Shepherdstown Historic Landmarks Commission June 14, 2010 Meeting. Draft Minutes. June 14, 2010, Town Hall, 7p.m.

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1 Draft Minutes June 14, 2010, Town Hall, 7p.m. Present: Commission Members: Sue Nash Chair, Alice Chakmakian, Jay Hurley, John Shank, Hank Willard. Zoning Officer: Harvey Heyser Visitors: All listed (in sign-in sheet order) were present to speak to specific applications. David Joe Smith, Laura Lee Gordon, Deborah Watts, Roger Munvo, Chrissy Lewin, James Munnis, Mark Cucuzzella, Philip Masemer, Jim Williamson, Stephen Mangus, Paul Wilmoth Andy Singletary. Approval of Minutes: May 10, 2010 Meeting: Motion by A. Chakmakian to approve as submitted; second J. Hurley; passed unanimously. Conflicts of Interest: For the record, S. Nash was previously married to R. Munro (10-16). They have been divorced for 20 years. The HLC determined there was no conflict of interest. Administrative Reports: The following were discussed after the applications were heard. - Introduction of the new zoning officer Harvey Heyser is learning the responsibilities of his new position and has profited from input from the HLC Chair and the P.C. President. - Minutes - Although the Zoning Officer will roughly follow the previous format, he will refer to points as made by the HLC and the Applicant to minimize personality issues. Applications for Consideration: Listed here by numerical order - The HLC discussed them in a rearranged order so they could be handled in a more efficient manner. # 10-09: Christina Lewin, 121 West German Street, hanging a new sign from an existing bracket: The HLC reviewed the colors. The Z.O. indicated that the background of the sing will be a natural wood similar to the sign for the Stone Soup Bistro across the street. Motion to recommend approval- H. Willard; second J. Hurley; passed unanimously. #10-10: Mark Cucuzzella, 113 West German Street, hanging a new sign from an existing bracket and paint lettering on the transom glass above the doorway: Square footage: There is a great amount of existing signage on the building. The HLC deferred to the Planning Commission (PC) to determine whether the newly proposed signage falls within the allowable limit. Transom sign : The applicant proposes to light the sign indirectly from the interior with LED rope lights mounted inside the transom frame, (to provide a glow of light silhouetting the lettering). The applicant regards this sign as similar to other open signs in town. 1

2 Motion by H. Willard to recommend approval of the application, (including the transom sign- provided the square footage limits can be met); second J. Shank; passed unanimously. The HLC also requested that the PC clarify the ordinance as regards free standing signs and the calculation of total square footage of free standing signs that have 2 sides as it applies to the total square footage. #10-11: Rev. Mathew Rough, 216 South Duke street; add a wood deck to an existing stone patio: It was noted that the project will include removal of some existing shrubbery on the west side of the existing patio. The HLC observed that the project will not be visible from the streets. Motion to recommend approval by J. Hurley; second H. Willard; passed unanimously. #10-12: Philip Masemer, 201 North Princess Street; enclose a portion of the rear porch and repair and, modify the front porch: The work was completed before the applicant applied for a permit. The HLC noted that the work was completed and initial contact was made with the Applicant significantly before the former Zoning Officer requested to be released from his duties. Historical Research: The applicant has reason to believe that the house dates from 1885 aid includes a log structure. However, the applicant has not conducted historic research to support those beliefs or the changes covered by this application. The HLC remarked on the importance of historical research to allow members to reach informed conclusions. They indicated that they would have been more than willing to work with the applicant to find alternatives to the elements and materials constructed alternatives more appropriate to the house and more consistent with the Guidelines. Changes to the front porch: The applicant gave the following reasons: 1. Posts - The previous wrought iron style posts were not only unsightly but were not appropriate historically. The paired posts are typical of many houses in Shepherdstown. 2. Door - the previous door had been broken into many times and booth the door and, frames were significantly dragged to the point of being a security risk. 3. Light fixtures - The applicant expressed the opinion that the new fixtures are more attractive than the old. HLC reactions to the changes: 1. Posts - the posts selected may be appropriate to the house (if supported by historic research). 2. Door - Lacking historical evidence, the style of the door is not appropriate. The style of the precious door may have been more appropriate. 3. Light fixtures - The style and size/scale of the new fixtures is inappropriate. 4. Vinyl siding on rear porch enclosure does not match the width of the adjacent existing aluminum siding. It was suggested that the application could be split to allow a recommendation for approval of part of the work. That suggestion was not acceptable to the Applicant. Motion by J. Hurley to recommend rejection; second J. Shank; passed unanimously. The HLC also requested that the PC speak seriously with the Applicant about how this property can be remedied. Following the discussion of application 10-12, the HLC reiterated its open invitation to consult on projects before formal permit application is made and before extensive design work is undertaken. 2

3 #10-13: Sandy Sponagle, Platinum PR, 114 E. German St., Move existing sign from n104 S. King St. and hang from existing bracket at German St. address: This sign was previously reviewed and approved for the old address. Motion by J. Hurley to recommend approval; second J. Shank; passed unanimously. #10-14: Andrew Singletary, 100 E. New St. Replace existing garage door with new wood and glass entryway (using an old door salvaged from the Firehouse) and add a new patio door using an existing opening. HLC observed that the building has been modified extensively and not always with sympathy. The Applicant presented some historic photographic and sketch documentation but has been unable to uncover sufficient information to undertake a completely historic restoration. The Applicant s goal for the street is to create an entry with stairs up to the east living unit. Presently, there are no interior stairs. Items discussed: - Shadow patterns on the façade: While the Applicant would prefer to recess the new work into the opening, existing materials are quite chopped up beyond 4 to 6 inches from the exterior. - Mullion patterns for the half-round portion of the entry: The Applicant took inspiration from historic information and existing windows but further divided the glass to decrease pane sizes. - Awning: Although not historic, the Applicant s design will drop the scale of the façade to one more appropriate to the adjacent residences along New St. - Restoration of other garage door openings Future. - Rear Patio Door: The Applicant will preserve the existing cast stone sill and will obtain a custom sized patio door as necessary. The HLC commented that the proposed changes have been designed with sympathy to this historic building. Motion by H. Willard to recommend approval; second J. Shank; passed unanimously. #10-15: Laura Lee Gordon, 123 W. German St., re-letter an existing sign: Motion by J. Shank to recommend approval; second J. Hurley: passed unanimously. #10-16: Roger Munro, 204 Bones Wright St., construct a new residence on a lot overlooking the Town Run. The Z. O. brought this application before the HLC because of the sensitive location and nearness to important historic structures. This property includes the historic stone pillars, which supported the mill wheel before it was moved to its present location. Design: The applicant pointed out the numerous examples of contemporary design (new structures and modifications) on adjacent and nearby properties. The HLC indicated the design is consistent with the requirements for new construction in the guidelines. Materials as indicated by the Applicant: - Siding and wall shingles - cement board. - Glass walls - anodized aluminum storefront because of the narrowness of the mullions. - Other windows - fiber glass - color not specified. 3

4 - Roof - asphalt shingles. - Railing - galvanized steel. - Piers - unfinished concrete allowed to weather (scale, lichen, etc.). Engineering: The applicant will obtain engineering certification as required. Motion by J. Hurley to recommend approval with regard to the proposed design falling within the guidelines; second H. Willard; passed unanimously. #10-17: Stephen Mangus, 112 East New Street; Construct new fence and provide new parking space behind existing shed: The applicant indicated the present fence and unpainted lean-to shed were constructed by Ed Zahniser circa The existing white shed will be retained, and the design of the fence and gate will match the neighboring fence and gate. Motion by J. Hurley to recommend approval; second J. Shank; passed unanimously. #10-18: Mark Cucuzzella, Two Rivers Treads, 113 W. German St., add a storm door: Modification to the Application: At the HLC meeting, the Applicant modified the type of door to custom wood with a custom wood frame because a stock aluminum door will not fit the opening. Purposes of the door as indicated by the Applicant: - Alert passers-by to the fact the store is there (no ground floor storefront) and open (when main door is left open) (The Applicant intends to display pictures on the walls of the landing pictures visible through the storm door glass.) and - Climate control. (At present all cool air rushes out when the main door is left open.) Discussion of alternatives to an exterior storm door: Interior placement is not possible because of limited landing space. Changing the existing door to glass would not meet the Guidelines. Existing moldings: The Guidelines require preservation of the historic moldings. The Applicant expressed the intention to do so. Design of the storm door: The HLC requested breaking up the glass area with dividing rails complementing the design of the existing door. No specific pattern was discussed. The Applicant will present a design for PC review and for HLC record. [Proposed design received and forwarded by to HLC members for comment Reaction was mixed.] Motion by A. Chakmakian that the HLC recommends approval of the concept of the door with the understanding that it will be a wood storm door with divided lights patterned to complement the pattern of the existing door behind, t hat there will be every effort made to preserve (not disturb) the existing historic moldings, and that a record must be submitted to the Planning Commission for their review; second J. Shank, passed unanimously. #10-19: Bank of Charles Town, Conservator for Dawn Beaumont, 214 North Princess Street,; the Toll House, replace metal roof with asphalt shingles, replace half round gutters with ogee style, paint gavages roof, and repair rotted porch floor: This work was completed before a permit was applied for. The applicant apologized for a lack of familiarity with the review process and for not applying for a permit before commencing the work, 4

5 which was intended to repair and stabilize the house. The Z. O. brought the application before the HLC largely because of the change in roofing material and gutter style. This is one of the most important historic structures in the town. The applicant did not present historic research to support the changes made. Color - The HLC expressed no objectors about the colors chosen. Motion by S. Nash to recommend rejection on the basis that the roof was replaced with a different material and the half round gutter was replaced with a different style- S. Nash; Second J. Shank; passed unanimously. Continuing Business: Because of the long agenda, the HLC did not have time to discuss the Certificate of Appropriateness. New Business: Library: The Shepherdstown Library will maintain its present building as a computer space, reading room, and home for special collections. Other functions, such as children s programs, will be held at the new building. Notice form for application deadline as meeting times: The Z.O. distributed copies for HLC examination and future comment. The HLC requested that applicants be alerted to the Preservation Briefs (esp. #17 on assessing an historic property) available on the National Park Service web site. Encouraging applicants to consult with the HLC before developing plans and filing a formal application: The Z.O. will do so especially for plans which may involve significant or obvious changes. Application J. Hurley alerted the HLC to his need to reapply for P.C. review. After the application was rejected for setback issues, he missed the deadline to apply to the BZA while trying to resolve issues with Norfolk Southern RR. The Mayor and the Zoning Officer have placed the matter on the P.C. June Agenda. Penalties for those who do work affecting historic structures before applying for a permit and coming before the HLC The HLC expressed its opinion that the current penalties are far too low. Adjournment: 9:44 p.m. 5