Board of Architectural Review

Summary

Meeting Overview

The Board of Architectural Review met on February 8, 2012, to review seven architectural proposals affecting various properties in the community. The board took two votes during the meeting and heard six public comments. Of the seven agenda items presented, five proposals were approved, one was denied, and one was presented for informational purposes only.

The approved projects included the removal of a dying tree and replacement of sidewalks at 367 Transylvania Park; window renovations at 423 Fayette Park; roof renovation at 418 West Sixth Street; replacement of storm doors at 352 South Broadway; and construction of a deck and stair tower at 441 West Second Street. The board denied a proposal to change fencing height at 444 Fayette Park. An extension of a garage at 616 West Short Street was presented to the board on an informational basis.

Attendance

The following individuals were present at the meeting on February 8, 2012:

• Shalendra Chopra
• Kathy Chopra
• Pete Cassidy
• Matthew Zook
• Jill Gookin
• Jerry Leslie
• Mike Satterly

No attendees were recorded as absent or late.

Votes and Decisions

The board took action on two motions during this meeting.

Fencing Height Addendum at 444 Fayette Park 1:14:02

A motion to deny an addendum to increase fencing height at 444 Fayette Park from 4 feet to 5 feet was made by Mr. Chair. The motion passed by voice vote.

Deck and Stair Tower Construction at 441 West 2nd Street 1:16:11

A motion to approve construction of a deck and stair tower at 441 West 2nd Street passed by voice vote. The approval includes the following conditions:

• Railings must be metal for a contemporary, transparent appearance
• Final details must be submitted to staff or BOAR
• Any changes from other LFUCG divisions must be reviewed and returned to staff or BOAR

Public Comment

Six speakers addressed the board during the public comment period, presenting perspectives on a proposed fence project at 444 Fayette Park.

In Support of the Project

Shalendra Chopra spoke at 9:21 regarding security concerns and fence height. The applicants explained that an increased fence height is necessary for security due to recent incidents, including break-ins and people found passed out on their back porch. They requested a one-foot increase to deter intruders.

In Opposition to the Project

Matthew Zook addressed neighborhood visual integrity at 32:19. The neighbor expressed concern that a five-foot fence would disrupt the open character of Fayette Park, citing Google Street View images and a ratio analysis to argue that the property's front yard is disproportionately small.

Jill Gookin spoke at 42:05 about historic district character. The neighbor emphasized that the open front yard is a defining feature of Fayette Park's historic character and that the fence would impair the visual integrity of the district, referencing a Keeneland Magazine feature on the property.

Jerry Leslie commented at 44:10 on flexibility in guidelines. The neighbor argued that the guidelines allow for flexibility and that a five-foot fence is permissible in side yards, and that the board should not override the guidelines based on subjective aesthetics.

Pete Cassidy warned at 48:00 about historic district preservation. The neighbor cautioned that approving a five-foot fence at 444 Fayette Park could set a precedent that would alter the character of the entire Northside Historic District if replicated across the neighborhood.

Additional Comment

Mr. McGarrish spoke at 1:04:47 regarding precedent and board consistency. The speaker questioned whether a precedent from the opposite corner of the block could influence the decision but ultimately withdrew the request for further review.

Contested Items

Fencing Height at 444 Fayette Park

A heated discussion arose regarding the proposed height of a fence at 444 Fayette Park. The disagreement centered on a five-foot fence and involved strong disagreement between applicants, neighbors, and board members.

The core dispute reflected competing priorities: the applicants and some board members emphasized security needs, while neighbors and other board members raised concerns about visual impact and compatibility with the historic district character. The debate extended to questions of precedent and how existing guidelines should be interpreted in this context.

The discussion was contentious, with participants holding firm positions on both sides of the fencing proposal. However, the provided materials do not indicate what outcome was reached or decided regarding the fence height.

367 Transylvania Park: Remove dying tree and replace sidewalks

1:34

Staff approved a request to remove a dying tree and replace sidewalks at 367 Transylvania Park, located in the Aylesford Historic District. The approval was granted without requiring board review.

Outcome: The request was approved.

423 Fayette Park: Renovate Windows

Staff approved the window renovation project at 423 Fayette Park, located in the Fayette Park Historic District, without requiring board review. 1:34

The project was approved by staff as part of the regular approval process for this property improvement.

Outcome: Approved

418 West Sixth Street: Renovate Roof

Staff approved the roof renovation project at 418 West Sixth Street, located in the Northside Historic District, without requiring board review 1:34.

The project proceeded through staff approval processes and was authorized to move forward based on staff recommendation.

352 South Broadway: Replace Storm Doors

1:34

Staff approved the replacement of storm doors at 352 South Broadway, located in the Northside Historic District. This approval was granted without requiring board review.

The project was approved as a staff-level decision.

444 Fayette Park: Change fencing height

3:44

The board considered a certificate of appropriateness application to increase the front yard fence height at 444 Fayette Park from 4 feet to 5 feet.

Application and Arguments

The applicants cited security concerns as their reason for seeking the height increase. However, staff recommended denial of the application.

Board Discussion and Concerns

The board debated the proposal, with discussion centering on the visual impact of the taller fence and concerns about establishing precedent. Neighbors also participated in the discussion, raising objections to the proposed change.

Key speakers in the discussion included Shalendra Chopra, Matthew Zook, Jill Gookin, Jerry Leslie, Pete Cassidy, and Mr. McGarrish.

Outcome

The board passed a voice vote to deny the addendum to increase the fencing height.

441 West Second Street: Construct deck and stair tower

1:15:03

The board considered a certificate of appropriateness application for the construction of a deck and stair tower at 441 West Second Street.

Presentation and Staff Recommendation

Mike Satterly presented plans for the proposed deck and stair tower. Staff recommended approval of the application, subject to specific conditions designed to ensure the project's compatibility with the surrounding area.

Conditions of Approval

The staff recommendation included the following requirements:

• Metal railings must be used to maintain a transparent appearance
• Final details of the project must be submitted for review

Board Action

The board approved the application by voice vote.

616 West Short Street: Extend garage

The board conducted a conceptual review of a proposal to extend a garage at 616 West Short Street 1:17:17. A presentation on the project was scheduled during this portion of the meeting.

No vote or formal decision was recorded in the meeting transcript. The item was treated as informational in nature, with the conceptual review process allowing for initial discussion and feedback on the proposed garage extension before any further action.