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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021 Historic District Commission MinutesAndy Schor, Mayor CITY OF LANSING HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION 316 N. CAPITOL AVENUE • LANSING, MI 48933-1236 • (517) 483-4066 i FAX: (517) 483-6036 PLANNING OFFICE 316 N. CAPITOL AVE., SUITE D-1 Minutes —Approved 4112121 Lansing Historic District Commission Monday, February 8, 2020 Virtual Meeting 1. CALL TO ORDER — Chairperson Sonnenberg called the meeting to order at 5:30p.m. a. Introductions and Roll Call: Present: Heather Goupil, Curtis Sonnenberg, James Bell, Carol Skillings, Sam Troutman, Cassandra Nelson, Jim McClurken Absences: Rob Gibb (excused), Jacklyn Lillis -Warwick (excused) Staff Present: Andy Fedewa, Planner 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA — Approved by unanimous consent. 3. COMMUNICATIONS — None 4. PUBLIC HEARINGS — None 5. DISCUSSION/ACTION a. Minutes for Approval — December 14, 2020 meeting. Approved by unanimous consent. b. 513 W Ionia St., formerly known as the Bailey's Supermarket, has applied to be a National Register of Historic Places property. Michigan State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) sent a nomination review form to the HDC. There are two early 20th century red brick commercial buildings on the parcel, common of the period, but are strong examples of the commercial style with good integrity. After discussion and support voiced during December's HDC meeting, Mayor Schor signed SHPO's nomination review form in support of the National Register listing. c. Commission and Boards Ethics Training — Commission members present stated they reviewed the City of Lansing Commission and Boards Ethics Training video. 5. PUBLIC COMMENTS — None 6. COMMUNICATIONS — None 7. STAFF AND COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS — None PRESENTATIONS — None 9. OTHER BUSINESS — None 10. PENDING ITEMS — None CLG Grant — Mr. Fedewa reviewed the suggestion to apply for the 2021 CLG Grant to support the rehabilitation of the Moores Park Natatorium (Pool). Lansing Parks and Recreation will contract a consultant to detail the repair work necessary. Mr. Fedewa will continue discussions with Parks and Recreation, the Mayor's Office, and SHPO about using the CLG Grant for this project, but will continue to brainstorm other possible ideas with the Commission. b. Potential Local Historic District listing of the Westside Neighborhood — Commissioner Bell overviewed some of his research into the various historic subdivisions that make up the contemporary Westside neighborhood. There is some concern about working toward listing the entire neighborhood and that it will be more feasible to list a particular area, specifically the Espanore Subdivision. The Commission will review materials from Commissioner Bell and work toward eliciting community interest in a Westside Neighborhood Local Historic District. c. Outreach to Local Historic District Resources — Mr. Fedewa conveyed the intent of the Planning Office and the Historic District Commission to conduct more community engagement activities around historic preservation and education, but that a lot of ideas are still on pause due to the ongoing Coronavirus Pandemic. Mr. Fedewa presented a postcard detailing parts of the local historic district ordinance and the Certificate of Appropriateness process to be mailed to all Local Historic District properties. Commissioner Skillings made an edit to the postcard text. 11. ADJOURNMENT was at 6:00 p.m. Andy Schor, Mayor CITY OF LANSING HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION 316 N. CAPITOL AVENUE • LANSING, MI 48933-1236 • (517) 483-4066 i FAx: (517) 483-6036 PLANNING OFFICE 316 N. CAPITOL AVE., SUITE D-1 Minutes —Approved 6114121 Lansing Historic District Commission Monday, April 12, 2020 Virtual Meeting CALL TO ORDER — Chairperson Sonnenberg called the meeting to order at 5:36p.m. a. Introductions and Roll Call: Present: Heather Goupil (remotely from Lansing, MI), Curtis Sonnenberg (remotely from Lansing, MI), James Bell (remotely from Lansing, MI), Carol Skillings (remotely from Lansing, MI), Sam Troutman (remotely from Lansing, MI), Cassandra Nelson (remotely from Lansing, MI), Jim McClurken (remotely from Lansing, MI), Jacklyn Lillis - Warwick (remotely from Lansing, MI) Absences: Rob Gibb (excused) Staff Present: Andy Fedewa, Planner 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA — Approved by unanimous consent. 3. COMMUNICATIONS — None 4. PUBLIC HEARINGS — None DISCUSSION/ACTION a. Minutes for Approval — February 8, 2020 meeting. Approved by unanimous consent. b. 2020 SHPO — CLG Annual Report — Mr. Fedewa reviewed the Annual Report that the City completes for the Certified Local Government Program by the Michigan State Historic Preservation Office. Mr. Fedewa stated that some of the goals for 2020 were not completed due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Outreach to inform residents about Lansing history and preservation is a major goal for staff and this goal will be carried over for 2021. Commission members noted some corrections to the HDC member section. c. Self -Assessment Training Needs Survey — Mr. Fedewa said that public boards and commissions member training is a best practice for the Redevelopment Ready Communities program that the City is a part of with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. HDC members were encouraged to return the survey and request any training handbook or by-laws materials they may need. d. 2021 CLG Grant Ideas — Mr. Fedewa stated that staff is still leaning toward applying for a CLG grant to assist the rehabilitation work of the Moores Park Natatorium (Pool). The assessment of work needed was recently completed and it detailed two courses of action that would require around $2.7-$4.8 million or $6.3m. Staff is open to other ideas such as a new professionally administered survey since the Natatorium rehab project is still in the very early states. Potential Survey of the Westside Neighborhood(s) — Mr. Bell detailed some of the research he has conducted on the Espanore farm, Governor Osborn house, local architects, and the Warren Holmes Company. The Commission discussed the process for starting a committee for a new local historic district, but preferred planning to help educate neighbors about the history of their homes and local history of the area. Ms. Skillings reviewed some of what she went through with the local historic district listing process and recommended that the Historic District Commission explore a State Register listing for a westside neighborhood. Commission members agreed that the greater Westside neighborhood may be too large for a listing and that a more concentrated area of the Espanore and/or Westmoreland `subdivisions' could be easier sections to survey and study. Ms. Nelson voiced support for an approach to educate and celebrate the area, and possibly explore a national or state listing. Ms. Goupil stated the group could explore tactics with the Capital Area District Library — Local History Room to celebrate the area and provide educational support. f. Outreach to Local Historic Districts — Mr. Fedewa informed Commission members that the City will be redesigning its website so he will be overhauling how local history information is presented and will be working on new maps and visual materials. Ms. Goupil stated that CADL — Local History Room is an option for educational outreach, but it is still unknown when the libraries will open back up fully because of the on -going pandemic. 6. PUBLIC COMMENTS — None 7. STAFF AND COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS — Commission members discussed the public listsery email address for the Commission on the City website. It was decided that City staff should be the one to respond to questions and discuss any issues with the Commission. 8. PRESENTATIONS — None 9. OTHER BUSINESS — None 10. PENDING ITEMS — None 11. ADJOURNMENT was at 6:40 p.m. Andy Schor, Mayor CITY OF LANSING HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION 316 N. CAPITOL AVENUE • LANSING, MI 48933-1236 * (517) 483-4066 • FAx: (517) 483-6036 PLANNING OFFICE 316 N. CAPITOL AVE., SUITE D-1 Minutes —Approved 7112121 Lansing Historic District Commission Monday, June 14, 2021 Virtual Meeting CALL TO ORDER — Chairperson Sonnenberg called the meeting to order at 5:31p.m. a. Introductions and Roll Call: Present: Curtis Sonnenberg (remotely from Lansing, MI), James Bell (remotely from Lansing, MI), Carol Skillings (remotely from Lansing, MI), Sam Troutman (remotely from Lansing, MI), Cassandra Nelson (remotely from Lansing, MI), Jacklyn Lillis - Warwick (remotely from Lansing, MI) Absences: Heather Goupil (excused), James McClurken (excused), Rob Gibb Staff Present: Andy Fedewa, Planner 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA — Approved by unanimous consent. COMMUNICATIONS — None 4. PUBLIC HEARINGS — None DISCUSSION/ACTION a. Minutes for Approval — April 12, 2021 meeting. Approved by unanimous consent. b. 2021 CLG Grant Ideas — Mr. Fedewa stated that he discussed applying for the CLG grant to assist in the rehabilitation work of the Moores Park Natatorium (Pool) with State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) staff. Because of requirements of the grant and given the stage of the Natatorium project Lansing will not be able to apply for this project this grant cycle. Mr. Fedewa stated there is not yet a definable scope of work. Mr. Fedewa said because of the level of interest from commissioners in the westside neighborhoods and to build on the work being done by Commissioner Bell, it may be a good idea to instead apply for a CLG Grant to conduct a survey of the Westside. Commissioners discussed theoretical boundaries to survey and if the City should look at the entire area or certain plats. Mr. Fedewa proposed that he would work with Commissioner Bell to draft two or three different proposed areas to survey and present them at the next regularly scheduled HDC meeting. c. Potential Survey of the Westside Neighborhood(s) — This agenda item was discussed with the CLG Grant discussion. d. Outreach to Local Historic Districts — Mr. Fedewa showed Commission members the new City website and where local history/historic preservation is located on the Planning Office webpage. There were five separate pages on the old webpage with sometimes redundant information. Now everything is on one page. Mr. Fedewa stated that he will continue to populate the page and will be working with a staff intern to make information more interactive and shareable for social media. PUBLIC COMMENTS — None 7. STAFF AND COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS a. "Emery Houses" — 320-326 W Ottawa St: Mr. Fedewa stated that staff received an application from the owner of the Emery Houses to paint the exterior of the building, but since paint color is not reviewed by the Historic District Commission the application was not forwarded for review. The painting project is limited to the already painted building to the east and not the brick building to the west. The color will change from yellow to eggshell white. Mr. Fedewa said that he visited the building and saw that interior renovation work was progressing, but the building had not yet been painted. b. HDC in -person meetings: Mr. Fedewa stated that due to the expiration of the local State of Emergency on July 12, all public board and commission meetings will be moving back to in -person. For HDC the first meeting will be August 91h. Mr. Fedewa stated he was in contact with the Local History Room at CADL and was told the room will most likely not be available for meetings. Regularly scheduled meetings for the indefinite future will be in the Neighborhood Empowerment Center at 600 W Maple St. 8. PRESENTATIONS — None 9. OTHER BUSINESS —None 10. PENDING ITEMS — None 11. ADJOURNMENT was at 6:05 p.m. Andy Schor, Mayor CITY OF LANSING HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION 316 N. CAPITOL AVENUE • LANSING, MI 48933-1236 • (517) 483-4066 • FAX: (517) 483-6036 PLANNING OFFICE 316 N. CAPITOL AVE., SUITE D-1 Minutes —Approved 9113121 Lansing Historic District Commission Monday, July 12, 2021 Virtual Meeting CALL TO ORDER — Chairperson Sonnenberg called the meeting to order at 5:36p.m. a. Introductions and Roll Call: Present: Heather Goupil (remotely from Lansing, MI), Curtis Sonnenberg (remotely from Lansing, MI), Carol Skillings (remotely from Lansing, MI), Sam Troutman (remotely from Lansing, MI), Cassandra Nelson (remotely from Lansing, MI), Jim McClurken (remotely from Lansing, MI) Absences: Jacklyn Lillis -Warwick (excused), James Bell Staff Present: Andy Fedewa, Planner 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA — Approved by unanimous consent. COMMUNICATIONS — None 4. PUBLIC HEARINGS — None DISCUSSION/ACTION a. Minutes for Approval — June 14, 2021 meeting. Approved by unanimous consent. b. 2021 CLG Grant Ideas — Mr. Fedewa stated that State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) released the Certified Local Government program (CLG) grant application July 1st and that it will be due October 1sc Mr. Fedewa presented maps showing the original subdivision plats laid over the whole Westside Neighborhood and detailed about how many parcels are in each area. Mr. Fedewa said that although the CLG Grant can fund 100% of the project, it is reimbursement based, meaning that the City will have to first pay for any services, then get reimbursed, which may put a constraint on the scope of a survey. Commissioners discussed attributes of the neighborhood and significant buildings within some of the plats. Commissioner Bell has done the most research of houses and former occupants of the Espanore subdivision but there are significant buildings elsewhere that should be surveyed. Commissioner Skillings voiced support for surveying the Espanore and Westmoreland plats and reiterated support for conducting a survey plat by plat for ease of understanding and marketing. Commissioner Nelson voiced support for surveying the Espanore plat. Mr. Fedewa voiced preference for surveying the Espanore, Westmoreland, and McPherson Inverness plats if it will not be cost prohibitive. Ms. Nelson mentioned that the furniture store in the Durant Addition used to be a Durant vehicle showroom and may have some significance. This building was surveyed during the 2003 Thematic Survey of Early Automotive History in Lansing, Michigan From 1890 to 1930 project, but not included in the report. Mr. Fedewa said that he would reach out to SHPO to schedule a virtual meeting between them and interested Commission members to discuss the grant timeline and possible scopes of work. Mr. Fedewa mentioned further that Alan Higgins, the CLG coordinator, will be attending a HDC meeting as part of the City's participation in the program and will answer any questions the Commission may have then. c. Outreach to Local Historic Districts — No updates. 6. PUBLIC COMMENTS —None 7. STAFF AND COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS a. Ms. Nelson stated that a citizen group meeting for the Moores Park Natatorium (pool) took place recently or will take place soon and that she will find out if there is any new news. Commissioner Sonnenberg inquired the condition of the pool this summer and requested that City staff inform the Commission if the pool should or can be covered while not in use. b. Ms. Skillings told the Commission that the period for comments on the rules for State Historic Tax Credits is ongoing if anyone would like to review them. c. HDC in -person meetings: Regularly scheduled meetings for the indefinite future will be in the Neighborhood Empowerment Center at 600 W Maple St. PRESENTATIONS — None 9. OTHER BUSINESS —None 10. PENDING ITEMS — None 11. ADJOURNMENT was at 6:02 p.m. Andy Schor, Mayor CITY OF LANSING HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION 316 N. CAPITOL AVENUE i LANSING, MI 48933-1236 • (517) 483-4066 • FAx: (517) 483-6036 PLANNING OFFICE 316 N. CAPITOL AVE., SUITE D-1 Minutes —Approved 9113121 Lansing Historic District Commission Monday, August 9, 2021 Regular Meeting CALL TO ORDER — Chairperson Sonnenberg called the meeting to order at 5:36 pm. a. Introductions and Roll Call: Present: James Bell, Curtis Sonnenberg, Carol Skillings, Sam Troutman Absences: Jim McClurken (excused), Cassandra Nelson (excused), Jacklyn Lillis -Warwick (excused), Heather Goupil Staff Present: Andy Fedewa, Planner A quorum was not present 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA — 3. COMMUNICATIONS — None 4. PUBLIC HEARINGS — None 5. DISCUSSION/ACTION a. Minutes for Approval — b. 2021 CLG Grant Ideas — Commissioner Sonnenberg informed other Commission members that he, Commissioner Bell, and Mr. Fedewa were able to discuss the grant with State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) staff, chiefly the grant timeline, the difference between the intensive and reconnaissance surveys, and the possible scope of westside properties surveyed. Commissioner Bell shared some of his continued research on properties in the neighborhood. Mr. Fedewa stated that the HDC would have to attach a letter of support to the application and if awarded the CLG grant that City Council would have to pass a resolution accepting the grant. Mr. Fedewa also informed Commission members that he was able to attend the July Westside Neighborhood Association (WNA) meeting and was able to speak with those in attendance about the reconnaissance survey idea. Residents seemed supportive and stated they may be willing to submit a WNA letter of support once more information is presented. Commissioner Skillings said that this is the opportune time to get information out about the survey, the importance of historic preservation, and garner support for historic property education. Staff will work on outreach materials that could be distributed online or through the mail. Commissioner Sonnenberg asked if staff could prepare a map of houses and their build year and asked the feasibility of a map conveying the ethnic makeup of early residents to the neighborhood. c. Outreach to Local Historic Districts — No updates. 6. PUBLIC COMMENTS —None 7. STAFF AND COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS a. Commissioner Sonnenberg informed the Commission that he met with Commissioner Gibb and that unfortunately he and his family are moving out of the City and that he will be unable to continue as a Historic District Commission member after his term expired June 30, 2021 8. PRESENTATIONS — None 9. OTHER BUSINESS — None 10. PENDING ITEMS — None 11. ADJOURNMENT — 6:30 p.m. Andy Schor, Mayor CITY OF LANSING HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION 316 N. CAPITOL AVENUE • LANSING, MI 48933-1236 • (517) 483-4066 0 FAx: (517) 483-6036 PLANNING OFFICE 316 N. CAPITOL AVE., SUITE D-1 Minutes —Approved 1/1012022 Lansing Historic District Commission Monday, September 13, 2021 Regular Meeting CALL TO ORDER — Chairperson Sonnenberg called the meeting to order at 5:35 pm. a. Introductions and Roll Call: Present: James Bell, Curtis Sonnenberg, Sam Troutman, Jim McClurken, Cassandra Nelson, Jacklyn Lillis -Warwick, Heather Goupil Absences: Carol Skillings Staff Present: Andy Fedewa, Planner 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA — Approved by unanimous consent. COMMUNICATIONS — None 4. PUBLIC HEARINGS — None DISCUSSION/ACTION a. Minutes for Approval — No Quorum August 9, 2021 b. 2021 CLG Grant Ideas — Alan Higgins, Certified Local Government (CLG) Coordinator at the Michigan State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) was introduced and spoke on the types of historical surveys and the CLG Grant. Mr. Higgins spoke on the types of projects that can continue on previous work and completed surveys. Mr. Fedewa updated the Commission on the application process and stated that the application just needs to be proofread by the Commission members. Mr. Fedewa has contacted numerous consultants about providing estimated quotes based on three scopes of work and is waiting to receive them back. Commissioner Lillis -Warwick asked for more information about the grand funding source and funding levels. Mr. Higgins stated the grant monies come from the Federal Historic Preservation Fund and the distribution of the grant funds will not be held up by the state budget process. Commissioner Sonnenberg requested a basic timeline of the grant cycle. Mr. Fedewa stated that the HDC would have to attach a letter of support to the application and he will present another letter of support at the Westside Neighborhood Association (WNA) September meeting once the application details are complete. c. Outreach to Local Historic Districts — No updates. 6. PUBLIC COMMENTS — None 7. STAFF AND COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS a. Certified Local Government Program — Commission members and Mr. Fedewa thanked Mr. Higgins for coming to the HDC meeting and for his time and assistance with the grant process. PRESENTATIONS — None 9. OTHER BUSINESS —None 10. PENDING ITEMS — None 11. ADJOURNMENT — 6:07 p.m. Andy Schor, Mayor CITY OF LANSING HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION 316 N. CAPITOL AVENUE ; LANSING, MI 48933-1236 * (517) 483-4066 O FAx: (517) 483-6036 PLANNING OFFICE 316 N. CAPITOL AVE., SUITE D-1 Minutes — Approved 218121 Lansing Historic District Commission Monday, December 14, 2020 Digital Meeting 1. CALL TO ORDER — Chairperson Sonnenberg called the meeting to order at 5:30p.m. A. Introductions and Roll Call: Present: Heather Goupil, Jacklyn Lillis -Warwick, Curtis Sonnenberg, James Bell, Carol Skillings, Sam Troutman, Cassandra Nelson, Jim McClurken Absences: Rob Gibb (excused) Staff Present: Andy Fedewa, Planner 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA — 513 W Ionia St. National Register Application was added to the agenda and was approved by unanimous consent. 3. COMMUNICATIONS — None 4. PUBLIC HEARINGS — None 5. DISCUSSION/ACTION A. MINUTES FOR APPROVAL — September 14, 2020 meeting. Approved by unanimous consent. B. DISCUSSION: • 513 W Ionia St., known as the Bailey's Supermarket, has applied to be a National Register of Historic Places property. Michigan SHPO sent a nomination review form to the HDC. The commission discussed if a public hearing had to take place to discuss the nomination. The Commission decided to discuss the application and asked if Mr. Fedewa would confirm with SHPO if a public hearing had to be initiated. There are two early 201h century red brick commercial buildings on the parcel, common of the period, but are strong examples of the commercial style with good integrity. Ms. Nelson was the author of the application and detailed the background of the process. A National Register listing is required for federal tax credits to be applied for, but the rehabilitation work is mostly done. If the application is approved it will be featured on the City's historic preservation webpage. CLG Grant — Mr. Fedewa stated the idea of applying for the Certified Local Government Grant to survey and apply for National Register status for the Board of Water and Light's historic substations did not pan out because there were not enough stations to make it worthwhile. Staff will explore this project internally though. Ms. Skillings asked if the grant could be used for porch improvements in the Cherry Hill Historic District. Mr. Fedewa answered that physical work could only be used on National Register properties. Mr. Fedewa stated that staff is exploring the idea of applying for the next grant to assist with the rehabilitation work of the Moores Park Natatorium (pool). The Commission asked that the CLG Grant, potential Local District listing of the Westside Neighborhood, the Moores Park Natatorium, and outreach to local resources be added as pending items on future agendas. 5. PUBLIC COMMENTS — None 6. COMMUNICATIONS — None 7. STAFF AND COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS —None 8. PRESENTATIONS — None 9. OTHER BUSINESS — None 10. PENDING ITEMS — None 11. ADJOURNMENT was at 6:05 p.m.