Board of Architectural Review

Summary

Meeting Overview

The Board of Architectural Review convened on August 28, 2019, with Mr. Chair presiding over the session. The board addressed three Certificate of Appropriateness applications during the meeting, reviewing proposed architectural changes and improvements to properties within the historic district.

The board heard two public comments from community members and conducted three formal votes on the agenda items. Two of the three Certificate of Appropriateness applications were approved: the projects at 507 North Broadway and 280 South Ashland Avenue both received favorable decisions from the board. However, the application for 359 South Mill Street was denied following the board's review and deliberation.

The meeting focused entirely on architectural review matters, with each agenda item requiring careful consideration of the proposed changes' compatibility with historic preservation standards and district guidelines. The board's decisions reflected their ongoing responsibility to balance property owners' improvement needs with the preservation of the area's historic character and architectural integrity.

Attendance

All board members were present for the August 28, 2019 meeting.

Present: • Mr. Chair • Josh • Sarah • Jim • Susan • Carol

Absent: None

Late: None

Votes and Decisions

The Board took action on three certificate of appropriateness applications during the August 28, 2019 meeting.

Motion 02500507-M - 507 North Broadway Josh motioned for approval of a certificate of appropriateness for 507 North Broadway with conditions, seconded by Sarah. The motion passed by voice vote. The approval included specific conditions requiring a four-inch spindle and disapproval of the proposed rooftop addition.

Motion 00710280-Q - 280 South Ashland Avenue Josh motioned for approval of a certificate of appropriateness for 280 South Ashland Avenue with conditions. The motion passed by voice vote without a recorded second. The approval included conditions specifying requirements for landings and railing details.

Motion 13150359-C - 359 South Mill Street Josh motioned to deny the certificate of appropriateness for 359 South Mill Street. The motion passed by voice vote without a recorded second, resulting in denial of the application.

All three motions were decided by voice vote with no recorded individual vote counts or abstentions. Josh made all three motions, with Sarah providing the only recorded second for the 507 North Broadway application. The Board approved two applications with specific conditions while denying one application outright.

*Note: Specific transcript timestamps were not available in the source materials for these votes.*

Public Comment

Two residents spoke during the public comment period, both addressing concerns about the proposed changes at 280 South Ashland Avenue.

Sanford Pollack expressed objections to the proposal for 280 South Ashland Avenue. He raised concerns about the proposed changes to the sunroom and porch, specifically citing the potential impact on views and questioning the materials being used in the construction. Pollack's comments focused on how the modifications would affect the visual character of the property.

Louise Douglas also spoke in opposition to the same 280 South Ashland Avenue proposal. Douglas emphasized concerns about the visual impact the proposed changes would have on the surrounding area. She additionally noted that there had been insufficient time to explore alternative options for the project, suggesting that more consideration should be given to different approaches before moving forward with the current proposal.

Both speakers' comments centered on the same development project, indicating coordinated community concern about the proposed modifications to the property. Their objections focused primarily on visual and aesthetic impacts, as well as procedural concerns about the review process.

*Note: Specific transcript timestamps were not available for these public comments.*

Contested Items

Two applications faced community opposition during the August 28, 2019 Board meeting, resulting in mixed outcomes for the applicants.

280 South Ashland Avenue Proposal

The proposed modifications to a sunroom and porch at 280 South Ashland Avenue drew concerns from neighboring residents who attended the meeting. Community members voiced objections regarding the visual impact the changes would have on the surrounding area, as well as specific concerns about the materials proposed for use in the construction. The neighbors felt the proposed alterations would negatively affect the character and appearance of the neighborhood. Despite the community opposition, the Board's final decision on this application was not specified in the available meeting data.

359 South Mill Street Utility Strip Application

The property owner at 359 South Mill Street sought approval to retain existing brick pavers within the utility strip area of their property. However, this application faced opposition and was ultimately denied by the Board. The denial was based on established guidelines that specifically require utility strips to maintain earthen surfaces rather than hardscaping materials like brick pavers. The Board determined that allowing the brick pavers to remain would violate these guidelines, leading to the rejection of the application despite the property owner's request to keep the existing installation.

Both contested items highlight the ongoing tension between individual property owner preferences and community standards, with the Board tasked with balancing neighborhood concerns against established guidelines and regulations.

507 North Broadway Certificate of Appropriateness

The Board reviewed an application for a certificate of appropriateness for the property located at 507 North Broadway during their August 28, 2019 meeting.

Anton Giovinetto served as the key speaker presenting information about this agenda item to the Board members. The discussion centered on the specific requirements and conditions that would need to be met for the certificate of appropriateness to be granted for this North Broadway property.

The Board examined the details of the proposed work or modifications planned for 507 North Broadway, evaluating whether the application met the necessary standards for historic preservation and appropriateness within the district. As part of their review process, the Board established specific conditions that would need to be satisfied as part of any approval.

Following their discussion and review of the application materials, the Board voted to approve the certificate of appropriateness for 507 North Broadway. The approval came with attached conditions that the applicant must fulfill to maintain compliance with the Board's requirements and historic preservation standards.

This approval allows the property owner to proceed with their planned work at 507 North Broadway, provided they adhere to the conditions set forth by the Board during this meeting. The certificate of appropriateness ensures that any modifications or improvements to the property will be consistent with the historic character and preservation goals of the district.

280 South Ashland Avenue Certificate of Appropriateness

The Board discussed an application for a certificate of appropriateness for 280 South Ashland Avenue during agenda item 2. The discussion involved several key participants including Elizabeth Tovar, Jason Stovar, and Meredith Guy.

The application generated discussion regarding concerns raised by neighboring property owners. Board members and speakers addressed various aspects of the proposed project and its potential impact on the surrounding area.

Following deliberation of the application details and consideration of the neighbor concerns, the Board established specific conditions that would need to be met for project approval. These conditions were designed to address the issues raised during the public discussion portion of the meeting.

After reviewing all aspects of the application, including the proposed modifications and the conditions for approval, the Board voted to approve the certificate of appropriateness for 280 South Ashland Avenue.

*Note: Specific transcript timestamps were not available in the provided meeting data.*

359 South Mill Street Certificate of Appropriateness

The Board reviewed an application for a certificate of appropriateness for 359 South Mill Street during agenda item 3. The proposal centered on infilling the utility strip area with brick pavers.

Bill Hilliard served as the key speaker presenting information about this application to the Board members.

The discussion focused on the appropriateness of adding brick pavers to fill in the utility strip at the property. Board members evaluated whether this proposed modification would be consistent with the historic character and preservation standards applicable to the location.

Following their review and discussion of the application materials and presentation, the Board ultimately denied the certificate of appropriateness for 359 South Mill Street. The denial means the proposed brick paver infill project cannot proceed as submitted under the current application.

The specific concerns or reasoning behind the Board's decision to deny the certificate were part of the deliberative process during this agenda item. Property owners seeking certificates of appropriateness must demonstrate that their proposed changes are compatible with the historic district's character and meet established preservation guidelines.