HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-12-08 Historic Preservation Commission Minutes
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BANGOR
MEETING OF DECEMBER 8, 2016
MINUTES
Commission Members Present: Elizabeth Rettenmaier, Chair
George Burgoyne
Matthew Carter
Reese Perkins
Wayne Mallar
Alfred Banfield, Associate Member
Consultant to the Commission: Mike Pullen
City Staff Present: David Gould
Paul Nicklas
Peter Witham
Chair Rettenmaier called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. She noted that Associate Member
Banfield could participate in discussions, but all Members were present to vote. She indicated
that they would switch the order of items and move 20 State, Kevin Tilton to follow CHOM.
PROJECT REVIEW
1. 140-142 Hammond Street – Community Housing of Maine (CHOM)
Replacement of unapproved asphalt shingles with synthetic slate roof shingles, on the
front (Hammond St.) side of building
Chapter 148 Historic Preservation – High Street District – Certificate of
Appropriateness
Brenda Sylvester from CHOM presented the project to replace unapproved asphalt
shingles with a synthetic composite slate product on the front (Hammond St.) side of building.
She believed the application was straightforward and would answer any questions.
Mr. Mallar asked if the samples were present. She answered they were not, but trying to
get a sample from the representative.
Mr. Pullen presented his review comments about the building and the slate roof being a
distinctive feature of it. He noted the application includes a photo of the old slate shingles that
were removed and they appeared to have a color variation, which prompted the selection of the
Nottingham color mix in the brochure.
Ms. Sylvester said that they were willing to accept a color selection by the Commission
and would provide a sample for the Commissioner to review.
Mr. Mallar indicated that he would like to see the actual sample. Ms. Sylvester replied
that their contractor, John Karnes, does have a sample, but could not provide it that evening.
They would provide it however. Mr. Carter indicated his familiarity with the product, but would
like to see the sample also.
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Ms. Rettenmaier noted the Nottingham mix had a lot of colors and Mr. Pullen had
mentioned a “Bangor Black” slate. Mr. Pullen suggested the applicant provide both the
Nottingham sample and the Charcoal Black sample. Mr. Mallar noted that the as the original
shingles were wood the Commission had latitude to select a color, and was not bound to match
the existing shingles.
Mr. Burgoyne asked the timing of the project and Ms. Sylvester said it would be installed
in the summer.
Mr. Carter moved approval of the application for Certificate of Appropriateness with the
condition that the Chair review the Nottingham and the Charcoal Black sample product colors
and approve one of them. Mr. Perkins seconded the motion. The motion passed 5 – 0.
2. 20 State Street – Kevin Tilton
Replacing the existing windows with up-to-date windows and installing a new EPDM roof
Chapter 148 Historic Preservation – Great Fire District – Certificate of
Appropriateness
Keith Ewing, P.E., representing the applicant, introduced himself and representatives
from the suppliers Crescent Lumber and D.W. Matthews, window manufacturer, who were
present to answer questions. The application is to replace 18 windows on front, 24 windows
and 2 passage doors on the rear, masonry infill of two openings at the rear, and installation of
a new EPDM membrane roof.
Ms. Rettenmaier asked about the repairing and repointing of bricks discussed in the
application. Mr. Ewing replied that is to be done only at the back of the building along with
window replacements, but the front of the building involves window replacements only.
Commissioners discussed the proposed windows and asked questions about samples
brought to the meeting, regarding color and material. One issue was the proposal of vinyl
windows replacing existing windows. Mr. Ewing stated that the existing windows are aluminum
and missing parts, and were replacements themselves. Mr. Carter was relieved that the original
character-defining windows are not being replaced by the vinyl windows. He noted though that
transom windows were being added where there were none before. Mr. Ewing explained them
as allowing the use of standard windows because the size is not made now.
Mr. Pullen, related the use of transoms windows as not usually used above windows, but
above doors. He called attention to the trim around the windows starting a discussion about whether
there would be less glass area exposure. The window representative explained the proposed
windows and amount of trim to be exposed.
Commissioners asked if the rear windows were the same as the front. Mr. Ewing said they
were not and were rotten. Commissioners asked about the windows and their history. The asked if
any research was done to seek old window guidance from the Bangor Historical Society. Mr. Ewing
indicated they did not do that.
Mr. Mallar indicated he was not in favor of the 3-glass panel design as that does not exist
now, so inappropriate to do that. Mr. Carter indicated his agreement with Mr. Mallar, added that not
enough research was done to find what was there before, and that the proposal was based on
convenience.
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The representative noted that the windows at 6 State Street has transom windows and would
like to know how they were approved. Mr. Mallar indicated the process does not involve matching the
buildings around it. Mr. Pullen said that some buildings have transoms, and they might find this one
did if they did their research.
The sample presented did not represent what they proposed. The representative explained
the window was chosen based on the applicant’s budget and what was existing in the vicinity. But
they would do research to see if they could find out what was there before and present a new
application based on that.
The representatives and Commissioners discussed vinyl windows and what are
available, but also what the Standards and Guidelines encourage for Historic buildings. Cost is
not involved in the approval process.
The applicant agreed to withdraw the application, do research on the building, and
submit a new application for the January meeting.
3. 20 State Street – Kevin Tilton
Replacing the existing windows with up-to-date windows and installing a new EPDM roof
Chapter 71 – Bangor Center Revitalization Area (“Façade Area”) – Design Review
The applicant agreed to withdraw the application, do research on the building, and
submit a new application for the January meeting.
4. 840 Broadway – Husson University
Construct a new residential garage at the Husson U. President’s house
Chapter 148 Historic Preservation – Burleigh-Sawyer House – Certificate of
Appropriateness
Mike Pullen, representing the applicant, presented the project to construct a new garage
near Husson University’s President’s house at 840 Broadway. He reviewed the existing site, the
location of the proposed garage on the site, and the details of the proposed building.
There was much discussion about the building’s details and reasons for them.
Mr. Carter moved approval of the application for Certificate of Appropriateness and Mr.
Burgoyne seconded the motion. The motion passed 5 – 0.
ADDITIONAL BUSINESS
5. Review and Approval of HPC meeting minutes
Mr. Burgoyne moved approval of the meeting minutes for November 10, 2016 and Mr.
Perkins seconded the motion. The four Commissioners attending that meeting voted for
approval.
6. Continued and new discussions of:
Relationship of City’s Historic Preservation and Bangor Center Revitalization Area
Ordinances to National Park Service Department of the Interior’s Historic
Preservation Guidelines and Standards, and
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Proposed Council Order - Amending Chapter 71, Bangor Center Revitalization Area,
and Chapter 148, Historic Preservation, of the Code of the City of Bangor by Making
Procedural Changes
a discussion of rules of order for the 2017 Commission
There were no motions or votes on the previous discussion topics.
7. 2017 HPC Meeting Schedule DRAFT
nd
With potential 2 monthly meeting reserved to review of any Findings of Facts
The Commission agreed to the meeting schedule.
Mr. Gould relayed to the Commission that the State Historic Preservation Commission
asked if Bangor would like to host the 2017 CLG training conference. Staff would pass
information back and forth. The Commission indicated that they would like to host it the
conference.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
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