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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Landmark Commission - 02/25/1999 il+ MINUTES LANDMARK COMMISSION MEETING CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS FEBRUARY 25, 1999 MEMBERS PRESENT: Ms. Bunny Tinker, Acting Chairman Mr. Alan Belcher Ms. Sharon Brower Mr. Kevin Maraist Mr. Tom Stewart MEMBERS ABSENT: Ms. Deborah Douglas, Vice Chairman (Excused) Ms. Betsy Chapman (Excused) Ms. Lisa Garza (Excused) Ms. Grandis Lenken (Excused) Ms. Elizabeth Rentz (Excused) Mr. Joe Williams (Excused) Ms. Bunny Tinker, Acting Chairman, called the meeting to order at 4:45 p.m. The roll was called and a quorum was not present. ACTION ITEM(S): Approve Minutes for January 28. 1999 Meeting: The minutes will be approved at the March 25, 1999 meeting. Nominating Committee Report for Election of 1999 Landmark Commission Chairman and Vice Chairman: Ms. Bunny Tinker, Chairman of the Committee, will make its recommendation to the full commission at the March 25, 1999 meeting. Landmark Commission Sponsored "HC" Overlay Designation Application for Property at 1613 Mestina Street: Ms. Faryce Goode-Macon, Staff Liaison, addressed the commission. Ms. Macon stated this Item was on last month's agenda, but the applicants were unable to attend. Ms. Macon continued that since that time, she spoke with them and they are at today's meeting to answer any questions pertaining to their purpose and Intent for the property at 1613 Mestina Street. At this point, Ms. Macon turned the floor over to the applicants. Ms. Susan Bain introduced herself and her husband, Mr. Luis Gonzales. Ms. Bain apologized for not attending the January meeting, and stated they were called out of town unexpectantly. Ms. Bain continued that she was originally from Houston, but her husband is a native of Corpus Christi. Ms. Bain went on to say they were afforded an opportunity to purchase the property at 1613 Mestina, not fully aware of SCANNED 4110 w Landmark Commission Meeting February 25, 1999 page 2 what an enormous undertaking it would be. Ms. Bain continued they saw the potential of the house because of its architectural uniqueness and they were here at today's meeting asking the commission for guidance and help in obtaining the "HC" designation on the structure. At this point, Ms. Tinker provided brief background information on the Landmark Commission. Ms. Tinker stated there is only one property in the entire city that is "HC" designated by a private owner, and that structure is located on Rossister Street. Ms. Tinker continued that the Landmark Commission assisted in the process of that designation. Ms. Tinker stated that recently, the commission completed a survey of approximately 1,200 properties that were recognized as potential landmarks. Ms. Tinker went on to say that the commission has been interested in the 1613 Mestina Street property for about twenty years, and worked with Mr. Belanger before he died. At that time, the commission was looking for someone to accept and move the structure to a new site in the city, or possibly, out of town. Ms. Tinker continued that the Landmark Commission is able to submit this application through the Planning Department without paying the filing fee. The application will go before the Planning Commission for one public hearing after which a recommendation will be forwarded to City Council as a public hearing item. Ms. Tinker explained that the "HC" designation is an overlay zoning; which means the use does not change its official zoning status. The Landmark Commission has several "HC" designations under our current ordinance - two in particular are "HC-Facade" where only the front or side of the structure that faces the street right-of-way is designated and the full "HC" designation where all four sides of the structure are designated. Ms. Macon added that "HC-II" and "HC-III" does allow limited review of the interior. Ms. Tinker commented that the City Substandard Code has probably stated that deterioration of the structure exceeds more than 50 percent of the value of the house and it should be demolished. Ms. Tinker informed the owners, as part of the process, they will meet with the Master Review Committee, a subcommittee of the Landmark Commission, to review their plan renovations. Ms. Tinker added that several engineers and architects serve on this committee and they have always been generous in giving of their time. Ms. Tinker continued once the Master Review Committee has met, the Committee would submit its recommendation to the Landmark Commission for approval. The zoning process goes from the Landmark Commission to the Planning Commission and ultimately to City Council. Mr. Gonzales was asked if the delinquent taxes had been paid and he answered yes. Mr. Gonzales stated he paid approximately $14,000 in back taxes. Mr. Gonzales emphasized again the structure's deterioration was over 50 percent and after purchasing the house, they considered moving it to another location. Mr. Gonzales continued he and his wife were concerned about the loitering, vandalism, and overall decline of the neighborhood in general. Mr. Gonzales stated since the purchase of the house, they learned it was eligible for a national historical designation, and Landmark commission Meeting February 25, 1999 Page 3 it is hoped that the entire block will be cleaned up and restored. Ms. Bain interjected there was a developer who expressed interest in preserving the entire block, but they had not spoken with him lately. Ms. Tinker asked if they had looked at the Sanborn maps to determine if the house had been moved to its current site and they answered no they had not seen the maps. Ms. Bain stated they had done research through the Central Library in gathering information about the area and the structure. Ms. Tinker asked if the house could be moved were they willing to relocate it and they answered yes. Ms. Bain continued they had a lot in mind to relocate the house, but the plan of the house would not fit without overlapping onto the setbacks and easement. The lot in mind is located in the 400 block of Carancahua at the Agnes/Carancahua intersection. Mr. Gonzales added there are four (4) lots at this corner- two are available. Ms. Tinker asked what was the proposed use for the structure and Ms. Bain answered after discussing the possibility of applying for the "HC" designation, it was decided that the house would be used as a non-profit organization. At this time, no tenant has been selected. Ms. Tinker stated there will be a parking requirement and Ms. Bain stated they had come up with a tentative plan for parking by using the backside of the lot. Ms. Tinker asked if they had any intentions of removing any of the porches and Mr. Gonzales responded they stabilized the house and removed the portion that was damaged by termites. Reinforcement piers were added to strengthen the house. Ms. Bain added they were encouraged in this endeavor and were very appreciative of the information provided by the Landmark Commission. Ms. Bain explained her background is in fine arts, real estate, and interior design. Ms. Macon apologized to the applicants that a quorum was not present, therefore, the commission could not take action on the application nor forward it to the Planning Commission. Ms. Tinker asked if there was a quorum present, would the applicants want to move forward in the process and they answered yes. Mr. Stewart asked the applicants if their ultimate goal was to generate revenue from this project and it was answered no. A question was also asked if the current zoning would allow for a non-profit office to be used in the structure and Ms. Macon confirmed that "A-2" zoning allows non- profit offices. Mr. Maraist asked If the gaping hole shown on one of the photos had been repaired and it was answered yes. Mr. Gonzales stated the type of siding used on the house was very difficult to find in this area. Mr. Gonzales continued he found a siding similar to what was on the house at Brock's Lumber House in Rockport, Texas. The siding found has a 5-1/2 width and V a Landmark Commission Meeting February 25, 1999 Page 4 the original siding was a little smaller. Ms. Tinker suggested that Mr. Gonzales visit some of the sites where houses are being relocated or torn down on the northside and that he might possibly find some of the materials needed for the restoration. Mr. Gonzales stated the terrain in the back of the house sloped down to the back and a lot of the piers were rotted. All of the piers go down 6 feet and they taper down. Mr. Gonzales stated he was wondering if it would be more economical to just move the structure. Ms. Bain asked if the commission knew where the house was brought from and placed at its current location. Ms. Tinker suggested that they go to the history room at the Central Library and ask to see the Sanborn Maps, which show the footprint of the neighborhood. Ms. Tinker stated she wanted to let the applicants know that there is no protection offered for houses listed on the National Register and seeking listing on the register is a very costly and lengthy process. Mr. Maraist suggested that Ms. Bain visit the Nueces County Library and request to look in the CFR to find the publication that might point out some more information. Ms. Tinker suggested to Mr. Gonzales that he only stabilize the house since they are going for"HC" designation. Thanks and appreciation were expressed to the applicants for attending today's meeting. Ms. Macon asked them if they could come back for the March Landmark Commission meeting and they answered yes. Ms. Macon continued she felt sure a quorum would be present. Update On Renovation Plan for Buddy Lawrence House: Ms. Macon stated that after the discussion at the January meeting regarding siting of the Buddy Lawrence House, she researched and found the ordinance that the Landmark Commission originated and was approved by City Council in 1987. The ordinance was created to ensure that the Landmark Commission reviewed a property or structure prior to construction, exterior change, or relocation in order to preserve the historical significance of the surrounding historical properties in Heritage Park. This review includes the two-block area behind Heritage Park, but it did not Include siting of a structure. Mr. Jim Boggs, City Architect for this project, and Edgar Leonard, Facilities Manager, were given a copy of the ordinance. The actual exterior plans for the house have not been drawn, but once they are, they will be presented to the Landmark Commission. Update On Information Received On Financial Incentives for Historical Elements: Ms. Macon stated that at the January meeting, Staff was requested to contact other Texas cities (Dallas, Fort Worth, El Paso, and others) to see what financial incentive programs they have implemented for historical elements, and this information was also a suggestion by V ri • Landmark Commission Meeting February 25, 1999 Page 5 Councilman Colmenero. Ms. Macon continued that the packet of information was compiled and is provided. The packet contains several working documents for the commission to review and determine which ones can be used. The following documents were summarized: Document 1: ,.HC,. Classifications -- Information is part of the zoning ordinance. Document 2: Proposed Financial Incentives -- Possible incentives for the various "HC classifications. Mr. Maraist asked if these options would be limited to what is being proposed and Ms. Macon answered no. The proposed incentives are just suggestions to use as a guide and to provide options for the subcommittee to work with. Document 3: Base Permit Chart - Information provided by the Building Inspections Division. Outline fees for various services provided by the Division. Documents 4: Received from the city of Dallas. Document 5: The Texas Historical Commission provided information for several Texas cities, which included: Abilene, Austin, Beaumont, Boerne, Denton, Ennis, Fort Worth, Houston, Kilgore, Kingsville, Laredo, Palestine, Pittsburg, Plano, Round Rock, San Angelo, San Antonio, Seguin, Temple, Tyler, and Wichita Falls. Ms. Macon stated she hoped the information provided would be enough to get the subcommittee started, and asked if there were any questions about the information. Ms. Macon informed commissioners that the property owner residing at 211 North Carrizo was interested in applying for "HC" designation. The owners were interested in using the residence as a historical bed-and-breakfast establishment. The owner has been working with the Small Business Administration and they are also interested in receiving information on tax credits. Ms. Macon stated she is looking forward to another "HC designated property. Ms. Brower asked what was the status of the grant submitted to the Texas Historical Commission for the plaque/brochure project and Ms. Macon answered that most of the monies were allocated to smaller cities or first time grantees. The Landmark Commission did not receive any grant funding from THC for the plaque/brochure project. Ms. Macon continued after she received notification, she contacted Ms. Douglas and relayed the information to her. Staff, at that time, submitted the same grant proposal to CDBG as directed by the Landmark Commission in October 1998. The deadline submittal was Friday, February 12, • Landmark Commission meeting February 25, 1999 Page 6 1999 and the Planning Commission public hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, March 10, 1999. Ms. Macon stated she would report at the March meeting if funding was approved. Mr. Gunning stated he feels Staff will not approve using CDBG monies to fund purchasing historical plaques and markers. Mr. Gunning continued that the Landmark Commission might want to consider other avenues to pursue in getting the plaque program started. Ms. Tinker responded to Mr. Gunning's comment by stating that this is a new commission and a new staff in CDBG. Ms. Tinker continued she did not understand Staff's attitude and why they would not support the request since it was such a small amount. For informational purposes, Ms. Tinker presented the Nominating Committee's recommendation of chairman and vice chairman for 1999. Ms. Douglas' and Mr. Belcher's names will be formally submitted as chairman and vice chairman, respectively at the March meeting. There being no further business, the meeting ended at 6:15 p.m. . PA . Li •a Williams Faryce Get de- acon, City Planner Re ording Secretary Staff Lial •n to Landmark Commission III:FEBMINS9-WRDI