July 2017 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

3. Prohibited No changes may be made to the appearance of the site by removing major landscaping items, trees, fencing, walkways, outbuildings, and other elements before evaluating their importance to the property's history and development. Front yard areas shall not be transformed into parking lots nor paved nor blacktopped. The installation of unsightly devices such as TV reception dishes and solar collectors shall not be permitted in areas where they can be viewed from public thoroughfares. Minimum Maintenance Standards approved by the Historic Preservation Commission, December 16, 1991, state that "all landmarks and all contributing structures located in an historic district shall be preserved from decay and deterioration, and shall be maintained in good repair and kept structurally sound. The owner or other person having charge or control of landmarks and property in an historic district shall not allow or permit deterioration of such property from defects or conditions which in the judgment of the Commission produce a detrimental effect on the character of the district as a whole or the life and character of the landmark, structure or property in question." In particular, this property exhibits the following from the itemized (but not exclusive) list of detrimental conditions: b. Deterioration of roofs or other horizontal members causing conditions such as sagging, splitting, buckling, crumbling, holes, missing shingles or similar conditions; e. The ineffective waterproofing of exterior walls, roof and foundations, including broken windows or doors; h. The deterioration of any feature so as to create or permit the creation of any hazardous or unsafe condition or conditions. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: After careful review of this application, it appears to a large degree to be similar as applied for in COA application 2016-0809 that was denied by HPC and is a pending Violation of City Ordinance with the Building Department. As in COA 2016-0809, Staff recommends approval of rear second story addition with gable roof. Staff does not recommend the proposed window and siding treatments as they can be considered an incompatible material as reference in C, 2. Staff recommends approval of a wood siding or fiber cement siding to complete the new second story addition. Staff recommends double hung windows, wood or aluminum clad, without rounded tops in the same style as the original windows in the main structure. Staff recommends that the owner be in compliance with the Building Department at the request of the Building Commissioner. Staff recommends that the owner be in compliance with Code Enforcement as there are noted violations of Minimum Maintenance Standards. Elicia Feasel, Executive Director Deb Parcell, Deputy Director Owner concerns: 1) HPC office was closed twice when Mr. Boyd tried to turn in COA application, and he eventually turned it into the Building Department. 2)He did not receive a copy of the staff report and agenda in the U.S. mail, but rather had to come to the office to obtain a copy to prepare for the meeting properly. 3) Structural report included with second COA is also relevant to this COA. Owner noted discrepancies: 1) Boarding of windows was done to comply with Code Enforcement regulations. 2) He stated that his project is in compliance with the Building Department, and provided copies of correspondence stating application for COA would be a remedy for non- compliance. Public Hearing: Gladys Mohammed, 808 North Ironwood: worked for South Bend Heritage. Goal to reinvest in the west side of South Bend, and get residents to do likewise. Eric has a dream and is trying to pursue it. It appears that someone in the city made a mistake and they need to fix it and not make Eric pay for it. She is encouraging HPC to allow Eric to pursue his dream, and advise him right, and not have to pay for someone else's mistake. Would like to see the building be something valuable for the community. Mike Boyd, 1207 West Thomas: big brother of Eric. This is the neighborhood where we grew up. Here to support his brother in his dream, to see what the process entails, hopes this can move forward. Communication is important. Carl Nichols, Gethsemane Church of God, 308 South Walnut: church adjacent to the land Eric owns. They own property between viaduct and Firehouse and are in the process of developing it. It is not appropriate to leave the Firehouse vacant and abandoned. The neighborhood is growing. No one cares what the building looks like; they care that it is not vacant. Please approve the COA. 11