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�1 STAFF REPORT CONCERNING APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS Date: April 30, 2010 Application Number: 2010-0430 Property Location: 20501 Cleveland Road — Cripe-Witter Cemetery Architectural Style/Date/Architect or Builder: c.1850 Property Owner: German Township Landmark or District Designation: Local Landmark Rating: Contributing DESCRIPTION OF STRUCTURE./ SITE: Small cemetery off Cleveland Road shaded by a canopy of tall trees. Stone markers indicating grave sites are scattered; some are leaning against others, some are leaning against trees, many arc missing entirely or broken and scattered throughout cemetery. AI.,TERATIONS: none. APPLICATION ITEMS: Put in sign depicting cemetery. Put in (grave) markers where needed. Remove (trees) where overgrown. DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSEDPROJECT- Owner wishes to put in a sign to be placed near the right of way off the parking lot at the entrance of the cemetery, see attached photo "Monument to be in graphic" for logo on sign. Language on sign to read: "Gripe -Witter Cemetery Circa 1834 German Township Historic Landmark. This cemetery was originally known as "The Cripe Cemetery" in honor of the Cripe family who donated the land for the cemetery. This cemetery became the first in St. Joseph County declared a historic landmark on, 13 August 1991, by the Historic Preservation Commission and County Council." The material or size for the sign has not yet been decided and owners are open to suggestions. Owner is planning on using grant money to erect this sign and must work within that budget. Owner would also like to replace grave markers that have felled or broken. In the case of those that are missing entirely, owner would like to erect markers fashioned as a cross, 36" tall x 30" wide. They arc willing to make the markers out of wood and would like to put the name of the deceased on the marker. Owner would also like to remove trees where overgrown. They have not named any specific trees; however, in general they- ould like to thin out some of the volunteer trees that have grown to be quite tall. STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES: Local Landmark Group B Standards A. Maintenance The maintenance of any historical structure or site shall in no way involve any direct physical change except for the general cleaning and upkeep of the landmark. The Commission shall encourage the proper maintenance of all structure or sites. B. Treatment Treatment shall be defined as any change of surface materials that will not alter the style or original form. Such improvements include re -roofing, glazing, or landscaping lawns and may involve a change that can potentially enhance or detract from the character of the landmark. A treatment change of any surface whether on the landmark or in its environment may require a Certificate of Appropriateness if it significantly alters the appearance of the landmark. Although these kinds of changes may not require a Building Permit, a Certificate of Appropriateness may be necessary. The commission should review the proposed treatment for character and style consistency with the original surfaces. C. Renovation and Additions Renovation is the modification of a structure, which does not alter the general massing while and addition, is a change in mass. A modification, which involves the removal of a part of the landmark, should be considered under demolition (see demolition). Additions to landmarks should not detract from the original form and unity of ht landmark and should not cover singular examples of architectural detail. Additions to landmarks should be added in a manner that does not disrupt