Board of Architectural Review Meeting

Summary

Meeting Overview

The Board of Architectural Review met on January 21, 2015, to consider 32 agenda items. The meeting resulted in 4 motions and votes, with 4 public comments heard from attendees.

Of the items considered, 25 were approved, including requests to install ceiling fans at 342-344 Desha Road, replace shutters at 308 South Hanover, replace a front porch roof at 128 South Ashland Avenue, and renovate structures at multiple locations including 298 South Ashland Avenue, 319 Clay Avenue, 530 East High Street, 611 East Main Street, 243 North Mill Street, 323 South Upper Street, 327 South Upper Street, and 334 Merino Street. The board also approved several other property modifications, including roof replacements, window replacements, tree removals and replacements, driveway and parking area work, fence and gate installation, and signage installation. Additionally, the minutes from the December 10, 2014 Board of Architectural Review meeting were approved.

Three items were postponed: a proposal to demolish a 2-story addition and garage and construct a 2-story addition and parking at 125 Ransom Avenue, and two identical items regarding installing a dormer and changing windows at 319 Clay Avenue. Three additional items were deferred: a proposal to install a gazebo, fence, and garage dormers at 141 West Bell Court, a request to construct a garage at 436 West Third Street, and a proposal to demolish a structure at 763 Caden Lane.

Attendance

The following individuals were present at the meeting on January 21, 2015:

• Jay Gibbs
• Adam Routt
• Kyle Holscher
• Greg Kuklo
• Amelia
• Sarah
• Graham
• Mike

No attendees were recorded as absent or late.

Votes and Decisions

Paving at 104 Dantzler Drive 12:52 The Chair moved for approval of paving the existing parking area at 104 Dantzler Drive. The motion passed by voice vote. The approval includes conditions requiring the owner to install a permanent barrier capable of stopping vehicles (not necessarily concrete) and submit final planting and barrier details to staff for approval. The barrier installation must be fixed and immovable.

Signage at 203 South Limestone 27:15 The Chair moved for approval of signage installation at 203 South Limestone, seconded by Sarah. The motion passed by voice vote. The sign must be reduced to approximately 2 feet by 6 feet and relocated to the center of the building, with the right edge aligned to the north edge of the door and the left edge aligned to the outer jamb of the paired window. Final details must be submitted to staff for review before permit issuance.

Postponement of 125 Ransom Avenue Project 1:19:07 The Chair moved to postpone the 125 Ransom Avenue project to February 27, 2015, seconded by Kyle Holscher. The motion passed by voice vote. The project must be resubmitted by February 2nd with revised plans addressing massing, paving, and green space concerns.

December 10, 2014 Meeting Minutes 1:23:36 The Chair moved to accept the December 10, 2014 Board of Architectural Review meeting minutes with corrections, seconded by Sarah. The motion passed by voice vote. Minor corrections were made, including clarification of a comment regarding direct vent fireplace safety.

Public Comment

Four speakers addressed the board during the public comment period, focusing on two main topics: property conditions at 104 Dantzler Drive and the 125 Ransom Avenue project.

104 Dantzler Drive Paving and Landscaping

Jay Gibbs, council member for the third district, expressed concern about the property's poor condition 10:11. He stated that shrubbery alone would be insufficient to prevent vehicles from damaging the landscape and urged the board to require a permanent barrier, such as a poured concrete curb, to prevent overspill onto the yard.

125 Ransom Avenue Project

Three speakers commented on this project, raising both supportive and critical perspectives.

Kyle Holscher explained the financial motivation behind the project, noting the need to fund necessary renovations to a vacant, deteriorating property 46:52. He emphasized community support and highlighted the positive impact of rehabilitating the building, while acknowledging challenges in meeting design guidelines.

Sarah raised concerns about the project's design, noting that while the applicant has made improvements, the addition remains too massive and the paving too extensive 48:28. She emphasized that guidelines require more green space and a smaller addition, urging the applicant to reduce the footprint.

Graham offered critical feedback on the overall design, characterizing the project as looking like "cheap student housing" and lacking good design 1:03:31. He advised the applicant to hire a professional architect to improve the design and meet the guidelines.

Contested Items

125 Ransom Avenue Project

The board engaged in a heated discussion regarding the 125 Ransom Avenue project. Members expressed strong concerns about multiple aspects of the proposed development, specifically its massing, paving design, and loss of green space. Several board members emphasized that the addition was too large for the site and that the paving was too extensive. Despite the applicant's financial justification for the project's design, the board remained unconvinced. The discussion was lengthy and included multiple suggestions from members for redesign of the project.

104 Dantzler Drive Paving

A split vote occurred over the paving proposal at 104 Dantzler Drive, with the central disagreement concerning whether a permanent barrier—such as a concrete curb—was necessary. Some board members argued that a permanent barrier was essential to prevent vehicle damage to the site. Others were open to alternative approaches, including landscaping solutions. The debate reflected differing views on whether shrubbery alone would be sufficient protection or if a more substantial physical barrier was required.

342-344 Desha Road: Install ceiling fans

Staff approved the installation of ceiling fans at 342-344 Desha Road in the Ashland Park Historic District. The approval was granted without requiring a board review. 4:06

308 South Hanover: Replace shutters

4:06

Staff approved the replacement of shutters at 308 South Hanover, located in the South Ashland Central Historic District. The approval was granted without requiring a board review.

Outcome: Approved

128 South Ashland Avenue: Replace front porch roof

4:06

Staff approved the replacement of the front porch roof at 128 South Ashland Avenue in the South Ashland Central Historic District. The approval was granted without a board review.

298 South Ashland Avenue: Renovate structure

Staff approved the renovation of the structure at 298 South Ashland Avenue in the South Ashland Central Historic District. 4:06

The approval was granted without a board review.

Outcome: Approved

202 Arlington Avenue: Install utility pipe

Staff approved the installation of a utility pipe at 202 Arlington Avenue in the Aylesford Historic District 4:06. The approval was granted without requiring a board review.

Outcome: Approved

342 Aylesford Place: Replace tree

Staff approved the replacement of a tree at 342 Aylesford Place located in the Aylesford Historic District. The approval was granted without requiring a board review.

Outcome: Approved

319 Clay Avenue: Renovate structure

Staff approved the renovation of the structure at 319 Clay Avenue in the Aylesford Historic District. The approval was granted without a board review. 4:06

The outcome of this agenda item was approval.

530 East High Street: Renovate structure

4:06

Staff approved the renovation of the structure located at 530 East High Street in the Bell Court Historic District. The approval was granted without requiring a board review.

Outcome: Approved

146 East Bell Court: Install chimney dampers

4:06

Staff approved the installation of chimney dampers at 146 East Bell Court, located in the Bell Court Historic District. The approval was granted without requiring a board review.

Outcome: Approved

223 East Bell Court: Replace storage shed

4:06

Staff approved the replacement of a storage shed at 223 East Bell Court located in the Bell Court Historic District. The approval was granted without requiring a board review.

Outcome: Approved

232 East Bell Court: Replace tree

4:06

Staff approved the replacement of a tree at 232 East Bell Court in the Bell Court Historic District. The approval was granted without requiring a board review.

Outcome: Approved

611 East Main Street: Renovate structure

Staff approved the renovation of the structure at 611 East Main Street in the Bell Court Historic District 4:06. The approval was granted without a board review.

601 Russell Avenue: Replace driveway

4:06

Staff approved the replacement of the driveway at 601 Russell Avenue, located in the Bell Court Historic District. The approval was granted without requiring a board review.

Outcome: Approved

602 Sayre Avenue: Replace roof

4:06

Staff approved the replacement of the roof at 602 Sayre Avenue, located in the Bell Court Historic District. The approval was granted without requiring a board review.

Outcome: Approved

243 North Mill Street: Renovate structure

Staff approved the renovation of the structure at 243 North Mill Street, located in the Negrads Park Historic District. The approval was granted without requiring a board review. 4:06

250 West Third Street: Remove dying sugar maple

4:06

Staff approved the removal of a dying sugar maple tree located at 250 West Third Street in the Negrads Park Historic District. The approval was granted without requiring a board review.

436 West Third Street: Replace garage doors and replace roof

4:06

Staff approved the replacement of garage doors and roof at 436 West Third Street, located in the Negrads Park Historic District. The approval was granted without requiring a board review.

Outcome: Approved

136 Shawnee Place: Install fence and gate

Staff approved the installation of a fence and gate at 136 Shawnee Place in the Negrads Park Historic District 4:06. The approval was granted without requiring a board review.

Outcome: Approved

323 South Upper Street: Renovate structure

Staff approved the renovation of the structure located at 323 South Upper Street in the South Hill Historic District. 4:06

The approval was granted without requiring a board review.

Outcome: Approved

327 South Upper Street: Renovate structure

4:06

Staff approved the renovation of the structure located at 327 South Upper Street in the South Hill Historic District. The approval was granted without requiring a board review.

Outcome: Approved

365 South Upper Street: Prep for paint; replace replacement window

Staff approved preparation for paint and replacement of a window at 365 South Upper Street in the South Hill Historic District. The approval was granted without requiring a board review. 4:06

380 South Upper Street: Replace replacement windows and install storms

4:06

Staff approved a proposal to replace windows and install storm windows at 380 South Upper Street, located in the South Hill Historic District. The approval was granted without requiring a board review.

334 Merino Street: Renovate structure

Staff approved the renovation of the structure at 334 Merino Street in the Woodward Heights Historic District. The approval was granted without a board review. 4:06

104 Dantzler Drive: Pave existing parking area

The board considered a certificate of appropriateness application for paving an existing parking area at 104 Dantzler Drive. 5:42

The applicant was not present at the meeting. Jay Gibbs participated in the board's discussion of the proposal.

The board approved the paving project with conditions. The approval requires:

• Installation of a permanent barrier
• Submission of a final planting plan to staff for review

203 South Limestone: Install signage

17:34

The board reviewed a certificate of appropriateness application for signage installation at 203 South Limestone. Adam Routt presented the proposal to the board.

The applicant requested modifications to the original signage plan, proposing a smaller sign with different placement than initially submitted. The board discussed these changes and evaluated them against applicable design standards and guidelines.

The board approved the application with conditions. The approval was contingent upon:

• Compliance with specified size requirements for the sign
• Placement in the approved location
• Submission of final design details to staff for review and confirmation

The applicant will need to submit additional documentation to staff before proceeding with installation to ensure all conditions of approval are met.

125 Ransom Avenue: Demolish 2-story addition and garage; construct 2-story addition and parking

28:49

The board reviewed a Certificate of Appropriateness application for 125 Ransom Avenue proposing the demolition of an existing garage and two-story addition, with construction of a new two-story addition and parking area.

Speakers and Presentation

The applicant was present for the discussion. Key board members participating in the review included Kyle Holscher, Greg Kuklo, Sarah, and Graham.

Board Action

The board did not approve the project at this meeting. Instead, the case was continued to allow for further development and revision of the proposal.

Next Steps

The applicant was directed to resubmit revised plans addressing the following concerns:

• Massing
• Paving
• Green space

The case is scheduled to be reconsidered on February 27, 2015.

319 Clay Avenue: Install dormer; change windows

40:10

The board considered a certificate of appropriateness application for work at 319 Clay Avenue, which involved installing a dormer and changing windows on the property.

The applicant requested a postponement of the case. The board agreed to this request and voted to postpone consideration of the application until February 11, 2015.

319 Clay Avenue: Install dormer; change windows

40:10

The board reviewed a conceptual proposal to install a dormer and change windows at 319 Clay Avenue. The applicant was not present at the meeting.

Outcome

The board agreed to postpone the case until February 11, 2015.

141 West Bell Court: Install gazebo, fence and garage dormers

The board reviewed a conceptual proposal to install a gazebo, fence, and garage dormers at 141 West Bell Court 40:10.

No applicant was present for the discussion. The board did not take action on the proposal and deferred discussion to a later time.

436 West Third Street: Construct garage

The board reviewed a conceptual proposal to construct a garage at 436 West Third Street 40:10.

No applicant was present for the discussion. The board did not take action on the proposal and deferred further discussion to a later date.

763 Caden Lane: Demolish structure

The board reviewed a conceptual proposal to demolish a structure at 763 Caden Lane 40:10. No applicant was present for the discussion.

The board did not take action on this item and deferred discussion to a later time.

Minutes from December 10, 2014 BOAR meeting

1:22:33

The board reviewed the minutes from the December 10, 2014 meeting. Amelia and Sarah participated in this discussion.

During the review, a minor correction was identified regarding a comment about a direct vent fireplace. This correction was made to the record. No other corrections were requested or noted.

The board approved the minutes as corrected.