Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Signed Minutes - July 15, 2019

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Commissioner Brazinsky stated that she could support the removal of the pillars were the porch only one story tall, b ut since they are two stories, it doesn’t work. Commissioner Ponder agreed with the staff recommendation. Commissioner Molnar stated that he had concerns regarding the precedent that could be established with allowing the removal of pillars in future cases. Ms. Broden expressed that this application (for removing two of the pillars) is an ask for now, and not forever. From an engineering standpoint, the outside two columns are load-bearing. It is their hope that the two other pillars could be added in at a later date. Commissioner Hertel asked if removing two of the pillars would allow for executing other projects on the house. Ms. Broden stated that this is absolutely the case. Commissioner Hertel asked what kind of time-frame this project is looking at. Ms. Broden stated that this is a multi-year project, and she was surprised to discover that the Historic Preservation Commission’s Certificate was only a one-year approval, as opposed to the Building Department’s two-year permit. She acknowledged that the original ‘ask’ of this project may have been too grand. Ms. Broden then spoke about the construction of the replacement pillars, and how they can be fabricated at a later date to match the to -be-installed components. Mr. Broden spoke to the financials that limit the estate’s position on executing the projects on the property. Commissioner Molnar asked for clarification from Legal Counsel regarding the duration of Certificates of Appropriateness. Legal Counsel Kennedy clarified that the duration of the Certificates of Appropriateness is established in the enabling ordinance. Individuals projects could be renewed, repeatedly. Commissioner Hertel wanted clarification as to what sort of time schedule would work for the re-installation of the two additional columns; before the petitioner could provide a time frame, Commissioner Hertel explained that were the project not completed in the next year, that the applicant could apply for an extension, again. Commissioner Gelfman clarified that Mr. Broden had mentioned that he had some desire to remove the internal pillars permanently, but that option was “off the table” to the Commission. Mr. Broden stated that he understood. Commissioner Molnar asked about the construction of the columns. Specialist Toering clarified that the previous approval allowed for contingencies including material change. Commissioner Gelfman expressed concern that, were a new owner to purchase the property before the two internal columns are installed, and the new owner didn’t want to install the columns, that the Commission would have little recourse. Commissioner Brazinsky stated that it could be included in the closing (sale) documents, contingent upon those columns. Legal Counsel Kennedy explained that we could ask the current prop erty owner to do that, but the Commission would have no legal way of requiring them to do so. Commissioner Molnar explained that the COA would still be active, and in place. Legal Counsel Kennedy responded that the COA would not be discoverable on a title -search or otherwise. Specialist Toering re-read the motion and approval from the 2018 application, clarifying the staff approval authority. Mr. Broden explained that, were the house be sold within the next year, the house would be sold with four columns, a s there would be sufficient monies to pay for their installation and his siblings would support him in that position. Commissioner Hertel asked about the manufacture of the columns, were they installed at different times. Specialist Toering explained that the manufacturers are established, and that the products are cast. Ms. Broden explained that the pillars come unfinished, and need to be painted. PUBLIC DISCUSSION: N/A Commissioner Hertel made a motion to approve COA #2019-0701, section 1, the reduction in size of the wrap-around porch. Seconded by Commissioner Molnar. Five in favor, none opposed. Vote: 5 – 0. Motion to approve COA #2019-0701, section 1, is passed. Commissioner Ponder made a motion to approve COA #2019-0701, section 2, the removal of the porte-cochère stairs. Seconded by Commissioner Hertel. Five in favor, none opposed. Vote: 5 – 0. Motion to approve COA #2019-0701, section 2, is passed. Administrator Feasel requested clarification on the motion for section 1, regarding the brick color. The motion remains as is.