HomeMy WebLinkAbout06.16.2025 HPC Meeting MinutesCITY OF SOUTH BEND
1 1 AND ST. JOSEPH COUNTY
HISTORIC PRESERVATIO\ COVMISSION
June 16, 2025
6:00pm
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Sarah Andrews — President
Kathryn Hough — Vice President
Peter DeKever
Michael Skaggs
MINUTES
HYBRID MEETING
Council Chambers, 4th Floor
County -City Building, South Bend, IN
MEMBERS ABSENT:
David Wyncott
Joan Downs-Krostenko —
Arch. Historian and
Secretary
Andrew Jones
CALL TO ORDER — 6:15 pm
The previous meeting in the council chambers ran long.
ROLL CALL
PUBLIC HEARING
a. CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS
i. 2025-0513 917 Leland Avenue
SARAN ANDREWS
PRESIDENT
ALSO PRESENT:
Ross Van Overberghe
Kate Himick
Kelly Meehan
John Dorbin
Chapin Park LHD, Ord. #9575-05
(Audio Position: 00:08:33)
The staff report was presented by:
Kate Himick, Historic Preservation Specialist
Staff Recommendation:
The rooftop addition as proposed is on the rear side roof slope, thus minimizing
its impact. The gabled dormer is appropriate in location, placement, and
massing for the rest of the house. The materials will be sympathetic to the
rest of the home and neighborhood. The windows proposed to be replaced
are not original to the home, are not operable, and were likely replaced in the
aftermath of a previous fire. Aluminum -clad wood is appropriate in this
instance. Based on the information provided prior to this public hearing, Staff
makes a FAVORABLE RECOMMENDATION..
The applicant was represented by:
Mike and Jennifer Stone, 917 Leland Avenue, appeared in person to speak
as the applicant.
The public was represented by:
There was no one from the public to speak in regard to this application.
After due consideration the following action was taken:
A CERTIFIED LOCAL GOVERNMENT ROSS VAN OVERBERGHE
OF THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC PRESERVATION ADMINISTRATOR
EXCELLENCE ACCOUNTABILITY INNOVATION INCLUSION EMPOWERMENT
1400S County -City Building 227 W. Jefferson Blvd. South Bend, Indiana 46601 p 574.235.9371 f 574.235.9201 southbendin.gov
CITY OF SOUTH BEND AND ST. JOSEPH COUNTY HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
Upon a motion by Michael Skaggs, seconded by Peter DeKever, and
UNANIMOULY carried by vote, the Historic Preservation Commission
APPROVES Certificate of Appropriateness Application #2025-0513-2 and
2025-0513-3.
Roll was called.
Commissioner Hough: AYE
Commissioner Skaggs: AYE
Commissioner DeKever: AYE
Commissioner Andrews: AYE
Vote: 4-0. Four in favor, none opposed.
COA 2025-0513-2 and 2025-0513-3 are APPROVED.
ii. 2025-0522 402 West Navarre Street Chapin Park LHD, Ord. #9575-05
(Audio Position: 00:12:56)
The staff report was presented by:
Kate Himick, Historic Preservation Specialist
Staff Recommendation:
The proposed repairs to the water table, siding, and masonry are sound avenues
of repair using appropriate materials. The design and footprint of the
proposed porch is in keeping with the massing and scale of a rear porch, and
Staff feels that the proposed designs are sympathetic to the existing home
and neighborhood. Staff is favorable to either design (Proposal Version 1 or
Proposal Version 2). Given the information provided prior to this public
hearing, Staff makes a FAVORABLE RECOMMENDATION.
The applicant was represented by:
Todd Zeiger, 801 West Washington St, and Morgan Palmer, 511 N Notre
Dame Avenue appeared in person to represent the applicant.
The public was represented by:
There was no one from the public to speak in regard to this application.
After due consideration the following action was taken:
Upon a motion by Peter DeKever, and seconded by Kathryn Hough, and
UNANIMOUSLY carried by vote, the Historic Preservation Commission
APPROVES Certificate of Appropriateness Application #2025-0522.
Roll was called.
Commissioner Skaggs: AYE
Commissioner Hough: AYE
Commissioner DeKever: AYE
Commissioner Andrews: AYE
Vote: 4-0. four in favor, none opposed.
COA #2025-0522 is APPROVED.
iii. 2025-0526 703 Portage Court Chapin Park LHD, Ord. #9575-05
(Audio Position: 00:17:30)
The staff report was presented by:
Kate Himick, Historic Preservation Specialist
Staff Recommendation:
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CITY OF SOUTH BEND AND ST. JOSEPH COUNTY HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
Staff is in favor of the following more minor elements: (1) the installation of glass
block in several basement window openings, (2) the replacement of sagging
portion of the front porch flooring with treated wood, and (3) the repointing of
needed areas in the foundation and chimney. Staff notes that the preferred
mortar used for a house of this age would be lime mortar or type 0 mortar.
Staff welcomes the owners' plan to retain as much as possible of the original
siding, while replacing segments that are missing or exceedingly deteriorated
with red cedar to match. Staff notes that lead safe practices should be
followed for the painting of the siding.
Regarding the replacement of original windows on the first floor, many of these
windows would need restoration to function and be secured. In this instance,
Staff believes that a balance should be struck between the preservation of
the original material and the practicalities of investment in a long -vacant
home. Staff believes that promoting the feasibility of investment in this
property is, in the long run, promoting its preservation. Therefore, in this case,
Staff is in favor of vinyl replacement windows, with the stipulation that should
the windows need to be replaced in the future, aluminum -clad wood windows
or wood windows be used.
The same principles apply to the replacement of the front, original door. Detailed
restoration would be required in order to keep the door in working order. Staff
feels that the compromise of donating the door or retaining it on site is an
appropriate one. Lastly, Staff is in favor of the removal of the rear, leaning
vestibule. Any future plans for a porch or deck in the rear should also follow
the same Certificate of Appropriateness approvals process.
Based on the information provided prior to this public hearing, Staff makes a
FAVORABLE RECOMMENDATION, given that the appropriate mortar type
is used and that the original door and any salvageable window sashes are
either donated to a salvage shop or retained on site.
The applicant was represented by:
Alex Hernandez, 703 Portage Court, South Bend, IN, appeared in person and
Joe Popitiya, 703 Portage Court, appeared virtually to represent the
applicant.
The public was represented by:
Robert Bollman, 804 Portage Avenue, appeared virtually to speak against
this application.
Kelly Meehan 27 minutes 56 seconds
Commissioner Andrews: Are you speaking for or against this project?
Mr. Bollman: Am I am speaking either. I have some questions that should be
answered before, that was, before that decision was made.
And you do not answer questions during business hours because you all know
who I am. We've been involved with this property for three months now.
So I have some answers that y'all should that we need to consider like I'd like to
know who the architect of record is for is on a project of this size because
they're the code compliance officer and I have a big problems because you
all have approved the roof replacement and the soffit detail. There's no
mention in there about the venting of the of the attic.
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CITY OF SOUTH BEND AND ST. JOSEPH COUNTY HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
John Dorbin: Excuse me, Sir, we have some formalities to be observed. First
you need to identify yourself.
Mr. Bollman: Oh, I apologize.
John Dorbin: Who you are, where you live, and whether you're stating your
position in favor or against this project. So, let's start with those formalities.
Mr. Bollman: My name is Robert Bowman. I own 804 Portage Ave. as of right
now. I stand against this project strongly.
I am the only property owner that abuts this that bothers to show up. I have a
very strong standing because this is the property that continues to harm me
and my family.
John Dorbin: And do you wish to expand and explain why you're what you why
you're in opposed to it? Or does that end your?
Mr. Bollman: I don't believe that the project has been handled properly. I do not
trust the process has been followed. I do not trust that the code is being
followed and will be followed. I do not trust the paperwork that has been
submitted. You guys approved a roof and soffit replacement on this with no
attic venting details specified. So how are they gonna vet the roof without
changing the soffit? You guys have approved changing the. I'm sorry the
proposal is to change the siding. What's going under the siding? Are they
putting the proper water resistant barrier under it? Are they fixing the grade?
Because right now the grade at the front of the property is right up to the
wood. That's not legal. An architect would turn around and say no, these are
all things that need to be fixed before I will put my stamp on this project.
But they keep tossing. Hey, piece meal. Hey, we're trying to do a couple of
windows this time around. We're trying to do a couple a little bit of siding and
some shingles this time around, we're going to do a door this time around.
When is somebody going to sit back and present an entire complete project for
this or package for this project that shows the city and US neighbors exactly
what's going to happen?
Please excuse me if I get a little bit excited about this. But Ross, you know
exactly who I am. I'm the guy that nobody will return their phone calls
because I keep asking questions of you guys and the building department
about how are these code issues going to be addressed.
How are these safety issues going to be addressed? How do we know that we're
not going to have another investor that's going to come in, realize it's going to
take $100,000 to fix up this house and it's only going to be worth $80,000
when they're done. And then they walk away.
John Dorbin: Thank you sir, you've reached your time allotment and we will
discuss with the commissioners. I will explain to the Commissioners, we've
met with you. With representatives of various departments and so City has
scheduled two separate meetings, including historic Commission, the head of
the building department, the head of the neighborhood services Enforcement
Legal Department. And your Councilman, Canneth Lee. So I would explain
that we have heard concerns and we have responded so and I'll I'll leave it at
that.
After due consideration the following action was taken:
Page 14 June 16, 2025
CITY OF SOUTH BEND AND ST. JOSEPH COUNTY HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
Upon a motion by Peter DeKever, and seconded by Michael Skaggs, and
UNANIMOUSLY carried by vote, the Historic Preservation Commission
APPROVES Certificate of Appropriateness Application #2025-0526.
Roll was called.
Commissioner Hough: AYE
Commissioner DeKever: AYE
Commissioner Skaggs: AYE
Commissioner Andrews: AYE
Vote: 4-0. Four in favor, none opposed.
COA #2025-0526 is APPROVED.
iv. 2025-0530 705 Leland Avenue Chapin Park LHD, Ord. #9575-05
(Audio Position: 00:31:19)
The staff report was presented by:
Kate Himick, Historic Preservation Specialist
Staff Recommendation:
Due to the varied styles and conditions of the windows in the house, staff feels
that the non -conforming windows (8, 9, 10 & 19) are appropriate for
replacement with all wood windows. Windows (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 14,
15) are in ok shape and could be replaced with all wood windows without
negatively affecting the integrity of the house. Previous window openings (16
& 17) are appropriate for new wood windows to be installed. Additionally, a
new window installed at location (18) to allow for ventilation of the bathroom
is appropriate. The Replacement of the original wood side door with an all
wood replica is also appropriate. Staff makes a FAVORABLE
RECOMMENDATION.
The applicant was represented by:
Amanda Shutts., 705 Leland Avenue, South Bend, IN, appeared in person
and Andrew Caspers, 1221 Campeau Street, South Bend, IN, appeared
virtually to represent the applicant.
The public was represented by:
There was no one from the public to speak in regard to this application.
After due consideration the following action was taken:
Upon a motion by Michael Skaggs, and seconded by Kathryn Hough, and
UNANIMOUSLY carried by vote, the Historic Preservation Commission
APPROVED Certificate of Appropriateness Application #2025-0530.
Roll was called.
Commissioner DeKever: AYE
Commissioner Skaggs: AYE
Commissioner Hough: AYE
Commissioner Andrews: AYE
Vote: 4-0. Four in favor, none opposed.
COA #2025-0530 is APPROVED.
IV. PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR
V. REGULAR BUSINESS
Page 15 June 16, 2025
CITY OF SOUTH BEND AND ST. JOSEPH COUNTY HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
a. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
i. Secretary Commissioner Downs-Krostenko was absent from the meeting so
minutes were not signed or approved. (Audio Position: 00:40:20)
b. STAFF REPORTS
i. Administrative Approvals (Audio Position: 00:40:28)
After due consideration, no action was taken.
ii. Enforcement
c. COMMITTEE REPORTS
VI_ OLD BUSINESS
a. Resolution 03-2025 South Bend Pre -Approved Houses
(Audio Position: 00:40:43)
After due consideration the following action was taken:
Upon a motion by Kathryn Hough, seconded by Michael Skaggs, and
UNANIMOULY carried by vote, the Historic Preservation Commission
APPROVES Resolution 03-2025 "ADMINISTRATIVE APPROVAL"
PROCEDURES AUTHORIZING STAFF TO APPROVE NEW
CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS THAT ARE FROM THE SOUTH BEND
NEIGHBORHOOD INFILL PRE -APPROVED, READY TO BUILD HOUSING
PLANS AND COMPLY WITH THE APPLICABLE STANDARDS AND
GUIDELINES.
VII. NEW BUSINESS
VIII. ANNOUNCEMENTS AND MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS (Audio Position: 00:45:53)
a. Lead Safe Presentation (Audio Position: 00:48:50)
IX. ADJOURNMENT
Upon a motion by Michael Skaggs, the meeting was adjourned at 7:40 p.m.
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an Downs-Krostenko Date
Arch. Historian/ Secretary
Page 1 6 June 16, 2025