HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013 Historic District Commission MinutesMinutes
Lansing Historic District Commission
5:30-7:00 p.m. Monday, January 14, 2013
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; Dorothy Boone, Development
Manager.
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA — It was moved by Ms. Skillings, seconded by Ms. Wood, and
CARRIED unanimously (6-0) to approve the agenda as printed.
PUBLIC COMMENTS — None
4. STAFF COMMENTS — None.
PRESENTATIONS — None.
6 HEARINGS (ADVERTISED) — None.
7. MINUTES FOR APPROVAL — December 10, 2012 meeting — Three corrections were noted
was moved by Mr. Truscott, seconded by Mr. Mondro, and CARRIED unanimously (6-0) to
approve the minutes as corrected.
8. COMMUNICATIONS — None.
9. DISCUSSION/ACTION:
A. Genesee School — potential single -resource district. Ms. Nelson updated the
Commission on a potential request to establish a local district at the Genesee School
property.
B. Potential Approach to Historic Preservation and Form -Based Codes. Mr. Rieske and Ms.
Boone presented "Heritage Based Placemaking, a discussion that included local and
National Register historic districts, "respectful rehabilitation", form -based codes,
demolition delay/prevention, and "heritage neighborhoods" as placemaking tools. A
discussion ensued to develop an operational definition of "heritage neighborhoods".
Options included "historic district lite", with guidelines or standards which are less
stringent than the Secretary's Standards, and a commemorative program that celebrates
the heritage of a neighborhood.
C. Joint meeting with Planning Board on February 5, 2013. Mr. Rieske said he'd like to
schedule a joint Planning Board/HDC meeting, perhaps on February 5, regarding Form -
Based Codes and other items of shared interest. Most HDC members indicated their
interest and availability. (Due to a full Planning Board agenda, the joint meeting did not
take place.)
D. 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. By consensus, Commission agreed to discuss this at the next
meeting.
E. Other business. A 2013 schedule of meetings was enclosed in the packet and duly
noted.
10. PENDING ITEMS: FUTURE ACTION REQUIRED — None.
11. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS — Mr. Truscott announced a February 23 Doo Wops
concert at the Michigan Historical Center, sponsored by the Friends of Michigan History.
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, March 11, 2013, in the PND Conference Room.
S:\Plan-Dev\PLANNING OFFICE\Historic District Cmsn\HDC 2013\HDC January 14, 2013 Minutes.docx
Minutes
Lansing Historic District Commission
5:30-7:00 p.m. Monday, February 11, 2013
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.
Excused Absences: Phil Mondro and Kara Wood.
Staff Present: Bill Rieske, Asst. Planning Manager; Dorothy Boone, Development
Manager.
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA — It was moved by Mr. Truscott, seconded by Ms. Skillings, and
CARRIED unanimously (6-0) to approve the agenda as printed.
3. PUBLIC COMMENTS — None
4. STAFF COMMENTS — None.
5. PRESENTATIONS — None.
6 HEARINGS (ADVERTISED) — None.
7. MINUTES FOR APPROVAL — Minutes to the January 11 meeting were not available.
8. COMMUNICATIONS — None.
9. DISCUSSION/ACTION:
A. Work Program Status Report. Commissioners discussed the status of each project and
added changes to the draft Work Program for 2013. (A draft copy of those changes is
attached.)
B. Other business - None
10. PENDING ITEMS: FUTURE ACTION REQUIRED —None.
11. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS
• Mr. Truscott announced a February 23 Doo Wops concert at the Michigan Historical Center,
sponsored by the Friends of Michigan History.
• Ms. Skillings reported on her efforts to save an Oak tree located on a Land Bank property at
the SW corner of Huron and Allegan.
12. ADJOURNMENT — At 6:55 p.m., it was moved by Ms. Skillings, seconded by Ms. Nelson, and
CARRIED unanimously to adjourn the meeting.
Next Regular Meeting: 5:30 p.m. Monday, March 11, 2013, in the PND Conference Room.
SAPlan-Dev\PLANNING OFFICE\Historic District Cmsn\HDC 2013\2013 Minutes\HDC February 11, 2013 Minutes.docx
Minutes
Lansing Historic District Commission
5:30-7:00 p.m. Monday, March 11, 2013
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.
Excused Absences: Phil Mondro and Kara Wood.
Staff Present: Bill Rieske, Asst. Planning Manager
NO QUORUM WAS PRESENT
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA — NO ACTION TAKEN
PUBLIC COMMENTS — None
STAFF COMMENTS
• Mr. Rieske reported on the upcoming Form Based Code Public Meeting #1 — 6:30 p.m.
Wed.. March 20, Foster Community Center, Room 213.
5. PRESENTATIONS — None.
6 HEARINGS (ADVERTISED) — None.
7. MINUTES FOR APPROVAL — January 14 and February 11 meetings. NO ACTION TAKEN.
8. COMMUNICATIONS — None.
9. DISCUSSION/ACTION:
A. Genesee School Historic District proposal update. Ms. Nelson is drafting a preliminary
report, which she plans to submit to Bob Christensen at the SHPO for his comments. A
potential buyer has shown interest in the property.
B. Walking Tour Brochures update. Ms. Nelson did copy editing of the document, and
needs Inline Design to do any further editing. Ms. Winans said Inline Design is part of
the Adobe Creative Suite, and a trial version may be downloadable for free. Mr. Truscott
said he would work with Priyam to get the document corrected.
A discussion ensued about potential sponsors, including the Michigan Association of
Realtors' Lighter, Quicker, Cheaper Challenge program, the Convention and Visitors'
Bureau, and the Arts Council.
C. Work Program Status Report revisions. A discussion ensued, featuring both corrections
to the Work Program and updates due to progress on the work items. A revised version
dated March -April, 2013 reflects the changes.
D. Other business — None.
10. PENDING ITEMS: FUTURE ACTION REQUIRED — None.
11. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS
• Ms. Skillings reported on three items
O her efforts to save an Oak tree located on a Land Bank property at the SW corner of
Huron and Allegan.
o the CLG grant program, and discussed it in light of the 2013 Work Program.
o the Michigan Geocaching Organization, and its potential for promoting preservation.
12. ADJOURNMENT — At 6:55 p.m., it was moved by Ms. Skillings, seconded by Ms. Nelson, and
CARRIED unanimously to adjourn the meeting.
Next Regular Meeting: 5:30 p.m. Monday, April 8, 2013, in the PND Conference Room.
SAPIan-DevTLANNING OFFICE\Historic District Cmsn\HDC 2013\2013 Minutes\HDC March 11, 2013 Minutes.docx
Minutes
Lansing Historic District Commission
5:30-7:00 p.m. Monday, May 13, 2013
Planning and Neighborhood Development Conference Room
316 N. Capitol Ave., Lansing MI 48933
CALL TO ORDER — Ms. Winans opened the meeting at 5:45 p.m.
A. Introductions and Roll Call:
Present: Phil Mondro, Cassandra Nelson, Carol Skillings, Tom Truscott, and
Nathalie Winans.
Excused Absences: Kara Wood.
Staff Present: Bill Rieske, Asst. Planning Manager
APPROVAL OF AGENDA — It was moved by Ms. Skillings, seconded by Mr. Truscott, and
CARRIED unanimously (5-0) to approve the agenda as printed.
PUBLIC COMMENTS — None.
STAFF COMMENTS — Mr. Rieske mentioned the difficulty the HDC has with getting a quorum.
Commission members mentioned Gretchen Cochran as a potential HDC member.
PRESENTATIONS — None.
HEARINGS (ADVERTISED) — None.
MINUTES FOR APPROVAL — January 14, February 11, and March 11 meetings — It was moved
by Mr. Mondro, seconded by Mr. Truscott, and CARRIED unanimously (5-0) to approve the
minutes to the January 14, February 11, and March 11 meetings as printed.
COMMUNICATIONS — None.
DISCUSSION/ACTION:
A. Historic Preservation Toolbox - Ms. Nelson noted the absence of the Michigan Historic
Preservation Network among the resources listed. Mr. Rieske said that this will be
corrected.
B. Genesee School Historic District proposal update — Ms. Nelson said she has submitted a
first draft to Bob Christensen at the SHPO. Mr. Rieske noted that no local historic district
request has been received, so that process, if desired by the owner, has yet to be
initiated.
C. Walking Tour Brochures update. Mr. Rieske and Mr. Truscott have compared quotes,
and are nearly ready to get the brochure printed.
D. Work Program Status Report revisions. Suggestions for updates and revisions were
discussed for incorporation in a May, 2013 version of the work program.
10. PENDING ITEMS: FUTURE ACTION REQUIRED — None.
11. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS
o Ms. Skillings reported on her efforts to save an oak tree on Huron Street.
o Mr. Mondro reported that he was contacted by a lady doing portraits of historic houses on
the eastside.
o Ms. Winans noted that David Votta is no longer managing the CADL local history room.
o Ms. Skillings suggested the possibility of a CityTV show focusing on preservation. Mr.
Rieske noted that Bob Johnson would like to conduct a televised walking tour when the
brochure is completed.
12. ADJOURNMENT
Next Regular Meeting: 5:30 p.m. Monday, June 10, 2013, in the PND Conference Room.
2
Minutes
Lansing Historic District Commission
5:30-7:00 p.m. Monday, June 10, 2013
Planning and Neighborhood Development Conference Room
316 N. Capitol Ave., Lansing MI 48933
CALL TO ORDER — Ms. Winans opened the meeting at 5:39 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
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA — The agenda was approved by unanimous consent.
PUBLIC COMMENTS — None.
4. STAFF COMMENTS — None.
5. PRESENTATIONS — None.
HEARINGS (ADVERTISED) — None.
MINUTES FOR APPROVAL — May 13 meeting — It was moved by Mr. Mondro, seconded by Mr.
Truscott, and CARRIED unanimously (4-0) to approve the minutes to the May 13 meeting as
printed.
COMMUNICATIONS — None.
DISCUSSION/ACTION:
A. Walking Tour Brochures update. Mr. Rieske reported that the booklet and brochure are at
the printers, and should be available very shortly. Mr. Truscott updated Commission
members on the strong demand for the booklet, and distribution efforts to date.
B. Genesee School Historic District proposal update. Ms. Nelson said that the next draft of the
nomination will be submitted to Robert Christensen at the SHPO by the end of June. The
application covers the school building and grounds.
C. Discussion regarding potential CLG Grant projects. Mr. Rieske said that the SHPO is looking
for potential projects for CLG grant funding. Commission members brainstormed on potential
projects, and came up with:
• A Genesee Neighborhood Historic District proposal,
• A renewed and revised Capitol Historic District proposal,
• The nomination of the Memorandum '76 properties,
• A renewed and revised School for the Blind Historic District proposal.
Mr. Rieske stated that he will consult with Bob Johnson about these possibilities and report
back to the Commission.
D. Work Program Status Report revisions. No discussion or action.
E. Historic Preservation Toolbox.. No discussion or action.
F. Cancellation or postponement of July 8 meeting. The July 8 meeting was canceled by
unanimous consent. If necessary, a special meeting can be scheduled.
10. PENDING ITEMS: FUTURE ACTION REQUIRED — None.
11. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS
o It was suggested that Gretchen Cochran be contacted about possible Commission
membership.
12. ADJOURNMENT — The meeting was adjourned at 6:40 p.m.
July 8, 2013 meeting canceled.
Next Regular Meeting: 5:30 p.m. Monday, August 12, 2013, in the PND Conference Room.
Minutes
Lansing Historic District Commission
5:30-7:00 p.m. Monday, September 9, 2013
Planning and Neighborhood Development Conference Room
316 N. Capitol Ave., Lansing MI 48933
CALL TO ORDER — Ms. Winans opened the meeting at 5:39 p.m.
A. Introductions and Roll Call:
Present: Phil Mondro, Cassandra Nelson, Tom Truscott, and Nathalie Winans.
Absences: Carol Skillings.
Staff Present: Bill Rieske, Asst. Planning Manager
Others Present: Regarding Saboury Building: Dr. Sam Saboury; Mr. Kim DeStigter,
Architect; and Ms.Jessica Besaw, PM Environmental.
From MSU: Sarah Murray, Pedram Foushani, Padeep Toor; and
Xiangyun Li.
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA — The agenda was approved by unanimous consent.
3. PUBLIC COMMENTS — None.
4. STAFF COMMENTS — None.
PRESENTATIONS — The Saboury Building, 1113 and 1119 N. Washington Avenue — Request for
HDC Comments.
Mr. Saboury, Mr. DeStigter, and Ms. Besaw presented the proposal, which includes the
rehabilitation of 1113 and the construction of an infill building at 1119. The consensus of the
Commission was that the specifications for both rehab and infill meet the criteria set forth in the
Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation. By consensus, the Commission favored
sending a letter of support to MSHDA on behalf of the project. Ms. Besaw offered to draft the
letter for Mr. Rieske's signature.
6 HEARINGS (ADVERTISED) — None.
7. MINUTES FOR APPROVAL — June 10 meeting — No minutes presented for approval.
8. COMMUNICATIONS — None.
9. DISCUSSION/ACTION:
A. Walking Tour Brochures update. Mr. Rieske distributed booklets with brochures, and
reported that the demand for the booklet has been high. Capitol Imaging is formatting both
booklet and brochure for web access. Mr. Truscott elaborated, and said it would be time to
seek sponsors for a second printing. Ms. Winans asked for a coy of the file so she could
perform additional editing.
B. Genesee School Historic District proposal update. Ms. Nelson said that the next draft of the
nomination was submitted to Robert Christensen at the SHPO, and awaits his comments.
The application covers the school building and grounds.
C. Discussion regarding potential CLG Grant projects. No action taken.
D. Work Program Status Report revisions. No discussion or action.
E. Historic Preservation Toolbox.. No discussion or action.
10. PENDING ITEMS: FUTURE ACTION REQUIRED — None.
11. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS
o Ms. Winans reported that work may be going on in the Cherry Hill district that may require
Commission review and approval. Mr. Rieske said he would follow up with Code
Compliance about this issue.
o Ms. Nelson reported that the exterior work on the Knapp's building is beginning to shape
up.
12. ADJOURNMENT — The meeting was adjourned at 7 6:45 p.m.
Next Regular Meeting: 5:30 p.m. Monday, October 14, 2013, in the PND Conference Room.
Minutes
Lansing Historic District Commission
5:30-7:00 p.m. Monday, November 18, 2013
Planning and Neighborhood Development Conference Room
316 N. Capitol Ave., Lansing MI 48933
CALL TO ORDER — Ms. Winans opened the meeting at 5:36 p.m.
A. Introductions and Roll Call:
Present: Cassandra Nelson, Tom Truscott, and Nathalie Winans.
Absences: Phil Mondro, Carol Skillings, Kara Wood.
Staff Present: Bill Rieske, Asst. Planning Manager
Others Present: Xiangyun Li.
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA — The agenda was approved by unanimous consent.
3. PUBLIC COMMENTS — None.
4. STAFF COMMENTS — None.
5. PRESENTATIONS — None.
6 HEARINGS (ADVERTISED) — None.
7. MINUTES FOR APPROVAL — June 10, September 9 meetings — NO ACTION.
8. COMMUNICATIONS — None.
DISCUSSION/ACTION:
A. Walking Tour Brochures update. Mr. Rieske reported that he ordered 500 booklets with
brochures, and that Bob Johnson would be distributing 250 to attendees of an Urban Land
Institute (ULI) conference at the Lansing Center. The remainder would be available for
distribution. Sponsorships will be required for any further printings.
B. Genesee School Historic District proposal update. Ms. Nelson reported that the project is on
hold pending review and editing by Bob Christensen at the SHPO. The application covers the
school building and grounds.
C. Rules of Procedure. A discussion ensued about the role of the HDC in reviewing any deed
restrictive covenants, deed restrictions, or preservation easements donated to Preservation
Lansing. Ms. Winans, Ms. Nelson, and Mr. Rieske agreed that the Rules of Procedure permit
Commission to take an advisory role within its purview, regardless of the location of the
properties.
D. 2014 HDC Schedule. A 2014 schedule was enclosed, with meetings at 5:30 p.m. on the
second Monday of each month, in the PND Conference Room.
E. QR Codes. Mr. Rieske said that the City of St. Clair Shores is doing a lot with QR Codes and
inquired about the HDC interest in pursuing that course of action. A discussion ensued, with
big questions about who would spearhead the effort, and what tech support would be
available.
10. PENDING ITEMS: FUTURE ACTION REQUIRED — None.
11. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS
o Ms. Winans and Ms. Nelson reported on the need for more local craftsmen, for such work
as window repair and plastering.
12. ADJOURNMENT —The meeting was adjourned at 6:45 p.m.
Next Regular Meeting: 5:30 p.m. Monday, December 9, 2013, in the PND Conference Room.
Minutes
Lansing Historic District Commission
5:30-7:00 p.m. Monday, December 9, 2013
Planning and Neighborhood Development Conference Room
316 N. Capitol Ave., Lansing MI 48933
CALL TO ORDER — Ms. Winans opened the meeting at 5:32 p.m.
A. Introductions and Roll Call:
Present: Phil Mondro, Cassandra Nelson, Carol Skillings, Tom Truscott, and
Nathalie Winans.
Absences: Kara Wood.
Staff Present: Bill Rieske, Asst. Planning Manager
Others Present: None.
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA — The agenda was approved by unanimous consent.
3. PUBLIC COMMENTS — None.
4. STAFF COMMENTS — None.
5. PRESENTATIONS — None.
6 HEARINGS (ADVERTISED) — None.
7. MINUTES FOR APPROVAL — June 10, September 9, and November 18 meetings — It was
moved by Mr. Truscott, seconded by Ms. Nelson, to approve the minutes to these meetings as
amended.
COMMUNICATIONS — None
DISCUSSION/ACTION:
A. Genesee School Historic District proposal. The Commission reviewed the proposed
National Register nomination, with local significance. Members concurred with the
report's finding that the property DOES meet the national criteria, specifically:
Criterion A - The property is associated with events that have made a significant
contribution to the broad pattern of our history; and
Criterion C — Property embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period,
or method of construction or represents the work of a master, or possesses high artistic
values, or represents a significant and distinguishable entity whose components lack,
individual distinction.
It was moved by Mr. Truscott, seconded by Mr. Mondro, to concur with the Genesee
School National Register of Historic Places report.
B. 2014 HDC Meeting Schedule. (Information item).
C. Holiday luncheon at the Nuthouse Sports Grill on Tuesday, December 17th at 12:00 PM.
Mr. Rieske invited HDC members to this luncheon for City board members.
10. PENDING ITEMS: FUTURE ACTION REQUIRED —None.
11. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS
Mr. Truscott reported that a historical marker for the Armory Building is imminent.
Ms. Winans requested a map of historic resources.
A discussion ensued regarding future directions for the new year. The main points were:
o There's a need for more local craftsmen, for such work as window repair and plastering.
o The strategic planning done at the beginning of last year should be revisited.
o The Commission should be armed with a map of historic districts.
o National Register designation provides prestige and Federal tax credits, but does not
protect historic resources from demolition or insensitive rehabilitation. It may be more
politically feasible because it is NOT regulatory or intrusive,
o Local district designation provides protection and Federal tax credits, but may be less
palatable to the public because it is regulatory,
o Possible projects for next year include designations for the Memorandum '76 properties
or portions of the Capitol Historic District proposals.
o The Commission should reach out to the Cherry Hill historic district.
o The Commission should try meeting in the LBWL depot building. The renovation of this
building may be an indication of an emerging preservation.
o Preservation Lansing continues to serve as a grass roots advocacy organization, and the
Commission should continue to work in partnership with them.
o The Armory building historical marker will be installed soon.
12. ADJOURNMENT — The meeting was adjourned at 6:46 p.m.
Next Regular Meeting: 5:30 p.m. Monday, January 13, 2014, in the PND Conference Room.