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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-08-10 Historic Preservation Commission Minutes � : � �' ,� I� � �TC��.I � P"I�E�� � �V�T I�� � ; ����.I � SI�� .� .� c�T� �� ������. HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION MEETING OF AUGUST 10, 2023 7:00 P.M. CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS MEETING MINUTES Commission Members Present: Liam Riordan Edmund Chernesky Nathaniel King Rebecca Krupke Matthew Weitkamp Citv Staff Present: Anja Collette, Planning Analyst Chair Riordan called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M. New Business: 1. Certificate of Appropriateness — 183 & 201 Main Street — Map-Lot 042-047-A — Main Street District —Applicant/Owner: Bar Harbor Bank & Trust (Kevin Gendreau) - Approval requested for Certificate of Appropriateness to remove the existing underground propane tanks, reconstruct an existing wall, install concrete pads for cooling equipment & backup generator, and install security fence around a portion of the property. The property is located at Map-Lot 042-047-A, in the Main Street Historic District. Applicant representative, Stefanie Wilson from WBRC, presented to the Commission via Zoom. Described the application and project in detail. Consultant Mike Pullen read through his questions and comments. Pullen asked about the height of the retaining wall —Wlson responded that it is roughly 5-6 feet. Noted that it depends on where the side of the wall falls in relation to the existing foundation, but the goal is to keep the wall as short as possible. The two condenser units are typical residential/small commercial-size units. Pullen commented that the contribution of landscape screening would be a good solution. Also noted that when looking at the property and building, there's already been a good amount of thought put into the landscaping — commented that if landscaping could be improved and not just maintained, that would be good. Pullen asked for clarification about the use of brick pavers vs. bituminous pavement—Wlson responded that it will be brick pavers. Pullen noted that the gate is shown where the pedestrian handrail is, so it will need to be shifted over; Wilson confirmed this shift. Pullen also asked if the fence would be black and Wilson confirmed that it would be. 73 I IA�.L�C3'W' STF�EET. �,Af�1C_,��, �vtE s�41C�1. ,.1"EL�C'1:9C)N�. (�C}7) �)�2-4��Q FA.�: (�C37� `745-���"� t�'V'W W.��A N�;C���f�h.��N E.C�C7 V Historic Preservation Commission — Meeting Minutes August 10t", 2023 Chair Riordan asked the Commission members for questions/comments about the fencing. Member Krupke asked for clarification on what is happening in front of the staircase and asked if the fence is going in a straight line or"meandering around." Wlson responded that it will more or less follow the property line but that they will need to angle the fence back to follow the angle of the stairs. Applicant, Kevin Gendreau, approached the podium to provide more information. Clarified on the site plans that the fence is marked with an X and follows the property line for the most part, but then follows the handrail around the stairs. Krupke stated that she was confused about whether there was enough space. Pullen asked the applicant to show the rendering. Krupke asked if they were on top of the stairs and Pullen confirmed that they were. Gendreau stated that the stairs actually go into the sidewalk, so if the fence was placed there, it would be on the sidewalk. Member Weitkamp asked if a double gate could be placed there. Gendreau responded that they would be open to that, as long as they can maintain the gate due to security concerns and presence of important equipment inside of the building. Weitkamp commented that a double-gate might be more pleasing and may help with egress. Gendreau responded that it is not required as a primary egress point but they would like to maintain it as one. Weitkamp also commented that it would be nice to remove the infill panel under the stairs if the gate is added since it was not original to the stairs. Krupke concurred with this idea. Gendreau also concurred and noted that it would help with ventilation under the stairs, as well. Riordan asked where the fence begins on the neighboring, more modern building, and whether it is set back several feet from the front fa�ade. Wilson responded that it appeared to be directly on the front fa�ade, and Gendreau noted that it could be set back a few feet. Pullen pointed out the glass corner and noted that this is a very important feature. Commented that if there is a way to take the fence back a foot or so from the corner, this would be ideal. Weitkamp noted that this might also help give a tighter fit against the building and make it more secure. Riordan summed up the comments on the fencing thus far and suggested moving onto a discussion of the interface between the older building and the more modern building, and how the equipment installation will affect that. Wilson showed a photo of the area. Pullen asked her to show where the 5- foot wall would be evident; Wilson drew a line on the photo reflecting this location. Riordan asked about the dimensions of the wall and asked for clarification about the relationship of the location to the pad. Both Wilson and Pullen provided clarification. Wilson noted that the elevation of the concrete pad is flush with the elevation of the adjacent surface drive. Riordan asked if the surface drive would no longer exist—Wilson confirmed that it will, and it will remain in its current layout. Riordan asked about the orientation of the generator—W Ison responded that this does not have a layout yet. Gendreau noted that they have an existing generator that would be moved to the site. Riordan asked if it is a 5-foot-tall generator and Gendreau confirmed that it is. Riordan also asked about the color and Gendreau responded that it is light tan to blend in better with the natural finishes. Riordan asked if it would be behind the wall and shrubbery and Gendreau confirmed that it would. Pullen noted that the plans show screening along the fa�ade, but not where the brick wall is shown, and that this seems to be the primary concern. Gendreau responded that they are open to suggestions but that they also need to maintain drainage in the alcove at that location. Weitkamp commented that screening the wall would be helpful. Weitkamp also asked if there would be exposed ductwork from the equipment. Gendreau responded that everything would be underground, except maybe one panel. Chair Riordan opened the public hearing. No public comment— public hearing closed. Riordan noted that it is a tight corner and that he was having difficulty visualizing the location of the proposed equipment. Krupke commented that she was a little disappointed that there has to be a fence in the middle of the staircase, but also understands the reasoning for its installation. Weitkamp commented that the applicant has done a highly satisfactory job planning, especially in regards to sight Historic Preservation Commission — Meeting Minutes August 10t", 2023 lines, and noted that if the height of the wall is proper with the screening, he did not think it would be visible. Member Chernesky commented that he is pleased with the proposed light tan color of the generator. Riordan summarized the Commission's comments: (1) if the starting point of the fence could be pushed a little bit off the corner, this might provide a more satisfying fa�ade and protect the architectural elements of both buildings better; (2) if the previous panels underneath the staircase could be removed after the construction of the fence, this would be preferred; (3) a double gate on the emergency exit down the staircase is recommended; (4) it is recommended that the retaining wall be put together with shrubbery to minimize the appearance of the industrial equipment. Pullen also read the ordinance provision on mechanical equipment and noted how the application meets those requirements. Weitkamp commented that it would also be helpful to maintain a line of shrubbery along the brick wall. Vice Chair King asked about the soil and the applicant responded that it is all fill soil. Vice Chair King moved to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness for 183 & 201 Main Street— Map-Lot 042-047-A, in the Main Street Historic District, Applicant/Owner Bar Harbor Bank &Trust (Kevin Gendreau). Commissioner Chernesky seconded. All in favor upon roll-call vote, none opposed. 2. Certificate of Appropriateness & Desiqn Review— 145 Harlow Street — Map-Lot 041-097 — Great Fire Historic District & Banqor Center Revitalization Area — Applicant/Owner: Banqor Public Library c/o Roland Grover -Approval requested for Certificate of Appropriateness and Design Review to replace the back employee exit door, which is made of wood, with a metal door with a keypad. The property is located at Map-Lot 041-097, in the Great Fire Historic District and the Bangor Center Revitalization Area. Nathaniel Russ, member of Bangor Public Library maintenance crew, presented to the Commission and described the details of the application. Noted that he was unable to find a door as large as the current door with windows that match those that are presently there. Stated that finding someone to make a custom-made door, and the associated cost, are barriers. Noted that it is a frequently-used door and it is not visible from the street. Consultant Pullen provided a history of the library and read through the questions and comments from his memo. Pullen asked about the door closer— Russ responded that there would be one on the proposed new door. Pullen and Russ discussed having a spacer bar on the glass, and Pullen noted that he would want to see both an interior one and an exterior one. Chair Riordan commented that this would replicate the existing window better. Member Weitkamp noted that it could be painted to match the door. Pullen and Russ discussed the door color. Pullen noted that the material of the new door would likely be hard to paint, and Russ responded that the library is aware and would have it professionally painted. Riordan commented that the library is one of the most iconic buildings in the City and noted that while this corner is not on the public fa�ade, it is still a charming, distinctive part of the building. Expressed that he would be disappointed to have a feature that does not really match the style of the building, and that a big dilemma is the sidelights. Russ noted that directly to the right of the maintenance door is another door that appears have replaced an older, larger door, and appears to have replaced glass with wood in the case. Member Krupke commented that she liked the 3-3-3 appearance and that she is not a fan of sidelights in general, and that it would be visually less disruptive to match this nearby door. Russ Historic Preservation Commission — Meeting Minutes August 10t", 2023 responded that he had been given an estimate of$20,000 for a custom door and that the financial burden of this is a large concern for the library. Riordan asked for clarification on the door's location and stated that he concurs with the argument to keep this door consistent with the nearby door. Weitkamp expressed that it would be helpful to see a picture. Weitkamp asked about the dimensions for the windows in the door and noted that he would be interested in knowing the difference in size between the proposed door and the existing door. Russ discussed the appearance of the nearby, replaced door with Commission members. Member Chernesky asked if it was solid and if there were lights present. Noted that this may be less disruptive and hide the door better. Pullen suggested that instead of a glazed sidelight, they divide it into panels. Krupke expressed strong opposition to the sidelight. Pullen asked if a 42-inch door was available, and Russ responded that he assumed they could order this door size. Pullen suggested that a 42-inch door without the expensive sidelight might cut down on the cost and match the appearance of the other door better. Riordan summarized the Commission's comments: (1) door color should be beige to blend in with the library; (2) door should have a simulated grille on both the exterior and interior; (3) either a solid infill should be used on either side of the door, and/or a wider door used to replace sidelights. Ben Treat, director of the library, presented to the Commission to provide further comments. Asked if the Commission would rather have the door centered or have it match the door that is already there. Krupke and Chernesky expressed that they felt a centered door would look better. Weitkamp expressed that he would like to see the other door first. Chair Riordan and Planning Analyst Anja Collette discussed options for the applicant to return to the Commission with amendments to the application. Collette recommended deferring the application indefinitely until the applicant is ready with revised specs. Commissioner Chernesky moved to defer a decision on this application. Commissioner Weitkamp seconded. All in favor upon roll-call vote, none opposed. Applicant requested to have the meeting minutes emailed to them —Collette confirmed that this could be done and noted that there will be a recording of the meeting available online, as well. � Meetinq Minutes —July 13, 2023 Member Chernesky moved to approve the July 13th meeting minutes. Vice Chair King seconded. All in favor, none opposed. 4. Adjournment Meeting adjourned at 8:10 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Sarah Pritchard Development Assistant Planning Division