vernacular 2 storey gable front single family residence with wood framed rectangular plan on concrete foundation, parge coated. ALTERATIONS: Vinyl siding. Replacement 6/6 double hung windows. Glass block windows on South side. Shutters added to windows. Metal awning over entry doors. Concrete stairs leading into front entry door. APPLICATION ITEMS: Remove trees in backyard which obstruct the existing power lines, and plant 1 (one) new tree. Remove bushes in front yard, replace with flower garden, possibly add one small tree. The trees in the backyard of the property at 503 N. Lafayette Blvd. are a hazard and I would like to remove them for this reason. The bushes in the front yard are not hazardous, this decision is aesthetically based. I would like to remove the bushes and plant a flower garden in their place. The three (3) trees in the backyard of my property are intertwined with the power lines (see Exhibits A -1 through A-4). Due to the obstruction of the power lines by the trees, multiple power lines have fallen to the ground (see Exhibit B -1 through B -2). At one point (before I took possession of the property), a pole which held power lines had fallen to the ground. It was likely a storm that caused the pole to fall, but the additional strain of the tree branches pulling on the power lines may have contributed to the worn nature of the structure. I have a 15 month old son, and I will not and cannot allow him to play in our backyard due to the unsafe nature. Due to the above stated reasons, I see no better resolve than to remove the trees completely to allow the power lines to run safely at their elevation, and to plant a tree which is authorized by the Historical Preservation Commission Guidebook which will grow to a height which will not obstruct the power lines in the future. In the front yard of the property, I would like to remove the bushes, which are old and worn and plant a flower garden in their place (see Exhibit D -1 and D -2). DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED PROJECT: Homeowner wishes to remove trees that are interfering with power lines in backyard of home. One replacement tree will be planted in backyard. Also, homeowner wishes to remove bushes near fagade in front yard of home and replace with a flower garden. STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES: I. THE ENVIRONMENT A. THE DISTRICT ENVIRONMENT The Chapin Park Local Historic District is a particularly fine residential area located close to downtown South Bend, the St. Joseph River, Memorial Hospital and Leeper Park. The district environment's notable features are the remaining brick streets, historic streetlights, and a mature tree canopy that provides a park- like atmosphere. This section is meant to protect and guide appropriate maintenance of the common areas, the overall visual landscape and the streetscapes of the district. Required Curving brick streets contribute greatly to the character of the neighborhood. These streets have always been essentially passenger car thoroughfares. The appointments of the streets (i.e. lighting, curbs, horse hitches and monuments) should contribute as much as possible to their architectural, historic, and residential character. Retention and maintenance of existing brick streets in the district is required. Repair work to fill voids and gaps must utilize brick paver materials and acceptable installation methods whenever applicable. When utility work dictates the removal of street sections (pavers), the original materials will be reinstalled. Brick streets shall be patched with brick pavers. Concrete, asphalt, fillers, and similar materials shall not be used. All original streetlights shall be maintained, especially the George Cutter "Park View" streetlights designed by the Cutter Company for this neighborhood. Present efforts by the Neighborhood Association and the Historic Preservation Commission to restore "Park View" streetlights to the district shall continue. Any change in lighting must receive approval of the Historic Preservation Commission. New or different fencing requires a C of A and shall reflect the style and character of the individual property and the surrounding environment and properties. Recommended The current or historic character of lawns should be preserved. Front yard areas, trees and lawns should remain open. New or replacement trees should be compatible in variety with those presently growing. Vacant lots should be kept landscaped appropriately while vacant, and may be used for recreational or residential development. When replacement of utility poles or power supply lines is necessary, consideration should be given to underground conduits or utility poles erected along rear property lines. Prohibited Existing relationships of buildings and their environments shall not be destroyed by widening existing streets, applying asphalt or other bituminous coverings, or by introducing new streets or parking lots. Signs, streetlights, benches, new plant materials, fencing, walkways, and paving materials which are out of scale or inappropriate to the neighborhood may not be used. 5