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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-02-09 Historic Preservation Commission MinutesHistoric Preservation Commission – Meeting Minutes February 9th, 2023 HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION MEETING OF FEBRUARY 9, 2023 7:00 P.M. CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS MEETING MINUTES Commission Members Present: Rebecca Krupke Matthew Weitkamp Edmund Chernesky Nathaniel King Anne Marie Quin Karen Rand (on Zoom) City Staff Present: Anne Krieg, Development Director Anja Collette, Planning Analyst Brittanie Thomas, Asst. City Solicitor Member Riordan called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M. ______________________________________________________________________ New Business: 1. Artifex – Presentation of Historical Survey Consultant Mike Pullen handed out a series of maps and began the presentation of the Bangor architectural survey Phase 2. Discussed the maps handed out and the different aspects of the survey via a digital presentation. Commissioner Krupke said that inclusion of park areas in the next historic survey would be nice. Pullen and Commissioners discussed this idea and CARMA forms. Commissioner King asked about any communities that might have concerns with this, such as minority communities. Pullen stated that he wasn’t aware of anything. Development Director Krieg stated that she thought she had heard of some research done for the Broadway historic district as far as the underground railroad. Mentioned national conversations about equity and inclusion in historical preservation work. Will be asking Council next year to continue this work and look at the remaining historic districts and historic parks. Commissioner Weitkamp asked if they were surveying properties not in these districts. Pullen stated that no, they have to follow very specific lines, but there might be recommendations to look at expanding historic districts. Historic Preservation Commission – Meeting Minutes February 9th, 2023 2. Annual Training Development Director Krieg presented slides on the background of historic preservation, Bangor’s historic districts, the role of the Historic Preservation Commission, and regulations. Assistant Solicitor Thomas presented on legal requirements for the Commission, including regulatory takings and due process. Weitkamp asked if [Commissioners] needed to keep their notes. Thomas advised that she would keep them just in case. King asked how long they need to keep them. Thomas said it depends on the document. It can range from a year to 7 years generally. Thomas discussed the Code of Ethics. Commissioners had no questions. Krieg presented slides on demolition. An expanded state historic tax credit may help prevent demolition by neglect. Discussed Bangor being a Certified Local Government; Bangor is one of the leading communities in the state for historic preservation. Commissioner Quin mentioned LD 2003; expressed concerns about conflict with historic preservation; mentioned maybe needing a session on LD 2003 and the impacts on HPC’s work. Krieg discussed LD 2003 and how it would allow for more units in single family zones, but you can still have a density requirement, so for that reason, she wouldn’t really be concerned with erosion of historic districts. Quin said we have to be very careful with historic districts or they won’t be historic anymore. Krieg said that staff would have to come back to the Commission once the state releases rulemaking. 3. January 12, 2023 Meeting Minutes Commissioner Quin asked about the most recent approval, if the applicant was coming back. Planning Analyst Collette stated that they would not need to come back if they were able to meet the conditions of approval. Quin asked if they could put in-fill in the windows without the HPC’s permission; Collette said no – they can only do what was in the conditions of approval. Member of the public, Joe Pickering presented to the podium. Mentioned emails and letters he’s sent to staff. Mentioned Chapter 148 [of the City Code], pertaining to purchase of property. Has concerns about the HPC not being up first with regards to purchase and sale of historic property. Assistant Solicitor Thomas said that purchasing property is not under the purview of HPC. HPC determines if a new structure or existing structure is being looked after. Development Director Krieg stated that the Commission couldn’t discuss a project without the applicant being there. Pickering began to discuss the crampedness of the property (324 Union Street) and green space. Assistant Solicitor Thomas stated that the project couldn’t be discussed. Commissioner King closed the public comment period. Commissioner Quin voted to approve the January 12, 2023 meeting minutes. Commissioner Weitkamp seconded. All in favor, none opposed. 4. Adjournment Meeting adjourned at 9:01 pm. Historic Preservation Commission – Meeting Minutes February 9th, 2023 Respectfully submitted, Anja Collette Planning Analyst Planning Division