STAFF REPORT. NEW BEDFORD HISTORICAL COMMISSION MEETING May 7, 2018

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1 PATRICK J. SULLIVAN DIRECTOR City of New Bedford Department of Planning, Housing & Community Development 608 Pleasant St, New Bedford, Massachusetts Telephone: (508) STAFF REPORT NEW BEDFORD HISTORICAL COMMISSION MEETING May 7, 2018 CASE # : CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS 15 Johnny Cake Hill (Map 53, Lot 153) 15 Johnny Cake Hill APPLICANT/ OWNER: New Bedford Port Society 15 Johnny Cake Hill New Bedford, MA OVERVIEW: The applicant is seeking to upgrade and enhance the landscape and hardscape elements of the south lawn of the Seamen s Bethel. EXISTING CONDITIONS: The circa 1832 Seamen s Bethel is sited on the west side and on the crest of Johnny Cake Hill. The Mariner s Home is located directly to the north and green space is situated to the south. Granite curbing forms a retaining wall east of the Bethel dividing the site from the sidewalk. South of the Bethel, the site has a slope exposing ledge and is divided into two terraces with bluestone walkways and a set of granite stairs connecting the two levels. The Mudge Memorial Garden was created in 1976 to mark the 200 th anniversary of Reverend Mudge s birth. It is located on the lower terrace and consists of a grassy area with several mature maple trees, shrubs, planting beds and granite benches. A ship mast flagpole and a small memorial monument face the street in front of the Garden. The western portion of upper terrace has a memorial rock and plaque as well as ship s anchor which was recently relocated from the Whaling Museum site. PROPOSAL: The landscape and hardscape improvements consist of upgrading an existing irrigation system, replacement of broken flagstones and the use of cobblestones as edging. No existing bluestone will be removed, other than broken pieces to be replaced. A ship s anchor was recently placed on the western portion of the upper terrace and new landscaping and granite benches are planned to flank the anchor. A small plaque commemorating Bethel garden patrons is planned; however a site has Existing Conditions of Bethel South Lawn Looking Southwest from Johnny Cake Hill not yet been determined. The lower terrace upgrades consist of new plantings of shrubs, perennials and trees. Degraded vegetation will be removed and the Port Society is working with the NPS and a landscape architect to help determine the appropriate landscape materials relative to longevity and historical accuracy. Existing lawn will remain and there are no planned alterations to the landscape directly in front of the Bethel. STAFF COMMENTS Page 1 of 8

2 STATEMENT OF APPLICABLE GUIDELINES: The Bedford Landing District Design Guidelines state the following relative to this proposal: LANDSCAPING (HARDSCAPE): Retain historic hardscape features including, walkways, steps and sidewalks, in their original locations. When deteriorated, repair with materials that match or are compatible to the original. New hardscape elements including walkways, terraces and patios require review and approval by the Commission. In all cases, the material, design and location(s) of such elements shall complement and not obscure historically or architecturally significant buildings or structures. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: M.G.L. c. 40C does not allow the regulation of landscaping with plants, trees or shrubs but does allow for the review of terraces, walks, driveways, sidewalks and similar structures, or any one or more of them, provided that any such structure is substantially at grade level. The proposed upgrades for the Mudge Garden do not include any changes to the hardscape and only address the plantings. The proposed upgrades for the upper terrace are limited to the west portion of the south lawn with the addition of the ship s anchor, granite benches and landscaping. A memorial plaque is planned and requires a siting determination. Based on historic images, the original bluestone walkways are being repaired and retained. The anchor and proposed benches are sited away from the building and will not obscure or detract from the south façade of the Bethel. Staff recommends the approval of the application and the issuance of a Certificate of Appropriateness with the consideration of allowing Staff to work with the applicant relative to the appropriate siting of a future memorial plaque in the south lawn. STAFF COMMENTS Page 2 of 8

3 Site Image of Seamen s Bethel South Lawn Existing Conditions of Anchor Location Proposed Landscape and Hardscape Design of Anchor Location STAFF COMMENTS Page 3 of 8

4 Existing Conditions of Reverend Mudge Garden Proposed Landscape and Hardscape Design of Reverend Mudge Garden STAFF COMMENTS Page 4 of 8

5 Proposed Plantings for Anchor Location Proposed Plantings for Reverend Mudge Garden STAFF COMMENTS Page 5 of 8

6 Stairs Connecting Upper and Lower Terraces Anchor Location on West Portion of Upper Terrace Typical Bluestone/Flagstone/Cobblestone Conditions STAFF COMMENTS Page 6 of 8

7 Anchor Location on West Portion of Upper Terrace West Portion of Lower Terrace STAFF COMMENTS Page 7 of 8

8 Historic Image of Seamen s Bethel Site Pre-Rehabilitation Image of Seamen s Bethel Site STAFF COMMENTS Page 8 of 8