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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1985 Historic District Commission MinutesCLANSING HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION M I N U T E S January 3, 1985 Meeting was called to order at 5:20 PM Members present: Ford Ceasar, Joan Barker, Robert Christensen, Thom Greene Elmer Manson, Sharon Kellogg, Dave Sharpe Staff Present: James Foulds Minutes of December 6, 1984 meeting were approved as printed. Elmer Manson questioned whether the Commission had officially approved the'Rules of Procedure• It was a consensus that they had officially been adopted. The Commission adopted the attached list of offical meeting dates for 1985. The Commission discussed the objectives outlined in the December 6th minutes C and indicated that an informational brochure on the procedures and benefits of a historic district seemed appropriate. Staff was requested to prepare a draft brochure for review at the next meeting. The Commission reviewed the U.S. Department of Interior's approval letter on ordinance certification and requested staff to prepare a news release and arrange press conference coverage. Various areas for historic district establishment were discussed; downtown, Cherry Hill, Cambridge Road area, North Lansing. Since North Lansing is already on the National Register of Historic Places, would it be beneficial to adopt this as a local district also? How does the City/property owners protect the facade rehab work which was undertaken in North Lansing? Staff was to research this issue. Second floor access in the downtown area was discussed. Small elevator units were mentioned. Hour could the community gain access to the second floor of downtown buildings without destroying the characterof the structure and while complying with all appropriate codes. Adjournment. 4Ot2ams tfully submitted N. Fouls x CA rr o � K • IJ - C) W N- � U2 �O r{ - C lJ7 C? 0 El F-'- O z LANSING HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION MINUTES February 7, 1985 5:15 p.m. Planning Division Conference Room 2nd Floor - Washington Square Annex 119 N. Washington Square Members Present: Joan Barker, Ford Ceasar, Thom Greene, Elmer Manson, Sharon Kellogg. Members Absent: Robert Christensen (ill), David Sharpe (on vacation). Staff present: James N. Foulds, William C. Acheson, Louise Christian. The meeting was called to order at 5:10 p.m. The agenda was prepared according to rules of procedure; it was approved by consensus. Motion Ceasar, second Manson, to approve minutes of meeting of January 3, 1985, as printed. Unanimous. A short discussion followed concerning ways to keep the Mayor and Council informed of actions and prnress of the Commission. Mr. Foulds agreed to prepare a report to he forwarded to the Mayor and Council, on a monthly basis, in lieu of sending minutes. The members were pleased with both the press release and the newspaper article. Mr. Foulds has received several calls recently in response to the article, and several members too had"received positive comments. Mr. Acheson distributed for review a preliminary promotional brochure containing information about the Commission taken from the ordinance. Mr. Christensen and Mr. Greene have agreed to work with staff to prepare an insert containing information subject to change. Item to be placed on March agenda, in final draft form. The purpose of the brochure is to disseminate information to neighborhood organizati-ons, Board of Realtors, property owners, Chamber of Commerce, EDC, City Council members and constituents, and concerned individ- uals. Concerning North Lansing facade protection, Mr. Foulds explained that the area is listed on the Federal Register as a historic commercial area; it is not a locally established historical district. As such the City does not have control over the buildings. Staff researched the facade restoration and rehabil- itation in North Lansing and questions concerning mechanisms for protecting the investments that the City made in the form of grants for individual properties in North Lansing. 2 Lansing Historic District Commission Regular meeting minutes February 7, 1985 Mr. Acheson reported that the rehabilitation work was done as Phase I begin- ning in 1978, and funded entirely by the City with no owners' funds. The City contributed between $3,000 and $4,000 for each of 25 buildings, with no restrictions placed on the properties. A variety of facade improvements resulted --brick work, cornice repair, window replacement, etc. Phase II was done in 1981 for twelve buildings with contractual provisions for maintenance and repair by owners and as a covenant with the land. The time period was August 30 1981 -Sept. 30, 1986. By the terms of the contract, if maintenance and repairs are not made to the rehabbed buildings, the City can require the owners to do the work. If the owners fail to act, the City can perform the repairs and apply the cost to the tax bill. But no one is overseeing the contracts --there is no contract enforcement by the City. The City does not have the personnel and the building permit process would only apply the usual building code standards at the present time if owners want to change exteriors. The contracts afford little or no protection for the area. With the 12 buildings in Phase II, the City would have legal recourse since the contracts run to 1986 but only if the City Attorney will back us up. A discussion followed concerning the best way to approach the property owners. Staff was instructed to obtain property_ owners.' names and..addresses and prepare a draft letter and questionnaire for the March meeting. Mr. Foulds added that the City has about $40,000 in funds left over from the Jobs Bill set aside to complete facade restoration. He will invite the person responsible for it to the March meeting to provide explanations. The item on Downtown Second Floor Access was held for next meeting. Mr. Manson said there is a move to simplify barrier -free access for small projects that would be useful for Lansing. He urged the Commission to take formal action for approving simplified provisions at the March meeting. Mr: Foulds will invite Mr. James Kzeski, the Building Division Director, to the meeting to talk about the simplified requirements. Mr. Manson asked for an excused absence because he will be.unable to attend the March meeting. No word has as yet been received from the State of Michigan History Division concerning the grant moneys for inventorying and identifying historic structures in the City of Lansing. Mr. Foulds expects to have notification by Spring. Historical Marker item postponed to next meeting. Ford Ceasar will bring in a County marker for the Commission members to see. Concerning the U.S. Treasury Department's "Tax Simplification Proposals," Mr. Foulds urged the commission members to make their feelings known in this regard to local, state and national representatives. Motion Barker, second Ceasar, that we make our concerns known as the City of Lansing Historical District Commission to the Mayor, City Council and state and national Lansing Historic District Commission February 7, 1985 Minutes 3 representatives. Unanimous. Mr. Foulds will draft a letter and a sample resolution to be sent to the Mayor and City Council, and a letter to our representatives at the state and national levels. The meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, James N. Foulds Director, Planning Division 1-11 m 00 u, x N- m rt 0 n n b N - rt C) 0 N- m N� 0 LANSING HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION MIiiUTES March 7, 1985 Planning Division Conference Room 2nd Floor - Washington Square Annex 119 N. Washington Square Members Present: Joan Barker, Ford Ceasar, Robert Christensen, Thom Greene, Sharon Kellogg. Members Absent: Elmer Manson, David Sharpe (excused absences). Staff Present: William C. Acheson, Louise Christian The meeting was called to order at 5:25 p.m. The agenda was approved as presented, motion Ceasar, second Greene, unanimous. The minutes of the regular meeting of February 7, 1985 were approved as presented, with the correction of "progress" in first full paragraph. Motion Ceasar, second Barker, unanimous. Promotional Brochure Mr. Acheson distributed a revision of the promotional brochure which reflected several changes suggested at the last meeting. A single -page insert provided information subject to change, such as membership, meeting days, etc. Considerable discussion followed concerning the brochure centering on permits and review of permits, assisting with and reviewing plans, "securing" the his- toric quality, and planned improvements. Chairperson Kellogg said the brochure should -be treated as a promotional piece; the procedure should be general, and it should downplay site plans and requirements; however, it should provide more information than the ordinance. Members should spend some more time reviewing the brochure and then communicate their thoughts to Mr. Acheson who said he would simplify the back two pages and make the procedures flow in sequence. Chairperson Kellogg said that three steps are required: Forming the districts, permit assistance, then enforcement. The step of creating the districts has been skipped. Also a set of written procedures needs to be worked up that can be handed out in response to inquiries; also an application blank needs to be prepared. Lansing Historic District Commission Regular Meeting March 7, 1985 North Lansing Facade Protection Mr. Acheson distributed a letter and questionnaire directed at Porth Lansinn property owners. A list of owners' and occupants' names and addresses had also been compiled. Mr. Christensen said, in the letter's second paragraph, that property ov!ners could take advantage of the full range of tax benefits. Mr. Greene said the Commission's noal for the area should be restoration and renovation of the whole area, tax benefits for owners, and then enforcement. The questionnaires could he coded for identification and space provided for (optional) signature and address, and for indicating whether or not the person wants to participate and be contacted by the City. Ms. Barker suggested wording channe for question at top of pane 2 "Would you consider converting it to some other use?" Mr. Ceasar suggested the question "Mould you like to know more about what historical preservation would do for you?" Mr. Acheson enumerated City improvements in the North'Lansing over the last few years: The fish ladder, canoe launch, parking space expansion, landscaping, sidewalk repair and improvement, facade restoration, Comfort Station (in proaress), etc. The City expected the invest- ment to spur some private development Chairperson Kellogg said failure of anticipated development may have been a matter of bad timing, with the downturn in the economy over the past few years. Part of the value of the historic designation would he promotion and attention drawn to the area. We need some contact with the owners, hoth personal and by mail. Motion Ms. Barker, support Mr. Greene, to proceed with letter and questionnaire. Unanimous. Mr. Acheson will -incorporate suggested changes and return the letter and questionnaire to the next meeting. Historical Markers Mr. Ceasar brought an Ingham County Agricultural Society historic marker. The sign was made of aluminum with baked -on enamel lettering, very durable and attractive. The members expressed interest in use of the signs to designate historic City sites. Second Floor Access Mr. Acheson distributed an application to waive harrier free design requirements used by the State of Michigan Barrier Free Design Board. Mr. James Kzeski, Building Division Director, who is also on the State Commission, said people do not apply for the waiver --that is the main reason why there is not more remodeling of upper floors. If applicants have a legitimate reason (for example, an old building, limited resources, disproportionate percentane of total moneys reouired for elevator installation), generally the.requests are approved, but people do have to be coached in how to approach the Board correctly. With the endorsement of the Historic District Commission, it might make people in the North Lansing area aware that they can do second floor renova- tion. The Parthenon °estaurant and Jim's Tiffany Room both have second floor banquet facilities and no elevator. Mr. Christensen brought up the question of altering historic structures such as the Knapps building for Code compliance. Mr. Greene mentioned the lack of sensitivity to the intrinsic value of the structure in rigidly requiring building code compliance. Mr. Acheson promised to pass the comments along. Motion Ceasar, second Barker, to adjourn. Unanimous. Meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m. P,esnectfully submitte , C William C. Acheson Senior Planner x N• LANSING HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION MINUTES April 4, 1985 5:15 p. m. 520 N. Capital Lansing, Michigan Members Present: Sharon Kellogg, Thomas Greene, Bob Christensen, Joan Barker Ford Ceasar, Elmer Manson Members absent: David Sharpe Staff Present: J. Foulds, V. Mitchell Meeting was called to order by Chairperson Sharon Kellogg, at 5:27 PM Mr. Manson moved and Mr. Ceasar supported that the agenda be approved as printed. MOTION CARRIED Jacqueline D. Taylor, Vice President for College and Community Relations at Lansing Community College conducted the Commission members on a very interesting and educating tour of the Herr-ann House (520 N. Capitol Avenue). The Herrmann House is owned by Lansing Community College and used as a confernce center. The house is being restored and decorated with only partial funding by LCC. Mrs. Taylor pointed out several interesting historical features of the home and detailed some of the plans for the future. LCC, through Mrs. Taylor waived the $50.00 fee normaly charged for the use of the Conference Center (Herrmann House) BUSINESS SESSION Approval of Minutes - March 7, 1985 meeting Mr. Ceasar moved to approve the minutes, Mr. Manson supported. Joan Barker indicated that Mr. Ceasar's name was listed as "Mr. Ford" on page two of the minutes and asked for a correction. Minutes were approved as corrected. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Promotional Brochure - Mr. Foulds distributed the revised brochure. Discussion followed. The Commission members agreed that the back flap should be utilized. Several suggested uses were given including a listing of potential buildings or homes for historic designation and complete contact information. It was agreed by the -members that the full address for the public to contact with telephone number included should be placed on the back flap. Minutes April 4, 1985 page 2 R. Christensen discussed several changes to the context of the brochure that he addressed in a communication to Mr. Foulds. Mr. Christensen indicated he would like to see the description of the type and area of historic designations allowed clarified. It was agreed by the Commission members that this should be done - Mr. Foulds to rewrite. The Commission agreed that the brochure was general enough to encourage the public to seek further information. Mr. Foulds will make the suggested changes and additions to the brochure and contact Chairperson Sharon Kellogg for approval of the final copy. Mr. Foulds will have 300-400 copies printed. North Lansing Questionaire - The Commission reviewed the questionaire as submitted by Mr. Foulds. The questionaires are to be coded and a request for a name to be optional is to be included on them. Sharon Kellogg indicated she was ready to go with it and the Commission members agreed with her. Mr. Foulds will implement the mailing of the questionare. NEW BUSINESS Mr. Foulds indicated he had received a request to place a historical marker at the site of the first Capitol in Lansing (located near the Woolworth Building) He inquired as to the feelings of the Commission regarding historical markers being placed on designated historic homes and/or districts. The Commission was not ready to decide this issue at this time. The Commission would prefer to have a few property owners designate their district and then receive input regarding the placement of markers. Mr. Foulds will communicate this to the person(s) making the original request. Mr. Foulds distributed a letter he received from the State of Michigan regarding the grant for a historical inventory. A seminar will be held in April to inform applicants as to what is needed for the grant application. It appear it will be fall of 1985 or later before this will be ready or the grant will be awarded. Sharon Kellogg expressed her approval of moving the meeting out of the Washington Square Annex and the Committee indicated that other historical places would be agreeable for future meetings such as the Dodge Turner House, North Lansing Comfort Station and the former Knapp Building. Mr. Ceasar had spoke with Mr. Eyde recently and said he is interested in historical ideas and Mr. Ceasar thought it would be a good idea to go through the newly remodeled Knapps Center. Joan Barker indicated her interest in having someone from the Building Safety .Division attend a meeting to disucss waiving of some of the codes for historical remodeling purposes. Mr. Foulds indicated the last time he heard from Mr. Randall regarding his request for a historical designation, Mr. Randall was to contact him when he was ready. The meeting was adjourned at 7:00 PM Submitted by ; Vi rgn ni a Mitchell x ct LANSING HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 2,1985 TURNER -DODGE HOUSE 100 E. NORTH STREET 5:15 PM Members Present: Joan Barker, Ford Ceasar and Thomas Greene Members Absent: Sharon Kellogg, Bob Christensen, Elmer Manson, David Sharpe Staff Present: J. Foul d, W. Acheson, V. Mitchell, E. Love A tour of the Turner Dodge building was conducted by Casandra DeMeyer, Parks and Recreation Department,City of Lansing. Ms. DeMeyer gave historical background regarding the building with additional comments provided by Mr. Ceasar and Mr. Greene. Present and future uses were described by Ms. DeMeyer. Funding for building restoration is not provided by the City and is done by volunteers and private donations. "Friends of the Turner -Dodge House" provides much of the leadership for the plans for the building. A quorum was not present and in the absence of both the Chairperson and the Vice Chair, Tom Greene volunteered to act as Chairman for the meeting. Acting Chairman Thomas Greene called the meeting to order at 6:14 with roll call. No excused absences were requested. Staff attending meeting were recognized. No audience was present BUSINESS SESSION Approval of April 4, 1985 minutes. Motion was made by Ford Ceasar and supported by Joan Barker to approve the minutes as printed. APPROVED UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Ford Ceasar requested a letter of thanks be sent to Ms. DeMeyers for her tour of the Turner -Dodge House. Mr.Fou Ids will send a letter to Mr. Finley, Director of the Parks and Recreation Department with a copy to Ms. DeMeyers. Membership into the "Friends of the Turner -Dodge House" is to be initiated by staff on behalf of the Commission members. ($5.00 per person) -2 - Promotional Brochure - Mr. Acheson reported the brochure is still in the works. Mr. Acheson will meet with Thom Greene for final changes. North Lansing Questionaire - The questionaire regarding North Lansing was mailed to 80 owners .and occupants in the North Lansing area. Replies should begin to come in soon. NEW BUSINESS Proposed Cherry Hill Historic District Mr. Foulds introduced Eleanor Love, Senior Planner, Planning Division, Department of Planning and Municipal Development. Mrs. Love outlined the Cherry Hill Neighborhood and the amendments being prepared for the Master Plan. Recommendations regarding land use patterns have been made to the Planning Board for their consideration and approval. Ms. Love indicated there were many historical structures in the area as well as interest in being designated a Historic District. Joan Barker inquired*as to what the Commission might do to assist in making this designation. Mr. Foulds indicated that at the time the City Council takes action adopting the Master Plan Amendment, the liaison group should be requested to continue working and direct their study toward the designation of a Historic District with support from City staff for continued study. Communications - The final application for the Historic re- source inventory is ready to be submitted to the State. of Michigan in the amount of $8,900., the largest request received by the state. Mr. Foulds indicated it is likely we will receive the grant. Plans are to inventory 6200 structures for historical purposes including photos. MSU grad students will be employed to do the actual inventory. Joan Barker offered her assistance in working with student workers based on her recent experience. Thom Greene indicated he was familiar with a consultant group that might be of assistance to us in starting this project. Joan Barker indicated her pleasure at having the Commission meetings outside of the undesireable Washington Square Annex. The Commission suggested that other meetings might be held at such places as the North Lansing Comfort Station, Moon House, or Central Methodist Church, the oldest church in the city. Thom Green indicated that May 12 - 16 is National Historic Preservation Week in American and suggested that we make note of this week in some manner. Several suggestions were given such as having the Mayor make an annoucement at the City Council meeting, requesting the State Journal to run an article or articles during that week. The Commission would -3 - like to also work toward more envolvement for next years' week which will be the same dates in May. Mr. Ceasar inquired as to the possibility of extending terms rather than making reappointments which are due in June. Mr. Foulds will look into this with the City Attorney's office as it pertains to the Historical District Ordinance. Meeting adjourned 7:05 PM / Submitted by -VU ji, Virginia Mitchell LANSING HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION MINUTES June 6, 1985 North Lansing Comfort Sta-tion 3.13 East Grand River 5:15 PM Members Present: Joan Saner, Ford Ceasar, Thomas Greene, Bob Christensen and Elmer Manson ".embers Absent: Sharon Kellogg Staff Present: J. Foulds, W. Acheson, V. Mitchell Guests Present: Bob Carowitz and Hank Reniger Vice Chairperson, Elmer Manson called the meeting to order at 5:25pm. Roll call was taken by the recording secretary. Sharon Kellogg was excused due to illness. Agenda was approved as presented. BUSINESS SESSION Aproval of May 2, 1985 minutes. Motion was made by Ford Ceasar and supported by Tom Greene to approve the minutes as printed. APPROVED Unfinished Business William Acheson presented the promotional brochure with changes requested at last :meeting. It was agreed the insert should be stapled to avoid it slipping out. Mr. Acheson is to update the list of grants available with the assistance of Bob Christensen and list the Michigan Historical Commission as a reference. Mr. Foulds requested that the Community Development Block Grant loans for rehabilitation be added to the list. Joan Barker moved to accept, as corrected, the promotional brochure presented by Mr. Acheson and to approve the printing of 1000 copies. Supported by Ford Ceasar. APPROVED North Lansing Questionaire. Mr. Acheson reviewed the results of the questionaire sent to owners and occupants in the North Lansing area. 113 surveys were mailed (107 -2 - to Lansing). 16 were returned (14.2%) Written responses seemed to indicate people were waiting for the City to respond, self help needs to be encouraged. Mr. Foulds suggested resource people should be brought in to inform people in the area what assistance is available for upgrading their homes and businesses. The City has put in curb and gutters and spent monies upgrading the area. Joan Barker suggested the Commission members contact owners by phone for additional survey input. Mr. Greene volunteered to contact Mr. Skory who is a multiple property owner. Staff will contact several other multiple property owners in the area. Elmer Manson moved that the Commission direct the staff to set up a public meeting to inform the area residents and owners of resources available to them for upgrading the North Lansing area. Bob Christensen supported.APPROVED NEW BUSINESS Communications: Letter of resignation was received from David Sharpe. The Mayor will be appointing a replacement in the near future. Mr. Carowitz has been requested to submit an application to the Mayor for the Commission vacancy. The Mayor has submitted letters to the City Council recommending the reappointment of Mr. Ceasar and Mr. Manson for a 3 year term to expire in 1988. Other terms will expire as follows: Christensen, Greene and Kellogg - June, 1987; Barker and vacant position, June, 1986. Next meeting to be held July 11, 1985 at the Comfort Station. The cancelling of the August meeting will be discussed at that time. Mr. Ceasar indicated he had approximately 100 slides (, hour -/+ to view) of the North Lansing area available and suggested the public meeting might be appropriate to show these slides at that time. HANK RENIGER indicated much of the North Lansing's problems stemed from several things such as the negative attitute of City Hall. i.e. refusing to erect signs indicating directions to North Lansing around the town. The one way streets all run south, instead of north into North Lansing area and the closing of N. Washington Avenue by LCC. Other problems include the use of Grand River as the name of the main street in North Lansing instead of the original name of "Franklin Avenue" There is a -3 - North, South, East and West Grand River and it becomes very confusing. Also since 1982, East Grand River has be designated as a truck route allowing many large 18 wheel trucks to travel through the area. Other problems are the lack of building codes that allow restoration, particularly in the second floor areas of buildings. Present codes would destroy rather than restore these areas. Mr. Reniger proceeded to discuss the history of the North Lansing Comfort Station that was built as a general purpose buiding in 1914. The building has been restored and is leased by the NCLA as a community center. A tour of the building was given as well as a demonstration a model inter -urban transit system similar to that which exisited in the Lansing area in its early days. Meeting was adjourned at 7:20 pm. 4-1 U U) Ln co q rn U H �4 ',D 0 4-J (1) x h