HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020 Historic District Commission MinutesMinutes — Approved
Lansing Historic District Commission
Local History Room, Capital Area District Library
5:30-7:00 p.m. Monday, January 13, 2020
(Downtown Branch) Lower Level, 401 S. Capitol Avenue.
Lansing MI 48933
1. CALL TO ORDER —Ms. Nelson opened the meeting at 5:31 p.m.
A. Introductions and Roll Call:
Present: Rob Gibb, Heather Goupil, Cassandra Nelson, Carol Skillings, Curtis
Sonnenberg, and Jaclyn Lillis -Warwick
Absences: James Bell, Cynthia Redman
Staff Present: Bill Rieske, Asst. Planning Manager; Andy Fedewa, Planner
Also Present: James McClurken
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA —The agenda was approved by unanimous consent.
3. PUBLIC HEARINGS — None.
4. DISCUSSION/ACTION
James McClurken is a prospective Historic District Commissioner and he introduced himself to the
Commision.
A. MINUTES FOR APPROVAL— December 9, 2019 meeting. Approved by consensus as revised.
B. UPDATES ON:
• Cherry Hill — Mr. Sonnenberg reiterated that he will no longer be a liaison for the Cherry Hill
Neighborhood, but extended an invitation to residents to attend Historic District Commission
meetings.
There were no updates on the Cherry Hill School or Cherry Hill development project to report. Mr.
Rieske stated that the draft report on the Cherry Hill Neighborhood and the Historic District
is still being revised.
The Commission requested that all Cherry Hill topics be collapsed into one update item on future
agendas.
• Design Guidelines — Staff presented a draft version of the City of Lansing Historic District
Commission Design Guidelines. Commission members divided up sections of the Guidelines
amongst themselves for review and revision.
• Cooley Haze House — Ms. Nelson reported that there is an inconsistency with the property
description and that title to this property has not transferred to Joe Vitale as yet.
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• Preservation Lansing — Ms. Nelson and Mr. Sonnenberg reported that there is a Preservation
Lansing board meeting scheduled for January 21, 2020 at 6:30pm.
• Lansing Eastern High School — No progress to report.
• Moores Park Natatorium — Ms. Nelson stated numerous stakeholders are working together to
figure out next steps to restore the historic pool in Moores Park. Ms. Nelson also stated that a
grant for some funding was applied for before its deadline.
• Eckert Station — Mr. Rieske reported on his meeting with Alan Higgins, Certified Local Government
Coordinator at Michigan SHPO. There is a new program to help Certified Local Governments (CLG)
with one of three types of projects. Mr. Rieske stated that the City is going to move forward on
applying to get the Eckert Power Station listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Mr. Rieske brought a 2001 '106 Report' on the Eckert Power Station to the attention of the
Commission. He relayed that according to the report an application for the National Register was
applied for, but stated that no one at Michigan SHPO could give him details on what happened with
the application.
• Certified Local Government Annual Report — Mr. Rieske reported on the status of the annual report
CI -Gs must submit. He stated that the Cherry Hill Historic District Report, the Design Guidelines, and
the Eckert Station listing are among the projects staff plans on completing.
5. PUBLIC COMMENTS — None.
6. COMMUNICATIONS — None.
7. STAFF AND COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS:
• Ms. Skillings passed on information about the Historical Society of Michigan's upcoming Local
History Conference, March 27 & 28, 2020, in Sterling Heights.
8. PRESENTATIONS — None.
9. OTHER BUSINESS — None.
10. PENDING ITEMS — Continuing work on Cherry Hill report and Design Guidelines.
11. ADJOURNMENT was at 6:11 p.m.
Next Regular Meeting: 5:30 p.m. Monday, February 10, 2020, Local History Room, CADL
Minutes —Approved
Lansing Historic District Commission
Local History Room, Capital Area District Library
5:30-7:00 p.m. Monday, February 10, 2020
(Downtown Branch) Lower Level, 401 S. Capitol Avenue.
Lansing MI 48933
1. CALL TO ORDER — Ms. Nelson opened the meeting at 5:37 p.m.
A. Introductions and Roll Call:
Present: Rob Gibb, Heather Goupil, Cassandra Nelson, Carol
Skillings, Curtis Sonnenberg
Absences: James Bell (EA), Jaclyn Lillis -Warwick (EA), James
McClurken, Cynthia Redman
Staff Present: Bill Rieske, Asst. Planning Manager; Andy Fedewa, Planner
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA —The agenda was approved by unanimous consent.
3. PUBLIC HEARINGS — None.
4. DISCUSSION/ACTION
A. MINUTES FOR APPROVAL — January 13, 2020 meeting. Approved by unanimous
consent.
B. UPDATES ON:
• Cherry Hill — No updates.
• Design Guidelines — A draft of the Design Guidelines was reviewed and edits were
made prior to the February Commission meeting. The commissioners discussed the
changes made and requested a new draft to review for action at next month's
regularly scheduled meeting, March 9, 2020.
• Cooley Haze House — No updates.
• Preservation Lansing — No updates.
• Lansing Eastern High School — No updates.
• Moores Park Natatorium — Ms. Nelson stated numerous stakeholders are working
together to figure out next steps to restore the historic pool in Moores Park. A
public meeting is scheduled to discuss the project February 17, 2020 from 6:OOpm
to 8:OOpm and a Request for Proposals will be issued for restoration work.
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Eckert Station — Mr. Rieske reported on his discussions with Michigan SHPO.
Lansing will not be able to take advantage of a new program that helps Certified
Local Governments (CLG) in regards to listing the Eckert Station on the National
Register. Mr. Rieske stated that instead, the City is going to move forward on
conducting a survey of the building known as Forbes Substation, Forbes St. (PID #
33-01-01-17-176-041).
Certified Local Government Annual Report — Mr. Rieske reported that the annual
report CLGs must complete has been submitted. He stated that the Cherry Hill
Historic District Review, the Design Guidelines, and the Forbes Substation survey
are among the projects staff plans on completing. Mr. Rieske stated staff will also
be holding a roundtable with stakeholders interested in Lansing preservation within
the next month.
PUBLIC COMMENTS — None.
COMMUNICATIONS — None.
STAFF AND COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS:
• Commissioner Redman submitted her resignation from the Historic District
Commission to staff and the Commission discussed steps to recruit a new member.
Mr. Rieske informed the Commission of his upcoming retirement from the City of
Lansing.
8. PRESENTATIONS — None.
9. OTHER BUSINESS — None.
10. PENDING ITEMS — Continuing work on Cherry Hill report and Design Guidelines.
11. ADJOURNMENT was at 6:05 p.m.
Next Regular Meeting: 5:30 p.m. Monday, March 9, 2020, Local History Room, CADL
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Minutes —Approved
Lansing Historic District Commission
Local History Room, Capital Area District Library
5:30-7:00 p.m. Monday, March 9, 2020
(Downtown Branch) Lower Level, 401 S. Capitol Avenue.
Lansing MI 48933
1. CALL TO ORDER — Commissioner Nelson opened the meeting at 5:33 p.m.
A. Introductions and Roll Call:
Present: Rob Gibb, Heather Goupil, Cassandra Nelson, Carol
Skillings, Curtis Sonnenberg, James McClurken
Absences: James Bell (EA), Jaclyn Lillis -Warwick (EA)
Staff Present: Bill Rieske, Asst. Planning Manager; Andy Fedewa, Planner
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA — The agenda was approved by unanimous consent.
3. PUBLIC HEARINGS — None.
4. DISCUSSION/ACTION
A. MINUTES FOR APPROVAL — February 10, 2020 meeting. Approved by unanimous
consent.
B. UPDATES ON:
• Design Guidelines — Commissioners discussed the draft Design Guidelines. Ms.
Skillings referred to text about exterior color and that the Historic District
Commission does not hear cases in regards to color.
The commissioners discussed the difference in language between recommendations
versus requirements. The Design Guidelines document is meant to provide some
background and context for interested residents and help the Historic District
Commissioners evaluate Certificate of Appropriateness applications.
Mr. Gibb questioned the need for the reference to weathervanes on page 13 of the
Design Guidelines. Mr. Fedewa said he would research what the National Park
Service says about them.
Ms. Goupil made a motion, seconded by Mr. Sonnenberg, to adopt the City of
Lansing Local Historic District Design Guidelines with the removal of references to
exterior color. Motion passed unanimously (6-0)
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• Cooley Haze House — Commissioners discussed that the house is being used for
materials salvaged from Ingham County Land Bank house demolitions.
• Preservation Lansing — Ms. Nelson discussed Preservation Lansing's work with the
Moores Park Pool rehabilitation efforts and deconstruction efforts with Ingham
County Land Bank's house demolitions.
• Moores Park Natatorium — The commissioners discussed the community meeting
held February 17, subcommittees formed for the group, and the draft request for
proposals. There will be a fundraiser held at the Potter House April 17, 2020.
• Forbes Substation — Mr. Rieske reported on his efforts with Michigan SHPO, using
a new program that helps Certified Local Governments (CLG) in regards to listing
the Forbes Substation on the National Register. The application has been submitted
and the City will now be working on the report.
PUBLIC COMMENTS — None.
COMMUNICATIONS — None.
STAFF AND COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS:
• Ms. Skillings handed out information about the Michigan Historic Preservation
Network's annual conference in Kalamazoo to be held May 14-16.
• Mr. Rieske informed the Commission of his upcoming retirement from the City of
Lansing.
PRESENTATIONS — None.
OTHER BUSINESS — None.
10. PENDING ITEMS — Review for Cherry Hill Historic District Report
11. ADJOURNMENT was at 6:32 p.m.
Next Regular Meeting: 5:30 p.m. Monday, April 13, 2020, Local History Room, CADL
Andy Schor, Mayor
CITY OFLANSING
HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
316 N. CAPITOL AVENUE f LANSING, MI 48933-1236 ; (517) 483-4066 FAx: (517)483-6036
PLANNING OFFICE 316 N. CAPITOL AVE., SUITE D-1
Minutes — Approved
Lansing Historic District Commission
Monday, July 13, 2020
Digital Meeting
1. CALL TO ORDER — Chairperson Nelson called the meeting to order at 5:31 p.m.
A. Introductions and Roll Call:
Present: Rob Gibb, Heather Goupil, Cassandra Nelson, Curtis
Sonnenberg, James McClurken, Jaclyn Lillis -Warwick
Absences: James Bell, Carol Skillings (technical difficulties)
Staff Present: Brian McGrain, Director of Economic Development
and Planning Dept, Andy Fedewa, Plainer
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA — The agenda was approved by unanimous consent.
3. PUBLIC HEARINGS —
HDC-1-2020: 523 Cherry St (PID # 33-01-01-16-457-051): New front and rear stairs
Andy Fedewa spoke on the application. Exterior and interior work was done on the house at the
subject property without the proper permits. Before the building trades permits can be pulled, a
Certificate of Appropriateness must be applied for and approved by the Historic District
Commission. Applicant has been in contact with the Building Safety Office. Commissioners
discussed pictures of the house seen on the internet and within the 2020 Cherry Hill Historic
District Survey Report. Applicant was not present at meeting to provide more information.
Commissioner Gibb made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Sonnenberg, to table
HDC-1-2020: 523 Cherry St (PID # 33-01-01-16-457-051): New front and rear stairs, to the
next regularly scheduled meeting, with the request that the applicant or their
representative present the application with more information. On a voice vote, motion
passed 6-0.
4. DISCUSSION/ACTION
A. MINUTES FOR APPROVAL —March 9, 2020 meeting. Approved by unanimous
consent.
B. UPDATES ON:
• Preservation Lansing — No updates
• 2020 Cherry Hill Historic District Survey Report — Mr. Fedewa gave an overview of
the report. This report serves as an update to the 1989 Cherry Hill Report and the
2012 Cherry Hill Walking Tour, and includes a staff conducted reconnaissance
survey and assessment of not just the Historic District, but also the entire Cherry Hill
Neighborhood. The Commission hopes to reevaluate the Historic District and decide
if some action should be taken. Mr. Fedewa requested that the commissioners review
the report and send him any edits or bring them to the next regularly scheduled
meeting.
• SHPO — 2021 Certified Local Government Grant ideas — Mr. Fedewa informed the
Commission that as a Certified Local Government under Michigan State Historic
Preservation Office (SHPO) the City is able to apply for a grant to assist with `brick
and mortar' preservation rehabilitation or a variety of projects such as those related to
National Register listing, survey reports, and education efforts, among others. The
submission deadline for this grant is October 1, 2020.
Discussion on historic preservation in Lansing — Mr. Fedewa gave a brief recap of the
preservation discussion that took place at the end of February and stated that the ideas
that came from that discussion would be a good place to start to discuss ideas for the
SHPO — Certified Local Government grant.
5. PUBLIC COMMENTS — None.
6. COMMUNICATIONS — None.
7. STAFF AND COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS — None.
PRESENTATIONS — None.
9. OTHER BUSINESS — None.
10. PENDING ITEMS —
11. ADJOURNMENT was at 6:14 p.m.
Andy Schor, Mayor
CITY OF LANSING
HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
316 N. CAPITOL AVENUE * LANSING, M1 48933-1236 9 (517) 483-4066 * FAx: (517) 483-6036
PLANNING OFFICE 316 N. CAPITOL AVE., SUITE D-1
Minutes —Approved
Lansing Historic District Commission
Monday, August 10, 2020
Digital Meeting
1. CALL TO ORDER — Chairperson Nelson called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
A. Introductions and Roll Call:
Present: Rob Gibb, Cassandra Nelson, Curtis Sonnenberg, James
Bell, James McClurken, Carol Skillings
Absences: Heather Goupil (excused), Jaclyn Lillis -Warwick (excused)
Staff Present: Andy Fedewa, Planner
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA — The agenda was approved by unanimous consent.
COMMUNICATIONS — None
4. PUBLIC HEARINGS —
HDC-1-2020: 523 Cherry St. (PID # 33-01-01-16-457-051): New front and rear stairs
Commissioner Nelson reviewed the application from July's meeting. Exterior and interior work
was done on the house at the subject property without the proper permits. Andy Fedewa
confirmed that the applicant has not been in contact with City staff. Applicant was not present to
speak on their application or answer questions from commissioners.
Commissioners discussed the possibility of getting Building Safety enforcement further involved
to address the work that was done without HDC or Building Safety Office approval.
Commissioner Gibb made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Sonnenberg, to deny
HDC-1-2020: 523 Cherry St. (PID # 33-01-01-16-457-051): New front and rear stairs. On a
voice vote, motion passed 4-2. Commissioners Nelson and Skillings cast the dissenting
votes.
HDC-2-2020: 505 Cherry St. (PID # 33-01-01-16-457-011): New porch roof shingles
Andy Fedewa presented the application. Shingles on the pitched porch roof have deteriorated
beyond repair. Commissioner Gibb remarked that the porch is not original to the structure.
Commissioners reviewed a picture of the proposed shingles to replace the current ones.
Commissioner Skillings made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Gibb, to approve
HDC-2-2020: 505 Cherry St. (PID # 33-01-01-16-457-011): New porch roof shingles, as
presented. On a voice vote, motion passed unanimously 6-0.
5. DISCUSSION/ACTION
A. MINUTES FOR APPROVAL — July 13, 2020 meeting. Approved by unanimous
consent.
B. UPDATES ON:
0 Preservation Lansing — No updates
• 2020 Cherry Hill Historic District Survey Report — The commissioners discussed the
Cherry Hill report update and voiced support for expanding the current historic
district to include the red -brick buildings that now house businesses and the "Kerr
House". Commissioner Nelson remarked that the survey sheets for the report may
need to be amended if they do have contributing status but have vinyl siding. The
commissioners discussed ways to gauge neighborhood support of expanding the
historic district boundaries.
SHPO — 2021 Certified Local Government Grant ideas — The commissioners
discussed using the CLG grant on the Cherry Hill Report update to turn it into an
intensive level SHPO survey. The commissioners proposed creating a committee to
assist staff in applying for the grant made up of Commissioners Sonnenberg,
McClurken, and Bell.
5. PUBLIC COMMENTS —None.
6. COMMUNICATIONS — None.
7. STAFF AND COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS — None.
8. PRESENTATIONS — None.
9. OTHER BUSINESS —None.
10. PENDING ITEMS —
11. ADJOURNMENT was at 6:17 p.m.
Andy Schor, Mayor
CITY OFLANSING
HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
316 N. CAPITOL AVENUE f LANSING, MI 48933-1236 (517) 483-4066 O FAx: (517) 483-6036
PLANNING OFFICE 316 N. CAPITOL AVE., SUITE D-1
Minutes —Approved 12114120
Lansing Historic District Commission
Monday, September 14, 2020
Digital Meeting
1. CALL TO ORDER — Vice -Chao Skillings called the meeting to order at 5:3lp.m.
A. Introductions and Roll Call:
Present: Rob Gibb, Heather Goupil, Jacklyn Lillis -Warwick, Curtis
Sonnenberg, James Bell, Carol Skillings, Sam Troutman
Absences: Cassandra Nelson (excused), Jim McClurken
Staff Present: Andy Fedewa, Planner
Introduction: Sam Troutman was introduced as the newest HDC
commissioner and welcomed. Commissioner
Troutman spoke on her interest of serving and
historic preservation.
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA — The agenda was approved by unanimous consent.
3. COMMUNICATIONS — None
4. PUBLIC HEARINGS — None
5. DISCUSSION/ACTION
A. MINUTES FOR APPROVAL — August 10, 2020 meeting. Approved with
corrections by unanimous consent.
B. UPDATES ON:
• 2020 Cherry Hill Historic District Survey Report — Commissioner Sonnenberg led the
conversation on his and Commissioner Bell's preliminary work to help with the CLG
grant. Commissioner Sonnenberg stated that there are some realities to face such as
the bureaucratic hurdles to follow the City of Lansing Ordinance, the scale of an
intensive survey, the relatively small number of possible contributing buildings that
could be added to the historic district, and there not being any property owners who
have asked to be added to or removed from the historic district.
Andy Fedewa echoed the same concerns as Commissioner Sonnenberg and stated that
such a project would be a substantial workload for staff. Mr. Fedewa also said that the
current draft report is a good snapshot of current conditions and an update of previous
work that supports keeping the district at the status quo.
Commissioner Skillings seconded the viewpoint that if there have not been property
owner requests to change the district, now may not be the time to work toward an
intensive survey or changing the district boundaries. She stated that she would like to
see more educational outreach about historic districts and home owner rehabilitation
funds to the neighborhood. The commissioners discussed keeping the Cherry Hill
Historic District and neighborhood in mind for a future grant opportunity.
Mr. Fedewa stated that he will make final edits to the report and update survey
pictures as needed. Staff will work on making more historic preservation educational
materials for the general public as well as upload the Design Guidelines to the City
website.
• SHPO — 2021 Certified Local Government Grant ideas — With the Cherry Hill
neighborhood decided on Mr. Fedewa stated that staff wanted to still pursue the CLG
grant, but to fund a thematic survey of BWL substations with the end goal of National
Register status of the buildings for federal tax credits for redevelopment as
appropriate.
5. PUBLIC COMMENTS — None.
6. COMMUNICATIONS — None.
7. STAFF AND COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS — Members of the Historic
District Commission once again welcomed Sam Troutman to the Commission and
expressed appreciation for her service.
8. PRESENTATIONS — None.
9. OTHER BUSINESS
a. Selection of Officers
Ms. Skillings nominated Mr. Sonnenberg for Chairperson. Mr. Sonnenberg consented
to the nomination. Mr. Sonnenberg was elected Chairperson by unanimous consent
on a roll call vote (7-0).
Ms. Goupil nominated Ms. Skillings for Vice -Chairperson. Ms. Skillings consented to
the nomination. Mr. Skillings was elected Chairperson by unanimous consent on a
roll call vote (7-0).
10. PENDING ITEMS — None
11. ADJOURNMENT was at 6:30 p.m.