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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Landmark Commission - 01/23/2003 40) ,yn2425282) MINUTES °' FEB zona LANDMARK COMMISSION MEETING w CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS IP RECEIVED JANUARY 23, 2003 �to CITY SECRETARY'S w \s! OFFICE b MEMBERS PRESENT: Ms. Deborah Douglas, Chairman \tttpte8 . Ms. Susan Abarca Mr. Alan Belcher Dr. David Blanke Dr. Sharon Brower Mr. Michael Cleary Mr. Myron Grossman Dr. Tom Kreneck Ms. Grandis Lenken Mr. Kevin Maraist Dr. Richard Moore Mr. Elmon Phillips Ms. Bunny Tinker MEMBERS ABSENT: Mr. Terry Orf (Excused) Mr. Alan Wahlers (Excused) STAFF PRESENT: Ms. Faryce Goode-Macon, City Planner Ms. Linda Williams, Recording Secretary Ms. Deborah Douglas, Chairman, called the meeting to order at 4:40 p.m. The roll was called and a quorum was declared. Ms. Douglas Introduced and welcomed Dr. David L. Blanke to the Landmark Commission. Commission members and staff introduced themselves. Dr. Blanke shared with the commission that he graduated from Loyola University in Chicago and his area of interest is early century and late 21" century history. ACTION ITEM: Aooroval of Minutes for November 14. 2002 Meeting: The minutes for the November 14, 2002 meeting were approved as distributed. DISCUSSION ITEMS: Report on Historical Video Production• Ms. Macon stated she would defer to Dr. Sharon Brower who will provide additional information regarding a possible video location and other items discussed at the meeting. Dr. Brower stated that she and Ms. Tinker, members of the Video Sub-committee, met at the Museum of Science and History with Rick Stryker, Director of the Museum. Dr. Brower continued they went over the script and made additional changes from Mr. Stryker's perspective as to what the Museum could use and also from the educational perspective on details needed so that people could better understand and remember the important parts of history. Dr. Brower stated at the meeting, It was suggested that the classroom scenario; which would be a teacher reviewing history with her students, possibly be SCANNED 10 Landmark Commission Meeting w January 23, 2003 Page 2 filmed at Menger Elementary School because of the building's historical significance or the old school house in Annaville. Dr. Brower continued she contacted the principal at Menger Elementary School and he is willing to have the filming occur at his school, but he will have to check with the administration on policies and procedures. Quadrant Productions would hire a person to play the role of the teacher and also hire professional children actors to play most of the children's parts. Dr. Brower continued that about eight or ten students possibly from Menger School could be selected as the audience in the classroom. Dr. Brower concluded her comments by stating she had not received any additional information since the committee's meeting with Mr. Stryker. Ms. Macon concurred with Dr. Brower's comments and stated she had not received any additional information other than trying to gather information from the school district. Ms. Macon stated she would be contacting Mr. Stryker and Quadrant Productions the following week. Ms. Macon provided brief background information on the video project for benefit of Dr. Blanke. Ms. Macon continued that the Landmark Commission received a grant from the Texas Historical Commission for production of a historical video. The video is centered on the early history of the city leading into about 1960s. The video is approximately fifteen minutes long and is geared towards third through fifth grade students. The video will include some text that will assist students with the newly created State of Texas TAKS text, which replaces the current TAAS tests. Ms. Macon continued that the film will be housed at the Museum of Science and History and the school district will have access to the video for possible Inclusion in the elementary social studies/history curriculum. Report on Gold Star Court Marker: Ms. Macon provided brief background information for benefit of Dr. Blanke. Ms. Macon stated the Landmark Commission approved placement of a marker in the Gold Star Court on the upper portion of the bluff area between Upper Broadway and Mesquite Street. The marker was approved to look a certain way, along with other improvements made to the Gold Star Court - one feature of this did not happen. The finished product of the marker Installed was not what the Commission approved; therefore, the Commission had to negotiate with the group, who was in charge of placing the marker in the court area, to mitigate the situation in trying to find a work able solution that all parties would approve. Ms. Macon continued that city management became Involved in the effort because of the difficulty of both groups coming to an agreement. After lengthy discussions and dialogue, the Landmark Commission proposed an alternative to have city staff or the company that made the marker to lay the marker down at an angle. The marker was originally placed approximately 4 to 5 feet high and the commission did not approve the installation as such. The marker was finally laid at a slight angle by city park staff about two weeks ago. Ms. Macon continued that during the process of laying the marker, a minor fracture occurred in which the park crew fixed. Mr. Phillips added that the Gold Star Court was built in 1930 to commemorate the soldiers from Corpus Christi who died in World War I. Mr. Phillips continued the Gold Star Court fell Into disrepair and a local group wanted to refurbish it. The project was about 90 percent right, but the 10 percent portion of the project was that the marker resulted in looking like a three-part tombstone. Mr. Phillips commented that the marker was not in keeping with the memorial so the compromise was to lay it down so it was not quite as intrusive. IMO Landmark Commission Meeting January 23, 2003 Page 3 Report on the Proposed "HC" Designated Properties and the "Potential Landmark" Property: Ms. Macon explained to Dr. Blanke that the Landmark Commission has the authority to review property that has historical significance. In the past several months, the Landmark Commission has reviewed four properties for a "I-1C" Historical-Cultural designation along with one property as a "Potential Landmark" designation. Ms. Macon continued that the "HC" cases were successfully presented to the Planning Commission at the December 18, 2002 meeting and they were accepted and approved as recommended by the Landmark Commission. Ms. Macon went on to say that the cases have been scheduled by the City Manager for a final public hearing before City Council on February 11, 2003. Ms. Macon encouraged commissioners that could to attend the meeting. The meeting will begin at 2 p.m., but that does not mean the cases will be at the beginning of the meeting. Ms. Macon stated Council may have questions and a representative from the Landmark Commission should be present to answer questions or offer comments. OTHER MATTERS: Ms. Macon stated a local citizen contacted her because of his interest in designating his property possibly as a "potential landmark" or with the "HC-F" Facade designation for his property. Ms. Macon continued that he wanted to first talk with his neighbors. The property is located on Merrill Drive in the Saxet Heights Subdivision, which was one of the original country club areas of the city. Ms. Macon stated there are nine (9) to ten (10) homes on that street that are linked to old family names. Ms. Macon stated, for informational purposes, on this Tuesday, January 28, 2003, at 2 p.m., Sween & McGloin Architects are giving a presentation on rehabilitation tax credits for the Old Nueces County Courthouse. Ms. Macon continued the firm is requesting a resolution of support from the City for the use of the tax credit. Ms. Macon went on to say from the information she received; Nueces County is involved In trying to obtain additional funds to match the grant received. They are working with Sween & McGloin Architects, who are putting together the package. Ms. Macon asked Mr. Phillips if he had any additional information on the project that he could share with the commission. Mr. Phillips explained that Nueces County received a grant from the Texas Historical Commission, as part of the "save our historical county courthouses" program, for $950,000 that had to be matched 100 percent. Mr. Phillips continued the County needed to raise the same amount, and they are well on the way to raising it. Mr. Phillips went on to say they found out if they had the total $1.9 million, they could qualify for about $500,000 in tax credits; which they could then sell to raise additional funds. Mr. Phillips stated It would be great if they could get the support. Mr. Phillips stated he and Dr. Kreneck discussed the possibility of the commission submitting a resolution of support and he wanted to know if the Landmark Commission would submit a resolution of support to the Nueces County stating they are in support of the rehabilitation project of the county courthouse. Ms. Macon stated that a resolution of support could be written if that was the consensus of the commission members. Mr. Phillips stated he felt it was important to Include in the resolution that the commission is in support of the project and we think the City Council should support it. Dr. Moore asked how tax credits worked and Mr. Phillips responded that he had attended about three meetings that lasted several hours and the information provided was very difficult to understand and he really did not know how It all worked. Mr. Phillips Landmark Commission Meeting' January 23, 2003 Page 4 continued the tax credits are offered through a federal program with very strict guidelines and are designed for individuals who need to offset their taxes. Ms. Douglas explained that basically the organization that usually receives the tax credits normally does not make enough money to receive a benefit, which is normally a non-profit organization. The federal government allows such entities to sell the tax credits to large corporations. Mr. Cleary added there are several banks located on the East Coast, primarily in Boston and New York, which specifically seek the tax credits. Mr. Cleary stated there is a discount, but it varies from time to time, but 90 percent is the going rate. Mr. Cleary continued that his bank has funded low to moderate-income housing projects here in the city by using tax credits. The states are allowed to issue so many credits annually. Ms. Tinker stated that FDIC provided a publication that went into great detail as to what federal monies targeted for low to moderate citizens who resided In the Fourth Ward area of Houston, Texas. Those monies provided a needed overall improvement to the housing in that area of the city. Ms. Tinker continued by asking if the city had recently passed a bond program for low-income housing. Ms. Tinker went on to say if that was in fact true, she would like for the Landmark Commission to request a meeting with appropriate City Staff to discuss directing some of the allocated low-income money into areas that the Landmark Commission has an interest. Ms. Tinker continued the commission has interest in the area of South Bluff Park and Furman Avenue and those areas are eligible for CDBG funding. Ms. Tinker continued that since "Rescue 911" has received $300,000 to expand their operation on Park Avenue, the $500,000 would be a great impact in the area. Ms. Tinker went on to say that she felt it would be good if the commission could steer awareness and money into the areas they feel are Important to the city's preservation efforts. Mr. Cleary clarified that monies targeted for the low-to-moderate first time home buyers is an assistance program that applicants have to qualify for. There Is a long waiting list of potential homeowners vying for those monies. Ms. Tinker explained that after the Christmas holiday, a neighbor contacted her requesting information about possibly seeking the "potential landmark" or "HC" designation for his property. Ms. Tinker continued he sounded very interested, but he did have concerns whether or not if applying for the designation would help or hinder him if he wanted to sell the house at a later date. Mr. Grossman asked if it would be appropriate for him, as a commissioner, to bring forth a recommendation for a property to be designated and Ms. Macon answered that the commission could initiate a zoning overlay change on a property or properties that are opened to the public only. Mr. Grossman stated he asked the question because he was interested In pursuing a historical designation for the old cotton gin located off Agnes Street. Mr. Grossman continued that it appears that this cotton gin was the first one in Nueces County. Mr. Grossman stated he went by and looked at the structure. Mr. Grossman continued that the owner is Corpus Christi Disposal and it Is located on property the size of a city block with caliche dirt. There are two buildings currently on the premise. Mr. Grossman stated he felt the buildings were worthy of a historical designation. The buildings are in remarkable condition and the interior is still in tact and close to their original design. Mr. Grossman asked if the owner's permission was needed to designate the property and Ms. Macon responded that the owner's permission was needed, since it was a private ownership. Dr. Moore asked if it would be appropriate by designating the buildings and Mr. Grossman responded that the buildings could be turned Into a museum relating to 1011. • Landmark Commission Meeting January 23, 2003 Page 5 agriculture and possibly other uses. After further discussion, it was stated that Ms. Tinker's grandfather was one of the former owners of the cotton gin. Ms. Macon stated that initial contact should be made with the owner to see if there is interest in pursuing a designation. Mr. Phillips added that the County Historical Commission could possibly do a historical marker on the gin. Ms. Tinker stated she had all of the licensing permits her grandfather had for the gin. Ms. Tinker continued that two of the permits were not too specific as to the gin's location in the city. Dr. Moore asked where exactly was the gin located and it was answered that the general location of the gin is between the Circle K Store and Channel Six TV station behind South Staples Street near Agnes Street. Ms. Douglas commented that she was glad to see that the City was willing to write a letter of support to the County Courthouse project. Mr. Phillips commented that one of the good things that has happened was that the Caller Times has finally gotten on board in their coverage in the historical arena. Murphy Givens' column will be featuring an article on why property owners have torn down so many of its historical resources. Mr. Phillips stated he received a phone call from a local citizen who was concerned that the old Port warehouses were going to be demolished to make way for construction of the new baseball stadium. The port opened its facility in 1926 and the warehouse buildings were constructed shortly thereafter. Some of the warehouse buildings were still being used. There being no further comments or discussions, the meeting adjourned at 5:35 p.m. • < 0�1 tai / n tat' -- Lin a Williams Faryce Gone-Macon, City Planner Recording Secretary Staff Liais. • to Landmark Commission (H:PLNDIR]IINDA)WORD\UNOMARK\JANMIN503.DOC) ryh�2CITY 232425262,2 o SECRETARY� � SUMMARY SHEET tot-c17'1:1' `� �'� LANDMARK COMMISSION MEETING p FEB 2003 0� JANUARY 23, 2003 RECEIV EnSS , OFFICE ^ ' 1. Dr. David Blake, new commission member, was introduced and welcomed to the Landmark Commission. Ot.68 E- 2. Dr. Sharon Brower, member of the Historical Video Production Committee, provided an update on the meeting with Museum staff. The committee suggested that the classroom scenario be filmed at Menger Elementary School. Menger Elementary School was suggested because of the building's historical significance. 3. Ms. Faryce Goode-Macon, Staff Liaison, gave an update on the marker project in the Gold Star Court area. The historical marker was laid down at an angle. 4. Ms. Faryce Goode-Macon, Staff Liaison, gave an update on the December 18, 2002 Planning Commission meeting. The Landmark Commission's recommendation to approve three properties for a "HC-l" and one property for a "HC-F" overlay zoning designation were accepted and approved by the Planning Commission. The cases have been scheduled for a public hearing before City Council for Tuesday, February 11, 2003.