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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014 Historic District Commission MinutesMinutes Lansing Historic District Commission 5:30-7:00 p.m. Monday, February 10, 2014 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: Carol Skillings, Tom Truscott, Nathalie Winans, and Kara Wood. Absences: Phil Mondro and Cassandra Nelson. Staff Present: Bill Rieske, Asst. Planning Manager Others Present: Roxanne Case, Ingham County Land Bank. 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 — December 9 meeting — NO ACTION TAKEN 8. COMMUNICATIONS — None. 9. DISCUSSION/ACTION: A. 106 Review — Request for public comment on impact of demolition on certain properties within district of potential historic significance. Mr. Rieske noted that the 106 process requires public input and consultation, but no board action is required. He explained that the City and the Ingham County Land Bank propose a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) as step to mitigate the demolition of properties in the Old 4th Ward, and Green Oaks areas, which have been determined by the SHPO to have potential historic significance. This determination was made 28 years ago, based on a reconnaissance survey by Schneider and Sorrels, and conditions have changed since then. The MOA will call for a baseline survey of properties within those areas, to determine those properties that are outstanding, contributing, and non-contributing. This will assist with ensuring that priority properties are preserved. Mr. Rieske explained the survey methodology, noting that this is a survey of physical characteristics of the buildings. The criteria are less detailed than the those of the HDC, but Mannik and Smith's "Outstanding " roughly includes the HDC's "Highest Importance", "Major Importance", and "Architectural/Historical Importance" classifications. Their "Contributing" category roughly equates to the HDC's "Contextual Importance", and their "Non-contributing" includes the HDC's "Important Buildings That Have Been Altered", and "Of No Particular Interest" categories. Mannik and Smith is also working on guidelines for rehabbing structures in their original architectural style. Ms. Boone said that the City has had an ongoing dialog with the Historic District Commission (HDC), and with Preservation Lansing since its establishment. It's important to continue the dialog about historic preservation, while providing more flexibility in 106 reviews to allow the Land Bank to carry out its mission. .Ms. Case noted that Jeff Burdick, Ingham County Land Bank (ICLB) Executive Director, discussed this proposal at the Preservation Lansing meeting on Thursday, February 6. She added that ICLB has had these eight properties for 3-4 years. As proposed, the survey precedes the demolitions, which should be completed before summer. She also said that the Land Bank will have something on their web site regarding this matter. Ms. Winans applauded the Land Bank for being judicious about its properties slated for demolition, and welcomed the prospects for an update of the 1986 survey. She also stated a concern that the criteria may be oversimplified. It may cover architectural significance, but lacks information on historical significance. Ms. Wood concurred about the architectural emphasis, and suggested that a disclaimer be added that the survey is one or architectural significance, not historical significance. Ms. Skillings said that the survey will be helpful for prioritization and further research. Mr. Truscott said that historic preservation is about preserving memories to pass on to future generations. B. Other Business — None. 10. PENDING ITEMS: FUTURE ACTION REQUIRED — None. 11. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS — None. 12. ADJOURNMENT — The meeting was adjourned at 6:46 p.m. Next Regular Meeting: 5:30 p.m. Monday, March 10, 2014, in the PND Conference Room. SIPlan-DeOPLANNING OFFICE\Historic District Cmsn\HDC 2014\HDC February 10, 2014 Minules.docx 2 Minutes Lansing Historic District Commission 5:30-7:00 p.m. Monday, April 21, 2014 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. Absences: Kara Wood. Staff Present: Bill Rieske, Asst. Planning Manager Others Present: None. 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA — The agenda was approved by unanimous consent. PUBLIC COMMENTS — None. 4. STAFF COMMENTS Mr. Rieske reported on a phone call from Barb Munson, a descendent of architect Orly Munson,of the firm Bowd and Munson, which designed many of the notable historic buildings in the Lansing -East Lansing area, She was concerned that appropriate credit be given for the buildings designed solely by Mr. Munson. (The Lansing State Journal reported that the Knapp's Building was designed by Mr. Bowd.) • Tonight's City Council agenda reflects the Mayoral appointments of Gretchen Cochran and Curtis Sonnenberg to the HDC. • At the Planning and Neighborhood Development Department budget hearing last week, the PowerPoint presentation included a slide with photos of the Genesee School and the Knapp's building, with the caption "Historic Districts leverage Economic Development 2000-2012 - $186,757,038 invested in Lansing historic districts". The HDC has a lot to be proud of. The City's application to the EPA's Greening America's Capitals program for design services was approved. The project includes charrettes regarding an update to the State's "Capital Park Plan 1987", by Minuro Yamasaki and Associates, who designed the World Trade Center. The Plan features a 'map" of Michigan, with ponds for the Great Lakes, instead of the parking lot between Sycamore and Butler streets (extended). 5. PRESENTATIONS — None. 6 HEARINGS (ADVERTISED) — None. 7. MINUTES FOR APPROVAL— December 9, 2013 & February 10, 2014. It was moved by Ms. Skillings, seconded by Ms. Nelson, and CARRIED unanimously to approve both sets of minutes as printed. 8. COMMUNICATIONS — None. 9. DISCUSSION/ACTION: A. Updates: on: • 106 Review — The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation was notified of the mitigation plan for the adverse effect of the Neighborhood Stabilization Program demolitions. No response was received within the mandatory 15 -day comment period. The next step is a meeting with the SHPO regarding the approval of a Memorandum of Agreement regarding the mitigation plan. • Butler Corridor Walk, Chalk, Talk Event — a walk-thru is scheduled for May 6, 2014 regarding the role of and design improvements to the corridor. • Genesee Street School — No update. • Preservation Lansing — Ms. Winans and Ms. Nelson reported on the Lansing School District's plans for Eastern High School. • Booklets/Brochures — Sponsors are needed for the next printing. Mr. Truscott volunteered to continue efforts to distribute the booklets, and Mr. Mondro volunteered to approach his company about a sponsorship. 10. Other Business — None. 11. PENDING ITEMS: FUTURE ACTION REQUIRED —None. 12. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS A discussion ensued regarding window treatment training programs. Mr.Mondro mentioned SpencerWorks, a company which specializes in custom-built, concealed hanging storm windows and create traditional storm windows on a custom basis. 13. ADJOURNMENT — The meeting was adjourned at 6:06 p.m Next Regular Meeting: 5:30 p.m. Monday, May 12, 2014, in the PND Conference Room. S1Plan-DeOPLANNING OFFICE\Historic District Cmsn\HDC 2014\HDC February 10, 2014 Minules.docx Minutes Lansing Historic District Commission 5:30-7:00 p.m. Monday, May 12, 2014 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: Gretchen Cochran, Cassandra Nelson, Carol Skillings, Curtis Sonnenberg, Tom Truscott, Nathalie Winans, Kara Wood Absent: Phil Mondro Staff Present: Bill Rieske 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA — It was moved by Ms. Skillings, seconded by Ms. Cochran, and CARRIED unanimously, 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 — April 21, 2014. It was moved by Ms. Wood, seconded by Ms. Nelson, and CARRIED unanimously to approve the April 21 minutes as corrected. 8. COMMUNICATIONS — None. DISCUSSION/ACTION: A. Preserving the "best of the best". Mr. Rieske distributed a printed copy of a PowerPoint with photos of those buildings deemed "outstanding" Mannik & Smith's recent windshield survey completed as part of the 106 review He asked the question "how do we preserve the best of the best?" A discussion ensued about the prospects of reviving the Capitol Historic District. The discussion weighed the various strategies (National Register or local districts, historical markers). By consensus, it was decided to invite Robert Christensen, from the SHPO, to the next HDC meeting, to advise the Commission on the best approach. B. Updates: on: • 106 Review — see above. • Butler Corridor Walk, Chalk, Talk Event — Ms. Cochran reported on a creative walk-thru of the Butler Corridor, featuring ideas from several generations. One focus area for design improvements was the school bus stop, at which several buses converge. Follow-up events are being planned. • Genesee Street School — The SHPO has approved the renovation specifications for compliance with the Secretary's Standards. • Preservation Lansing (PL) o Eastern High School - Ms. Cochran, Ms. Winans, and Ms. Nelson reported on talks with the Lansing School District regarding Eastern High School. A discussion ensued about the future of the building, as well as the large open space that is part of the property. In the ensuing discussion, the adjustments needed to relocate classes to other locations, as well as the need to find a developer for an adaptive reuse project. Ms. Wood mentioned the Woda Group, which has experience in adapting old schools. o Preservation Awards — Ms. Cochran reported that PL is gearing up for its third awards ceremony, slated for October, with nominations closing August 1. o Salvage Summits — Ms. Cochran reported on the series of Salvage Summits she's been spearheading since late last year. The most recent one held last Friday morning featured Meegan Czop of Rebuilders' Exchange in Chicago. A discussion ensued about the various aspects of deconstruction, including public policies to allow deconstruction, and a training track to address the skills required for such work. • Booklets/Brochures — Mr. Truscott volunteered to continue to distribute more booklets, and continue efforts to seek sponsorships. • Form Based Code (FBC) project— Mr. Rieske reported on an FBC public workshop held last Thursday, at which the main topic was urban mixed-use (MXD) districts, building on the Design Lansing Comprehensive Plan, the Mid - Michigan Program for Greater Sustainability (MMPGS) charrettes, and the additional public input as part of the FBC project. 10. Other Business — None. 11. PENDING ITEMS: FUTURE ACTION REQUIRED — None. 12. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS Mr. Truscott reported that a historical marker ceremony will take place at 119th St. Park on Thursday, May 22, from 2-4 p.m. Ms. Cochran reported on two houses, formerly owned by the Ingham County Land Bank, being renovated according to the Secretary's Standards, enforced by with legally -binding restrictive covenants with Preservation Lansing. 13. ADJOURNMENT — The meeting was adjourned at 7:00 p.m. Next Regular Meeting: 5:30 p.m. Monday, June 9, 2014, in the PND Conference Room. 2 Minutes Lansing Historic District Commission 5:30-7:00 p.m. Monday, June 9, 2014 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: Gretchen Cochran, Phil Mondro, Cassandra Nelson, Carol Skillings, Curtis Sonnenberg, Nathalie Winans Absent: Tom Truscott, Kara Wood Also present: Robert O. Christensen, of the State Historic Preservation Office. Staff Present: Bill Rieske 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA — It was moved by Ms. Skillings, seconded by Ms. Cochran, and CARRIED unanimously, 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 — May 21, 2014. It was moved by Mr. Mondro, seconded by Ms. Skillings, and CARRIED unanimously to approve the May 21 minutes as corrected. 8. COMMUNICATIONS — None. DISCUSSION/ACTION A. Preservation strategies for Genesee neighborhood. Bob Christensen summarized the discussed the pros and cons of both local and National Register designations. A discussion ensued about both approaches for the Genesee neighborhood and the old Capitol Historic District proposal. The discussion also included preservation proposals for Eastern and Sexton High Schools. NO ACTION WAS TAKEN. B. Discussion of Historic Preservation Conference Ms. Cochran reported on the MHPN conference she attended. A discussion ensued broad topics about advocacy, education, and regulation, the roles of various local preservation organizations, and the initiatives reported by other communities. She also updated the Commission on Preservation Lansing activities. C. Updates: • 106 Review Status — Mr. Rieske reported that the Memorandum of Agreement was signed and submitted to the SHPO for their signature. Upon receipt of the executed agreement, the City will send it to the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation for review. • Butler Corridor Coalition — No update. • Genesee Street School — Mr. Rieske reported that on June 3, the Planning Board recommended Tim Hunnicutt's application for rezoning application from "C" Residential District to "D-1" Professional Office District to permit the building to be used for office and multiple family residential purposes. He also reported on the subsequent construction of a greenhouse on the property in violation of the zoning ordinance. • Booklets/Brochures — No update. • Form Based Codes — No update. 10. Other Business — None. Mr. Rieske said that he would be on vacation the week prior to the July 14 HDC meeting. It was decided by consensus to cancel the July meeting. 11. PENDING ITEMS: FUTURE ACTION REQUIRED — None. 12. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS Ms. Winans suggested that the 2012-2013 strategic planning work be revisited at the next meeting. 13. ADJOURNMENT — The meeting was adjourned at 7:00 p.m. Next Regular Meeting: 5:30 p.m. Monday, August 11, 2014, in the PND Conference Room. 2 Minutes Lansing Historic District Commission 5:30-7:00 p.m. Monday, August 11, 2014 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: Gretchen Cochran, Phil Mondro, Carol Skillings, Curtis Sonnenberg, Tom Truscott, Nathalie Winans Absent: Cassandra Nelson, Kara Wood Staff Present: Bill Rieske 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA —The agenda was approved by consensus. 3. PUBLIC COMMENTS — None. 4. STAFF and COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS A general discussion ensued about how great the R.E. Olds Monument in Kalamazoo Plaza looks after the recent brush clearance and landscaping work. Thanks to Phil Mondro, who initiated the effort. Mr. Mondro thanked the others who worked on the project, including Paul Dykema, who worked with the volunteers and made heavy equipment available. Mr. Mondro also noted that lighting would enhance the monument, and a funding solicitation should be undertaken to the REO Foundation for the fixtures, and to BWL, for the power. PRESENTATIONS — None. 6 HEARINGS (ADVERTISED) — None. MINUTES FOR APPROVAL — June 9, 2014. The June 9 minutes were approved by consensus. COMMUNICATIONS — None. 9. DISCUSSION/ACTION A. Goal Setting. The discussion focused on encouraging preservation of the Genesee Neighborhood and/or sections of the Capitol Historic District (proposed in 2001). Local districts and National Register Districts were both considered, along with the advantages and disadvantages of each. It was moved by Ms. Cochran, seconded by Mr. Truscott, to pursue the Capitol Historic District proposal through local or National Register designation, using the boundaries of the original proposal, and to begin by approaching Council members individually. A discussion ensued about which Commission member would contact which Council member. Mr. Rieske cautioned the Commission members about proceeding without having communicated with, and received the support of, the Administration. He said that before moving ahead with the proposal, he would discuss the issue with Bob Johnson. It was moved by Ms. Cochran seconded Mr. Sonnenberg, and APPROVED unanimously, to reach out to the Cherry Hill district. B. Updates: None. 10. Other Business — The Commission decided by consensus to postpone its September meeting to Monday, September 15. 11. PENDING ITEMS: FUTURE ACTION REQUIRED — None. 13. ADJOURNMENT — The meeting was adjourned at 7:00 p.m. Minutes Lansing Historic District Commission 5:30-7:00 p.m. Monday, October 20, 2014 Planning and Neighborhood Development Conference Room 316 N. Capitol Ave., Lansing MI 48933 CALL TO ORDER — Ms. Winans opened the meeting at 5:33 p.m. A. Introductions and Roll Call: Present: Gretchen Cochran, Tom ruscott, Nathalie Winans Absent: Phil Mondro, Cassandra Nelson, Carol Skillings, Curtis Sonnenberg, Kara Wood Staff Present: Bill Rieske NO QUORUM PRESENT — NO ACTION TAKEN STAFF and COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS Mr. Rieske extended an invitation to upcoming Greening America's Capitals charrette regarding the State owned parking area between the Hall of Justice and Vietnam Memorial to the west, and the Hannah and Ottawa buildings to the east. The initial presentation is 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 12, at the downtown CADL. MINUTES FOR APPROVAL — August 11, 2014 NO ACTION TAKEN DISCUSSION ITEMS A. Preservation Lansing - The Preservation Award ceremony is scheduled for 10/23/14. B. Cherry Hill Historic District — Ms. Cochran reported on her meetings with several residents of the Cherry Hill and Printers Row neighborhood. She noted that neighborhood residents need to be organized in order to solve the problems they are facing, including park maintenance and repairing the kiosk on Grand Avenue. Possibilities include forming a Cherry Hill Neighborhood organization or possibly expanding the Downtown Neighborhood Association boundaries to include Cherry Hill. Training was also suggested, possibly from the Michigan Historic Preservation Network, on such topics as 'keeping your historic neighborhood historic". A historical marker was also mentioned. These cost about $2,000 for single -sided and $3,500 for double -sided. C. Genesee Neighborhood — No discussion. D Other Business — None. PENDING ITEMS: FUTURE ACTION REQUIRED — Election of Chair and Vice Chair ADJOURNMENT — The meeting was adjourned at 7:00 p.m. Minutes Lansing Historic District Commission 5:30-7:00 p.m. Monday, November 10, 2014 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: Gretchen Cochran, Phil Mondro , Cassandra Nelson, Curtis Sonnenberg, Nathalie Winans, Kara Wood Absent: Carol Skillings, Tom Truscott Staff Present: Bill Rieske 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 3. PUBLIC COMMENTS 4. STAFF COMMENTS — Mr. Rieske reminded Commission members of the Greening America's Capitals charrette scheduled for Wed -Fri., November 12 -14. The subject of the charrette is that area between the Michigan Historical Center and the Genesee neighborhood. 5. PRESENTATIONS — None. 6 HEARINGS (ADVERTISED) — None. 7. MINUTES FOR APPROVAL — August 11, 2014 and October 20, 2014. It was moved by Ms. Cochran, seconded by Mr. Sonnenberg, and CARRIED unanimously (5-0) to approve the August 11 minutes as printed, and the October 20 minutes as corrected. COMMUNICATIONS — None. DISCUSSION: A. Election of Chair and Vice Chair — It was moved by Ms. Cochran, seconded by Ms. Wood, to nominate Ms. Winans and Mr. Truscott, respectively, to the offices of Chair and Vice Chair. On a voice vote, the motion CARRIED unanimously (5-0). B. Updates on: • Preservation Lansing — Ms. Cochran reported that about 75 people attended the Preservation Awards. Awardees included the Friends of Lansing Cemeteries, Central United Methodist Church, Chris Kolbe, et al. Ms. Nelson reported that the Lansing School District withdrew its support of a National Register Nomination for Eastern High School. • Cherry Hill Historic District - Ms. Cochran reported on her efforts, along with those of Mr. Sonnenberg, to help revitalize the Cherry Hill Historic District. They planned to invite Yip Tan and Ken Settimo, both Cherry Hill property owners, to a meeting scheduled for November 18, Ms. Cochran also spoke of getting Jeff Burdick of the Ingham County Land Bank involved, and of efforts to repair/rebuild the Cherry Hill kiosk along Grand Avenue. • Genesee Neighborhood — Mr. Rieske reported that he's working on scheduling a meeting of the Administration to provide direction on a historic district. Preparation for this is resuming after being placed on the back burner due to the Greening America's Capitals project. 10. OTHER BUSINESS: Commission members unanimously decided to cancel the December 8 meeting, and resume meeting on January 12. It was suggested that the January 12 meeting take place in the Cherry Hill neighborhood, perhaps at the offices of Smalley Investments on St. Joe near Grand Avenue. 11. PENDING ITEMS: FUTURE ACTION REQUIRED 12. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS Mr. Mondro mentioned that the slab of concrete in the median on E. Michigan should be preserved, and noted efforts to preserve, maintain, and display the R.E. Olds monument at the SE corner of River and Kalamazoo Streets. He also inquired about the status of 221 E. Hillsdale, which has been vacant for years, Mr. Sonnenberg reported that he and Mr. Rieske had attended training on the Redevelopment Ready Communities (RRC) Best Practices through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). A discussion ensued about training needs and opportunities, including a training for Commission members, and one for historic district property owners ("I bought a house in a historic district, What now?") Mr. Sonnenberg also inquired about the HDC membership roster. He noted that the one on the HDC website is out-of-date. He also suggested Heidi Butler for possible membership. Ms. Butler works in the Local History Room at the Capital Area District Library, downtown branch. 13. ADJOURNMENT — The meeting was adjourned at 6:40 p.m. Next Regular Meeting: 5:30 — 7:00 p.m. Monday, January 12, 2015; Location TBD.