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.