HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012 Historic District Commission MinutesMinutes
Lansing Historic District Commission
5:30-7:00 p.m. Monday, January 9, 2012
Planning and Neighborhood Development Conference Room
316 N. Capitol Ave., Lansing MI 48933
CALL TO ORDER — Ms. Winans opened the meeting at 5:35 p.m.
A. Introductions and Roll Call:
Present: Philip Mondro, Tom Truscott, Nathalie Winans, Cassandra Nelson, Kara
Wood.
Absent: None.
Staff Present: Bill Rieske, Asst. Planning Mgr.; Waylon Sanford, Planning Intern, and
Harmony Gmazel, of Tri-County Regional Plannning Commisssion.
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA — It was moved by Ms. Nelson, seconded by Mr. Truscott, and
CARRIED unanimously, to approve the agenda as printed.
3. COMMUNICATIONS — None
4. PUBLIC COMMENTS — None.
5. STAFF COMMENTS — None.
6. PRESENTATIONS — None.
7 HEARINGS (ADVERTISED) — None.
8. MINUTES FOR APPROVAL —December 12, 2011 meeting.
It was moved by Ms. Wood, seconded by Ms. Nelson, and CARRIED unanimously, to approve
the minutes as printed.
9. DISCUSSION/ACTION:
A. Work session for goal setting and work program. Ms. Gmazel facilitated another goal -
setting discussion. Several points were raised in the ensuing discussion, including:
Do other communities (e.g. Grand Rapids) have a preservation advocacy
organization?
• We should develop a call list of stakeholders to engage. Mr. Rieske offered to collect
suggestions e-mailed to him within 2 weeks.
• Ms. Wood asked if there was a local P.R. firm that would offer some pro bono work.
• One suggestion was that the HDC work on a public engagement plan in the spring,
and begin engaging stakeholders in the Fall.
• Ms. Gmazel said that before the next meeting, she would rework the schedule she
presented to the Commission.
B. Rating Table. Ms. Winans presented her work on the rating table discussed at previous
meetings. She led a discussion of some language she had drafted for a Lansing rating
system. In the ensuing discussion, it was suggested that Categories C and D be
combined.
C. Walking Tour Map. Mr. Truscott presented a map of historical markers in Lansing, and
noted that the majority of them are located within central Lansing, and could easily form
the basis of a walking tour. He would work with Waylon Sanford on GIS mapping these
locations.
10. PENDING ITEMS: FUTURE ACTION REQUIRED
11. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS — None.
12. ADJOURNMENT was at 6:50 p.m.
Minutes
Lansing Historic District Commission
5:30-7:00 p.m. Monday, February 13, 2012
Planning and Neighborhood Development Conference Room
316 N. Capitol Ave., Lansing MI 48933
CALL TO ORDER — Ms. Winans opened the meeting at 5:35 p.m.
A. Introductions and Roll Call:
Present: Philip Mondro, Tom Truscott, Nathalie Winans, Cassandra
Nelson.
Absent (excused): Kara Wood.
Staff Present: Bill Rieske, Asst. Planning Mgr.; Dorothy Boone, Development
Manager; Waylon Sanford, Planning Intern; and Harmony
Gmazel, of Tri-County Regional Plannning Commisssion.
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA — It was moved by Ms. Nelson, seconded by Mr. Truscott, and
CARRIED unanimously (4-0), to approve the agenda as printed.
3. COMMUNICATIONS — None
4. PUBLIC COMMENTS — None.
5. STAFF COMMENTS — None.
6. PRESENTATIONS — None.
7 HEARINGS (ADVERTISED) — None.
8. MINUTES FOR APPROVAL — January 9, 2012 meeting.
It was moved by Mr. Mondro, seconded by Mr. Truscott, and CARRIED unanimously, to approve
the minutes as corrected.
9. DISCUSSION/ACTION:
A. Ms. Gmazel facilitated another goal -setting discussion. She presented a document with key
strategic planning questions. After some discussion based on the questions, it was agreed
that the walking tour project is getting the most traction and could be used as a pilot project to
bring other organizations together.
B. Rating Table. Mr. Rieske and Ms. Winans presented their recent work on the rating table.
Mr. Rieske discussed the justification of retaining separate "C" and "D" classifications. Ms.
Boone added that a separate "C" and "D" classification would be useful from the
Development Office perspective. It was moved by Mr. Mondro, seconded by Mr. Truscott,
and CARRIED unanimously (4-0) to approve the revised Rating Table format, and revisit it in
a year or as needed.
C. Walking Tour Map. Mr. Truscott reported on presented a meeting he attended with
Downtown Lansing, Incorporated. A walking tour of downtown buildings, many (but not all) of
them historically significance, is being organized based on architectural significance. Mr.
Truscott expressed the concern that the tour doesn't "come alive" if architectural significance
is the only story being told. Many buildings have rich histories that resonate well, and the
story can be much richer if that side of the story is told. He said he would continue work with
Waylon Sanford on GIS mapping these locations.
10. PENDING ITEMS: FUTURE ACTION REQUIRED
11. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS — None.
12. ADJOURNMENT was at 6:35 p.m.
Minutes
Lansing Historic District Commission
5:30-7:00 p.m. Monday, March 12, 2012
Planning and Neighborhood Development Conference Room
316 N. Capitol Ave., Lansing MI 48933
CALL TO ORDER — Ms. Winans opened the meeting at 5:35 p.m.
A. Introductions and Roll Call:
Present: Cassandra Nelson, Tom Truscott, Nathalie Winans, Kara Wood.
Absent (excused): Phil Mondro
Staff Present: Bill Rieske, Asst. Planning Mgr.; Dorothy Boone, Development
Manager
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA — It was moved by Ms. Wood, seconded by Mr. Truscott, and
CARRIED unanimously (4-0), to approve the agenda as printed.
3. COMMUNICATIONS — None
4. PUBLIC COMMENTS — None.
5. STAFF COMMENTS
Mr. Rieske reported on separate discussions with Gary Schueren, of the Michigan Historic
Preservation Network, and Jessica Williams, the new Certified Local Government coordinator at
the SHPO, regarding the Historic Significance Classification System; and Jason Kildea of the
Gillespie Group regarding an HDC tour of the Armory.
6. PRESENTATIONS — None.
7 HEARINGS (ADVERTISED) — None.
8. MINUTES FOR APPROVAL — February 13, 2012 meeting.
It was moved by Ms. Nelson, seconded by Mr. Truscott, and CARRIED unanimously (4-0), to
approve the minutes as corrected.
9. DISCUSSION/ACTION:
A. Discussion on Membership. Both Mr. Truscott and Ms. Winans indicated their interest in
being reappointed for another term. Commission members requested copies of both the City
Board Membership Application and the qualifications of historic preservation professionals
under 36 CFR Part 61.
B. Update on walking tour map of historic resources and historical markers. Mr. Truscott
reported that he was working with Waylon Sanford, and coordinating with other organizations
on mapping the Lansing historical markers, and this phase is nearly completed. Next is the
completion of a brochure.
C. Historic Significance Classification System.
A discussion ensued about potential uses of the system, including starting with a small area
to test the classifications, using GIS mapping, and having an Urban Planning Practicum class
take on a project to classify a given area of Lansing.
D. Work session for goal setting and work program - brainstorming on questions from last
meeting. In the ensuing discussion, it was agreed that the Commission needs to pick a
couple of items to start first. Ms. Nelson suggested an H.P. Toolbox, in addition to the
Walking Tour Map, as a place to begin.
10. PENDING ITEMS: FUTURE ACTION REQUIRED —None.
11. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS
12. ADJOURNMENT was at 6:55 p.m.
Minutes
Lansing Historic District Commission
5:30-7:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Planning and Neighborhood Development Conference Room
316 N. Capitol Ave., Lansing MI 48933
CALL TO ORDER — Ms. Winans opened the meeting at 5:35 p.m.
A. Introductions and Roll Call:
Present: Phil Mondro, Cassandra Nelson, Tom Truscott, Nathalie Winans,
Kara Wood.
Absent: None.
Staff Present: Bill Rieske, Asst. Planning Mgr.; Dorothy Boone, Development
Manager; Waylon Sanford, Planning Intern.
Others Present: Marie Walker, owner of 515 Cherry Street
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA — It was moved by Mr. Truscott, seconded by Mr. Mondro, and
CARRIED unanimously (4-0), to approve the agenda as revised.
HEARINGS (ADVERTISED) — HDC-1-12, 515 Cherry Street — Repair Fire Damage.
a) Staff Report
Mr. Rieske distributed a written staff report regarding this case, to complement the design
standards and the applicant's specifications distributed earlier by e-mail. He noted that
owner Marie Walker is having the fire damage repaired by Paul Davis Restoration and
Remodeling. Apparently, the repair work was largely conducted without the proper permits.
Permits have since been issued for the interior work, to avoid displacing residents. Permits
for exterior work are subject to HDC review.
According to the original Cherry Hill Historic District Report dated 1990, the building is a
Queen Anne style house that was missing original trim, and featured non -period siding. Mr.
Rieske stated that the opportunity to rectify these conditions and achieve greater compliance
with the Secretary's Standards was lost because work had begun prior to any application for
a building permit.
A discussion ensued about who was responsible for the problem. The exterior rehab is now
largely completed, so strict adherence to the Secretary's Standards would involve
substantially greater expense.
Mr. Rieske listed three alternative courses of action:
1) Insist on adherence to the Secretary's Standards.
2) Approve the current specifications.
3) Approve with Modification.
b) Public Hearing
Ms. Walker stated she was unaware of the permit requirement, and the contractor may not
have been either. Her late husband Jeff Riley had been conducting all business regarding
their properties within the Cherry Hill District. She stated that did not want to redo any of the
work because of the additional time and expense, but was willing to abide by the
Commission's decision.
c) Commission Action
A discussion ensued among Commission members, the applicant, and staff about the
alternatives identified in the staff report.
It was moved by Mr. Mondro, seconded by Ms. Nelson, and CARRIED unanimously (5-0) to
approve the applicant's request with the current specificatons (alternative #2 above).
HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION W.. April 11. 2012 Meeting Mk...jtes Paqe 2 of 2
4. COMMUNICATIONS — None.
5. PUBLIC COMMENTS — None.
6. STAFF COMMENTS — Ms. Boone requested Commissioner input on the green areas on a map,
depicting potential historic districts as identified by the State Historic Preservation Office.
7. PRESENTATIONS — None.
8. MINUTES FOR APPROVAL — March 12, 2012 meeting. NO ACTION TAKEN.
DISCUSSION/ACTION:
A. Discussion on Membership. Ms. Winans reported that the membership application is on the
Preservation Lansing. Mr. Rieske reported that the Mayoral appointment of Carol Skillings to
the Commission has been forwarded to City Council for action.
10. PENDING ITEMS: FUTURE ACTION REQUIRED.
A. Historic Significance Classification System — potential uses of the system; potential
properties/areas for each classification.
B. Work session for goal setting and work program.- brainstorming on questions from last
meeting.
C. Update on Walking tour map of historic resources and historical markers.
D. Preservation Award Program.
11. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS — None.
12. ADJOURNMENT was at 6:35 p.m.
Minutes
Lansing Historic District Commission
5:30-7:00 p.m. Monday, May 14, 2012
Planning and Neighborhood Development Conference Room
316 N. Capitol Ave., Lansing MI 48933
CALL TO ORDER — Ms. Winans opened the meeting at 5:35 p.m.
A. Introductions and Roll Call:
Present: Phil Mondro, Cassandra Nelson, Carol Skillings, Tom Truscott,
Nathalie Winans, Kara Wood.
Absent: None.
Staff Present: Bill Rieske, Asst. Planning Mgr., Waylon Sanford, Planning
Intern
Others Present: Brad Cambridge, of Quinn -Evans Architects, regarding 300 S.
Washington.
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA — It was moved by Mr. Truscott, seconded by Mr. Mondro, and
CARRIED unanimously (6-0), to approve the agenda.
3. HEARINGS (ADVERTISED) — 300 S. Washington, Knapp Building Renovation/Restoration
a) Staff Report.
After some brief remarks, Mr. Rieske introduced Brad Cambridge to speak on behalf of the
Eyde Company (the applicant). Mr. Cambridge explained the work involved in the project,
and an extensive discussion ensued with Commission members. The main points included
the windows, the panels, the canopies, the "Knapp's" signage on the exterior, brick
repointing, and the terrazzo floors. Mr. Cambridge also summarized the project financing and
the potential tenants.
Mr. Cambridge also agreed with the Commission suggestion that samples of original building
materials be stored on -site for the purposes of documenting the original materials,
techniques, and conditions.
b) Public Hearing
No member of the public was in attendance.
c) Commission Action
It was moved by Ms. Wood, seconded by Ms. Nelson, and CARRIED unanimously (6-0) to
approve the applicant's request as presented.
4. COMMUNICATIONS — None.
5. PUBLIC COMMENTS — None.
6. STAFF COMMENTS — None.
7. PRESENTATIONS — None.
8. MINUTES FOR APPROVAL — March 12, 2012 and April 11, 2012 meetings. It was moved by
Ms. Wood, seconded by Mr. Mondro, and CARRIED (5-0, Ms. Skillings abstaining) to approve the
minutes to both meetings as printed.
9. DISCUSSION/ACTION:
A. Update on walking tour map of historic resources and historical markers, and
B. Update on Waylon Sanford's historic preservation activities to date.
HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION Mon., May 14. 2012 Meeting N...,utes Paqe 2 of 2
Mr. Sanford addressed Items 9A and 9B, with updates on the web site and the walking
tour, along with other GIS work as requested by PND staff.
C. Discussion on membership. Deferred to a later meeting.
D. 221 E. Hillsdale update.
Mr. Mondro reported that Ken Settimo and Giselle Castillo are renovating the house at
221 E. Hillsdale. This house has long been vacant. The HDC has already approved the
plans for the exterior work, but skylights were also installed in violation of the HDC action.
Now the owners are requesting direction on the skylights — whether removal of the
skylights would be required at this time, or the attention can go to completing the interior
and putting the property back in service. The skylights would then be removed during
future roof repair.
In the ensuing discussion, Commission members agreed that the skylight removal can be
deferred until the structure is reroofed.
10. PENDING ITEMS: FUTURE ACTION REQUIRED
A. Historic Significance Classification System — potential uses of the system; potential
properties/areas for each classification.
B. Work session for goal setting and work program.- brainstorming on questions from
previous meetings.
11. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS
12. ADJOURNMENT was at 7:00 p.m.
Minutes
Lansing Historic District Commission
5:30-7:00 p.m. Monday, June 11, 2012
MARSHALL STREET ARMORY
330 Marshall Street, Lansing, MI
1. CALL TO ORDER —Ms. Winans opened the meeting at 5:48 p.m., after a tour of the Marshall
Street Armory
A. Introductions and Roll Call:
Present: Phil Mondro, Cassandra Nelson, Carol Skillings, Tom Truscott,
and Nathalie Winans.
Absent: Kara Wood (excused).
Staff Present: Bill Rieske, Asst. Planning Mgr., Evan Gross and Priyam Kayal,
Planning Interns
Others Present: None.
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA — It was moved by Ms. Skillings, seconded by Mr. Truscott, and
CARRIED unanimously (5-0), to approve the agenda.
HEARINGS (ADVERTISED) — None.
4. COMMUNICATIONS — None.
5. PUBLIC COMMENTS — None.
6. STAFF COMMENTS — None.
7. PRESENTATIONS — None.
8. MINUTES FOR APPROVAL— May 14, 2012 meeting. It was moved by Ms. Skillings, seconded
by Ms. Nelson, and CARRIED (5-0) to approve the minutes to both meetings as printed.
9. DISCUSSION/ACTION:
A. Update on walking tour map of historic resources and historical markers.
Ms. Kayal presented the walking tour brochure in draft form. In the ensuing discussion
several points were raised.
• Preferences varied on the background color and pattern.
• Use white letters on the cover.
• Several misspellings were corrected.
• The "Lansing Center" should be replaced with "Greater Lansing Sports Hall of
Fame in the Lansing Center".
• Items 33 and 35 should be removed due to their lack of historical significance.
• The question was raised about the length of the tour, both in distance and in time
commitment.
By consensus, the Commission approved the brochure with the above changes.
Mr. Gross discussed his work on updating the Cherry Hill Historic District and
Memorandum 76 reports.
B. Discussion re: recent preservation issues.
Ms. Winans led a discussion of the three houses at the SW corner of Saginaw and
Capitol Ave. which slated for demolition. Those houses were a part of the proposed
Capitol Historic District (CHD), which was approved by the Study Committee and the
Commission in 2000-2001, but never enacted by the City Council. Mr. Rieske reported
HISTORIC DISTRICT COMmaSSION Mon.. June 11. 2012 Meeting ..,inutes Paae 2 of 2,
that Mr. Gross and Ms. Kayal were working on converting the CHID data into digital form
to make it more accessible, possibly on the web.
A discussion ensued about the protection of historic buildings from demolition.
10. PENDING ITEMS: FUTURE ACTION REQUIRED
A. Historic Significance Classification System — potential uses of the system; potential
properties/areas for each classification.
B. Work session for goal setting and work program.- brainstorming on questions from
previous meetings.
C. Discussion regarding membership.
11. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS
12. ADJOURNMENT was at 7:00 p.m.
Minutes
Lansing Historic District Commission
5:30-7:00 p.m. Monday, July 9, 2012
Planning and Neighborhood Development Conference Room
316 N. Capitol Ave., Lansing MI 48933
CALL TO ORDER — Ms. Winans opened the meeting at 5:35 p.m.
A. Introductions and Roll Call:
Present: Cassandra Nelson, Carol Skillings, Tom Truscott, and Nathalie Winans.
Absent: Phil Mondro and Kara Wood (both excused).
Staff Present: Bill Rieske, Asst. Planning Mgr., and Evan Gross and Priyam Kayal,
Planning Interns
Others Present: Diane Marie, of 1807 Race Street.
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA — It was moved by Ms. Skillings, seconded by Mr. Truscott, and
CARRIED unanimously (5-0), to approve the agenda as amended.
3. Discussion of Single -Resource Historic District at 1807 Ray Street (behind Bethlehem Lutheran
Church).
Ms. Marie spoke about her desire to protect the house she lives in, even after she moves out.
She described original windows, copper flashing, and interior woodwork. A discussion with
Commission members and staff ensued, including the following topics:
• The distinction between a National Register District and a local district.
• Single resource districts contrasted with districts encompassing multiple properties.
• The procedure for establishing a local or National Register Historic Districts.
Ms. Marie was invited to contact the Planning Office for additional information or to get on the
Commission agenda.
4. HEARINGS (ADVERTISED) — None.
COMMUNICATIONS — None.
PUBLIC COMMENTS — None.
STAFF COMMENTS — None.
MINUTES FOR APPROVAL — June 11, 2012 meeting. No minutes presented for approval.
DISCUSSION/ACTION:
A. Brochure "History of Lansing, A Visitors Guide".
Ms. Kayal presented several versions of the draft brochure. Mr. Truscott suggested that
the return trip (southbound) be on the Rivertrail. He stated that he would present the
brochure to the Convention & Visitors Bureau and Downtown Lansing, Inc. for support
and printing assistance. Ms. Winans said that the changes made were minor and still
along the lines of what was approved on June 11.
B. Cherry Hill Report Update.
Mr. Gross presented the revised Cherry Hill report. The Commission by consensus
agreed that the original report should be pulled out of the updated report, and presented
as a stand-alone document.
C. Progress on Capitol Historic District database.
Mr. Rieske, Mr. Gross, and Ms. Kayal reported that the database is complete, and that
the IT office is assisting with linking the photos. There are more than 600 photos, which
were scanned by Barbara Brooks on a volunteer basis.
HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION Mon.. July 9. 2012 Meetina Mi,..,tes Paqe 2 of 2
D. Memorandum '76 Update.
Mr. Gross reported that he and Ms. Kayal have been taking current photos and updating
the data in this report. It is still in the draft stage.
E. Presentation by Gretchen Cochran, of Preservation Lansing.
Ms. Cochran discussed the new Preservation Award program, designed to encourage
smaller -scale, as well as large-scale preservation projects. They have 7 nominees so far,
and she would like to receive more nominees. The deadline is August 1. To be eligible,
the rehab project must be completed within the last two years.
10. PENDING ITEMS: FUTURE ACTION REQUIRED
A. Historic Significance Classification System — potential uses of the system; potential
properties/areas for each classification.
B. Work session for goal setting and work program.- brainstorming on questions from
previous meetings.
C. Discussion regarding membership.
11. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS — None.
12. ADJOURNMENT was at 7:00 p.m.
2
Minutes
Lansing Historic District Commission
5:30-7:00 p.m. Monday, August 13, 2012
Planning and Neighborhood Development Conference Room
316 N. Capitol Ave., Lansing MI 48933
CALL TO ORDER — Ms. Winans opened the meeting at 5:35 p.m.
A. Introductions and Roll Call:
Present: Phil Mondro, Cassandra Nelson, Carol Skillings, Tom Truscott, and
Nathalie Winans.
Absent: Kara Wood (excused).
Staff Present: Bill Rieske, Asst. Planning Manager; Dorothy Boone, Development
Manager; and Evan Gross and Priyam Kayal, Planning Interns
Others Present: None.
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA — It was moved by Mr. Mondro, seconded by Mr. Truscott, and
CARRIED unanimously (4-0) to approve the agenda as printed.
3. COMMUNICATIONS — None.
4. PUBLIC COMMENTS - None.
5. STAFF COMMENTS — Mr. Rieske introduced the agenda items and highlighted the progress
being made in making historic preservation information, including the items below, available to
the public via the web site.
6. PRESENTATIONS — None.
7 HEARINGS (ADVERTISED) — None.
8. MINUTES FOR APPROVAL — June 11, 2012 and July 9, 2012 meetings — It was moved by Mr.
Mondro, seconded by Ms. Nelson, and CARRIED unanimously (5-0), to approve the minutes to
both meetings as printed.
9. DISCUSSION/ACTION:
A. Lansing Historic Significance Classification System revisited.
For the 6-month review of this tool, Mr. Rieske requested that Commission members
review one of the following materials (B, C, D, or E below) and start applying the
classification system to the properties discussed in one of these reports. After the
ensuing discussion, Commission members agreed by consensus that each member
apply the classification system to the Memorandum '76 update, and that notes from this
review be discussed at the next meeting.
B. Memorandum '76 Update.
httD://www.lansinami.00v/Lansina/ond/hdc/UPDATE FINAL low res4.Ddf
This update was prepared by Evan Gross, with assistance from Priyam Kayal, and
contains more recent photos and updated information. Approximately 80 of the 110 sites
listed in the original report are still standing.
C. Cherry Hill Report Update and Walking Tour
httD://www.lansinami.aov/Lansing/ond/hdc/Cherry Hill Historic District Walking Tour Final Reoort.odf,
This update was prepared by Evan Gross, with assistance from Priyam Kayal, and
contains more recent photos and updated information. This report shows that the Cherry
Hill Historic District still retains those physical characteristics that qualified it for
establishment as a District.
D. Walking Tour Brochure and Booklet
The Brochure and Booklet, which was prepared by Priyam Kayal, with assistance from
Evan Gross, in the final editing stage. It will be sent to the Mayor's Office for his remarks,
then to a printer for quotes.
E. Capitol Historic District
httD://www.lansinami.00v/Lansina/Dnd/hdc/CHD Historic District Studv Final Reoort.Ddf
httD://Qismo.lansingmi.00v/website/Historic
The final report is now on the website. The database of properties is in the final testing
stage,
Buildings to Preserve: Public input received during Master Plan process.
During the Design Lansing Master Plan process, members of the public were asked what
characteristics of Lansing would they preserve, enhance, or transform. Mr. Rieske
provided the "preserve" list to the Commission for information.
10. PENDING ITEMS: FUTURE ACTION REQUIRED
A. Work session for goal setting and work program.- brainstorming on questions from previous meetings —
ELIMINATED BY CONSENSUS.
11. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS
12. ADJOURNMENT
Next Regular Meeting: 5:30 p.m. Monday, September 10, 2012, in the PND Conference Room.
S:\Plan-Dev\PLANNING OFFICE\Historic District Cmsn\HDC 2012\2012 HDC Minutes\HDC August 13, 2012 Minutes.docx
Minutes
Lansing Historic District Commission
5:30-7:00 p.m. Monday, September 10, 2012
Planning and Neighborhood Development Conference Room
316 N. Capitol Ave., Lansing MI 48933
CALL TO ORDER — Ms. Winans opened the meeting at 5:35 p.m.
A. Introductions and Roll Call:
Present: Phil Mondro, Carol Skillings, Tom Truscott, Nathalie Winans, and Kara
Wood.
Absent: Cassandra Nelson (excused).
Staff Present: Bill Rieske, Asst. Planning Manager.
Others Present: None.
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA — It was moved by Mr. Mondro, seconded by Ms. Wood, and
CARRIED unanimously (5-0) to approve the agenda as printed.
3. COMMUNICATIONS — None.
4. PUBLIC COMMENTS - None.
5. STAFF COMMENTS — None.
6. PRESENTATIONS — None.
7 HEARINGS (ADVERTISED) — None.
8. MINUTES FOR APPROVAL — August 13, 2012 meeting — It was moved by Ms. Wood, seconded
by Mr. Truscott, and CARRIED unanimously (5-0), to approve the minutes to the August 13
meeting as printed.
9. DISCUSSION/ACTION:
A. Lansing Historic Significance Classification System and Memorandum '76 Update.
httt)://www.lansingmi.gov/Lansinq/pnd/hdc/UPDATE FINAL low res4.odf
Commission and staff members applied the classification system to the first 68 of the 110
properties in the Memorandum '76 Update. This activity was to "test drive" the
classification system, as well as to evaluate the resources in the report. Weaknesses in
the system were exposed, such as the treatment of sites where historical resources once
stood.
B. Getting the Word Out about Lansing Historical Resources. Mr. Rieske updated
Commission members about recent changes to the "historic districts" web page,
including pdf copies of ten study committee reports and 5 major historic resource
surveys.
i. Cherry Hill Report Update and Walking Tour
htto://www.lansinami.aov/Lansina/pnd/hdc/Cherry Hill Historic District Walkinq Tour Final Report.
pdf. . The final report and update are now available on the web.
ii. Walking Tour Brochure and Booklet. Mr. Rieske reported that the Planning
Office is getting a small number of Design Lansing plans printed, and the
brochure and booklet will follow. The objective with those is to get a quote to
assist with the solicitation of sponsorships.
iii. Capitol Historic District. The report is now available in pdf format on the web,
The property sheets will be once the glitches are corrected.
httD://www.lansinami.aov/LansinQ/Dnd/hdc/CHD Historic District Studv Final ReDort.Ddf
httD: //Qismo.lansi nami.ciov/website/Historic
C. Other business.
10. PENDING ITEMS: FUTURE ACTION REQUIRED — None.
11. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS
12. ADJOURNMENT — At 6:55 p.m., it was moved by Ms. Wood, seconded by Ms. Skillings, and
CARRIED unanimously to adjourn the meeting.
Next Regular Meeting: 5:30 p.m. Monday, October 8, 2012, in the PND Conference Room.
S:Tlan-Dev\PLANNING OFFICEMsloric District Cmsn\l-IDC 2012\2012 HDC Minutes\HDC September 10, 2012 Minutes.docx
Minutes
Lansing Historic District Commission
5:30-7:00 p.m. Monday, October 8, 2012
Planning and Neighborhood Development Conference Room
316 N. Capitol Ave., Lansing MI 48933
CALL TO ORDER — Ms. Winans opened the meeting at 5:35 p.m.
A. Introductions and Roll Call:
Present: Phil Mondro, Cassandra Nelson, Carol Skillings, Tom Truscott, Nathalie
Winans, and Kara Wood.
Absent: None.
Staff Present: Bill Rieske, Asst. Planning Manager.
Others Present: None.
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA — It was moved by Mr. Mondro, seconded by Ms. Wood, and
CARRIED unanimously (6-0) to approve the agenda as printed.
3. COMMUNICATIONS — None.
4. PUBLIC COMMENTS - None.
5. STAFF COMMENTS — None.
6. PRESENTATIONS — None.
7 HEARINGS (ADVERTISED) — None.
8. MINUTES FOR APPROVAL — September 10, 2012 meeting — It was moved by Ms. Wood,
seconded by Mr. Truscott, and CARRIED unanimously (6-0), to approve the minutes to the
August 13 meeting as printed.
DISCUSSION/ACTION:
A. Preservation Lansing meeting re: Preservation Awards scheduled for Wednesday,
October 24, 5:00 — 7:00 p.m.
B. Lansing Historic Significance Classification System and Memorandum '76 Update.
htto://www.lansinami.00v/Lansina/ond/hdc/UPDATE FINAL low res4.odf
Commission and staff members applied the classification system to the remainder of the
properties in the Memorandum '76 Update. This activity was to "test drive" the
classification system, as well as to evaluate the resources in the report. Weaknesses in
the system were exposed, such as the treatment of sites where historical resources once
stood. It was suggested that an "M" designation be applied to potential marker sites
where the historic resource is no longer present.
C. Getting the Word Out about Lansing Historical Resources. No action taken.
D. Other business. None.
10. PENDING ITEMS: FUTURE ACTION REQUIRED — None.
11. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS
Ms. Skillings reported that she was tried to contact Lansing Community College about the
properties at Saginaw and Capitol, but was not successful.
Ms. Winans announced that she is giving a presentation on Victorian fashion at the Vevay Twp.
Hall on November 8 at 7:00 p.m.
Mr. Truscott said that Mary Patrick (373-1650) now handles historical markers.
12. ADJOURNMENT — At 6:55 p.m., it was moved by Ms. Wood, seconded by Ms. Skillings, and
CARRIED unanimously to adjourn the meeting.
Next Regular Meeting: 5:30 p.m. Monday, January 14, 2013, in the PND Conference Room.
SAPlan-DeOPLANNING OFFICE\Historic District Cmsn\HDC 2012\2012 HDC Minutes\HDC October 8, 2012 Minutes.docx
Minutes
Lansing Historic District Commission
5:30-7:00 p.m. Monday, December 10, 2012
Planning and Neighborhood Development Conference Room
316 N. Capitol Ave., Lansing MI 48933
CALL TO ORDER — Ms. Winans opened the meeting at 5:35 p.m.
A. Introductions and Roll Call:
Present: Phil Mondro, Cassandra Nelson, Tom Truscott, and Nathalie Winans.
Excused Absences: Carol Skillings and Kara Wood.
Staff Present: Bill Rieske, Asst. Planning Manager.
Others Present: Barbara Brooks, of Preservation Lansing.
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA — It was moved by Mr. Mondro, seconded by Ms. Wood, and
CARRIED unanimously (5-0) to approve the agenda as printed.
3. PUBLIC COMMENTS
4. STAFF COMMENTS
5. PRESENTATIONS — None.
HEARINGS (ADVERTISED) — None.
MINUTES FOR APPROVAL — October 8, 2012 meeting — It was moved by Mr. Mondro,
seconded by Mr. Truscott, and CARRIED unanimously (5-0) to approve the agenda as printed.
8. COMMUNICATIONS
Article: "How to Cash In on Historic Preservation".
"Introduction to the Historic Preservation Grant Program"
9. DISCUSSION/ACTION:
A. Discussion of potential historic district proposal.
A discussion ensued among Commission, staff, and Ms. Brooks about reviving the Capitol
Historic District proposal. Ms. Winans and Ms. Brooks mentioned the three houses at Capitol
and Saginaw, the Niowave property, and the Michigan Retailers Association parking lots as
recent examples of the erosion of community character near downtown Lansing. The only
way to prevent the demolition of historic resources is to include them in a local historic
district. A discussion ensued about Mr. Truscott, Ms. Nelson, Carol Skillings, and Gretchen
Cochran as possible nominees to a historic district study committee. No action was taken.
Other strategies for encouraging historic preservation (e.g. National Register districts, walking
tours, brochures, and historical markers) were also discussed. Mr. Truscott mentioned
having a walking tour as part of the Michigan Historical Commission's 100-year anniversary.
Ms. Winans briefly discussed MSHDA's proposed "MiNeighborhood" program, which is
basically a "Main Street" program for neighborhoods.
B. Work Program Status Report. Mr. Rieske introduced the status report form enclosed in the
meeting packet, and asked Commissioners to fill the time frames and add additional items as
necessary.
C. Memorandum '76 Historic Significance Classification. Mr. Rieske briefly discussed the
updated classification form for the Memorandum '76 properties. A discussion ensued about
the letter designations used, and it was agreed that short labels for each classification be
used instead.
D. HDC Membership. Mr. Rieske presented information about term expirations from the Clerk's
website. He will check on the accuracy of this information and any reappointments can
be discussed at a subsequent meeting.
E. Holiday Luncheon - Tuesday, December 18, 2012, at 12:00 p.m. at the Nuthouse, 420 E.
Michigan Ave. Mr. Truscott confirmed his attendance at the upcoming luncheon.
F. Other business.
10. PENDING ITEMS: FUTURE ACTION REQUIRED — None.
11. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS
12. ADJOURNMENT — At 6:55 p.m., it was moved by Ms. Nelson, seconded by Mr. Mondro, and
CARRIED unanimously to adjourn the meeting.
Next Regular Meeting: 5:30 p.m. Monday, January 14, 2013, in the PND Conference Room.
SAI'lan-DevTLANNING OFFICEHistoric District Cmsn\HDC 2012\2012 HDC Minutes\HDC December 10, 2012 Minutes.docx
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