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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMay 1997• • i AGENDA OF THE REGULAR MEETING of the HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION Regular monthly meeting 7:30 p.m. Monday, May 19, 1997 County Commissioner's Conference Room 7th Floor County City Bldg. I. Call to Order II. Roll Call III. Public Hearing A. Certificates of Appropriateness 1) 717 Lincolnway East - construction of storage shed 2) 519 Edgewater Dive - replacement of concrete driveway 3) 1325 East Wayne Street - rear yard fence 4) 621 Lincolnway East -,construction of rear deck 5) 16581 Chandler Boulevard - construction of new detached garage 6) 1208 Lincolnway East - removal of front exterior stairs and construction of 2 story rear porch. B. Second Reading for Local Landmark Designation 1) Studebaker Proving Grounds Clubhouse - Bendix Woods County Park, 32132 S.R. 2, Olive. Twp. IV. Regular Business A. Approval of Minutes 1. April 21, 1997 B. Treasurer's Report C. Correspondence D. Committee Reports 1. Budget & Finance 2. Historic Districts a. Project Access 3. Historic Landmarks a. Status of recommendations to Common Council 1) 1631 Lincolnway West 2) 804 N. Lafayette - Madison School 5. Standards & Maintenance E. Staff Reports 1. C of A Staff Approvals a. 304 S, Twykenhan - In-kind landscaping plant replacement b. 231 S. Eddy Street/1029 East Wayne Street - In-kind repair & replacement of stucco 2. Legal a. Appeal of 1995-1201, 1414 East Wayne Street - front yard fence - 3. DHPA Grant status a. 1996-97 b. 1997-98 4. Blake Gardens V. Old Business VI. New Business VII. Hearing of Visitors VIII. Announcements & Miscellaneous Matters IX. Adjournment • • Fj �yrlls 0 r .(j�t16G/� /r7_i1777/�C, /Cc'�c�C"���1•ec /L'tIL SrrIS,'3"t,�- J�iZiL �'rAeS (:!:LrJ,'s - � �' U � �' � LGi c �� � vnI � �J l � li ,�� v �e ✓'- rl c ,(I. S, v C4 (-e `J r 47v r r �-'. ,1 !!i "I i" I� l l� �11 lilt �I • C CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS STAFF REPORT APPLICATION -- 1997-0421 PROPERTY -- 717 Lincolnway East South Bend, IN 46601 OWNER -- Eugene Kollar DESIGNATION -- EP-LHD RATING -- C/10 STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE/HISTORIC CONTEXT This American Four Square was built in 1927 for Daisy M. Shotts, a grocer. Daisy purchased the property from Whitcomb and Keller in 1921 and in all probability Whitcomb and Keller were the builders of the house. PROPOSED CHANGE A 12' X 12' Storage Building has been built on the existing concrete foundation at the rear of the house. STANDARDS The Preservation Guidelines for Edgewater Place Historic District states: III.) New Construction III.A.1.) Required: The height of a new structure and its height to width proportions shall be consistent with adjacent buildings in the District. A.2.) Recommended: Contemporary designs should be compatible in height, proportion, character and mood of the building or neighborhood. A.3.) Prohibited: Additions that would add new height or change the existing facade of a building and change its scale and architectural character may not be constructed. B.1.) Required: Exterior materials used on a new structure shall be compatible in type, scale, texture and color with adjacent structures. RECOMMENDATION This building (or shed) previously constructed without COA after consultation with Staff is not compatible with the other buildings in the neighborhood. Most other secondary structures are Barracks or Dog House style buildings, while this one has a Gambrel roof. Also, this one has reverse board and batten -plywood while most others in the surrounding area have horizontal material. The height, proportion, mood and character are not compatible in style with the other buildings and staff recommends denial for this application. ALTERATIONS Additions 0 y East and 21. Architect 1 Builder Whitcomb & Keller (b , } Other Partially enclosed porch, 24. SITE PLAN 27. Environment Residential o busy street. . 1 0 • • 1-117 (J)4 J5,. CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS STAFF REPORT • APPLICATION -- 1997-0501 PROPERTY -- 519 Edgewater Drive South Bend, IN 46601 OWNER -- Laurel & William Cochrane DESIGNATION -- EP-LHD RATING -- C/9 STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE/HISTORIC CONTEXT American Four Square built by Whitcomb and Keller (no date given when built). PROPOSED CHANGE Break up and remove existing driveway. Regrade driveway to improve drainage. Remove grassy strip in center. New driveway will be no wider than existing one and will remain as a concrete drive. STANDARDS The Preservation Guidelines for Edgewater Historic District states: I.A.2.) Whenever possible, 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. I.A.3.) Signs, streetlighting, ....walkways and paving materials which are • out of scale or inappropriate to the neighborhood may not be used. I.B.) Many properties have a straight driveway along one edge of the lot leading to a garage at the rear of the house. This driveway often has a sidewalk along one side leading to the front entrance either in the center or at the side of the house. Driveway and sidewalk materials include asphalt or concrete. RECOMMENDATION Applicants' request to use concrete to replace the concrete drive would usually be approved as Staff approval. The desire to remove the grassy area is to remedy poor drainage causing deterioration of the driveway. All considerations indicate appropriateness and Staff recommends approval. The driveway is shared by a neighbor who has given consent to have it replaced. 0 0 0 0 CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS STAFF REPORT • APPLICATION -- 1997-0502 PROPERTY -- 1325 East Wayne St. So. South Bend, IN 46615 OWNER -- Roland and Merrice Kelly DESIGNATION -- EW-LHD RATING -- Con tributing (C/9) STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE/HISTORIC CONTEXT The residence at 1325 East Wayne St. So., a Colonial Revival, was built in 1926 with Elmer and Myra Higgins first listed as residents in 1927. Elmer was born in Gloucester, MA, on March 29, 1879. Because of health reasons, he received his early education from private schools and tutors. Higgins had been a Christian Science (C.S.) practitioner since 1900. He moved to South Bend in 1908, where he continued to practice. Higgins became the first C.S. teacher in South Bend when he received his C.S.B. in 1931 from the Massachusetts Metaphysical College. (The board of directors of The Mother Church, First Church of Christ Scientist appoints 30 students of C.S. from the entire field, once every 3 years, for instruction in the Massachusetts Metaphysical College, which qualifies them to teach C.S.). For three years, he served as reader of the First Church of Christ Scientist in South Bend. He was chairman of the board of directors for the South Bend church and assistant • to the Committee on Publication for the State of Indiana. Also, he was a member of the Blue Lodge, F. and A.M., K.T. and 32nd degree. Higgins married Myra Goss on December 25, 1909. Higgins died in 1947, while on vacation in Florida. PROPOSED CHANGE Install a black chain link fence in the back yard. STANDARDS The Preservation Guidelines for East Wayne Street Historic District states: I.A.I.) Distinctive existing features such as the brick entry pillars, parks, gardens, streetlights, fences...... and building setbacks shall be` retained. Major landscaping items, fencing..... shall be compatible with the character of the neighborhood in size, scale, material, and color. RECOMMENDATION Applicant wishes to install a back yard fence made up of chain link material which is perfectly acceptable for the rear yard in this neighborhood. The black color of the fence will make it blend into the natural surroundings, thus almost making it visually dissapear. Staff recommends approval of the black chain link fence. • I* S -TE• PLAN _r� q /IRONMENT CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS STAFF REPORT • APPLICATION -- 1997-0502-2 PROPERTY -- 621 Lincolnway East South Bend, IN 46601 OWNER -- Joe MacHatton DESIGNATION -- EP-LHD RATING -- C/9 STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE/HISTORIC CONTEXT Queen Anne/Free Classic built in 1892. Two story, asphalt shingle siding located on the northeast side of Lincolnway East in a mix of commercial and residential buildings. PROPOSED CHANGE Owner proposes to construct a rear porch deck (5'-0" x 16'6") to replace the dilapidated old shed/vestibule which has been demolished leaving detached concrete stair. STANDARDS The Preservation Guidelines for Edgewater Historic District state: III.A.1.) The height of a new structure and its height to width proportions • shall be consistent with adjacent buildings in the District. The building height shall be no greater than that of the tallest existing structure and no less than that of the lowest existing structure in the same block. Facade proportion shall be established by permitting no structure with a facade wider or narrower than those existing in the same block. Additions to existing buildings shall be related in height and proportion to the existing structure. A.2.) Contemporary designs should be compatible in height, proportion, character and mood of the building or neighborhood. A.3.) Additions that would add new height or change the existing facade of a building and change its scale and architectural character may not be constructed. III.B.1.) Exterior materials used on a new structure shall be compatible in type, scale, texture and color with adjacent structures. Materials used on an addition to an existing structure shall relate to the existing or original materials of that structure. Also, as much of the original structure as possible shall be retained so that the addition could be removed without damage to the basic structure and appearance of the building. IV.A.1.) Code requirements shall be complied with in such a manner that the existing character of the building is preserved. RECOMMENDATION This is a code enforcement issue. The design submitted is simple enough, with no stylistic incompatibility. The staff recommends approval. The front porch of the house has a, skirting which the staff recommends the homeowner consider at the rear for consistency. • kid 1.5tip, !s a w Aj F A-6 ,me • z k/ie- 0..Fcx ®ii int iL z a sill �Q 1.5tip, !s a w Aj F A-6 ,me • z k/ie- 0..Fcx ®ii int iL • E'aIJS f, ddoo r � S=0" � � exisf Sf�rz�s r a Z • E'aIJS f, ddoo r � S=0" � � exisf Sf�rz�s CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS STAFF REPORT • APPLICATION -- 1997-0502-3 PROPERTY -- 16581 Chandler Blvd. Mishawaka, IN 46544 OWNER -- Peter DeKever DESIGNATION -- Local Landmark/WPA House RATING -- not in survey STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE/HISTORIC CONTEXT Several projects were constructed for the City of Mishawaka's Water Department by Works Progress Administration (WPA) during the 1930's including a storage building, a dual main feeder system for the city's reservoir and the reservoir caretaker's house on the east side of Chandler Blvd. The WPA was federally funded public works program designed to provide employment for workers suffering from the consequences of the Great Depression. The WPA provided salaries only, while sponsoring jurisdictions were required to provide the materials for the projects. The average monthly wage of a WPA worker was $55. The reported total cost of the caretaker's house was $9,834, or about $9.50 per square foot. Construction of the caretaker's residence began in late 1937 and was completed in 1938. The project took approximately sixty days to complete with a reported thirty workers participating in the work. The house served as the • caretaker's residence for over fifty years with only one caretaker who served the entire period. Following the death of the caretaker, his widow remained in the house which came to be locally known as Mabel's house. She remained in the house until about 1990. In 1994, the City of Mishawaka determined that the vacant building was an attractive nuisance and advertised the availability of the house with the provision that it be removed from the reservoir property. With financial assistance from the Landmarks Foundation of Indiana, Beiger Heritage purchased the house and relocated it to its present location on the north side of Chandler Blvd. less than a half -mile from the reservoir. Today it is situated on a hill above the Chandler Boulevard creating a very similar appearance to its original context. The house was purchased from Beiger Heritage by Peter DeKever in 1996. PROPOSED CHANGE Applicant wishes to construct a garage on the cement pad and foundation that already exists. This will be a detached garage. The garage will have tan vinyl siding and brown/tan asphalt -type shingles. There will be two windows, a steel service door and a raised panel overhead door. To corespond to the existing house, there will be no roof overhang. The roof will have an 8:12 pitch. STANDARDS The Preservation Guidelines for Local Landmarks state: Group B Standards: C.) Renovation and Additions: • Additions to landmarks should not detract from the original form and unity of the landmark and should be added in a manner that does not disrupt the visible unity or overall appearance of the site. The proportions, materials and CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS STAFF REPORT • ratios of the existing structures should be carried through in the additions. Care should be taken not to change or alter the following: 2.) Construction and Style: All work should be done in the architectural style and in a technique compatible with that of the original structure. Change that alters, removes, or covers existing significant stylistic detail shall not be permitted. A change which adds detail of another style will not be permitted. 3.) Materials: Additions and improvements involving any new material in the landmark should be of the same material as the original. It should be the same size and texture. An alternative material may be allowed if it duplicates the original. RECOMMENDATION The existing house is brick and had been previously moved from a location that had a garage with siding. The roof on the garage being proposed will be a hip roof so as to be diminutive in style and proportion to assure proper scale to the house. This proposal is appropriate and staff recommends approval. • 0 -6� 1 $1 1 I-rr AVY'005 n -- 1 1 t C n u � 0 6. f usiomcg To svpP:y CoNCjzk:) . 6 CUSToARC2 %a a6iAnW P IT INSJALL olxb FREEZE BONWIS 914D C9P WITH Aw)")#UM aN&iNEUESIDFSY60sZ J,VS S1 0uTO A)46 LE //S\\ EA w V V P,tF i F- DEYF- VER 16581 C/9ANDLER A3LVJD PAISJ.9WPCh,1N. ybsyy n v t R ki ton j2PAR Q r41, �V W o a0)4 -P WiNaoW o0 1 'i g:a„ CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS STAFF REPORT • APPLICATION -- 1997-0502-4 PROPERTY -- 1208 Lincolnway East South Bend, IN 46601 OWNER -- Joey Hubner DESIGNATION -- LWE-LHD RATING -- C/10 STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE/HISTORIC CONTEXT This Queen Anne house was built in 1892. In 1891, Jacob Leer sold this property to Elva D. Harris for $800. Elva D. and Albert M. Harris had this house built. Harris began the South Bend Spark Arrestor Company, along with Mr. Kingsley, who supplied financial backing in 1887. Their factory was located at 504-506 East Sample Street. Harris began manufacturing spark arrestors in 1886 and became the treasurer and general manager of the South Bend Arrestory Company. The arrestors were designed for portable and traction engines, saw and planing mills, cotton gins, threshing machines, and so on. Harris left South Bend in 1922 to manufacture spark arrestors for Donkey Logging Engines in Portland, Or. He turned his business over to his son, Jay, who had previously managed Edwards Iron Works. Albert M. Harris died on July 6, 1928 at age 77 and his death notice in the South Bend'Tribune announced "Son of Pioneer Resident Dies." He had been in the tin and general • merchandise industry with Levi Steadman until he discovered the spark arrestor. Jay Harris and his brother-in-law, J.A. Holem, took.over the company when Albert moved or Oregon. Jay also became -owner of this house in 1922. Jay kept this house until 1933, when his sister Margaret became the owner. Jay died on February 12, 1938. In 1940, Margaret sold the house, which had been in her family nearly fifty years to Velma A. Enrick. The Enricks lived here for 16 years, then sold the place in 1956 to Clay and Vergie Mullins. In 1972, Robert P. Allan purchased the house. By 1983, the house was divided up and used for apartments. The current residents in 1990 are John Vogel, Henry Sharp and D.V. Helm. PROPOSED CHANGE Owner wants to remove front stairs and restore to original condition. Also, owner wants to remove existing back porch and replace with a similar porch such as the one located at 1216 Lincolnway East. STANDARDS The Preservation Guidelines for Lincolnway East Historic District states: II.A.) Existing Structures: Wall materials in the District range from brick, clapboard, decorative shingles, and asphalt and asbestos siding to aluminum siding. In the majority of cases the aluminum siding has been applied over original clapboards. II.A.1.) Required: Existing exterior building materials shall be retained. Deterioration of wood materials shall be prevented through repair, cleaning and painting. The existing or original architectural detail around windows, • porches, doors and eaves shall be retained or replaced by replicas of the same design and materials when deteriorated beyond repair. II.D.) The majority of the houses in the District have either an open or enclosed porch across the front or on the side. Most have either hip or gable CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS STAFF REPORT • roofs or are covered by the main roof of the house. Columns, brick piers with colonettes, and turned posts on pedestals support the porches. II.D.1.) Required: Existing or original porches and steps, including handrails, balusters, columns, brackets, tiles and roof decorations shall be retained or replaced by replicas of the same design and materials when deteriorated beyond repair. Porches and additions reflecting later architectural styles, and which are important to the building's historical integrity shall be retained. II.D.4) Original porch details should not be replaced with materials representing a different period or style from the original. RECOMMENDATION Regarding the first issue, removal of existing front stairs, it is in compliance to the guidelines since this staircase is not original to the house. Applicant confirmed that the door which has been cut into the side of the house will be removed and a fixed sash landing window will be installed in it's place. Siding over the door opening will be installed around the proposed window to close the gap. Regarding the second issue, to remove the existing back porch and build a new one where a second egress will be installed. Sanborn maps indicate that the present rear is not original to the house porch. The proposed 2 level porch would provide code required egress from the second story and will be executed in compatible style with the rail and post design as seen in picture submitted from 1216 L.W.E. Staff recommends demolition approval -for the front stairs where it was • previously inappropriately altered. Staff recommends approval to remove the rear porch which is also not original. Proper replacement should satisfy code requirements and be compatible with the style of neighboring houses. Staff recommends approval of the proposed new rear porch. C: • 0 11 ip n 14106 Z,. W.9. '�i v'�+'+,.a ♦'..'ti�c`_'v'__. �ti��"`�'2l1'.- _:/�...i ��c_ '>.J:.��i��ve �. cr: _ _ �_� 'J=:c�. :L:ii:h�`'�' ✓'-Y �'t�tj,le �. P-,_�a._^r. �.. i.:. - ���� iG.vi. s^`ati^.�:.�`+�_t".�.-_�-��---._ 'i-_... .1 __s,r a�.— i7'.r. e. it '.!.t. r�--'— ---- -a L' J�:r r— : z_r • • • `,�k.�:��'``1�1�`�.� "�1�s1`: t:�i.. � � ^ �.ei,;�..�.,�,.�y'�:� `y�•:``,yi !ti�_11a!1��:-'�, ��: ?'�� : �."ti :' � '`.�.,'�;. `^�r� 4`'<t!`%_ ::lti^'�'1•i _�'•S �� _ -_ _ _ .. _ .. _ .. . n..�. .R _ y e .. � i•�,.� . r: a yrs. .. _ _ _ - `.1 • _ _ _ . . '11i• . , � ,' �Ma, � i; � �` r r'• r-+�.:i.rirrir !" .. � , e n r .1 1 �-. ' .fit' •it• _1. A ., �1.r E� }. ' � 0 1 • STUDEBAKER PROVING GROUNDS CLUBHOUSE/BENDIX WOODS NATURE CENTER 32132 S.R.2 NEW CARLISLE, INDIANA RECOMMENDATION Based on the Historic Preservation Commission's Local Landmarks Criteria as adopted by the Common Council, the building at 32132 S.R. 2 has been recommended to the Historic Preservation Commission of St. Joseph County for designation as a Local Historic Landmark by commission's Landmarks Committee. The building meets the criteria in at least four areas: 1.) Its character, interest and value as part of the development , heritage, or culture of the city of South Bend, St. Joseph County, the state of Indiana , or the United States of America. 2.) Its embodiment of elements of architectural design, detail, materials, or craftsmanship which. represents an architectural characteristic or innovation. 3.) Its educational value. 4.) Its suitability for preservation. The building fulfills criteria #1 as representative of welfare capitalism in the early Twentieth Century whereby employers provided for comfort or improvement of employees which was neither a necessity nor required by law. The building fulfills criteria #2 as an example of Colonial Revival style. The building is rated Significant 11 in the Indiana Historic Sites and • Structures Inventory. The building fulfills criteria #3 by the integrity of its original design and environmental context. The building has been used principally for educational purposes since 1967. The building fulfills criteria #4 by the, integrity of its original construction with only minor exterior alterations. HISTORICAL CONTEXT This site was first purchased by Studebaker Corporation in 1926 for development of a proving grounds for experimentation and testing of motor cars. Development of the proving grounds was supervised by Maurice Thorne who had previously developed a similar facility for General Motors. The clubhouse was designed by Earnest W. Young, a South Bend architect noted for the introduction of Prairie style houses to that city. He had later followed the general trend to period revival styles in large houses and small institutional commissions. The clubhouse was constructed in 1926 in the Colonial Revival style in stark contrast to the functional industrial style of the garages and engineering building at the proving grounds. It resembled a large country house or country -club and provided a place for approximately 100 proving grounds employees to eat, relax in off hours, stay in bad weather and board if they so desired. Decline in activity due to the Great Depression resulted in limitation of the workforce at the proving grounds to the test drivers and a decline in activity • there. In 1938-39 The Studebaker Corporation provided the clubhouse to the Children's Dispensary and Hospital Association for use as a crippled children's camp for one month each summer. • In March 1943, the U.S. Army Ordnance Department took control of the Proving Grounds for military testing. The clubhouse became known as the "Barracks" and housed commissioned officers. In 1945, the Proving Grounds were released back to the Studebaker Corporation; the clubhouse having fallen into considerable disrepair. Studebaker incurred the repair of the clubhouse at their own expense as the Army was not obligated to return the facility to its original condition. After the war, the Proving Grounds resumed their original function for the testing of new automobile designs. In 1947, the east wing of the first floor was converted to a drafting room for a special project to design a. small car intended to appeal to a wide audience of car buyers. Although the design by R.E. Cole and R.A. Vail never reached production, one component developed for this project, the McPherson strut, later came into widespread use in American cars in the late 1970s. Following the conclusion of Cole and Vail's work the clubhouse appears to have been vacated until 1961 when Sherwood Egbert, the new president of Studebaker Corporation had it remodeled as his private residence. After Egbert's death and the closing of the Studebaker factory in South Bend in 1963, the clubhouse was again vacant for several years until its purchase by the Bendix Corporation in 1966. Bendix in turn donated 175 acres including the clubhouse and the Studebaker tree sign to the St. Joseph County Park and Recreation Board. The Bendix Corporation retained ownership of the Proving Grounds track • and engineering buildings. By 1967, the clubhouse had been place in service by the Park Board as a Nature Center and for offices, a use which has continued to the present. The Clubhouse and the tree sign were listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985. ARCHITECTURAL DESCRIPTION Sited on a slight rise set back from the highway behind a screen of trees, the Studebaker Proving Grounds Clubhouse is 1926 Colonial Revival style structure with a U-shaped plan facing a northeasterly direction. The 2 story building of red brick in seven row American bond pattern has a fieldstone foundation and a slate roof with copper gutter and downspout system. The main facade of the building is symmetrical with two, slightly projecting gable -end wings flanking the central section. Each wing contains an exterior straight chimney capped with two chimney pots on the front facade. Decorative round -arched louvered screens are located on the chimneys between the second floor and the roof line. The chimneys are flanked by 6/3 double -hung windows on both the first and second floors. The center portion of the facade is dominated by.a one story frame porch supported with six Tuscan columns. a wrought iron railing tops the flat -roofed porch, The center entrance of the clubhouse is flanked by leaded glass • sidelights and Tuscan pilasters and surmounted by a heavy entablature with a broken pediment. The first story is further fenestrated with a single double hung and a pair of double hung windows radiating out from the entry on each • side. The Second story has four pairs of double hung windows evenly spaced and a single narrow double hung window at the central axis above the entry. Sidewalls of the wings feature four pairs of double hung windows at each floor. Most windows on the outer walls are decorated with louvered shutters. Windows on the inner court and rear walls are shutterless. At the rear of the clubhouse an open courtyard is formed by the east and west wings with an additional one story extension.,Multipaned French doors open onto the courtyard near the west wing and an arcaded porch extends the entire length of the east wing.Projected limestone imposts support the four rounded arches of the arcade. Each arch has radiating voussoirs with a limestone keystone. A single -leaf. multipaned door opens onto the covered walkway from the south wall. The interior of the clubhouse has been somewhat altered. The Studebaker Corporation remodeled the building in 1947 and 1961 and the St. Joseph County Parks and Recreation Department did likewise in 1966-67.. Although remodeled, the interior still retains some of its original features such as the window trim, staircases and balustrades, and fireplaces. DBD 5/14/97 • 11 -ii lk oo • MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING. of the HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION Regular Monthly Meeting (Revised) 7:30 p.m. County Commissioner's Conference Room Monday March 17, 1997 7th Floor County -City Building I. Call to Order John Oxian, President of. the commission, brought the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. II. Roll Call Commission members present were: John Borkowski, Richard Bullene, Martha Choitz, Catherine Hostetler, John Oxian, Janeanne Petrass, J. Edward Talley, and Jerry Wiener. Commission staff present were: David Duvall, Director, Melody VanZant, Administrative Assistant, and Aladean DeRose, Counsel. III. Public Hearing A. Certificates of Appropriateness 1. 1997-0304 - 1028 East Wayne Street (LL) - Gutter Installation Mr. Duvall read the Staff comments and distributed photographs. He also called to attention the previous COA that was issued back on November 21, • 1991. That COA asked to replace the roof to resemble the original. However, the roof was put on without the pediment over the porch which is nota causing the problem of water dripping on the steps forming a hazard. Mr. Duvall noted that the contact person is Randy McKinley, a maintenance person, who seems willing to work with HPC, although, he did not show up at the meeting of which he was aware. Mr. Oxian stated that the previous COA was turned over, to a committee. At that time, someone from the Family and Children's Center was present at the meeting. ' JoAnn Sporleder, Chairman of the committee, was at that meeting. Mr. Oxian said he could not imagine Ms. Sporleder giving permission to remove a pediment. " What they did", said Mr. Oxian, "was their own fault, and without the approval of the commission". He stated that the roofing people that the Children's Center hired was in violation of the COA. Mr. Duvall stated that there were framing plans in .the 1991 file that indicated how the framing was to run. The drawings, did not indicate the pediment roof which would be built up over the other roof anyway, and it wouldn't have been necessary to express that in the plans, but it did create a little ambiguity in the record that there were plans indicating the roof to be built a certain way, but no elevations indicating what the finished product would look like. The presumption and understanding would be that the pediment would have been reconstructed. Mr. Oxian remarked that the initial reason this was sent to the committee was that the owners wanted to eliminate the pediment. Mr. Oxian stated that he could not imagine the committee disagreeing only to later agree with the owners. Mr. Talley remarked how this was an excellent example of why we should do follow up once a COA is given. He asked if it would be a problem to install a pediment now that the roof was already shingled and Mr. Duvall assured that it would be no problem with the • exception of minor color mismatch. Mrs. Choitz expressed how important it was to always take minutes at the committee meetings for reasons such as this. Mr. Duvall mentioned that what was requested on the COA should have been followed. Mr. Oxian stated that this was clearly a violation of the COA. Father Bullene made a motion to deny the 1997 COA due to the violation of the • previous 1991 COA and until the previous COA is corrected, we will not approve a new COA which was caused by the violation of the original COA. (The reason stated by Father Bullene for denial was felt and agreed,by all). Ms. Hostetler seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. IV. Regular Business A. Approval of Minutes 1. February 24, 1997- Mr. 997Mr. Talley wanted the 'record to show that we were for making the Madison School a landmark status and did not want the landmark status to be a cause for the school corporation to close the school due to the status. Mr. Oxian made a few corrections beginning with, The Public Hearing part B, line two, should read "Mr. Litrell presented the signs", not represented the signs. The same paragraph, line 14 should state that "Ms. DeRose suggested that a new blanket COA be,requested....", not blanket of COA be requested. Regarding the stationary, the description of Director should be placed after Mr. Duvall's name, and that all the names of all the commission members are to be added at the bottom of the stationery with the ninth person to be mentioned as an Architectural Historian . Mr. Talley moved to have changes made in the minutes with Mr. Father Bullene seconding the motion. The vote was unanimous. B. Treasurer's Report Mr. Wiener passed out to all a treasurer's report. Mr. Wiener indicated that he would need to talk with Mr. Duvall regarding the grant fund and office supply expenses. Ms. Petrass made a motion to accept the report. Ms. Choitz . seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. C. Correspondence In: Mr. Duvall' reported that we had received a solicitation from a Caroline Duke Wolf stating that in the future when we are having portions of landmarks removed to engage her for auction services. The woman was deploring the fact that pieces of the dome did not get turned into our and her profit. We received notification from Department of Natural Resources Division of Historic Preservation that the National Park Service has notified them .that the St. Casimir Parish Historic District has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places on January 16, 1997, so the city now has another National Historic Register District. The mayor and commissioners have been duly notified of this and a classified ad has been placed for publication in the South Bend Tribune. Father Bullene asked if a note had been submitted to the church letting them know of this event. Mr. Duvall stated he had spoken with the chairperson of their centennial committee who in turn said she would inform the priest. The women spoke of a public announcement, possibly next January, when they hold their historical celebration might be the appropriate time to have their dedication and have some type of ceremony to celebrate this event. Mr. Talley suggested that we notify the South Bend Tribune for a feature story. Mr. Duvall agreed we need to do a' press release. However, he thought that we might save this news for a press release during Preservation Week. Mr. Talley concurred. Out: • The usual responses to inquiries to particular houses. Also, sent a letter of support to Southhold in support for seeking the Cornelius O'Brien fund support to bring Brian Young to South Bend for Historic Preservation week for a lecture. Two pieces of correspondence went out with regards to Blake Gardens. The first was a report written, by the request of Mr. Oxian, regarding the state • of the wall upon which the plaque is to be affixed, and Mr. Duvall transmitted that information to Mr. Gregory McKay from, the Department of Army Corp of Engineers plus a plaque response to Mr. Ken Fedder. Mr. Fedder had sent us a very brief plaque text and we composed other plaque text that we sent back to him. Sent a letter for request to travel for the commissioners to go to the public relations workshop that is on Tuesday, April 15th, in Indianapolis. Sent a letter to Sam Merchantini who is President of the St. Joseph County Park Board addressing the issues of what has now been published in the paper regarding the closing of facilities at Bendix Woods. Mr. Oxian suggested that Mr. Duvall wait a few days then make a call,to follow up on the plaque text issue to make it final. D. Committee Reports 1. Budget and Finance None 2. Legal None 3. Historic Districts A. Project Access Ms. Hostetler reported that the meeting would be held on March 18, 1997, for River Bend residents, at the First United Methodist Church. There, also, will be a meeting on April 29, 1997, for the Lincolnway East district. • 4. Historic Landmarks A. Status of recommendations to Common Council: 1. 501 West Colfax There was no first reading at the committee level -which means we skipped a step and we will have to start over. 2. 513 Harrison Avenue This has been tabled for 6 months. The realtor involved has requested tabling within a six month period to either allow time for -the council to know something by then or perhaps, to have new owners. 3. 1637 Lincolnway West Mr. Oxian reported that Mr. Borkowski has again tried to talk with the owner but could only talk with the wife of the owner of 1637 Lincolnway West. Mr. Borkowski spoke with code enforcement and code enforcement is now going -to put the building up for demolition, not necessarily going through with it but with the hopes that the owner will come forward and do something,, perhaps donating the property, but, to do something, at any rate. The code enforcement is not anxious to tear down the building, but they hope to get some response from the home owner who doesn't seem to want to talk to anyone. 4. 804 N. Lafayette - Madison School Mr. Oxian asked Mr. Duvall if he had sent the -ordinance down for 804 N. Lafayette. Mr. Duvall said he had sent it already. B. Bendix Woods National Register Site Mr. Oxian then asked Mr. Duvall if he had written a letter on Bendix Woods National Register. Mr. Duvall stated he had dent a letter to the Park Board • regarding funding available through Historic Preservation Funds for building repairs related to historic buildings. Part of the plea from the parks department was that they have high maintenance cost on these buildings and Mr. Duvall pointed out that no one has ever asked The Commission to see if there is a way of helping to fund these expenses. Mr. Duvall stated that we are a certified local government which means that if we would ask for money for • these buildings' cost and repair that we could most likely receive money for these buildings. 5. Standards and Maintenance Nothing to report 6. Preservation Week 1997 Ms. Hostetler reported on her meeting held the previous Wednesday_. She reported, that approximately 12 letters were sent out and she has representation of six of those organizations she sent letters out to. They had met for lunch to discuss how to get the word out to the media via television and radio regarding preservation week. The main concern was how to help get people involved in the historic preservation starting right here, at home. Also, it was discussed that the South Bend Tribune was going with a morning format beginning in June, by getting a section, perhaps a feature section, or hometown section, where the historic districts would commit a number of words per addition, whether it be once a month or once a week, to somehow get a fixed format, for all the surrounding counties as well as St. Joseph county, so all will know what is going on. Other discussion was about possible topics for the paper, according to Ms. Hostetler, but there were no specific details as of yet. E. Staff Reports 1. C of A Staff Approvals None • 2. DHPA Grant Status A. Mr. Duvall reported that he had received notification on St. Casimir's National Nomination. He spoke recently to Glory June who is coming along well with her nominations and plans to proceed with her New Deal context study after she is finished with her nominations. We should be receiving her nominations in the mail the end of this week. Malcom Cairns finally came to town last week and met with Mr. Tally and Mr. Duvall. He will be doing the Leeper Park Nomination. The Westerly Group is working on the -reconnaissance level survey work for the East Bank properties. B. 1997-1998 There is nothing new to report on the funding of 1997-1998 beyond what was reported last month. C. Extra items to be added: 1. Newsletter: Mr. Duvall presented a newsletter example for everyone to review the proposed format. He suggested a 11 x 17 double fold page letter with a newsletter, calender, HPC news, currently threatened properties, C of A issues column, etc. This newsletter would be mailed to all occupants of Historic Districts and Landmark Districts. Also, Landmark has a yard sign program which we might insert to coordinate between Landmarks and ourself in that particular preservation week. Mr. Oxian will look over this newsletter before going out in the mail. Ms. Choitz wanted to know how often this newsletter might go out and suggested maybe four -times a year. She also suggested that they be dated., Mr. Talley • concurred. Father Bullene suggested sending the newsletters out to every property owner and Mr. Duvall stated he planned to send these to every property owner in each district and every landmark owner. Mr. Oxian suggested. getting feedback before making a definite decision. 2. Property Value Study: Mr. Duvall passed out a property value study. • Mr. Oxian stated that Commission members should all receive a report on the property value study, especially new members. 3. City/County Survey Books: Mr. Oxian reported that all commission members who did not have a city survey book and a county survey book (especially a county book) should have one, even though they may be old. He mentioned that a new survey will be done in the very near future. He suggested that anyone who is interested in a house becoming a landmark, either county or city, should be told to the committee. If anyone would like to see an area become a district, either county or city, should be told to the district committee. Mr. Oxian stated he'd like to hear from anyone besides himself or Mr. Duvall, Mr. Talley or Ms. Choitz who have been the only ones lately to suggest landmarks. 4. Office Space/Supplies and Furnishings: Mr. Talley spoke of the recarpeting in the storage room which we have a small part for ourselves. This has created a problem due to the fact that we have stacks of county and city summary reports and inventory reports (and no place to put them) which are out dated, but a few could be used for historical records. Mr. Talley also reported that the Historic Preservation Commission received a phone call from the City of South Bend asking for our official wish list on two computers that will be networked with the Engineering department and Code Enforcement. Also, we gave our request to the county commissioners for two telephones with two lines, one which will be hooked up to a fax machine which was given to us by MACOG, which will be installed on the second line. Mr. Talley stated that we had excess office furniture and would like to see nicer office furniture installed. Mr. Oxian asked Mr. Duvall if we ever get rid of the old county reports. Mr. . Duvall said that we do occasionally. He stated that they are out dated and we have no real use for these books except for historical documentation. Ms. Choitz suggested asking around at the library, or the archives, or the state to see if anyone would have use for these books for their records. Mr. Oxian suggested that people in historic districts may have some use for them. Ms. Choitz suggested putting "obsolete" across the front of the books to alleviate any confusion. Mr. Talley asked Ms. DeRose about the procedure of getting rid of old.office furniture and obsolete printers, -etc. Ms. DeRose said that most non-profit organizations give their old stuff to other similar goal oriented non-profit organizations. Mr. Talley asked about selling -old printers, etc. for parts. Ms. DeRose said she would have to check with the county auditor if they belong to the county. Mr. Duvall stated that every year MACOG does an inventory but he has never seen the.county come around to inventory anything we have -in our office. He felt the printers could be depreciated. Ms. DeRose, again, suggested checking with the county auditor. Mr. Oxian said that the computers were bought through a federal matching grant. He felt the printers were given to us from MACOG or possibly through the grants, he wasn't sure. Mr. Oxian suggested checking with the state board accountant before getting rid of anything. Mr. Talley stated that the phone man would be here in- the next week, plus we have computers coming and we need to move on getting the office in order. Ms. DeRose said the real question was whether we could sell our old equipment and if so, what account would the money go into. 5. HPC Account: Ms. Choitz spoke of having an account that we could put money into. She first heard about this through the Alliance of Commissions. Ms. DeRose said she was surprised at that since it raised a tax question in her mind. Mr. Duvall stated that LaPorte and Elkhart have nonreverting line items where they can transfer income to the county, where as our funding retires at the end of the year. If we had a non -reverting account, we could deposit grant monies into that account. Ms. Choitz stated she had heard about • this through Huntington people and through the people at Whitley county where Mr. Fine acts as staff through Historic Landmarks Foundation. Ms. Choitz noted that the money they raised would be put into.this fund to buy things for the office. Mr. Talley stated that he and Mr. Oxian and Mr. Wiener had been working for the past two years on reorganizing commission financing. The county auditor now has officially directed the commissioners to put the Executive Committee of Historic Preservation Commission on a five year budget plan. We are one to two weeks away, both the city and county side, from "The Meeting", stated Mr. Talley. He went on to say that the phone call last Friday, regarding funding- for.the commission budget asking for the wish list for the city controller to look at, was to see if we get half, seventy-five percent or all of what we asked for. Ms. Choitz said that she was told to ask for a non -reverting line item by the people who told her about the funding in Elkhart. Mr. Talley, agreed but said that we are a line'item by the county commissioners which is where the problem comes in. Ms. Choitz agreed that we are in the wrong category to begin with. Mr. Talley went on to say that the commission, for the past two years, has attempted to fund the commission like the building department, i.e., $25,000 from the city and $25,000 from the county with the establishment of nonreverting funds. Mr. Oxian stated that with two new commissioners, and with what has happened in the last months, -has now convinced Mr. Nagy, and which is why he sent that letter to the county commissioners, that it is not proper for us to be a line item for the county and that we should be a separate entity. For all these years we could not get them to pull us out of the line item. Now, at last, • the point has finally gotten across. Mr. Oxian asked Mr. Duvall to speak with Mr. Nagy, the auditor, about what he has heard and what the other Preservation Commissions are doing regarding non -reverting funds, and to see if it would be possible for this commission to do something like that. The answer here will help us later with the original question of what to do with monies we might receive from items sold from the office. V. Old Business A. 1202 Lincolnway East Mr. Oxian stated that.this would continue on as old business but we should be hearing something in the next month or two on this. Mr. Talley reported on the River Bend Pinhook park 'becoming .a "catch and release" area rather than fly fishing which was discussed with the Chamber of Commerce. This would be in lieu of Leeper Park due to parking problems there. The Chamber of Commerce 'plans to work with Mr. Duvall on this in the near future. VI. New Business None VII. Hearing of Visitors None VIII. Announcements & Miscellaneous Matters None IX. Adjournment • The meeting was adjourned at 8:.50 p.m. MKV 3/21/97 Revised 4/29/97 MKV • MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING of the HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION Regular Monthly Meeting County Commissioner's 7:30 p.m. Conference Room Monday April 21, 1997 7th Floor County -City Building I. Call to Order John Oxian, President of the Commission, brought the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. II. Roll Call Commission members present were: Richard Bullene, Martha Choitz, Adrian Fine, John Oxian, Janeanne Petrass,• J. Edward Talley, & Jerry Wiener. Commission staff present were: David Duvall, Director, Melody VanZant, Administrative Assistant and Aladean DeRose, Counsel. Also attending the meeting were: Linda Fritschner, Timothy Lykowski, George Snook and Linda Riley. III. Public Hearing A. Certificates of Appropriateness 1) None this month. IV."Regular Business • A. Approval of Minutes 1. March 17, 1997 Mr. Talley made a motion to table the minutes for further correction. Mr. Wiener seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. B. Treasurer's Report None. C. Correspondence Mr. Duvall reported that the commission had received a copy of the City's River Park Neighborhood Preservation Plan, noting that several sections recommended and/or planned for the preservation, restoration, or rehabilitation of historic resources in the River Park neighborhood. The report was circulated at the meeting. He reported having sent an extensive letter to Rev. Robert Herron'of the Revelation Church of God, regarding their property located at 530 East Pennsylvania Street. Mr. Duvall had met with Rev. Herron at this location for a site assessment for preservation and provided observations and recommendations. Mr. Duvall also noted having received a circulated copy of correspondence from the East Wayne Street LHD Liaison Committee to Mayor Luecke regarding the state of the streetlighting system in the district. D. Committee Reports 401. Budget & Finance Mr. Weiner, the Treasurer, indicated there was no report. 2. Historic Districts A. Project Access Mrs. Choitz, co-chair, reported that two meetings will be held at Newman • Recreational Center on South Eddy on April 29 at 7:00 p.m. for the Lincolnway East Historic District. B. East Wayne Street - Street Lighting Mrs Choitz reported that she and Mr. Duvall had attended a meeting of the East Wayne Street Liaison Committee to discuss the streetlighting issues. The letter previously reported had resulted from this meeting. Mr. Snook and Ms. Riley spoke to the issue from the audience. The commission determined that Ms. DeRose should work with Mr. Oxian to compose a letter to the Mayor from the commission in support of the East Wayne resident's concerns" and recommending further progress on the recommendations of former Mayor .Kernan's Historic Streetlight Committee. A copy of the report is to be provided to the Mayor's office. The commission is to support transfer of the system from AEP to the City and rehabilitation of the system as has occurred at the Riverside Drive LHD. Mr. Duvall was directed to contact AEP to determine who the current Representative and District Manager are for the South Bend District. 3. Historic Landmarks A. First reading for Local Landmark designation 1. 501 West Colfax Mr. Oxian noted that the owner, Tim Lykowski was present and indicated that he wished to consult with him after the meeting. 2. Studebaker Proving Grounds Clubhouse - BendixlWoods County Park 32132 S.R. 2, Olive Township B. Status of recommendations to Common Council 1. 1631 Lincolnway West • Mr. Fine inquired about a demolition order on 1631 Lincolnway West. Mr. Bullene inquired about permits and builders. 2. 804 N. Lafayette - Madison School Mr. Duvall reported that this ordinance had been prepared and delivered to the Common Council where it had received first reading and the report from Area Plan. Public Hearing is anticipated for the next meeting of the Council. 4. Standards & Maintenance Mr. Fine indicated that he had nothing to report. 5. Preservation Week 1997 Mr: Duvall indicated than the planning for Preservation week by the joint committee of concerned organizations was generally completed and that several press opportunities and public events were planned. E. Staff Reports 1. Mr. Duvall reported the following Staff approvals:C of A Staff Approvals A. 713 Arch Street — roofing replacement of front porch only B. 1326 East Wayne Street - roofing replacement 2. Legal A. Amendment of City Ordinance Mr. Duvall reported on an amendment'to the Preservation section of the Zoning Chapter of the Municipal Code proposed by Area Plan Commission. This amendment • represented "housecleaning" removing the requirement for a Public Hearing at Area Plan Commission for Local Landmark designations (which have never actually, occurred) and removing a section from the signage section of the chapter which was redundant with the COA process. B. Appeal of 1995-1201, 1414 East Wayne Street - front yard fence Ms. DeRose passed out a letter she had composed to Roland Kelly, President of • the South Bend Common Council, addressing the Jennifer Lackman case, asking that the appeal be postponed from it's schedule to the Council's next agenda, so the Historic Preservation Commission may have reasonable time to prepare a response. The council had agreed to such a continuance. 3. DHPA Grant Status A. 1996-97 Mr. Duvall reported that the National Register nominations from Glory June Greiff had been received and would be prepared for Public Hearing on the June agenda following the necessary notifications. He noted that Westerly Group had recently been in the city for the reconnaissance work on the East Bank nominations. Mr. Talley inquired after Mr. Cairns's progress on the Leeper Park nomination. Mr. Duvall indicated that he had not been in contact with him since his visit to the City but that he could contact him for a progress report. B. 1997-98 Mr. Duvall reported that he.had been contacted by telephone to review the project procedures and told that this teleconference could suffice for a sit visit for this year's projects. He had informed DHPA that the commission would prefer to not survey just one township of the county and.may counter -propose an alternative activity for use of the granted funding available. 4.. Getting More Ink - IAHPC Conference Mr. Duvall reported on his conference held in Indianapolis. He stated that he had met with three reporters at this conference and had showed them an article. • on the Jennifer Lackman case written by the South Bend Tribune stating only Ms. Lackman's side. All three reporters expressed concern regarding the bias of the story and for the Tribune not getting all the facts before printing the story. -Mr. Duvall stated that he felt the conference had been useful for the information made available on accessing reporters and other media sources through media directories of which he had been unaware. 5. Newsletter Mr. Duvall passed around to all the commissioners a copy of what will be sent out to all historic districts and all local landmarks. The newsletter met with everyone's approval. 6. Blake Gardens Mr. Oxian asked Mr. Duvall if Ken Fedder had ever gotten back to him regarding the text on the plaque to be erected. Mr. Duvall reported that Mr. Fedder had read his text, had revised the text slightly and forwarded it to the developer for fabrication of the plaque. Mr. Oxian asked Mr. Duvall to follow up with a phone call. V. Old Business A. 1202 Lincolnway East - Mr. Duvall reported that he had once again been contacted by the owner requesting continuance of the COA application for • demolition of carriage house to the next meeting. He had indicated to her that after so many months of continuance he would recommend that the commission table the issue indefinitely until she should contact him and request further action. Mr. Talley made a motion to table 1202 Lincolnway East. Ms. Petrass seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. • VI. New Business VII. Hearing of Visitors All visitors desiring to address the commission had spoken previously. VIII. Announcements & Miscellaneous Matters none IX. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m. LJ • t MEMO from: David B. Duvall Historic Preservation Commission of South Bend & St. Joseph County • 1123 County -City Building South Bend, Indiana 46601 to: HPC Members Aladean DeRose - Counsel to HPC re: Packet for May meeting of HPC In addition to the regular materials, please find the enclosed final draft of a response to the tribune's coverage of the Lackman fence issue. Revised minutes from the March meeting are enclosed as well as the April minutes. You may recall that the March minutes were tabled for editing before approval. Please read the April minutes with attention to deletions. Due to taping problems much of these minutes were assembled from memory and some salient points may have been omitted. DBD 5/14/97 • SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE - MICHIANA POINT OF VIEW - HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION • An East Wayne Street Historic District resident's recent appeal of the Historic Preservation Commission's decision to 'deny a Certificate of Appropriateness for a front yard fence has excited much attention in the news media. This coverage has been so misinformed as to require a formal response. Issues meriting discussion include the facts of the application, why the commission was compelled to disallow a section of the fence, and the mission of the Historic Preservation Commission. The Municipal Code requires that any exterior alteration of a building or site in a Local Historic District receive a Certificate of Appropriateness before that activity may be undertaken. This requirement is enforced by the Building Commissioner. The guidelines enforced by the Historic Preservation Commission in a Local Historic District are developed by a committee of property owners from the district. These guidelines are then accepted by a vote of neighborhood property owners. Each district has a distinct set of guidelines tailored to the desires of that neighborhood. The proposed front yard fence on Wayne Street was not only contrary to the East Wayne Street District guidelines but to the deed restrictions established by Whitcomb & Keller which guided the original development of the Sunnymede subdivision when it was platted in 1925. It is important to understand that the rear yard fence proposed in this application and even the removal of the established and historically appropriate hedge were approved by the Historic Preservation Commission and only that portion of the proposal which violated both the deed restrictions and the guidelines was denied. The Historic Preservation Commission gives great latitude to modernization and alternative development proposals so long as they are deemed to be appropriate as indicated in the guidelines. Here, the commission approved approximately 80% of the proposed fence which is composed of polyvinyl chloride plastic, hardly a historical material, but designed in appropriate style. Since the East Wayne Street District's establishment in 1987, the commission has approved 91% of applications for Certificates of Appropriateness within this district as submitted. An additional 67 have been approved with modifications or partially approved. Only one application for a Certificate of Appropriateness has ever been fully denied in East Wayne Street. Unfortunately for this applicant, the firm contracted for this work failed to purchase the necessary permits. Thus the Building Department placed a stop work order on the fence. Had the contractor applied for the permits, they would have been made aware of the need for a Certificate of Appropriateness. The idea that the Historic Preservation Commission threw a tantrum or exceeded its mandate in this case as suggested by the Tribune's editorial is baseless. Throughout the review of this application the commission has treated the applicant with the utmost empathy. However a sympathetic attitude cannot and should not affect the decisions of such a review body in holding to the regulations which it is bound to enforce. It seems the editors of the Tribune would like to have things both ways. They feel that property owners should be free to improve their property so long as they "stick(s) with materials • suitable to ... surroundings" but wish to remove the commission's authority to assure that this is the case. They complain that "local government agencies already enforce building code and zoning requirements", but that is just what occurred when the Building Department red -tagged this fence. One must wonder page 1 who is having a "hissy fit" which the Tribune accused the commission of. Though unrelated to the front yard fence, most news coverage has also noted • the deficient maintenance of the streetlights on East Wayne Street. It is, difficult to comprehend how these issues have been associated, but we welcome discussion of the streetlight concern. The Historic Preservation Commission was instrumental in the appointment of a committee addressing historic streetlight concerns in 1990. Mayor Luecke, then representing the Riverside Drive neighborhood in the Common Council, participated as did representatives of East Wayne Street, other historic neighborhoods, American Electric Power, the City Engineer, the Mayor s Office, and the Historic Preservation Commission. This committee studied the issues related to historic streetlights and developed detailed recommendations to address them. These recommendations have been long in coming to fruition. However, 'the Historic Preservation Commission approved a Certificate of Appropriateness in 1995 allowing the transfer of ownership of the streetlight system in the Riverside Drive Historic District from American Electric Power to the City and the complete overhaul of that system. Addressing the Riverside Drive system was of special historical priority as George Cutter, the manufacturer of the fixtures employed there, lived on Riverside Drive. This project has been successfully completed. Recently Historic Preservation Commission members have been working with a committee of East Wayne Street residents to initiate the same process there. It is curious that those who were so vociferously quoted in the Tribune about the lighting have not bothered to participate in this process. For nearly a quarter century the Historic Preservation Commission has been integral to planning and code enforcement for South Bend. Among its many services, the commission administers the Certificate of Appropriateness process required by the Municipal Code in the Local Historic Districts where residents have petitioned the City for historical designation and the Common Council has responded by establishing such a district. As in all matters of zoning, the purpose of historic designation is to assure property owners of continuity in the character of development protecting their investment and assuring the maintenance of their desired quality of life. The Historic Preservation Commission not only regulates but assists property owners with technical information and advocacy and serves the general public with research and educational activities. In so doing, the Historic Preservation Commission has the unique responsibility of serving not only its present constituency but also those who have come before and are now gone and generations yet to come. Executive Committee Historic Preservation Commission of South Bend & St. Joseph County John Oxian - President Catherine Hostetler - Vice Pres. J. Edward Talley - Secretary Jerry Weiner - Treasurer David B. Duvall - Director • 5/12/97 page 2