HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015 Historic District Commission MinutesMinutes
Lansing Historic District Commission
5:30-7:00 p.m. Monday, January 12, 2015
Planning and Neighborhood Development Conference Room
316 N. Capitol Ave., Lansing MI 48933
1. 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,
Excused Absences: Cassandra Nelson, Kara Wood
Staff Present: Bill Rieske
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA — By consensus, the agenda was approved as corrected.
3. PUBLIC COMMENTS- None.
4. STAFF COMMENTS — None.
5. PRESENTATIONS — None.
6 HEARINGS (ADVERTISED) — None.
7. MINUTES FOR APPROVAL — November 10, 2014. It was moved by Mr. Mondro, seconded by
Mr. Truscott, and CARRIED unanimously (6-0) to approve the November 10 minutes as
corrected.
8. COMMUNICATIONS — None.
9. DISCUSSION:
A. Updates on:
Preservation Lansing — Ms. Cochran reported that:
• Preservation Lansing is partnering with the Ingham County Land
Bank on evaluating prospective demos, developing marketing plans,
and monitoring restrictive covenants.
• Preservation Lansing proposes a feasibility study for restoring
Eastern High School, and the need for partners to accomplish that.
• The Reutter Park tree canopy obscures the views of the fountain and
much of the landscaping. She will contact the City Forester about
trimming these trees.
• Cherry Hill Historic District - Ms. Cochran reported on an upcoming
meeting she and Mr. Sonnenberg will be having with others from
Cherry Hill regarding the renovating and relocating the kiosk on
Grand Avenue.
• Genesee Neighborhood — Mr. Rieske reported that he's working again on
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scheduling a meeting of the Administration to provide direction on a historic
district. Preparation was delayed due to the Greening America's Capitals
project.
• Prospective Board Members — Penny Zago and Heidi Butler were mentioned
as prospective members.
10. OTHER BUSINESS — None.
11. PENDING ITEMS: FUTURE ACTION REQUIRED - None.
12. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS
A discussion ensued about improvements to the web site, including updates to the basic
information (e.g. schedules and directory).
Mr. Truscott said he would contact the GLCVB and City Pulse about the booklet and brochure.
A discussion ensued about training for property owners.
13. ADJOURNMENT — The meeting was adjourned at 6:40 p.m.
Next Regular Meeting: 5:30 — 7:00 p.m. Monday, February 16, 2015 (NOTE DATE); Location TBD.
Minutes
Lansing Historic District Commission
5:30-7:00 p.m. Monday, March 9, 2015
Planning and Neighborhood Development Conference Room
316 N. Capitol Ave., Lansing MI 48933
CALL TO ORDER — Mr. Rieske opened the meeting at 5:35 p.m.
Introductions and Roll Call:
Present: Gretchen Cochran, Phil Mondro, Cassandra Nelson, Carol
Skillings, Curtis Sonnenberg, Kara Wood
Excused Absences: Tom Truscott, Nathalie Winans
Staff Present: Bill Rieske
Also Present: Tom Stanton, Amanda Farrell-Seyborn
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA — By consensus, the agenda was approved as corrected.
3. PUBLIC COMMENTS- None.
4. STAFF COMMENTS — None.
5. PRESENTATIONS — None.
6 HEARINGS (ADVERTISED) — HDC-1-15, Carol Skillings and Tom Stanton, 216 Huron, Darius B.
Moon House Historic District.
• Public Hearing.
Ms Skillings described their proposal. The front porch is mostly original, but has faced
deterioration since its original construction. The proposal is to restore the front porch using
original materials as much as possible. A floor was overlaid on the original and will be
replaced. The original tin ceiling will be retained.
The current rear porch was added in the 1980s, and has faced deterioration as well. It will be
replaced, with a design that is be compatible with the original in front. However, since the
rear porch is not original, the reconstructed porch design varies from the historic front porch
restoration in several ways, including:
o No decorative materials,
o No curve to the roof porch,
o Modules are similar, but with no details,
o Beadboard ceiling on the rear porch (vs. tin on the front porch)
No comments were received from the public. Nathalie Winans submitted an e-mail which
read in part: "I think the proposed plan is very well thought out and is in keeping with the
Secretary's Standards and the Guidelines for Rehabilitation. The replacements proposed are
of deteriorated or non -historic materials, and would replace like with like. I approve of it as
written."
• Commission Action
It was moved by Mr. Sonnenberg, seconded by Ms. Cochran, and CARRIED (5-0, Ms.
Skillings abstaining) to approve HDC-1-15, the Certificate of Appropriateness application for
the porch project at 216 N. Huron Street. It was also moved by Mr. Mondro, seconded by Mr.
Sonnnenberg, and CARRIED (5-0, Ms. Skillings abstaining) to support any variances that
may be necessary to complete the project, including, but not limited to, a variance for porch
rail height.
A discussion ensued in the aftermath of the decision regarding
o The paint manufacturer (Sherwin Williams)
o Contractors able to perform the work,
o Vinyl vs cement board as replacement siding projects
o Jim MacLean at CADL has a file on Darius Moon, as do the homeowners.
o These specifications will now be presented to the SHPO for the purpose of applying
for the Federal Preservation Tax Credit.
7. MINUTES FOR APPROVAL — January 12, 2015. The minutes to the January 12 meeting were
approved by consensus.
COMMUNICATIONS — None.
9. DISCUSSION:
A. Updates on:
• Walter French School — Mr. Rieske circulated a copy of the National Register
Registration form for the Walter French School.
• Preservation Lansing — Ms. Cochran reported that:
• There has been an election of officers: Joe Vitale, Demolition Board member
and owner of 17 rental properties, is now chair. Liz Harrow is secretary, and
Diane Sanborn is treasurer.
• Preservation Lansing is gearing up for another round of Preservation
Awards.
• Cherry Hill Historic District - Ms. Cochran reported that the next meeting with
Cherry Hill is on March 19 at Kevin Schumaker's Office. Dan Bollman is
designing a new kiosk, and PL will be raising money for its construction.
10. OTHER BUSINESS — None.
11. PENDING ITEMS: FUTURE ACTION REQUIRED - None.
12. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS
Several commissioners said they did not receive the HDC packet, including the Walter French
School registration, by email.
Ms. Wood said she would be absent at the April 13 meeting, and requested an excused absence.
13. ADJOURNMENT — The meeting was adjourned at 7:00 p.m.
Next Regular Meeting: 5:30 — 7:00 p.m. Monday, April 13, 2015, at the PND Conference Room,
316 N. Capitol Ave.
Minutes
Lansing Historic District Commission
5:30-7:00 p.m. Monday, May 11, 2015
Planning and Neighborhood Development Conference Room
316 N. Capitol Ave., Lansing MI 48933
1. CALL TO ORDER — Ms. 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
Excused Absences: Phil Mondro, Kara Wood
Staff Present: Bill Rieske
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA — It was moved by Ms. Nelson, seconded by Ms. Skillings and
CARRIED unanimously to approve the agenda as corrected.
3. PUBLIC COMMENTS- None.
4. STAFF COMMENTS — None.
5. PRESENTATIONS — None.
6 HEARINGS (ADVERTISED) — None.
7. MINUTES FOR APPROVAL — March 9, 2015
8. COMMUNICATIONS — Bea Christy Community Celebration. Mr. Rieske noted that the
board and commission members are invited at no cost to this event, which will begin at 5:00
p.m. Wednesday May 20, at the Lansing Center.
9. DISCUSSION:
A. Updates on:
• Darius B. Moon House — The plans have been submitted to the Building Safety
Office for review. The rear porch demolition should be completed by the end of
June. Ms. Cochran suggested that the project be filmed and posted to the
Preservation Lansing Facebook page as a teaching tool.
• Cherry Hill Historic District — Ms. Cochran discussed 523 Cherry Street, a vacant
property owned by the Ingham County Treasurer. Since this property is in the
Cherry Hill Historic District, any permit would require HDC approval. She also
noted that the adult foster care home appeared to be unkempt. She reported
that the neighborhood received a $650 grant from the Mayors for the
rehabilitation of the kiosk on Grand Avenue. Lastly, she said that she and Mr.
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Sonnenberg will meet with the neighborhood on May 21.
• Preservation Lansing — Ms. Cochran reported that Joe Vitale is the new president
of Preservation Lansing.
• Booklet/brochure — Mr. Rieske reported that Capital Imaging has sent him the
InDesign files. Valerie Marvin, of the Historical Society of Greater Lansing, and
Tom Truscott are making suggestions for corrections, and Lauren Ross, an MSU
student, will be working to make the corrections.
10. OTHER BUSINESS:
11. PENDING ITEMS: FUTURE ACTION REQUIRED — None.
12. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS
• Mr. Truscott reported that the 51h Michigan Regiment Band will hold a concert on June 6th
on State Capitol steps at 1 pm.
Mr. Truscott and Mr. Rieske reported on a March 27 joint meeting of six
board/commission chairs and co-chairs at which they discussed their roles and goals with
each other to improve understanding and coordination. Mr. Rieske said that the City
participates in the Redevelopment Ready Program through the Michigan Economic
Development Corporation, and improved coordination is strongly emphasized. Messrs.
Truscott, Mondro, and Rieske attended, and were able to discuss the importance of
preservation as well as the walking tour booklet/brochure. Mr. Rieske added that these
joint board meetings, now held on an annual basis, are an RRC certification requirement.
• Ms. Cochran reported that she has sold her house to Heidi Butler.
13. ADJOURNMENT was at 6:50 p.m.
Next Meeting: 5:30 p.m. Monday, June 22, 2015, Development Office Conference Room,
316 N. Capitol Ave.
Minutes
Lansing Historic District Commission
5:30-7:00 p.m. Monday, June 22, 2015
Planning and Neighborhood Development Conference Room
316 N. Capitol Ave., Lansing MI 48933
1. 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, Kara Wood
Excused Absences: Cassandra Nelson, Tom Truscott
Staff Present: Bill Rieske
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA — It was moved by Ms. Wood, seconded by Ms. Cochran, and
CARRIED unanimously to approve the agenda as corrected.
3. PUBLIC COMMENTS- None.
4. STAFF COMMENTS — None.
5. PRESENTATIONS — None.
6 HEARINGS (ADVERTISED) — None.
7. MINUTES FOR APPROVAL— May 11, 2015. It was moved by Ms. Skillings, seconded
by Ms. Wood, and CARRIED unanimously, to approve the May 11 minutes as printed.
8. COMMUNICATIONS — None.
9. DISCUSSION:
A. Updates on:
• Booklet/brochure — Mr. Rieske reported that he's had some success seeking co-
sponsors for the publications. Greening Mid -Michigan, Christman Company,
SmithGroup/JJR, LSL Planning, and the Historical Society of Greater Lansing
have all indicated an interest. More sponsors are needed to cover the printing
costs.
• Darius B. Moon House — Ms. Skillings reported that the rear porch demolition
should be completed by the end of June. Both front and rear porches should be
completed by the end of summer.
• Cherry Hill Historic District— Mr. Sonnenberg is meeting the second Thursdays
of each month with a group from the Cherry Hill neighborhood. Larry Meyer will
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be serving as treasurer of the group. Concerns about 523 Cherry Street remain,
and he indicated that the Land Bank may assist with cleaning up the property.
There will be a walk-thru of the property on July 16. Ingham County is
considering restrictive covenants requiring the use of the Secretary of the
Interior's Standards, and continued owner occupancy for a 10-year period.
• Preservation Lansing — Ms. Cochran reported that Joe Vitale is the new president
of Preservation Lansing. She also reported on a preservation -friendly RFP
issued by the Lansing School District for the renovation/reuse of Eastern High
School.
10. OTHER BUSINESS:
Mr. Sonnenberg noted that the Land Bank is also marketing the house at 900 Baker Street, with
similar restrictive covenants. If there are no takers, the house may be targeted for demolition.
11. PENDING ITEMS: FUTURE ACTION REQUIRED — None.
12. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS
• Ms. Skillings said she would be absent at the July 13 meeting.
13. ADJOURNMENT was at 6:50 p.m.
Next Meeting: 5:30 p.m. Monday, July 13, 2015, Development Office Conference Room,
316 N. Capitol Ave.
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Minutes
Lansing Historic District Commission
5:30-7:00 p.m. Monday, October 12, 2015
Planning and Neighborhood Development Conference Room
316 N. Capitol Ave., Lansing MI 48933
1. CALL TO ORDER — Ms. Winans opened the meeting at 5:35 p.m.
A. Introductions and Roll Call:
Present: Cassandra Nelson, Carol Skillings, Curtis
Sonnenberg, Tom Truscott, Nathalie Winans.
Excused Absences: Kara Wood
Staff Present: Bill Rieske
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA — It was moved by Ms. Nelson, seconded by Ms. Skillings,
and CARRIED unanimously to approve the agenda as corrected.
3. PUBLIC COMMENTS — None.
4. STAFF COMMENTS — Mr. Rieske discussed the BS&A building permit database, and
that the properties within local historic districts are now tagged within the system. This
notifies building officials of a property's status as an historic property, and that HDC
action is required for building permit approval.
5. PRESENTATIONS — None.
6 HEARINGS (ADVERTISED) — None.
7. MINUTES FOR APPROVAL — July 13, 2015. It was moved by Ms. Skillings, seconded
by Mr. Truscott, and CARRIED unanimously, to approve the July 13 minutes as printed.
8. COMMUNICATIONS — None.
9. DISCUSSION:
A. Updates on:
• Booklet/brochure — Mr. Rieske distributed a semi-final draft of the booklet
and brochure, and requested the Commission members' help in reviewing
and editing the documents. It was agreed that comments would be
returned to him by Thursday, October 15.
• Darius B. Moon House — Ms. Skillings reported that problems were
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discovered with the foundation of the front porch, representing $15,000 in
additional cost, for a total cost of $65K - $70K for the front porch. The
contractors also relocated a gas line.
• Cherry Hill Historic District — Mr. Sonnenberg is meeting the second
Thursdays of each month with a group from the Cherry Hill neighborhood.
The group is looking at improving the kiosk. Marie Walker and Eric
Schertzing were present at the last meeting. He also reported that the
group needs to register as a nonprofit, and get CATA involved.
• Preservation Lansing — Joe Vitale is the new president of Preservation
Lansing. They will be presenting Preservation Awards on Oct 21.
• Membership — Heidi Butler, of the Capital Area District Library was
suggested for membership.
10. OTHER BUSINESS — None.
11. PENDING ITEMS: FUTURE ACTION REQUIRED — None.
12. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS
• Cooley Law School's Masonic Auditorium and Lansing Eastern High School were
mentioned as threatened buildings.
13. ADJOURNMENT was at 6:50 p.m.
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