HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007 Historic District Commission MinutesCITY OF LANSING
Historic District Commission Executive Committee
5:30-7:00 p.m. Monday, January 8, 2007
Planning & Neighborhood Development Conference Room
316 North Capitol Avenue, Suite C3
MINUTES
1. CALL TO ORDER
A. Introductions:
B. Roll Call: Mark Harvey Philip Mondro
Excused Absences: Cassandra Nelson Melissa Milton-Pung
Mary Toshach Nathalie Winans
Staff Present: Bill Rieske
Others Present: None
Due to the absence of a quorum, the members present agreed to proceed as Executive
Committee.
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA - approved by consensus.
3. COMMUNICATIONS - None
4. HEARINGS (ADVERTISED) - None
5. STAFF COMMENTS - None
6. PUBLIC COMMENT - None
7. PRESENTATIONS - None
8. BUSINESS SECTION
A. Minutes for Approval - None
B. Committee Reports - None
C. Old Business
1. Prudden Wheel Factory - National Register Nomination
Mr. Rieske presented the National Register Nomination, which had been distributed to
commission members on or about December 6, 2006. He recommended concurrence with this
nomination, as it contained no substantive differences from the Prudden Wheel Factory local
historic district proposal. Commission members present agreed by consensus to agree with the
report.
2. Cherry St. - bay window - no action taken
3. Historic preservation planning and its relationship to the Master Plan
Project. - no discussion or action.
D. New Business - None
9. PENDING ITEMS: FUTURE ACTION REQUIRED
A. Discussion of potential policy regarding the designation of single resource
properties that have already pulled building permits for renovation.
B. Minutes for approval - October 2, 2006, November 6, 2006, and December 4,
2006.
10. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS
It was suggested that Christmas lights be placed on the Turner Dodge House to make it more
attractive during the holiday season. Also, a historical marker program was suggested, which
could interface with the current "Walk of Fame" project in the downtown area.
11. COMMISSION MEMBER PRESERVATION RECOGNITIONS - None
12. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 6:45 PM.
Next scheduled meeting: 5:30 PM, Monday, February 5, 2007, in the PND Conference Room
P:IPLANNING OFFICEIHistoric District CmsnlHDC 20071HDC minutes 2007-01-08.doc
CITY OF LANSING
Historic District Commission
5:30-7:00 p.m. Monday, March 12, 2007
Planning & Neighborhood Development Conference Room
316 North Capitol Avenue, Suite C3
MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER
A. Members Present:: Mark Harvey Melissa Milton-Pung
Philip Mondro Cassandra Nelson
Mary Toshach Nathalie Winans
B. Members Absent: None
C. Staff Present: Bill Rieske, Interim Planning Manager
D. Others Present: Jeff Fedewa, Kristine Kidorf, Chris Stuchell, Barry
Wood, Kara Wood
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
3. COMMUNICATIONS
A. 2007 Michigan Conference on Affordable Housing - April 30-May 2, 2007
B. Mich. Historic Preservation Network Conference — May 3-6, 2007
4. HEARINGS (ADVERTISED)
A. HDC-1-07 - Mutual Building rehabilitation, 208 N. Capitol. No member of the
public spoke at the public hearing.
1. Design Review Committee Report RE: HDC-1-07. Mr. Fedewa briefly
presented Christman proposal to the Commission. Ms. Toshach reported that
the specifications were as discussed at previous meetings, and detailed in the
Mutual Building Rehabilitation Certificate of Appropriateness Application dated
February 23, 2007. The Design Review Committee met on March 5, 2007,
reviewed the project in detail, and found the project to be in conformance with
the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation.
2. Commission Action — It was moved by Ms. Toshach, seconded by Ms.
Nelson, and CARRIED unanimously (6-0), to approve HDC-1-07 as presented in
the specifications submitted by Christman and dated February 23, 2007.
5. STAFF COMMENTS — None.
6. PUBLIC COMMENT- None.
7. PRESENTATIONS — None.
8. BUSINESS SECTION
A. Committee Reports - Design Review Committee Report, March 5, 2007 meeting.
Historic District Commission Minutes — March 1., _007 Page 2
1. HDC-1-07 - Mutual Building rehabilitation, 208 N. Capitol. (See Item 4A.)
2. Discussion - Michigan School for the Blind Historic District. Chris
Stuchell, from the Lansing Housing Commission, introduced Kristine Kidorf, who
will be preparing the preliminary report. They expect the report to reflect that
several contributing structures exist on the east side of the site. Ms. Kidorf noted
that the date of significance is likely to be 1930. Ms. Toshach noted that in eight
years, the library will become a contributing resource as well.
B. Discussion - HDC-1-06 - 533 Cherry Street.
Ms. Toshach, Ms. Winans, and other members noted that the roof for the bay
window does not match the specifications approved by the Commission. A
discussion ensued, in which it was decided by consensus to invite Mr. Settimo to
a subsequent HDC meeting to discuss the situation.
C. Old Business
1. Minutes for approval — None presented.
2. Update on 221 E. Hillsdale — No change reported.
3. Update on Downtown National Register Designation — The EDC has not
received word on the approval of the grant application.
D. New Business
1. Resolution — Curtis Baker Sonnenberg.
Mr. Mondro suggested that the HDC propose a Mayoral Proclamation or
Council resolution which acknowledges the leadership of Curtis
Sonnenberg and thanks him for his service. The commission, by
consensus, agreed.
9. PENDING ITEMS: FUTURE ACTION REQUIRED
A. Discussion of potential policy regarding the designation of single resource
properties that have already pulled building permits for renovation.
B. Historic preservation planning and its relationship to the Master Plan
Project.
10. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS
It was moved by Ms. Toshach, seconded by Ms. Milton-Pung, to reschedule the April 2
meeting to April 9, 2007. On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Harvey noted that Preservation Week begins on May 19, 2007.
11. COMMISSION MEMBER PRESERVATION RECOGNITIONS
Commission members suggested the following projects for possible preservation
awards: the Prudden Wheel Factory, the Arbaugh and Ranney Buildings, and Printers
Row.
12. ADJOURNMENT — It was moved by Ms. Toshach, seconded by Ms. Nelson to adjourn.
Next scheduled meeting: 5:30 PM, Monday, April 9, 2007, in the PND Conference Room
PAPLANNING OFFICE4iistoric District Cmsn\HDC 2007\Minutes 2007\HDC Minutes 070312.doc
CITY OF LANSING
Historic District Commission Executive Committee
5:30-7:00 p.m. Monday, April 9, 2007
Planning & Neighborhood Development Conference Room
316 North Capitol Avenue, Suite C3
MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER
A. Members Present: Philip Mondro, Cassandra Nelson
B. Members Absent: Mark Harvey, Melissa Milton-Pung, Mary Toshach
Nathalie Winans
C. Staff Present: Bob Johnson, PND Director, Bill Rieske, Interim Planning
Manager
D. Others Present: Giselle Castillo, Richard Karp, Ken Settimo, Kara Wood
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA — Approved by consensus.
3. COMMUNICATIONS
Ms. Wood announced that the Economic Development Corporation will be having an
open house at its new office location in the Arbaugh Building, 401 S. Washington Ave.
4. HEARINGS (ADVERTISED) - None
5. STAFF COMMENTS.
Mr. Johnson discussed the role of historic preservation in Lansing's economic
development strategy. He noted that the City Club, Ottawa Power Station, Comfort
Station, Mutual Building, Hollister Building, R.E. Olds Transportation Museum, Michigan
School for the Blind, and City Market are all buildings that figure into Lansing's economic
development strategy. The plans and projects underway involve the historic
rehabilitation of these sites. He noted that the City works to preserve what it can, and to
make the most of its assets and opportunities. Mr, Mondro said that it is good to see
historic preservation with an important role in economic development.
6. PUBLIC COMMENT- None.
7. PRESENTATIONS — None.
8. BUSINESS SECTION
A. Committee Reports — None.
B. New Business
1. Arbaugh Department Store Building National Register nomination. Mr.
Karp spoke in favor of the proposal. Commission members noted that
this nomination was pretty well reviewed during the course of establishing
the local Arbaugh Building Historic District. By consensus, the members
supported the nomination.
Historic District Commission Executive Committee
Minutes —April 9, 2007
Page 2
C. Old Business
1. Discussion — HDC-1-06 - 533 Cherry Street. The applicant, Ken Settimo,
as well as Giselle Castillo, discussed with commission members the
treatment of the bay window roof. Commission members felt that the roof
was not constructed in a manner that was approved by the Commission.
Mr. Settimo said that seepage problems persisted after he tried tying the
bay window roof into the original roof, so a redesign was necessary to
stop the leaks. It was agreed that the redesign as constructed would be
acceptable, despite its unorthodox appearance, and that better
documentation should be required in the future to ensure that the
rehabilitation takes place as approved by the Commission.
2.. Update on Downtown National Register Designation — The EDC has not
received word on the approval of the grant application.
9. PENDING ITEMS: FUTURE ACTION REQUIRED
A. Discussion of potential policy regarding the designation of single resource
properties that have already pulled building permits for renovation.
B. Historic preservation planning and its relationship to the Master Plan
Project.
C. Update on 221 E. Hillsdale — No change reported.
D. Minutes for approval — None presented.
10. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS — None.
11. COMMISSION MEMBER PRESERVATION RECOGNITIONS — None.
12. ADJOURNMENT — It was moved by Ms. Toshach, seconded by Ms. Nelson to adjourn.
Next scheduled meeting: 5:30 PM, Monday, May 7, 2007, in the PND Conference Room
(The 517107 meeting was later canceled.)
PAPLANNING OFFICE\Historic District Cmsn\HDC 2007\Minutes 2007\HDC Minutes 070409.doc
CITY OF LANSING
Historic District Commission
5:30-7:00 p.m. Monday, June 4, 2007
Planning & Neighborhood Development Conference Room
316 North Capitol Avenue, Suite C3
MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER
A. Members Present: Philip Mondro, Melissa Milton-Pung, Cassandra Nelson
Mary Toshach , Nathalie Winans
B. Members Absent: Mark Harvey
C. Staff Present: Bob Johnson, PND Director, Bill Rieske, Interim Planning
Manager
D. Others Present: Shawn Elliott, Kara Wood
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
It was moved Ms. Toshach, seconded by Ms Nelson, to approve the agenda as
corrected. (Minutes moved to "Pending", update on downtown CLG grant under "Old Business.")
3. COMMUNICATIONS — None.
4. HEARINGS (ADVERTISED) — None.
STAFF COMMENTS
Mr. Rieske reported that the Michigan School for the Blind Historic District Study Committee
Preliminary Report is likely to be presented at the July 2 meeting.
Mr. Johnson noted that the house at 321 W. Hillsdale will be relocated — first the carriage house
then the main building. A brief discussion ensued about a variety of potential projects of HDC
interest.
6. PUBLIC COMMENT — None.
7. PRESENTATIONS — None.
8. BUSINESS SECTION
A. Committee Reports — None.
B.. New Business
1. Discussion of proposed condo project in 200 Blk. South Grand Avenue.
Mr. Elliott, potential developer of a 12 to 20 story condo project at the site of the former
City Club, spoke with the Commission about the proposal. Mr. Elliott, developer of the
Ranney Building, stated that the City Club's widows watch and gables are the main
historical elements that merit preservation. The building hand been burned by fire,
features cinder blocks on the south side, and the boiler had been retrofitted several
times.
Ms. Toshach noted that while she is not saying that the building needs to be preserved,
Browers German Restaurant, and does have a potentially significant role in the social
history of the city.
Historic District Commission Minutes — June 4, 2007 Page 2
Ms. Milton-Pung noted that the Michigan Historic Preservation Network had received an
inquiry about the belvedere and the brackets.
Mr. Elliott noted that the roof is bad shape, and keeping the belvedere may end up being
a challenge.
Ms. Winans said that the developer is addressing most of the concerns of the Greater
Lansing Historical Society, which is interested in the reuse of the salvageable elements of
the building.
Ms. Toshach said that efforts should be made to save the belvedere, and put up a plaque
explaining the context.
Mr. Johnson said he would talk with Parks and Recreation Director Murdock Jemerson
about doing something to weave building elements into the City's parks.
Mr. Mondro noted that if there's no opportunity to locate these elements on or near the
site, it could be incorporated elsewhere in the park system, e.g. Grand River Park.
2. Discussion of Commission membership.
Mr. Rieske noted that the terms of Ms. Milton-Pung and Ms. Nelson will expire at the end
of June. Both indicated their willingness to continue until replaced.
C. Old Business.
1. Discussion of downtown CLG grant project.
Ms. Wood reported that the City was awarded $15,000, and that consideration
of accepting the grant will be first by Council's Ways and Means Committee, then
by the full Council.
9. PENDING ITEMS: FUTURE ACTION REQUIRED
A. Discussion of potential policy regarding the designation of single resource
properties that have already pulled building permits for renovation.
B. Historic preservation planning and its relationship to the Master Plan
C. Update on 221 E. Hillsdale — No change reported.
D. Minutes for approval — None presented.
1
10. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS
Ms. Toshach noted that some reroofing work was taking place at 522 Cherry Street without HDC
review. Mr. Rieske said he would look into it.
11. COMMISSION MEMBER PRESERVATION RECOGNITIONS — None.
12. ADJOURNMENT — It was moved by Ms. Toshach, seconded by Ms. Nelson to adjourn.
Next scheduled meeting: 5;30 PM, Monday, July 2, 2007, in the PND Conference Room
PAPLANNING OFFICE\Historic District Cmsn\HDC 2007\Minutes 2007\HDC Minutes 070312.doc
CITY OF LANSING
Historic District Commission Executive Committee
5:30-7:00 p.m. Monday, July 2, 2007
Planning & Neighborhood Development Conference Room
316 North Capitol Avenue, Suite C3
MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER
A. Members Present: Philip Mondro, Cassandra Nelson, Nathalie Winans
B. Excused Absences: Mark Harvey, Melissa Milton-Pung, Mary Toshach
C. Others Present: Jeff Riley, owner of 515 Cherry; Kara Wood
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
3. COMMUNICATIONS — None.
4. HEARINGS (ADVERTISED) — HDC-2-07 — 515 Cherry St. Roof Repair
A. Public Hearing.
Jeff Riley, from Walker Riley Management, Inc., spoke at the hearing. He proposes to repair
the roof of the house at 515 Cherry Street, within the Cherry Hill Historic District. Mr. Riley
reported that his proposal is simply to take care of some deterioration that has occurred at
various locations on the roof. A total reroof is not anticipated. He presented pictures of the
deteriorated roof, and a sample shingle. No members of the public spoke.
B. Commission Action.
It was moved by Ms. Nelson, seconded by Ms. Winans, and CARRIED (3-0), to approve
HDC-2-07, Mr. Riley's proposal for roof repairs at 515 Cherry Street.
STAFF COMMENTS
Mr. Rieske noted that the Mayor's appointment of Ms. Wood to the HDC is scheduled for City
Council consideration at its 7:00 p.m. meeting on July 2, 2007.
6. PUBLIC COMMENT
PRESENTATIONS — None.
BUSINESS SECTION
A. Committee Reports
1. Michigan School for the Blind Historic District Study Committee Prelim. Report.
The proposed district includes eastern, historic portion of the original campus containing
the three oldest buildings: the neoclassical Administration and school buildings, and the
colonial revival superintendent's residence. The district also includes the open space to
the east of the Administration building, and the newer, non-contributing library building.
The contributing buildings were designed by architect Edwyn A. Boyd, who designed
several other notable buildings in the Lansing area. The report concludes that the
proposed district is significant due to its association with significant events (Criterion A)
and significant architecture (Criterion C). The Study Committee concurred with the
findings and recommendation of the report.
Historic District Commission Executive Committee Minutes - July 2, _,7 Page 2
The Executive Committee, by consensus, endorsed the Preliminary Report to be
distributed for public comments.
B. New Business — None.
C. Old Business — None.
PENDING ITEMS: FUTURE ACTION REQUIRED
A. Discussion of potential policy regarding the designation of single resource
properties that have already pulled building permits for renovation.
B. Historic preservation planning and its relationship to the Master Plan
Project.
C. Update on 221 E. Hillsdale
10. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS
Mr. Mondro suggested that a tear -off and reroof job at 525 (?) Cherry Street (south of the blue house
across from 609 Cherry) may have taken place illegally without a permit and without Commission review.
11. COMMISSION MEMBER PRESERVATION RECOGNITIONS — None.
12. ADJOURNMENT - The meeting was adjourned at 6:50 p.m.
Next scheduled meeting: 5:30 PM, Monday, August 6, 2007, in the PND Conference Room
P:IPLANNING OFFICIHistoric District CmsnIHDC 20071Agendas 20071HDC Agenda 070702.doc
CITY OF LANSING
Historic District Commission
5:30-7:00 p.m. Monday, August 6, 2007
Planning & Neighborhood Development Conference Room
316 North Capitol Avenue, Suite C3
Minutes
CALL TO ORDER
A. Members Present: Philip Mondro, Cassandra Nelson, Nathalie Winans, Mary
Toshach, Kara Wood
B. Excused Absences: Mark Harvey, Melissa Milton-Pung
C. Others Present: Alan Goschka, Mayotte Group Architects
John Pieffer, Community Mental Health
Penny Strang, President, Cherry Hill Neighborhood Association
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
A discussion of the Mutual Building was added under "Old Business."
COMMUNICATIONS — None.
4. HEARINGS (ADVERTISED) — HDC-3-07 — 520 Cherry St. — Elevator Installation
A. Public Hearing
Mr. Rieske reported that HDC members had a chance to discuss the project with the architect at
two separate on -site meetings held July 23, 2007. The Community Mental Health wishes to install
an elevator and elevator shaft on the NW corner of the building at 520 Cherry Street. Mr.
Goschka and Mr. Peiffer spoke on behalf of the project.
Mr. Goschka reported that CMH is proposing to add an elevator addition to the northwest corner
of the building. CMH is considering two options. Option 1 would provide access to the elevator
which would serve the first and second floors of the building (the lower level would be used only
for storage); and Option 2 would provide access to the elevator which would serve the first and
second floors and the lower level while also providing the required second exit out of the lower
level. The exterior designs of the addition will be identical except for Option 2 will have a slightly
larger footprint to accommodate the additional stairs.
The materials for the addition will match the existing finishes as close as physically possible due
to the age of the existing materials and weather conditions. The base will be precast concrete to
match the existing building addition (stone was looked into, but was cost prohibitive for the
Owner). A brick has been chosen which closely matches the existing and the rowlock detail
above the windows and the stepping of the brick over the base will be duplicated. The fascia and
soffit profiles will match the existing profile as will the roof pitch and shingles.
Ms. Strang had several questions: (1) would the office use continue? (2) what would the hours of
operation be? (3) would there be an increase in traffic? Mr. Peiffer answered that: (1) the office
use would continue; (2) the office will operate during regular business hours; and (3) the expected
trip generation would be equivalent to that of the previous use.
Ms. Toshach note that the fence around the HVAC was not included in the plans for either
proposal and asked the applicant to return to the next Commission meeting with plans for the
fence. The applicant agreed to do so.
Historic District Commission, August 6, 2007 Minutes Page 2
B. Commission Action
It was moved by Ms. Toshach, seconded by Ms. Wood, and CARRIED unanimously (6-0) to
approve both options for the elevator at 520 Cherry Street, excluding the HVAC fencing, and to
consider the fence at a subsequent meeting.
5. STAFF COMMENTS — None.
6. PUBLIC COMMENT —
Ms. Strang complimented the Commission on its cooperative approach to historic preservation.
7. PRESENTATIONS — None.
8. BUSINESS SECTION
A. Committee Reports
B. New Business.
1. Michigan School for the Blind National Register Nomination
Mr. Rieske reported that this action is similar to what was done for the previous historic
districts, and involves designation at the Federal, not local level. The subject matter
focuses on the significance of the district, and in that respect this is very similar to the
Commission's previous review of the Study Committee's Preliminary Report. A
discussion ensued about the qualifications of the reviewers (c.f. second page of
nomination). It was moved by Ms. Wood, seconded by Ms. Nelson, and CARRIED (6-0)
to approve the MSB National Register nomination.
C. Old Business.
1. Minutes for approval
Commission members reviewed each set of minutes and offered their corrections. It was
moved by Ms. Toshach, seconded by Ms. Winans, and CARRIED unanimously (6-0) to
approve the following meeting minutes: October 2, 2006, November 6, 2006 (as
corrected), December 4, 2006, January 8, 2007, March 12, 2007, April 9, 2007 (as
corrected), and June 4, 2007 (as corrected).
2. Mutual Building Renovations (HDC-1-07)
Ms. Toshach and Mr. Mondro suggested discussing window and millstone treatments
with the developer. Mr. Mondro said he would invite Christman representatives to the
next HDC meeting.
PENDING ITEMS: FUTURE ACTION REQUIRED
A. Discussion of potential policy regarding the designation of single resource
properties that have already pulled building permits for renovation.
B. Historic preservation planning and its relationship to the Master Plan
Project.
C. Update on 221 E. Hillsdale.
D. Minutes for approval — April 9, 2007, June 4, 2007, and July 2, 2007.
10. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS
Ms. Wood reported that she will be leaving the EDC, and the EDC's new point person on the
Downtown National Register nomination project will be Brian Anderson.
11. COMMISSION MEMBER PRESERVATION RECOGNITIONS
12. ADJOURNMENT — the meeting was adjourned at 6:50 p.m.
Next scheduled meeting - 5:30 PM, Monday, September 10, 2007, in the PND Conference Room
P:IPLANNING OFFICEIHistoric District CmsnIHDC 20071Minutess 20071HDC Minutes 070806.doc
CITY OF LANSING
Historic District Commission
5:30-7:00 p.m. Monday, September 10, 2007
Planning & Neighborhood Development Conference Room
316 North Capitol Avenue, Suite C3
Minutes
CALL TO ORDER
A. Members Present: Mark Harvey, Melissa Milton-Pung, Philip Mondro, Mary
Toshach, Kara Wood
B. Excused Absences: Cassandra Nelson, Nathalie Winans
C. Others Present: Alan Goschka, Mayotte Group Architects
Gary Scheuren, Christman Company
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA — It was moved by Ms. Toshach, seconded by Ms. Wood, to approve
the agenda as printed.
3. COMMUNICATIONS — None.
4. HEARINGS (ADVERTISED) — None.
5. STAFF COMMENTS — None.
6. PUBLIC COMMENT — None.
7. PRESENTATIONS — None.
8. BUSINESS SECTION
A. Committee Reports.
1. Michigan School for the Blind Historic District Study Committee Report.
The MSB HDSC, at its meeting immediately prior to this Commission meeting, held a
public hearing on its Study Committee report, at which one member of the public spoke.
The Study Committee tabled the report pending information, including photos, about the
potential significance of the cafeteria building, which was built in 1941, but not included in
the study area. Ms. Milton-Pung noted that on Page 7 the MSB library was not listed as
historic, and raised a question about when the period of significance ends. She also
suggested the inclusion of the Independent Order of Oddfellows mission statement.
Lastly, she recommended that the legibility of the map be improved. No action was taken
on the report.
B. Minutes for approval — July 2, 2007 and August 6, 2007 meetings. It was moved by
Ms.Toshach, seconded by Ms. Milton-Pung, and CARRIED unanimously (5-0) to approve
the July 2 minutes as printed, and the August 6 minutes as corrected.
C. Old Business.
1. HDC-3-07 — 520 Cherry St. — HVAC Fence
Mr. Goshka reported that the applicants propose a top -flush picket composite fence from
Heartland BioComposites, and have selected either the "Harvest Cedar" or "Sequoia"
colors. It was moved by Ms. Toshach, seconded by Ms. Milton-Pung and CARRIED
unanimously (5-0) to approve the proposed fence design as part of the HDC-3-07
Certificate of Appropriateness.
Historic District Commission, September 10, 2007 Minutes Page 2
2. HDC-1-07 — Mutual Building, 208 N. Capitol Avenue, window detail & millstones.
Mr. Scheuren provided an update on the project. The National Park Service has
provided preliminary approval of the specifications. The rooftop addition's north and
south sidewalls will be located 4' to 5' from the parapet. The millstones should be
installed in a gravel bed in mid -November. The Christman Company is shooting for an
early January occupancy.
D. New Business — None.
9. PENDING ITEMS: FUTURE ACTION REQUIRED
A. Discussion of potential policy regarding the designation of single resource
properties that have already pulled building permits for renovation.
B. Historic preservation planning and its relationship to the Master Plan Project.
C. Update on 221 E. Hillsdale.
10. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS
A discussion ensued regarding work being done in the Cherry Hill District without HDC review.
Re -roofing jobs at 515 and 601 Cherry Street were specifically mentioned. Several ideas
regarding this problem were discussed, including improved public information (e.g. door flyers)
about building permits, the role of the HDC, and the Secretary's Standards; and fines for non-
compliance.
Ms. Milton-Pung submitted her resignation due to the fact that she is relocating, and will no longer
be a City resident.
11. COMMISSION MEMBER PRESERVATION RECOGNITIONS - None
12. ADJOURNMENT —The meeting was adjourned at 6:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
William C. Rieske, Secretary
Lansing Historic District Commission
P:\PLANNING OFFICE\Hisloric District Cmsn\HDC 2007\Minules 2007\HDC Minutes 070910.doc
CITY OF LANSING
Historic District Commission
5:30-7:00 p.m. Monday, October 1, 2007
Planning & Neighborhood Development Conference Room
316 North Capitol Avenue, Suite C3
Minutes
CALL TO ORDER
A. Members Present: Mark Harvey, Philip Mondro, Mary Toshach, Nathalie Winans,
Kara Wood
B. Excused Absences: Cassandra Nelson
C. Others Present: Penny Strang, President of the Cherry Hill Neighborhood
Association
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
3. COMMUNICATIONS — None.
HEARINGS (ADVERTISED) - HDC-4-07, 606 Cherry Street, Roof Replacement.
Mr. Rieske and Mr. Mondro presented the case. The house at 606 Cherry Street had multiple
layers of roofing materials on it. The contractor began work prior to obtaining a permit, and had
apparently been unaware that HDC approval was required. Since the tear -off of previous layers
had already been in process, and with predictions of rain in the weather forecast, a group of HDC
members convened on the site and agreed upon the installation charcoal gray shingles on the
entire roof. Mr. Rieske approved the building permit, contingent upon HDC concurrence at this
meeting.
A. Public Hearing. Ms. Strang complimented the Commission on its efforts to work with
applicants and to make reasonable decisions.
B. Commission Action. No action was taken on HDC-4-07.
5. PUBLIC COMMENTS — None.
6. STAFF COMMENTS
Mr. Rieske reported that the National Park Service has requested more information regarding the
Michigan School for the Blind Historic District, specifically regarding those buildings (e.g. the
cafeteria and the auditorium) which are outside the boundaries of the proposed district. Study
Committee and Commission action on the report have therefore been delayed.
PRESENTATIONS — None.
BUSINESS SECTION
A. Committee Reports — None.
B. Minutes for approval —None presented.
C. Old Business.
D. New Business — Discussion of permit review procedures.
Mr. Rieske initiated a discussion about alternatives such as administrative approval of some small
Historic District Commission, October 1, 2007 Minutes Page 2
or time -sensitive items, design guidelines, and penalties and fees for non-compliance. Ms. Wood
provided the fee schedule for the City of Grand Rapids as a basis for comparison. The
Commission decided by consensus to schedule working meeting at 6:15 on October 15, 2007, to
discuss review procedures, design guidelines, and fees. Ms. Strang was also invited to attend,
but said she would work on it with the Commission once any changes were drafted.
PENDING ITEMS: FUTURE ACTION REQUIRED
A. Discussion of potential policy regarding the designation of single resource properties that have
already pulled building permits for renovation.
B. Historic preservation planning and its relationship to the Master Plan Project.
C. Update on 221 E. Hillsdale.
D. Minutes for approval — September 10, 2007
E. Michigan School for the Blind Historic District Study Committee Report
10. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS
11. COMMISSION MEMBER PRESERVATION RECOGNITIONS
12. ADJOURNMENT
Next regular meeting - 5:30 PM, Monday, November 5, 2007, in the PND Conference Room
P.1PLANNING OFFICEUiistoric District CmsnIHDC 20071Minutes 20071HDC Minutes 071001.doc
SPECIAL WORKSHOP MEETING - No Action Was Taken
CITY OF LANSING
Historic District Commission
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
6:15-7:00 p.m. Monday, October 15, 2007
645 S. Grand Avenue
Meeting Notes
Members Present: Phil Mondro, Mary Toshach, Nathalie Winans.
Staff present: Bill Rieske, Interim Planning Manager
Others present: None.
1. Discussion of HDC procedures and guidelines.
A discussion ensued about revising procedures and guidelines. The main points
included:
In order to revise guidelines, we need to know what we have. We need:
• Maps of the districts
• The final report for each district
• Updated photos of each district
• Information about what has been removed from each district (e.g. properties
demolished during 1-496 construction)
• GIS layered maps of each district
In order to revise ordinances, we need other sample ordinances. At the October 1
HDC meeting, Mr. Rieske had provided a "Historic District Ordinance Checklist" from
the SHPO, and excerpts from Lansing's Historic Districts Ordinance. supplied
a copy of Grand Rapids' Heritage Hill guidelines. Ms. Toshach said she would explore
ordinances that use a "hearing officer" approach to permit review and approval.
In order to revise fees, some comparison data with other communities is needed. Mr.
Rieske will check with Christine Segerlind to see if she has any of this data.
In other business, Mr. Mondro suggested a "follow the house" documentary about the
process of moving the buildings at 321 W. Hillsdale to their proposed location at St. Joe
and Pine.
P.IPLANNING OFFICBHistoric District CmsnlHDC 20071Minutes 200AHDC COW Minutes 071015.doc