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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-05-09 Historic Preservation Commission Minutes HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BANGOR MEETING OF May 9, 2013 MINUTES Board Members Present: Donald Lewis III Eric Mihan Sonia Mallar Robb Gordon Kay Blanchard Marie Grady (not present to vote) Commission Consultant Present: Sara K. Martin City Staff Present: Jennifer Boothroyd Chairman Lewis called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. NEW BUSINESS Item No. 1: Consider a request for Certificate of Appropriateness and Design Review approval to replace two false chimneys, Bangor House, LLC, applicant Lewis invited the applicant to step to the podium to make a presentation. Merrill Tracy, Maintenance Director for the Bangor House, stated the Bangor House had maintenance done in 1970, which involved two of the building’s chimneys being replaced with the false chimneys that are existing today. Since that time, water damage has caused the chimneys to tip. They are seeking approval to replace the two false chimneys with replicas using like materials and brick that will be matched as closely as possible to the 1970’s brick. Sara Martin asked whether any of the existing brick could be re-used. Mr. Tracy stated that it couldn’t be, since it is only a thin veneer which is mortared to a screen. The bricks cannot be removed in one piece. Member Gordon asked if the brick veneer will be used in the proposed replacement. Mr. Tracy stated that it would be, and will be made to match the existing brick. Member Mallar made a motion to approve project as presented in the application. Member Mihan seconded the motion. Sara Martin recommended that the motion be amended to include the condition that the replacement bricks match the existing bricks as much as possible. 2 Member Mallar approved the amendment to her motion, and Member Gordon seconded it. The motion carried unanimously, with Members Lewis, Gordon, Blanchard, Mallar, and Mihan voting. Item No. 2: Consider a request for Certificate of Appropriateness approval to install wall-mounted security lighting on the exterior of the Thomas Hill Standpipe, Bangor Water District, applicant Chairman Lewis invited the applicant to step to the podium to make a presentation. Stephanie Laplante with WBRC Architects/Engineers spoke on behalf of the applicant. The standpipe has been subjected to vandalism recently, and it is hoped that increased security lighting on the exterior of the standpipe will be a deterrent. The applicant proposes seven small lighting fixtures to be placed around the structure, in line with existing drain pipes on the surface. Ms. Laplante provided a sample of the proposed fixtures, which will be white to match the standpipe’s exterior. Chairman Lewis asked if the crown lighting, also included in the application packet provided by the applicant, was being proposed at the time. Ms. Laplante stated that the crown lighting has already been approved by the Commission at an earlier meeting. Member Gordon inquired about the nature of the vandalism that the standpipe has been subject to. Ms. Laplante stated that it has been spray paint/graffiti. Member Mihan asked if the security lighting would be on all the time. Ms. Laplante stated that the lights will be activated by a photocell, which will turn them on when a specific level of darkness has been detected. Member Mallar asked if the wiring for the lights will be visible from outside the structure. Ms. Laplante stated that the wiring will all be on the inside, and will not be visible from outside. Member Gordon asked if the standpipe site is already lit. Ms. Laplante indicated that it was, but several dark areas persist. Member Gordon stated that he was not sure that the proposed lighting will deter vandalism. Member Mihan suggested that increase patrols by police cars might be more effective. Ms. Laplante stated that the applicant hopes that the increased lighting will allow the neighbors to see the structure better, and keep an eye on it. Chairman Lewis asked Consultant Sara Martin if there are any potential problems regarding the protected historic aspects of the standpipe in the proposal. Mrs. Martin asked if the applicant proposes to ensure that the shingles, a character- defining feature of the standpipe, will be disrupted as little as possible, and that installation of the lights will be done in a way that, in the future, if the lights are removed, the original shingle can be replaced. Ms. Laplante indicated that the installation will be done in such a manner. Member Mihan made a motion to approve the project as presented in the application. Member Blanchard seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously, with Members Lewis, Gordon, Blanchard, Mallar, and Mihan voting. 3 Item No. 3: A discussion of proposed mural sites at various locations in the downtown area. Member Lewis started the discussion by briefly reminding the Commission about the differences between the levels of review for proposals involving historic properties and/or districts, and those in the Façade District. Jason Bird, Business and Economic Development Officer for the City of Bangor, informed the Commission of an initiative by several groups to incorporate public art, in the form of murals, in the downtown area. The conceptual process for this initiative is to release a call for artists. Artists will submit proposals for murals in three different categories; history, open art, and ‘Bangor Spirit’, which will be matched to locations. The proposed murals will then be reviewed for approval by the Historic Preservation Commission, the City of Bangor’s Cultural Commission, and the Downtown Business Partnership. Upon approval from these entities, funding permitting, the murals will be placed in the proposed areas. The murals will be painted on panels that can be attached and removed from the buildings as needed. Where possible, existing holes in the building surfaces will be utilized for mounting. Jennifer Hooper with the SPARK Bangor group, told the commission that the public has shown an interest in the murals downtown, as evidenced by survey results. Mr. Bird stated that all the building owners of the suggested mural sites have been approached, and approve of the project in theory, reserving the right to review any specific art to be placed on their buildings. Mr. Bird stated that an additional benefit of the mural project that they hope to realize is to call attention to overlooked spaces and deter graffiti. Chairman Lewis asked how long the murals would be in place. Mr. Bird stated that the intent is that they would be in place indefinitely, and maintained as needed. Member Mallar asked Mr. Bird to described the proposed locations. Mr. Bird summarized the following 5 locations: A. The blank wall on the Pakastani restaurant on Main St B. The blank wall in the Broad St. pocket park C. The rear wall of the Charles Inn facing the Kenduskeag Stream D. An alcove along the river alongside the bridge and Bangor Savings Bank E. The blank wall at the Center St. Farmhouse, facing the pocket park on Center St. Member Blanchard noted the wide variety of size and space among the proposed locations. Mr. Bird stated that the selected mural designs will be suited to the size and shape of their proposed locations. Member Mihan wondered if the murals will become part of the buildings, and will be conveyed with the buildings if sold. Mr. Bird stated that some legal arrangement will be made so that the City retains ownership of the murals. Member Gordon stated his concern with the proposed changes to historic buildings. Consultant Sara Martin stated that, from an HPC perspective, the proposed murals would not obscure any character-defining features, would be using existing holes for mounting whenever possible, and would be removable, therefore, by the Secretary of Interior standards, they were allowable. 4 Member Gordon stated that He did not feel comfortable making a decision on the appropriateness of something as subjective as public art on behalf of the citizens of Bangor. Chairman Lewis reminded the Commission that each individual proposed mural would need to come back before the Commission for review, at which time abutting property owners would be notified and public comments would be accepted. Audience member Wayne Mallar asked about the cost of the mural project, and how much of the cost would be borne by the public. Mr. Bird stated that funding was available from the Cultural Commission, and the total cost was unknown because it will be dependent upon the proposals that are received by artists. He said that he perceived the budget for each mural to be in the $1000-range. Chairman Lewis stated that any project resulting in a cost of $1000 or more was required to come before HPC. Member Mallar stated that it is important to her that any art being proposed for a historic district be appropriate for a historic district. Member Mihan stated that he can provide cautious support for the project, but would need more information about specific projects to know how he would vote. Member Gordon stated that he was concerned about whether the art, once placed on a historic building, would become part of that building, and when, in the future, the murals would be removed, if the Commission would face a similar problem as they did with the removal of the Continuity of Community sculpture. Mr. Bird thanked the Commission for their time and indicated that their concerns would be taken into consideration. Item No. 4: A discussion of the proposed resurfacing project in West Market Square. Amanda Soucier, an engineer for the City of Bangor, outlined the concept for updating West Market Square, which includes new pavers to tie in with the waterfront, removal of some existing planters and features, and a new informational kiosk. Chairman Lewis asked about the status of the Continuity of Community sculpture, noting that it was supposed to have been erected on the Bangor Waterfront last November. Ms. Soucier stated that final preparations were underway, and that they anticipate the sculpture being mounted in the next few days. Ms. Martin asked if there would be another fountain to replace the old one. Ms. Soucier indicated that a fountain is not proposed. Member Mallar asked for clarification on the “swirl” feature depicted on the plans. Ms. Soucier pointed out that it is a swirling pattern of blue pavers, similar to that on the Waterfront. Chairman Lewis asked if new lighting would be part of the proposal. Ms. Soucier stated that it will be. Member Gordon asked for details on the proposed kiosk. Ms. Soucier explained that it will be essentially a two-sided sign, unmanned, and made of wood. Chairman Lewis asked if the Council approved of the design. Ms. Soucier indicated that the designers have met several times with the Council, and that they are supportive of the design. The final budget approval in June will show budget allocations, and are anticipated to fund the project. 5 Item No. 5: Additional business Chairman Lewis wanted to address the ongoing code violations, specifically with those under the purview of HPC, and how to go forward. He indicated a specific example of a known violation of an HPC approval that he has reported on several occasions. Member Mallar also indicated that she knows of several violations, some having to do with the sign ordinance, that have been reported and remain unaddressed. She stated that it shows a lack of consideration for the HPC process when its’ decisions aren’t taken seriously. Ms. Boothroyd indicated that she will bring these concerns to the department head. There being no further items for discussion, Member Mallar made a motion to adjourn, which was seconded by Member Mihan. The meeting was adjourned at 8:23 p.m.