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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016 Historic District Commission MinutesMinutes Lansing Historic District Commission 5:30-7:00 p.m. Monday, January 11, 2016 Planning and Neighborhood Development Conference Room 316 N. Capitol Ave., Lansing MI 48933 CALL TO ORDER — Ms. Winans opened the meeting at 5:40 p.m. A. Introductions and Roll Call: Present: Cassandra Nelson, Carol Skillings, Curtis Sonnenberg, Nathalie Winans. Absent: Tom Truscott, Kara Wood (EA) 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 distributed a packet for information to the Commission on the South Edge Lofts, a development slated for the NW corner of S. Washington and W. St. Joe. The project includes two existing buildings, at 617 S. Capitol and 118 W. St Joe (A. K.A. `Blake House'), incorporated into the facades of a larger, more modern mixed-use building. Plans are to preserve the historic character of the two buildings, although this is not a tax credit project. A discussion ensued about the design, including the juxtaposition of old and new. Mr. Rieske also reported that the SHPO work on defining and evaluating the boundaries of the Old 4th Ward, Green Oaks, and East Side potential historic districts (Mannik & Smith work on the NSP project) is not yet completed. 5. PRESENTATIONS — None. 6 HEARINGS (ADVERTISED) — None. 7. MINUTES FOR APPROVAL — October 12, 2015. It was moved by Ms. Skillings, seconded by Mr. Sonnenberg, and CARRIED unanimously, to approve the October 12, 2015 minutes as printed. 8. COMMUNICATIONS — None. 1 9. DISCUSSION: A. Updates on: • Booklet/brochure — Mr. Rieske reported that Bob Johnson would like to fund the project exclusively with private money. Mr. Johnson suggested that Joe McDonald be consulted for assistance on this. • Darius B. Moon House — Ms. Skillings reported that the porches were completed before Christmas. The next project is repainting the house, and possibly expanding a basement window for improved egress. • Cherry Hill Historic District — Mr. Sonnenberg reported that the Cherry Hill neighborhood group plans to have the kiosk completed by spring. It has begun working with LPD, CATA, and Community Mental Health to improve the neighborhood. Larry Meyer, keeper of the remaining balance of funds from the old Cherry Hill Neighborhood Association, is consulting with the State about managing the transition from the old organization to the new. Next meeting of the group is January 21. • Preservation Lansing — Ms. Nelson reported that the Preservation Awards ceremony was a small event, but went well. Mr. Sonnenberg said that he wanted to join. • Membership — Heidi Butler, of the Capital Area District Library was previously suggested for membership, and Mr. Sonnenberg said he needed to stop by the library and will discuss membership with her while he's there. 10. OTHER BUSINESS — None. 11. PENDING ITEMS: FUTURE ACTION REQUIRED — None. 12. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS — None. 13. ADJOURNMENT was at 6:25 p.m. Minutes Lansing Historic District Commission 5:30-7:00 p.m. Monday, February 8, 2016 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, Curtis Sonnenberg, Tom Truscott, Nathalie Winans. Absent: Carol Skillings (EA), Kara Wood (EA) Staff Present: Bill Rieske 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA — The agenda was approved without objection. 3. PUBLIC COMMENTS — None. 4. STAFF COMMENTS 5. PRESENTATIONS — None. 6 HEARINGS (ADVERTISED) — None. 7. MINUTES FOR APPROVAL — No minutes presented for approval. 8. COMMUNICATIONS — None. 9. DISCUSSION: A. Updates on: • HB 5232 and SB 720 — These two identical bills are running concurrently in the State Legislature and would effectively gut local historic districts, by requiring, among other things: • that the 2/3 property owners be in support of a district before the study committee can be appointed, • that a 2/3 majority would be required by the elected officials to establish the district, • historic districts would sunset after 10 years. The bills are currently in the Local Government Committee of each house. 1 • Booklet/brochure — No update. • Cherry Hill Historic District — Mr. Sonnenberg reported that the Lansing State Journal is relocating, leaving a major vacancy on the border of the Cherry Hill neighborhood. The neighborhood group is planning a river cleanup after the weather breaks. • Preservation Lansing — No update. • Membership — Mr. Sonnenberg reported that he had spoken to Heidi Butler, of the Capital Area District Library, regarding HDC membership. 10. OTHER BUSINESS — None. 11. PENDING ITEMS: FUTURE ACTION REQUIRED — None. 12. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS — None. 13. ADJOURNMENT — It was moved by Mr. Sonnenberg, seconded by Ms. Nelson, and CARRIED unanimously to adjourn. The meeting was adjourned at 6:15 p.m. Minutes Lansing Historic District Commission 5:30-7:00 p.m. Monday, April 11, 2016 Planning and Neighborhood Development Conference Room 316 N. Capitol Ave., Lansing MI 48933 1. CALL TO ORDER — Ms. Winans opened the meeting at 5:40 p.m. A. Introductions and Roll Call: Present: Cassandra Nelson, Carol Skillings, Curtis Sonnenberg, Tom Truscott, Nathalie Winans. Absent: Kara Wood (EA) Staff Present: Bill Rieske 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA — The agenda was approved without objection. 3. PUBLIC COMMENTS — None. 4. STAFF COMMENTS — None. 5. PRESENTATIONS — None. 6 HEARINGS (ADVERTISED) — None. 7. MINUTES FOR APPROVAL — None presented for consideration. 8. COMMUNICATIONS — None. 9. DISCUSSION/ACTION: A. National Register Nomination -- Pulver Brothers Filling Station AKA Artie's Filling Station, 127 West Grand River Avenue. Ms. Nelson, author of the report, discussed the report's highlights and conclusions. The former filling station is a 240 square foot, single story, Craftsman style building and is the only remaining "house and canopy" gas station in the Lansing area. It was built in 1923, recently restored and used as a coffee shop (which has since closed), and is proposed for use as an ice cream parlor. It was moved by Ms. Nelson, seconded by Mr. Truscott, and CARRIED unanimously (5-0) to recommend approval of this National Register nomination, based on National Register criteria A and C (historical and architectural significance, respectively). B. Updates on: • HB 5232 and SB 720 — no action is being taken on these bills this week. • Booklet/brochure — Mr. Rieske reported that a grant he submitted to the Arts Council of Greater Lansing to fund the printing of the booklet and 1 brochure was unsuccessful. Mr. Truscott said he would approach the Eydes, and Gillespies, who are beneficiaries of historic preservation tax credits and are featured in the booklet, for contributions. Cherry Hill Historic District — Mr. Sonnenberg reported that the Cherry Hill neighborhood group has been losing momentum. Ryan Smith is president, Larry Meyer is still treasurer, and the non-profit status has been reactivated. CMH and LPD are attending meetings more regularly. A river and park cleanup has been scheduled for Saturday, April 16. Activities are focused more on neighborhood building than historic preservation, but progress is being made. • Preservation Lansing — Nothing to report. The Facebook page is seeing activity, especially regarding the LBWL project proposed for Scott Park. • Membership — Mr. Sonnenberg said he would follow up with Heidi Butler. 10. OTHER BUSINESS — Mr. Sonnenberg reported on an interesting house at 3009 N. Grand River, built in 1930 by Justice Gilkey, that may merit an historical marker. 11. PENDING ITEMS: FUTURE ACTION REQUIRED — None. 12. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS — None. 13. ADJOURNMENT was at 6:25 p.m. Minutes Lansing Historic District Commission 5:30-7:00 p.m. Monday, August 8, 2016 Planning and Neighborhood Development Conference Room 316 N. Capitol Ave., Lansing MI 48933 1. CALL TO ORDER — Ms. Winans opened the meeting at 5:40 p.m. A. Introductions and Roll Call: Present: Cassandra Nelson, Carol Skillings, Curtis Sonnenberg, Tom Truscott, Absent: Nathalie Winans (EA), Kara Wood (EA) Staff Present: Bill Rieske Also Present: Penny Zago and Larry Beckon of Central United Methodist Church 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA — The agenda was approved without objection. 3. PUBLIC COMMENTS — None. 4. STAFF COMMENTS — None. 5. PRESENTATIONS — None. 6 HEARINGS (ADVERTISED) — None. 7. MINUTES FOR APPROVAL — January 11, February 8, and April 11, 2016 meetings - Tabled for later consideration. 8. COMMUNICATIONS — None. 9. DISCUSSION/ACTION: A. Central United Methodist Church — Discussion of local Historic District. Ms. Zago and Mr. Beckon said that this is an initial inquiry about a local district to protect the work that has already been done at substantial expense to preserve the building. The Central Methodist Church was listed on both the National and State Registers in 1980, and received a state historical maker in 1981. Commission members and staff described the process for establishing a local district. Ms. Zago and Mr. Beckon said they will discuss it with the Board of Trustees, and if approved, they will follow up with an application. Several HDC members indicated an interest in serving on the Study Committee. 1 B. Updates on: • Booklet/brochure - Mr. Rieske said that he was able to get approximately 3,000 copies of the booklet and brochure printed. He delivered 2,300 copies of the brochure to the State of Michigan for use at their travel centers. Mr. Truscott offered to assist in the distribution of the remaining copies. • Cherry Hill Historic District — Mr. Sonnenberg stated that the Cherry Hill Neighborhood Association meets at Cherry Hill School, and CMH is an active member. They are doing work on the kiosk, planting flowers. LPD are now regular attendees. The association is also looking at at -large memberships, which could broaden the number of participants. • Preservation Lansing — Ms. Nelson reported that Preservation Lansing has most recently focused on opposition to the Central Substation project. It had worked on protecting Eastern High School as it transitions to Sparrow ownership. 10. OTHER BUSINESS — None. 11. PENDING ITEMS: FUTURE ACTION REQUIRED — None. 12. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS — None. 13. ADJOURNMENT was at 6:25 p.m. Next Regular Meeting: 5:30 p.m. Monday, September 12, 2016, Development Office Conference Room, 316 N. Capitol Ave. Minutes Lansing Historic District Commission 5:30-7:00 p.m. Monday, September 12, 2016 Planning and Neighborhood Development Conference Room 316 N. Capitol Ave., Lansing MI 48933 1. CALL TO ORDER — Ms. Winans opened the meeting at 5:40 p.m. A. Introductions and Roll Call: Present: Cassandra Nelson, Carol Skillings, Curtis Sonnenberg, Tom Truscott, Nathalie Winans, Kara Wood Absent: None. Staff Present: Bill Rieske Also Present: Marie Walker, Katie Johnson 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA — The agenda was approved without objection. 3. PUBLIC COMMENTS — None. 4. STAFF COMMENTS — None. 5. PRESENTATIONS — None. 6 HEARINGS (ADVERTISED) - 515 Cherry St., Tear -off and Reroof A. Public Hearing — Ms. Marie Walker, owner of 515 Cherry Street, reported that a contractor will be completing the work within the next week. Certainteed 3 -tab black shingles will be installed to match the existing appearance of the roof. She thanked the Commission for expediting a decision on the proposed work. B. Commission Action. It was moved by Ms. Skillings, seconded by Ms. Nelson, and CARRIED unanimously (6-0), to approve the reroofing proposal as presented. 7. MINUTES FOR APPROVAL — January 11, February 8, and April 11, and August 8, 2016 meetings — It was moved by Ms. Wood, seconded by Mr. Truscott, to approve the minutes to all four meetings as written. 8. COMMUNICATIONS — None. 9. DISCUSSION/ACTION: A. Updates on: • Central United Methodist Church historic district proposal - Mr. Rieske reported that he re -sent a boilerplate letter to Mr. Larry Beckon, who was going to submit it to the Mayor. 1 The Central Methodist Church was listed on both the National and State Registers in 1980, and received a state historical maker in 1981. • Booklet/brochure - Mr. Rieske reported that he filled MDOT's order of 2100 copies for its 14 travel centers. A discussion ensued about whether those copies should have been reserved for local distribution. It was decided to explore making corrections to the maps, procuring additional copies, and focusing on local distribution. • Cherry Hill Historic District — No report. • Preservation Lansing — Ms. Nelson reported that Preservation Lansing has most recently focused on opposition to the Central Substation project. She added news that the Sunken Garden would receive the President's Award from Keep Michigan Beautiful, Inc. Preservation Lansing's work protecting Eastern High School is on the back burner. 10. OTHER BUSINESS - A discussion ensued with Ms. Johnson about the roles and duties of the Historic District Commission. Mr. Rieske said he would forward a Boardmember Application for submission to the Mayor's Office. 11. PENDING ITEMS: FUTURE ACTION REQUIRED — None. 12. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS — Mr. Sonnenberg said he would contact Heidi Butler again about HDC membership. 13. ADJOURNMENT was at 6:05 p.m. Next Regular Meeting: 5:30 p.m. Monday, October 10, 2016, Development Office Conference Room, 316 N. Capitol Ave. Minutes Lansing Historic District Commission 5:30-7:00 p.m. Monday, October 10, 2016 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: Cassandra Nelson, Carol Skillings, Tom Truscott, Nathalie Winans Absent: Curtis Sonnenberg, Kara Wood (both excused) Staff Present: Bill Rieske Also Present: Laura Dyras, Scott Everett 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA — The agenda was approved without objection. 3. PUBLIC COMMENTS — None. 4. STAFF COMMENTS — None. 5. PRESENTATIONS — None. 6 HEARINGS (ADVERTISED) — 601 S. Grand Ave., Dyras Dental, Porch Remodel A. Public Hearing — Dr. Laura Dyras, owner of 601 S. Grand, discussed her proposal to remodel the porch to make it more historically accurate. The Commission compared the plans she submitted with recent photos and a 1934 photo of the building. A discussion ensued about whether the columns were turned (round) or square. It is unclear from the picture. Ultimately, commission members agreed that either would be closer than the existing appearance to the original. B. Commission Action - It was moved by Ms. Skillings, seconded by Ms. Nelson, and CARRIED unanimously (4-0) to approve the proposal as presented. 7. MINUTES FOR APPROVAL — September 12, 2016 meeting — It was moved by Ms. Skillings, seconded by Ms. Nelson, and CARRIED unanimously (4-0) to approve the minutes to the September 12 meeting as written. 8. COMMUNICATIONS — None. 9. DISCUSSION/ACTION: 1 A. 318 W. Ottawa — Roof repair. Mr. Scott Everett requested preliminary approval of a roof repair at 318 W. Ottawa St., in the Ottawa -Walnut Historic District. He proposes to shingle over the top part of the roof, tear -off and reshingle north side, remove what appears to be a satellite dish mount from the back porch roof, and possibly remove the Chimney, which leaks badly. The photos Mr. Everett submitted showed that the building has multiple roofs in various states of condition, and water damage in the interior. An older, undated photo showed the original chimney, which has been replaced above the roof, but the original remains below the roof line. Commission members found that: the need for roof repair is urgent, warranting preliminary approval due to the impending winter weather, the chimney above the roof line is expendable because of its more modern appearance although replacing the flashing may stop the leaks, It was moved by Mr. Truscott, seconded by Ms. Nelson, and CARRIED unanimously (4- 0), to grant preliminary approval for the proposed roof repair, and removal of the satellite dish mount and chimney, with the understanding that final approval is scheduled for the November 14 meeting. B. Updates on: • Central United Methodist Church historic district proposal — No update. • Booklet/brochure - Mr. Truscott requested that Mr. Rieske write a letter to assist with seeking sponsorships for a new edition of the booklet. • Cherry Hill Historic District — No report. • Preservation Lansing — Ms. Nelson reported that Preservation Lansing is regrouping in the aftermath of the City Council decision on the LBWL Substation project. 10. OTHER BUSINESS — None. 11. PENDING ITEMS: FUTURE ACTION REQUIRED — None. 12. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS • A discussion ensued about designating City -owned historical resources in local historic districts. Ms. Skilllings commented on the experience of having ice cream at Scoop's Ice Cream, which was just listed on the National Register of Historic Places. • Mr. Truscott reported on recent dedications of historical markers. 13. ADJOURNMENT was at 6:40 p.m. Next Regular Meeting: 5:30 p.m, Monday, November 14, 2016, Development Office Conference Room, 316 N. Capitol Ave. Minutes Lansing Historic District Commission 5:30-7:00 p.m. Monday, November 14, 2016 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: Carol Skillings, Curtis Sonnenberg, Tom Truscott, Nathalie Winans, Kara Wood Absent: Cassandra Nelson (excused) Staff Present: Bill Rieske Also Present: Scott Everett RE: 318 W. Ottawa St. Larry Beckon and Penny Zago RE:CUMC 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA — The agenda was approved without objection. 3. PUBLIC COMMENTS — None. 4. STAFF COMMENTS — None. 5. PRESENTATIONS — None. 6 HEARINGS (ADVERTISED) — 318 W. Ottawa St., Roof Repair A. Public Hearing — HCD-3-2016 - 318 W. Ottawa, Roof repair. At the October10, 2016 HDC meeting, Mr. Scott Everett requested and the HDC granted preliminary approval of a roof repair at 318 W. Ottawa St., in the Ottawa -Walnut Historic District. He reported at this meeting that the reroofing project is nearly completed. The color is light gray. He chose to keep the chimney, which was an option granted at the October 10 meeting. He extended an invitation to commission members to visit the property. B. Commission Action - It was moved by Ms. Skillings, seconded by Mr. Truscott, and CARRIED unanimously (5-0) to grant final approval to the project as presented. 7. MINUTES FOR APPROVAL — October 10, 2016 meeting — It was moved by Ms. Skillings, seconded by Mr. Truscott, and CARRIED unanimously (5-0) to approve the minutes to the October 10 meeting as written. 8. COMMUNICATIONS — None. 1 9. DISCUSSION/ACTION: A. Central United Methodist Church (CUMC) historic district proposal — Mr. Rieske review the status of the project to date. On August 8, Ms. Zago and Mr. Beckon discussed the prospect of a local historic district with the Commission. The request for the local historic district was submitted to the Mayor on October 16, 2016, and referred to the Planning Office. The next step is to establish and populate a historic district study committee, which is done through Mayoral appointments and City Council resolution. CUMC requested the appointment of Ms. Zago to the study committee, and Commission member Cassandra Nelson has volunteered. Ms. Skillings and Mr. Truscott offered to serve as well. Mr. Rieske will draft a resolution establishing the study committee and forward the names for Mayoral appointment and City Council consideration. B. Updates on: • Booklet/brochure - Mr. Truscott reported that his granddaughter offered to produce the revised booklet. Mr. Rieske reported that the solicitation letter has yet to be drafted. • Cherry Hill Historic District — Mr. Sonnenberg reported that the kiosk is nearly completed. The neighborhood organization is meeting at the Michigan Retailers Association, redoing their by-laws and electing new officers. • Preservation Lansing — Ms. Winans said that Preservation Lansing is still regrouping in the aftermath of the City Council decision on the LBWL Substation project. Ms. Skillings said they still have an active Facebook page. 10. OTHER BUSINESS — None. 11. PENDING ITEMS: FUTURE ACTION REQUIRED — None. 12. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS • Mr. Truscott reported on the recent dedication of an historical marker for the Bellevue Gothic Mill. 13. ADJOURNMENT was at 6:40 p.m. Next Regular Meeting: 5:30 p.m. Monday, December 42y 19, 2016, Development Office Conference Room, 316 N. Capitol Ave. Minutes Lansing Historic District Commission 5:30-7:00 p.m. Monday, December 19, 2016 Planning and Neighborhood Development Conference Room 316 N. Capitol Ave., Lansing MI 48933 1. CALL TO ORDER — Ms. Winans opened the meeting at 5:33 p.m. A. Introductions and Roll Call: Present: Cassandra Nelson, Carol Skillings, Curtis Sonnenberg, Tom Truscott, Nathalie Winans. Absent: Kara Wood Staff Present: Bill Rieske Also Present: Penny Zago RE:CUMC 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA — It was moved by Mr. Sonnenberg, seconded by Mr. Truscott, and CARRIED unanimously to approve the agenda as written. 3. PUBLIC COMMENTS — None. 4. STAFF COMMENTS — None. 5. PRESENTATIONS — None. 6 HEARINGS (ADVERTISED) —None. 7. MINUTES FOR APPROVAL — November 14, 2016 meeting — It was moved by Mr. Sonnenberg, seconded by Ms. Nelson, and CARRIED unanimously (5-0) to approve the minutes to the November 14 meeting as corrected. 8. COMMUNICATIONS — None. 9. DISCUSSION/ACTION: A. Richard Glaister House, 402 South Walnut Street, Lansing, National Register Nomination — The Commission reviewed the nomination form as received from the SHPO. In the ensuing discussion, Commission members all stated that they were familiar with the building and had appreciated its historic character. The Commission by consensus concurred with the SHPO recommendation that the property be designated on the National Register. B. Updates on: • Central United Methodist Church (CUMC) historic district proposal — Mr. Rieske stated that the historic district study committee was established by City Council, 1 with Ms. Nelson, Ms. Skillings, Ms. Zago, and Mr. Truscott as members. Members agreed to meet after the first of the year to begin work on the preliminary report. • Booklet/brochure - Mr. Truscott reported that his granddaughter offered to produce the revised booklet. Mr. Rieske reported that the solicitation letter has yet to be drafted. • Cherry Hill Historic District — Mr. Sonnenberg reported that the kiosk is completed. The neighborhood organization is meeting at the Michigan Retailers Association. Larry Meyer, Ryan Smith, and Mary Toshach are among the elected officers. Mr. Sonnenberg is now a non-resident member. They are working on 501(c)(3) status as a non-profit organization. • Preservation Lansing — Ms. Winans said that Preservation Lansing has met with Nancy Finegood of the Michigan Historic Preservation Network, and doing some organizational strategic planning. Dale Schrader, Cassandra Nelson, Curt Sonnenberg, and Diane Sanborn have been elected as officers. 10. OTHER BUSINESS — None. 11. PENDING ITEMS: FUTURE ACTION REQUIRED — None. 12. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS • Mr. Truscott reported on the recent dedication of an historical marker for the Bellevue Gothic Mill. 13. ADJOURNMENT was at 6:12 p.m. Next Regular Meeting: 5:30 p.m. Monday, February 13, 2017, Development Office Conference Room, 316 N. Capitol Ave.