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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-06-14 Historic Preservation Commission Minutes HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BANGOR MEETING OF JUNE 14, 2018 MINUTES Commission Members Present: Reese Perkins, Chair Matthew Carter, Assistant Chair GeorgeBurgoyne Brandi LeRoy Wayne Mallar Tony Manzo Alfred Banfield, Associate Member Mike Pullen, Consultant to the Commission City Staff Present: Sean Gambrel, Planning Staff David Gould, Planning Officer Paul Nicklas, Asst. City Solicitor Chair Perkins called the meeting to order at 7:00p.m. STATE REVIEW OF LOCAL COMMISSION 1.Review of Past Annual Reports & NPS Certification Megan Hopkin, CLG Coordinator, Maine Historic Preservation Commissionspoke to the Commission. She noted that the Commission’s attendance and procedures all look good.She did point out that no surveys have been done in the past 4 years, and that it appears that the Commission has no plans to doany in the future. She very strongly recommendedthat the Commission consider doing so and that there is CLG funding availableto support such activities.Otherwise the Commission is doing great work. PROJECT REVIEW 2.1 West Market Square –Pete Erskine, Applicant Replace soffit with new material, remove ventilation ducts Chapter 148 –Historic Preservation, Certificate of Appropriateness Peter Erskine presented application. He proposes to replacerotting soffit on the fifth floor and removeunused kitchen ductsfrom the side of the building.There was no public commenton the application.Consultant to the Commission Mike Pullen clarified several points on the applicationwith the applicant.Commissioner Mallar pointed out that some of the vents and heat pumps may have been done without permittingand should be dealt with as an after-the-fact approval with the Commission. CommissionerCarter moved approval of the application as presented. Commissioner LeRoy seconded the motion.The motion was unanimouslyapproved. 3.1 West Market Square –Pete Erskine, Applicant Replace soffit with new material, remove ventilation ducts Chapter 71 –Bangor Center Revitalization Area, Design Review CommissionerCarter moved approval as presented. CommissionerLeRoy secondedthe motion. The motion was unanimouslyapproved. 4.29 Franklin St –Carter Architectural Design, Applicant Remove glass atrium from front facade Chapter 71 –Bangor Center Revitalization Area, Design Review Member Carter stated he had a conflict of interest and asked to be recused.The Commission unanimously agreed. Member Carter recused himselfand left the meeting. Heather Furth, owner of 29 Franklin Stpresented the application. She stated that this was the first step in bringing the project back onto national register. She is unsure exactly what the newly-exposed facade will look like, butwill be back before the Commission once she knows exactly what the plan is. Consultant to the Commission Pullen clarified several details about the application, particularly about what the façade materials will be.Mr. Pullen specifically cited §71-110.D, which supports the removal of non-historic appurtenances from historic buildings. Commissioner Mallar asked aboutimpacts to sidewalk width.Ms. Furth stated that the sidewalk width would not be impacted, and that she holds an easement with the cityto allow for access and maintenance. Commissioner Banfield inquired about the plans for the recessed areain front of the building. Mrs. Furth stated that the plans were uncertain and depended on what the Maine Historical Preservation Commission says is appropriate and allowable within the guidelines of the tax credit program. Mr. Pullen suggested the building be added to the Great Fire District.Ms. Furth stated that they intended to do so. Commissioner Mallar made motion to approve application as presented. Commissioner Burgoyneseconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved. 5.190 Harlow St –Half Acre Inc, Applicant Install exterior structure and fence for seasonal outdoor seating Chapter 71 –Bangor Center Revitalization Area, Design Review Patrick Brann, owner of 190 Harlow Streetpresented application. There was no public comment. Mr. Pullen provided his report to the Commission. Specifically he inquired about the authorization to use city land (the Lower Abbott Square Parking Lot). Mr. Brann stated that he is working with the city to gain approval, and that he was directed to come before the Commission as part of that process.Mr. Pullen also mentioned that the fence panels may be considered signs. And asked about the stability of the attachment to building. Asst. City Solicitor Nicklas mentioned that Code Enforcement would handle the question about signage. Commissioner Burgoyneasked about proximity of neighbors and disruptionthat the lighting might cause. Mr. Brannstated that it was a considerable distance to the nearest neighbors, and that the parking lot is already very well lit. CommissionerCarter movedapproval as presented, with the condition that the applicant receive approval from City to use the property. CommissionerLeRoy seconded motion. The motion was unanimously approved. HISTORIC PRESERVATION PROCESS: 6.Streetsign Topper Design Options Planning Staff Gambrel provided Commissioners with an update on the project and state that funding was in place and it was time to make a final decision on the sign design. The Commissioners were provided with three design examples and discussed the merits and disadvantages of each at length. In the end, they directed Mr. Gambrel to move forward with a sign that included the district name without graphics. 7.Photographic Inventory Update Mr. Gambrel notified the Commissioners that the proposed project would not be moving ahead this spring, but perhaps would in the fall, when leaf-off conditions may be advantageous for photography anyway. Mr. Gambrel noted that staff believed this to not be an opportune time to do a project such as this, after some recent complaints to the City Council about the Commission. 8.Design Review Standards in the Waterfront Development District Mr. Gambrel updated the Commission on the above process and provided draft language to be added to the zoning ordinance for the Commissioners to review. This language has not yet been before the Planning Board or the City Council, but the process is expected to move that direction soon. In the meantime, Commissioners should feel free to reach out to Staff regarding any thoughts or concerns they have with the new language. OTHER BUSINESS: 9.Approval of May 10, 2018 Meeting Minutes-Minutes of May 10, 2018 were approved unanimously. Meeting adjourned at8:40P.M.