Board of Architectural Review

Summary

Meeting Overview

The Board of Architectural Review convened on May 24, 2017, with the chair presiding over the session. The meeting addressed three main agenda items, including the review of minutes from the April 22, 2017 meeting, consideration of Certificate of Appropriateness applications, and conceptual review discussions. The board conducted 11 motions and votes throughout the meeting, with the Certificate of Appropriateness applications receiving approval. No public comments were recorded during this session, indicating the meeting focused primarily on board business and application reviews.

Attendance

The following members were present at the meeting on May 24, 2017:

Present: • Catherine Bucks • Wayne Qerim • Jerry Hager • Scott Book • Reece Reinhold • Paul Ale • James Griggs • Andrew Mott

All members were in attendance with no absences or late arrivals recorded.

Votes and Decisions

The board conducted eleven votes during the May 24, 2017 meeting, all by voice vote. Nine certificates of appropriateness were approved with conditions, and two items were postponed.

Approved Certificates of Appropriateness:

• 385 Oldham Avenue - Passed with the condition that documentation of a completed easement minor plat be filed with the division of planning prior to COA issuance.

• 381 Oldham Avenue - Passed with the condition that documentation of a committed division for driveway planning staff be submitted prior to COA issuance.

• 411 West Third Street - Passed with the condition that any changes be resubmitted to staff for review and approval prior to starting work.

• 422 East High Street - Passed with the condition that rail details be provided to staff prior to certificate of appropriateness.

• 602 Sayre Avenue - Passed with the condition that once reviewed by any divisions, the project come to the board for approval.

• 734 West Short Street - Passed with the condition that any changes altering the submission be resubmitted prior to start of work.

• 137 Ransom Avenue - Passed with the condition that windows and doors in the garage be single-pane rather than multipane.

• 249 South Limestone - Passed with the condition that once reviewed by other divisions, changes come back to staff or board for review and approval prior to starting work.

• 326 South Broadway - Passed with the condition that panels between storefront sections be changed to aluminum material or panel material matching the aluminum framing of the storefront systems.

Postponed Items:

• 347 Linden Walk - Decision postponed to June 7th.

• 601 Boonesboro Avenue - Discussion continued to July 12th.

All votes were conducted by voice vote with no recorded individual vote counts or member positions documented.

Contested Items

The meeting featured one significant contested item that generated substantial debate among participants.

Use of Boral Material for Trim Replacement

A heated discussion emerged regarding the proposed use of Boral material for trim replacement on a historic property. The debate centered on whether this modern composite material would be appropriate for maintaining the historical integrity of the structure.

The discussion was described as lengthy, with participants presenting arguments both supporting and opposing the use of Boral material. Those in favor likely emphasized practical considerations such as durability, maintenance requirements, and cost-effectiveness of the composite material. Opposition arguments presumably focused on historical preservation standards and the importance of maintaining authentic materials consistent with the property's original construction.

The nature of the debate was characterized as heated, indicating strong feelings on both sides of the issue. This suggests the decision carried significant implications for the property in question, whether related to preservation standards, budget considerations, or long-term maintenance obligations.

The extracted data does not specify the final outcome of this discussion or whether a resolution was reached during the meeting. Additionally, the specific participants involved in the debate and their individual positions are not detailed in the available information.

This contentious item highlights the ongoing tension in historic preservation between maintaining authenticity and embracing practical modern solutions for property maintenance and restoration.

Review minutes from April 22, 2017

The board conducted a review of the minutes from their previous meeting held on April 22, 2017. This agenda item served as an informational discussion to ensure accuracy and completeness of the prior meeting's record.

The review process allowed board members to examine the documented proceedings from the April 22nd session and verify that the minutes accurately reflected the discussions, decisions, and actions taken during that meeting. This standard procedural item ensures proper record-keeping and maintains transparency in the board's operations.

No specific concerns or corrections were noted during the review process, and the item concluded as an informational matter without requiring formal action or amendments to the previously recorded minutes.

Certificate of Appropriateness Applications

The board reviewed multiple applications for certificates of appropriateness for property modifications within historic districts during this meeting. The discussion involved several key participants including Catherine Bucks, Wayne Qerim, Jerry Hager, Scott Book, Reece Reinhold, Paul Ale, James Griggs, and Andrew Mott.

The applications under consideration involved various proposed modifications to properties located in historic districts, requiring board approval to ensure compliance with historic preservation standards. Board members and applicants discussed the specific details of each proposed project, examining how the modifications would impact the historic character of the properties and surrounding areas.

During the review process, participants presented information about their proposed changes and addressed any questions or concerns raised by board members. The discussion covered the technical aspects of the modifications and their compatibility with existing historic district guidelines.

Following the comprehensive review and discussion of the various applications, the board approved the certificates of appropriateness. This approval allows the property owners to proceed with their proposed modifications while maintaining compliance with historic preservation requirements.

The approval of these certificates demonstrates the board's commitment to balancing property owners' needs for modifications with the preservation of historic district character and integrity.

Conceptual Review

The board conducted a conceptual review for a proposed addition at 440 West Third Street during this meeting. This agenda item was structured as a discussion session to provide preliminary feedback on the development proposal.

The conceptual review process allows the board to examine early-stage development plans and provide guidance to applicants before they submit formal applications. This preliminary review helps identify potential issues and ensures proposals align with local planning guidelines and community standards.

The discussion focused on the proposed addition to the property located at 440 West Third Street. During conceptual reviews, boards typically examine factors such as building design, scale, compatibility with surrounding structures, and compliance with zoning requirements.

This agenda item was classified as informational, meaning no formal decisions or votes were taken. The purpose was to gather initial feedback and allow board members to express any concerns or suggestions regarding the proposed development. This early input helps developers refine their plans before proceeding with formal application processes.

The conceptual review serves as an important step in the development approval process, providing a forum for dialogue between the applicant, board members, and potentially community stakeholders. It allows for adjustments to be made to proposals while they are still in preliminary stages, potentially saving time and resources for all parties involved.

No specific transcript timestamps were available for this agenda item, and no key speakers were identified in the meeting records. The outcome remained informational, with the board providing preliminary guidance on the 440 West Third Street addition proposal.