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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-02-14 Historic Preservation Commission Minutes HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BANGOR MEETING OF FEBRUARY 14, 2019 MINUTES Commission Members Present: Reese Perkins, Chair Alfred Banfield Matthew Carter BrandiLeRoy Tony Manzo Michael Pullen, Consultant to the Commission City Staff Present: Sean Gambrel, Planning & HPCStaff David Gould, Planning Officer Paul Nicklas, Asst. City Solicitor Chair Perkins called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. COMMISSION BUSINESS 1.Election of 2019 Officers Chair – Commissioner Banfield nominated Commissioner Perkins as Chair. Commissioner LeRoy seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved. Vice Chair – Commissioner Manzo nominated Commissioner Carter as Vice Chair. Commissioner LeRoy seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved. Secretary – Commissioner Manzo nominated Commissioner Banfield as Secretary. Commissioner Carter seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved. 2.Annual Training & Legal Orientation Sean Gambrel and Paul Nicklas provided a brief annual training and legal orientation for the Commission. PROJECT REVIEW 3.28 Somerset St – John Bapst Memorial High School, Applicant Construct New Parking Area and Associated Improvements Chapter148-HistoricPreservation,CertificateofAppropriateness Mike Pullen presented the project to the Commission. Mr. Pullen described the larger project, noting that only the parking lot and associated features of that plan were within a historic district. Mr. Pullen discussed the adjacent historic buildings and how this project would impact them. Mr. Pullen discussed the parking area, explaining that vehicular access into the parking area from Broadway will be enter only. He noted that two light poles are proposed, 12 feet tall, and lighting is downward facing and fully shielded to limit light trespass. The parking itself is pushed back into the lot as much as possible, with a 20-30 foot landscaped buffer between the parking area and the street. In addition, a new 4 foot tall wrought iron fence is proposed, to replace the existing wood stockade fence. The fence in question will have pointed top pickets and bollard top posts. Mr. Pullen stated that he feels that this project will enhance the district. This property has always been vacant and new parking lot will retain the feel of a void versus a solid, and will maintain the rhythm of voids and solids that has always existed here. Mr. Pullen provided a map indicating where parking exists in many areas along this stretch, stating that this new parking would not be out of character with its surroundings. He described the existing vegetation as unkempt and spindly, in a district which is otherwise well-groomed, so adding the landscaping will be an improvement. Mr. Pullen presented an elevation drawing showing the proposed lighting and fencing in relation to the historic buildings on site. He stated that the existing wooden stockade fence is visually incompatible with the surrounding district and that the proposed wrought iron fence is found elsewhere in district. Commissioner Banfield asked about the proposed lighting, if a more historic light fixture was available. Mr. Pullen noted that while historic “globe” lighting was possible to install here, those sorts of lights lead to significant light trespass that he felt would be inappropriate in this instance. Commissioner Perkins inquired if the mature trees on the south of the fence would be retained. Mr. Pullen responded that the trees would be retained and that the only vegetation to be removed were on the opposite side of the fence. Commissioner Perkins asked why a change in materials was necessary for the fence. Mr. Pullen stated that the wrought iron fence would allow visibility through the fence and actually will improve views of the neighboring historic buildings, and therefore was preferable. Commissioner Carter moved approval of application for Certificate of Appropriateness as presented. Commissioner Banfield seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved. HISTORIC PRESERVATION PROCESS 4.Historic Homes of Bangor Consultant to the Commission Michael Pullen presented a thorough history of architectural styles found in Bangor Homes. The Commission was impressed with the presentation and thanked Mr. Pullen for the presentation. 5.CLGGrantIdeas Mr. Gambrel notified Commissioners about the State’s CLG grant program which was recently announced and asked Commissioners for their input regarding whether or not the Commission would like to apply for grants this year, and if so, for what activities. Mr. Gambrel noted that the photographic inventory project, funded through CDBG funding, that was not undertaken last year was potentially still on the table an might be able to be used as match for the CLG grant. Commissioners indicated their support in pursuing CLG grant funding again and indicated that they would like to use the photography project as match if possible. Several ideas were discussed: Historic Resources inventories for specific districts. Historic resources inventories citywide. Historic Preservation Design Guide. Cost calculator for traditional materials vs. new materials. The Commission directed Mr. Gambrel to research costs for each and propose a course of action to the group, which would be evaluated and confirmed at the March 2019 HPC meeting. 6.Other Business 7.Approval of January 10, 2019 and January 14, 2019 Meeting Minutes Meeting minutes from January 10, 2019 and January 14, 2019 unanimously approved. Meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m.