Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Signed Minutes - July 20, 2020

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Application Number: 2020-0626B Property Location: 805 Arch Avenue Architectural Style/Date/Architect or Builder: Free Classic / 1912 / Whitcomb and Keller Property Owner: Andy and Becky Czarnecki Landmark or District Designation: Edgewater Local Historic District, #6846-80 Rating: Contributing DESCRIPTION OF STRUCTURE/ SITE: Two story rectangular frame house on a brick foundation and aluminum siding. Gabled roof with asphalt shingles. Sunporches at either end of the primary fagade, screened on the north east side and enclosed on the southwest. Detached one car garage at rear. ALTERATIONS: COA #2014-0825A allowed for mortar pointing and sealant along foundation and wing walls. COA #2002- 0904 allowed for replacement of windows with Marvin Insulated "True Divided Light" wood windows. COA #1993-0523 allowed for the reconstruction of the rear gable entry canopy, per COA #1991-0523. COA #1991-0523 allowed for the installation of new roof material and the reconstruction of the gable canopy with rake boards and molding supported by two full length 4"x4" piers. COA #1991-0510 allowed transition of the driveway from gravel to concrete and the grinding of two stumps. COA #1987-0415 allowed for asphalt roof replacement. APPLICATION ITEMS: "3ft white picket fence using 4.5 " dog ear pickets to be placed in the side / back yard of residence. " DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED PRO.IECT: The applicant has requested approval to: iii. Install a 3' tall white picket fence made of pressure treated lumber. iv. Site dimensions: 1. 22' on south side, with 4' gate 2. 30' on west side (facing River Avenue), V in from sidewalk. 3. 18' on north side along driveway, also inset 1' from the sidewalk 4. 12' on east side (facing the garage), also with 4' gate. v. Posts will be every 6' (except where otherwise noted per site plan), set in concrete. This property is at the comer of Arch and River Avenue, facing Arch. The Standards and Guidelines state that `front yard areas shall not be fenced. " The proposed area — while not the `front yard' of Arch — corresponds to the front yard of their neighbor's property on River Avenue. A number of other comer lots within the neighborhood have enclosed side yards, such as 619 Edgewater Drive (COAs #1996- 0405 and #2009-0504B), 740 East Bronson Court (COA #2004-0903-1), and 644 Monroe Street (COA #1989-0629 for the rear fence, #1993-0507 for picket fence). STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES: EAST WAYNE STREET Il. THE ENVIRONMENT A. THE DISTRICT ENVIRONMENT The district is characterized by its proximity to downtown South Bend and its intimate relationship with the St. Joseph River. Edgewater Drive follows the riverfront with a row of houses facing the river from across the street. Other structures in the District share the benefits of the river with the presence of the riverbank and a small park near the southwest comer of the District. Required Distinctive existing features such as parks, gardens, streetlights, fences, signs, benches, walkways, streets alleys and buildings setbacks shall be retained. New plant materials, fencing, walkways, streetlights, signs, and benches shall be compatible with the character of the neighborhood in size, scale, material and color. The riverfront character of the district shall be retained. Recommended Whenever possible, the original features should be restored. Plant materials and trees in close proximity to buildings, sidewalks, or streets that are causing deterioration to those elements should be removed. If erosion control efforts become necessary to preserve the riverbank, they should involve processes and materials consistent with the natural beauty of the banks. The development of boat - landings, access points, scenic overlooks or terraces should be done in such a way as to avoid obstructing the view of the river and its banks. Unsightly brush, weeds, and dead or diseased trees should be removed. Where river safety barriers are necessary, as at Arch and Edgewater, they should be constructed and terraced to maintain the natural appearance. Prohibited Existing relationships of buildings and their environments shall not be destroyed through widening existing streets, changing paving material, or by introducing inappropriately located new streets or parking lots incompatible with the character of the neighborhood. Signs, streetUghis, beaches, new plant materials, fenvint,. walkways, and pavink, sraterials which are out of scale or inappropriate to