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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-06-13 Historic Preservation Commission Minutes HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION (HPC) OF THE CITY OF BANGOR MEETING OF JUNE 13, 2019 MINUTES Commission Members Present: Matthew Carter, Acting Chair George Burgoyne Rebecca Krupke Brandi LeRoy Tony Manzo Alfred Banfield Mike Pullen, Consultant to the Commission City Staff Present: Anne Krieg, Planning & HPC Staff David Gould, Planning Officer Acting Chair Carter called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m., and introduced the Commission. He indicated the associate members will take turns acting on applications for this meeting. He reviewed charter of commission, process and order of agenda. PROJECT REVIEW 1. 117 Broadway - Broadway Medical Arts, Applicant Exterior renovations Chapter 148 – Historic Preservation, Certificate of Appropriateness The applicant, Kevin Barbee, reviewed application including the recent zoning change. The project also includes a 12’ x 20’ entry addition on Pine Street. He reviewed the proposed building materials. According to the applicant, the building was constructed in 1972; the Acting Chair thought it was late 60’s from the file. Acting Chair Carter inquired on entry addition; specifically that it had to be adjusted due to setbacks. There was discussion regarding the use of vinyl cedar over insulation. Mike Pullen, Consultant, indicates that building permit was for interior only but concerned with work that was done on the exterior prior to HPC review and approval. The applicant apologized to the Commission for working on the building exterior. City of Bangor Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes June 13, 2019 The Board also discussed the removal of trees and hedges and wanted to see a landscaping plan. The landscaping not shown as removed on the plan. They expressed concern that the applicant didn’t bring building material samples. The applicant has not applied to the Planning Board but will apply after HPC review is completed. The Acting Chair opened the floor to comments. No comments were made from the public. The Acting Chair closed the hearing and directed commissioners on their breadth of review, and deliberations including the use of the Secretary of the Interior recommendations for historic buildings. The review criteria for “distinguishing character” was questioned by Commissioner Burgoyne, adding a question as what standards apply to the application. The group discussed how the standards applies to the application The Acting Chair reviewed the 50 year rule that applies to when a building is historic. This particular building is modern, has simple details, smooth line, vertical alignment, large glass, and sharp corners. He asked what the building provenance is. The group discussed these points. HPC points included:  Application of alterations not to be fake old  Use of Vinyl siding  Making it look like something it’s not  Concern of changing the brutalist windows. Chair and Commissioner Krupke discussed this at length.  Modern buildings aren’t always pretty. The building is a mid-century modern building.  Abrupt change will not fit into the neighborhood. Commissioner Banfield moved to deny the application, noting specifically noncompliance with Section 148-13.E(1)(f), which states: Section 148-13 Evaluation Standards E. Standards for renovations, alterations and repairs of existing buildings, structures and appurtenances thereof. Page 2 | 5 City of Bangor Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes June 13, 2019 (1) Within historic districts, historic sites and historic landmarks, the Commission shall use the standards listed below in the evaluation of an application for a certificate of appropriateness for all renovations, alterations and repairs of existing buildings, structures and appurtenances thereof: (f) All structures shall be recognized as products of their own time. Alterations to create an earlier appearance shall be discouraged. Manzo seconded the motion. All were in favor to deny the application. The HPC encouraged the applicant to meet with staff to redo the application as well as bring the architect to the HPC meeting. 2. 32 Hayward Street – Angela Farrell, Applicant Fencing Chapter 148 – Historic Preservation, Certificate of Appropriateness Angela Farrell presented the application. Consultant Pullen reviewed his report. Chair reviewed the application. Application was reviewed by the HPC, noting the applicant will work to keep trees. Chair opened up to public comment. Mr. Alexander, neighbor to the subject property noted that the tenant removed the trash. He was concerned with fence placement as he has a narrow driveway. The applicant noted that the fence will be on her property, which is marked with stakes. The Acting Chair recommended a survey to confirm the property line. The Acting Chair closed public hearing, called for a vote. Commissioner LeRoy moved to grant the Certificate of Appropriateness. Commissioner Banfield seconded. All were in favor. 3. 239 Cedar Street – Angela Farrell, Applicant Fencing Chapter 148 – Historic Preservation, Certificate of Appropriateness Angela Farrell presented the application. Consultant Pullen reviewed his report. The Acting Chair reviewed the application and then opened the floor up to public comment. No public comments. The Acting Chair closed hearing and called for a motion. Commissioner Krupke moved to grant the Certificate of Appropriateness; motion was seconded by Commissioner Banfield. All were in favor. Page 3 | 5 City of Bangor Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes June 13, 2019 4. 91 West Broadway – House Revivers, Applicant Rear Screen Porch Chapter 148 – Historic Preservation, Certificate of Appropriateness Applicant reviewed plan. HPC members discussed materials at length. The Acting Chair opened the floor to public comments. Consultant Pullen reviewed the report with applicant. The Acting Chair called for a motion. Commissioner Burgoyne moved to grant a Certificate of Appropriateness, seconded by Commissioner LeRoy. All were in favor. 5. 82 Central Street – Top of the Nine, Applicant Façade Changes to Front Window and Building Sign Chapter 148 – Historic Preservation, Certificate of Appropriateness As one of the applicants, Commissioner Krupke had a conflict of interest, as she is a partner in the subject property business. Commissioner Burgoyne made a motion declaring that Commissioner Krupke had a conflict of interest and requested her to vacate the premises for the application. Commissioner LeRoy seconded and all were in favor. Acting Chair Carter indicated he was architect for previous owner; felt it does not affect his decision or deliberations, but needed to declare. He stated he has no financial interest in the project. Commissioner Burgoyne moved that there is a conflict, Commissioner Banfield seconded. All voted no and Acting Chair Carter remained for the review of the application. Applicant reviewed request and brought materials for Commission review. Acting Chair Carter asked if bricks were being removed and they are proposed as such. Consultant Pullen reviewed his report. Acting Chair Carter opened floor. Commissioner Manzo inquired about keeping sign to the dimension of plywood and the applicant agreed. It was noted further that the sign will not be illuminated. Chair Carter called for a motion. Commissioner Manzo moved to grant a Certificate of Appropriateness and Commissioner Banfield seconded. All were in favor. HISTORIC PRESERVATION PROCESS 6. Approval of May 09, 2019 Meeting Minutes – Meeting minutes were approved with the addition that Commissioner Banfield was present at the meeting. 7. Other Business – Page 4 | 5 City of Bangor Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes June 13, 2019 a. Placement of Heat Pumps on Historic Buildings (e.g. 55 Summer Street) - This item was discussed by Anne Krieg. The Commission directed that these should be located to the side and rear of historic buildings and though the unit may not be painted, the accompanying conduits should be painted to match the building wall. b. Acting Chair Carter discussed the Bangor Daily News (BDN) article on the HPC ordinances. His concern is that city staff was incorrect in discussions on past approvals or denials. He noted that the work of HPC helps to protect the city’s historic character and their work needs support from the city staff. He further noted that the BDN didn’t call Commissioners. c. Acting Chair Carter also discussed with the Commission his concern on wheat paste murals, specifically if it affects historic designation. d. Consultant Pullen reviewed window restoration project at City Hall and the front plaza rebuild. e. Chair Carter talked about a project placing building, 29 Franklin Street, on the National Register, noting he has the National Park Service NPS letter. He thinks that the City should have a program to commend buildings as they are placed on the National Register. 8. Meeting Adjourned at 8:25 p.m. Page 5 | 5