Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Signed Minutes - September 21, 2020

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Commissioner Downs-Krostenko stated that the "ordinance does say" that mature trees will be preserved. Commissioner Wyncott stated that he could probably argue that diseased trees are not mature trees. Commissioner Deegan stated that he didn't see in the Standards and Guidelines where it's a one-for-one ratio; the loss of the trees will not mean the lot is completely barren. Commissioner Wyncott stated that, while some may like deciduous trees, the new owner may like something else. Administrator Feasel stated that the Standards and Guidelines did not mandate that trees will be replaced, but instead that the standards require that front yards remain open; that this was a small grove of trees that was put in 50 years ago, but that it is not necessarily original to the layout of the neighborhood, and that removing them will be more in keeping with the Standards and Guidelines; the Standards do say that trees contribute to the beauty and charm and the historic character, that healthy trees should be preserved; there will be large trees still on the property. The Commission is not here to design people's projects. The Commission is here to review and decide on the applications presented. Staff recommends approval and does not recommend any new trees. A landscape plan would be appreciated by staff in the future, but the Standards and Guidelines do not require replacement. Commissioner Downs-Krostenko stated that the Chapin Park Standards and Guidelines mandate replacement. Specialist Toering stated that the West North Shore Standards and Guidelines were the first Standards and Guidelines adopted by the Historic Preservation Commission and they are unique. PUBLIC DISCUSSION: N/A Commissioner Andrews made a motion to approve COA #2020-0910A as proposed. Seconded by Commissioner Stalheim. Six in favor, none opposed. Vote: 6 — 0. Motion to approve COA #2020-0910A passes. B. NATIONAL REGISTER NOMINATION i. Lowell Heights — Olivet African Methodist Episcopal Church public comment and review Administrator Feasel explained that this is the first of two meetings to hear this proposed National Register Nomination. At the second meeting the Commission will draft a letter of support for the National Register Nomination to submit to the State. Mr. Todd Zeiger (61550 SR 931 Highway, South Bend, IN 46614) stated that Indiana Landmarks, through their African American Landmarks Committee did help fund the nomination that Kurt Garner is writing, but that Mr. Garner has donated his time and knowledge. Mr. Zeiger stated that Indiana Landmarks believes this to be a very important historic site in South Bend, an amazing church and an amazing congregation that has taken care of this building for decades. Mr. Zeiger stressed that he wanted to encourage the Commission's positive recommendation for this nomination, and that this is a wonderful structure to add to the National Register. Mr. Kurt Garner of KWGarner Consulting and Design (12954 6" Road, Plymouth Indiana, 46563) offered to answer any technical questions that the Commission may have. Mr. Garner clarified that the state had determined that the structure was eligible under the `architecture' category, and that having discussed the application with Mr. Zeiger and Administrator Feasel, all parties agreed that, as this structure is historically the home of the first African American congregation in South Bend, that it should also be considered significant under the `Culture and Ethnic