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2007 Historical Commission minutes PDF Northampton Historical Commission Minutes January 17, 2006 Members Present: Chris Kennedy, Chair, Norman Winston, Jennifer Hayes, Barbara Blumenthal, Kim Howes, Tris Metcalfe. Call to Order: The meeting convened at 5:38 p.m. The purpose of the meeting was to issue a significance determination for a proposed demolition. 509 Riverside Drive Having reviewed the subject property, through on-site visits and digital photographs, Member Howes made a motion to issue a decision of non- significance. The motion was seconded by Member Winston. The vote in favor of the motion was unanimous. Therefore, as interpreted by City Ordinance, the property is not significant, no further review is required and its demolition can proceed. Adjourn/ The motion to adjourn was made by Member Howes, seconded by Member Winston. The meeting concluded at 5:50 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Chris Kennedy, Chair Northampton Historical Commission Minutes January 29, 2007 Members Present: Christopher Kennedy, Chair, David Drake, Barbara Blumenthal, Tris Metcalfe, Norman Winston, Bruce Kriviskey, Kimball Howes. Also present, Peg Keller, staff. Call to Order: Chair Kennedy called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. He welcomed new member Bruce Kriviskey and introductions were made. In addition to the recent resignations of Susan Well and Louise Bloomberg, Jen Hayes has moved out of town and will be resigning as well. Correspondence 1. 48 Elm Street Antenna: The antenna installation proposed for St. John Episcopal Church’s bell tower has been revised. The new plan calls for the installation to be on the interior, with no impact to the exterior. Peg will review the plans when they come in for review by the Elm Street Historic District Commission. Peg did send letters to the applicant, the church and the Mass. Historical Commission expressing the concerns articulated by the NHC. 2. DPW tower installation. Members reiterated their concern about the placement of the tower needing to be set back as far as possible to lessen visibility. Peg will follow-up. 3. Route 91 Access Project/ a letter from Mass. Historical was read. This will be a large scale project evolving over many years. Members were heartened that Mass. Historical seemed to be knowledgeable of potential local concerns. Demolition Delay Property Inventory Members set the next meeting date, February 26, 2007 for the public hearing on the properties built between 1901 and 1939 deemed to be historically significant. The format of the hearing was discussed. It was decided that if a property owner asked to be removed from the list, that the owner would be asked to prepare a case and the Commission could reconvene in two weeks to continue the discussion. They would be asked to provide documentation as to why their property should not be on the list. At the close of the public hearing, the Commission would debate among themselves, then take a vote. Kennedy Road Barn Member Metcalfe spoke to the property owner who said they were not doing anything at this time, but gave him her permission to send his thoughts. He will provide a copy of that communication to the Commission. 1 2 Community Preservation Act Chair Kennedy said that the Commission should be ready with projects to put forth once the Committee process gets activated. He asked members to bring a list of potential projects to the next meeting. Chair Kennedy described his interest in the renovation of Memorial Hall, as well as a flood monument in Leeds, entrance signs for the Elm Street Historic District and finishing the Pomeroy Terrace Historic District nomination, to name a few of his ideas. Memorialization Update The Committee met to process the ideas generated at the two public listening sessions. Member Blumenthal mentioned the fountain restoration, the annual art exhibits and the creation of a book as a several of the main components. She posed that the Commission could sponsor the book, similar to those created for the 350th Anniversary celebration. Committee members are doing research to flesh out project ideas and will be meeting again soon. Local Awards Ceremony Member Blumenthal circulated the draft list and properties were reviewed. Peg will email the Building Department for possible nominees. Elections Chair/ Member Howes made a motion to nominate Christopher Kennedy to serve another term. The motion was seconded by Member Metcalfe/ there were no further nominations; the vote in favor was unanimous. Vice-Chair/ Member Winston made a motion to nominate Kimball Howes to serve as Vice-Chair. The motion was seconded by Member Metcalfe/ there were no further nominations; the vote in favor was unanimous. Treasurer/ Member Metcalfe made a motion to nominate Barbara Blumenthal to serve another term. The motion was seconded by Member Drake/ there were no further nominations; the vote in favor was unanimous. Demolition Review Sub-Committee/ Chair Kennedy made a suggestion to change the period of time served from four months to six months. A motion to that effect was made by Member Drake, seconded by Member Metcalfe. There was no further discussion; the vote in favor was unanimous. New members appointed to the Committee by the Chair are Mr. Howes, Mr. Metcalfe and Mr. Kriviskey. Adjourn/ The meeting concluded at 8:40 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Peg Keller NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION Minutes February 26, 2007 Members Present: Christopher Kennedy, Chair, Norman Winston, David Drake, Bruce Kriviskey, Kim Howes, Tris Metcalfe, Barbara Blumenthal. Also present, interested citizen Chris Sparks and Peg Keller, staff. Public Hearing for the Demolition Delay Inventory Call to Order: Chair Kennedy opened the public hearing to review the Property Inventory that will be submitted to the City Council. There was one person present, representing the O’Connell Company. Staff reviewed the context for the meeting and the ramifications for having a property deemed historically significant. The representative had no questions, thanked the Commission for the individual presentation, and left the meeting. Minutes/ Member Howes made a motion to approve the minutes of the last meeting, seconded by Member Drake. The vote was unanimous in favor. Correspondence/ nothing of significance to review. Project Updates Kennedy Road Barn/ Peg circulated a letter that had been drafted by Member Howes and sent to the applicant. Member Kriviskey suggested the possibility of drafting a Memorandum of Agreement outlining what the Commission would like to do, and securing agreement from the owner. He also mentioned the need for photo documentation where demolition is the final outcome. Members Metcalfe and Howes offered to put together a list of people interested in moving the barn. They will forward the list to the property owners. The Commission is hopeful that if the Borawkski’s determine they have no interest in reusing the barn in place, they will at least participate in an effort to locate another party to remove it for reuse elsewhere. Community Preservation Act Projects Chair Kennedy reported that the first CPA meeting was happening soon (March 21st) . He reviewed his ideas for potential projects to be funded through the Historic Preservation portion of the fund (either the 10% earmark or a portion of the remaining 70%) ƒ Recordation of City Clerk materials/ digitizing City records, photos, annual reports ƒ Florence Project/ Form B’s 1 2 ƒ Leeds Flood Monument ƒ Hotel Bridge, Pomeroy Terrace Neighborhood Nominations to the National Register ƒ Cemetery Renovations ƒ Canal Recognition ƒ Memorial Hall Restoration/Renovation ƒ State Hospital Memorialization Projects He asked members to think of other valid projects. He will report back about the process once the Committee meets and application logistics get delineated. Local Award Ceremony The current list was reviewed and revised. The potential nominations were discussed and evaluated. More locations are needed. Members should drive around and ask people for their ideas. Final selection should occur next month. Adjourn/ The meeting concluded at 8:45 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Peg Keller NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION Minutes March 26, 2007 Members Present: Christopher Kennedy, Chair, Kim Howes, Norman Winston, Tris Metcalfe, Barbara Blumenthal, Bruce Kriviskey. Also present, Ed Shanahan, Doug Ferrante, and 3 other Meadow Street neighbors. Also Phyllis Mount, Jim Hemle and Christopher Sparks and Peg Keller, staff. Call to Order: Vice-Chair Howes called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. The members of the public were polled to see which agenda items they were interested in. Chair Kennedy came in at 6:45 p.m. Meadow Street Development Proposal Chair Kennedy explained that he asked for the Meadow Street project to be put on the agenda to stimulate a discussion with the Commission about revisiting the issue of partial vs. total demolition in the Demolition Delay Ordinance. The specific project that concerns those in attendance is the proposed demolition of a portion of an historic property and the creation of additional buildings on the parcel. Chair Kennedy explained to those present, that currently the Commission has no purview over partial demolition. He said the building permit demolition request would not even be forwarded from the Building Inspector’s Office, unless it was for total demolition. Residents circulated photos of the building in question. The Chair described the criteria for review of properties slated for demolition and encouraged those concerned to attend the hearings before other permit granting boards and if possible, to speak with the developer directly. Those interested parties thanked the Members and departed. Mr. Sparks offered that the Commission needs to do better outreach to get its message out and work known to the community at large. More media vehicles are needed and greater unification of the area boards working in this realm. Historically Significant Property Inventory Two members of the public were there in response to the letters they received about their property being on the list. Chair Kennedy reviewed the process that led to the list formation and the selection criteria. Ms. Mount reviewed the Form B book for her property description (83 Massasoit Ave. and was not able to find it. Mr. Hemle, 105 Prospect St. was interested in our documentation, as he thinks his property is actually much older. Peg K. will send Mr. Hemle a copy of the form B and look for Ms. Mount’s Form B. (located and sent). 1 2 Peg K. asked about the owner that sent a letter requesting their property not be included. Chair Kennedy said he would create an appeal form. Other members agreed there should be an appeal process. This would be give owners an opportunity to put forward a case as to why they feel the property is not historically significant. Chair Kennedy said that because the Commission had engaged in a public process with due diligence, that it would be arbitrary for it to remove names without specific reasons. For the letters that came back in the mail, the addresses will be checked and sent out again. Once final, the list will be forwarded to the Building Inspector’s Office. Local Award Nominations Members reviewed the properties on the list and made assignments to gather more information. There was discussion about honoring modern design vs. only projects with historical context. Updates Kennedy Road Barn: Member Howes has been in contact with the family and discussions continue. 2 names of people interested in the barn have been forwarded to the owners. Community Preservation Act: Chair Kennedy reported that the first meeting has been held. Elections yielded Jack Hornor, Chair and Chris Kennedy is the Vice- Chair. The group is focusing on organizational issues such as forms and staffing. There is another meeting scheduled for April 18, 2007. There has been no discussion of individual projects yet. Memorialization Committee Update: The group continues to flesh out project ideas. The hope is to compile a final report to submit to the State Hospital Citizen’s Advisory Committee at its June meeting. Membership Update: Craig Della Penna, in hopes of being the Chamber representative has not yet secured a letter from the Chamber. He has contacted the Mayor directly. He has not heard anything. There has been no action on the request to move Member Drake to the vacant permanent position. Adjourn: The meeting concluded at 8:45 p.m. Member Kriviskey spoke briefly about the renovation funding needed for First Churches. Respectfully submitted, Peg Keller NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION Minutes April 30, 2007 Members Present: Christopher Kennedy, Chair, Barbara Blumenthal, Kim Howes, Tris Metcalfe, Bruce Kriviskey. Chair Kennedy called the meeting to order at 6:40 p.m. Member Blumenthal made a motion to approve the minutes of the last meeting, seconded by Member Howes. The vote in favor was unanimous. Correspondence 1.) 48 Elm Street/ A letter from the Mass. Historic Commission was read re: the antenna installation on the St. John’s Episcopal Church tower. Additional information has been requested. Mass. Historic is still requesting that the installation be accomplished on the interior, to the extent possible. The hearing with the Elm Street Historic District Commission has been continued while additional information is assembled. 2.) Earle Street/ A letter from Vanasse and Associates was read relative to the Chapter 106 review of the Earle Street realignment project. Members talked about reusing the granite stones. Chair Kennedy reported he had attended a Preservation Workshop on creating Form B’s. This will be important information as we move forward with possible Community Preservation projects. New Business Chair Kennedy reported he had broached the idea of pursuing Ordinance language changes relative to partial demolition, to the City Council. He did this in the context of his final report on the 1901-1939 Property Inventory. He asked if Commission members were in agreement. He noted the sub-committee should include local contractors, reminding members that Alex Ghiselin and Jonathan Wright, as well as Building Commissioner Patillo, were on the original committee. Members said that yes, they would like to pursue this. Chair Kennedy asked for a motion to that effect. The motion was made by Member Blumenthal to form a sub-committee to research changes to the demolition delay ordinance. The motion was seconded by Member Howes; the vote in favor was unanimous. 1 2 Members Kriviskey, Metcalfe and Chair Kennedy volunteered to be on the sub- committee. Local Historic Preservation Awards The remainder of the meeting was spent reviewing the properties nominated for awards this year. Members discussed whether or not new construction should be included. Member Blumenthal said there had been a total of 6 new construction projects awarded since 1975. It was agreed that more specific criteria was needed on which to evaluate the merits of nominated projects. Tasks for the ceremony, to be held May 22nd at the Florence Civic Association, were assigned. Peg will do a press release. Member Blumenthal will do the power point presentation, the program, the calligraphy on the certificates and bake cookies. Chair Kennedy will bring other refreshments, get the frames, take the after pictures and serve as Master of Ceremonies. Member Kriviskey will bring flowers, Member Howes will make the room arrangements and bring drinks from Coopers. Adjourn/ The meeting concluded at 8:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Peg Keller NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION Minutes June 25, 2007 Members Present: Chair Kennedy, Kim Howes, Tris Metcalfe, David Drake, Norman Winston, Bruce Kriviskey. Also present, Peg Keller, staff. Call to Order: Chair Kennedy called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. Member Howes made a motion to approve the minutes of the prior meeting, seconded by Member Drake. The vote in favor was unanimous. Earle Street Intersection Re-Alignment Members reviewed plans of the street reconstruction. They have been asked for comment per the Section 106 process. Members asked that the bridge abutment stones be reused. Planning Director Feiden has said he thought they could be placed as benches along the bike path. Staff will forward comments to Vanasse, Associates, expressing that request. There were no other concerns. Demolition Review Ordinance Revision Sub-Committee Members reviewed the participants on the original committee. Discussion followed about the charge for this study group. Chair Kennedy said it would be exploratory and a path would be formulated based on consensus reached. Meetings would be posted. A discussion of Local Certified Government entities followed. Member Kriviskey advocated for review of the State Enabling legislation and other models to see how partial demolition is defined. His sense is it impacts those elements that contribute to the architectural significance of a structure. He said it was important to have that information spelled out on the Form B’s. Member Drake expressed that level of review appears to him to be more in line with a local historic district scrutiny. Members suggested were Suzanne Beck of the Chamber, Jonathon Wright, builder (original committee member), Tony Patillo, Building Commissioner (original committee member), Alex Ghiselin, builder, former City Councilor (original committee member), David Murphy, Central Business member and realtor, Kris Thomson, restoration carpenter, Bill Trumsha, builder, Tom Douglas, architect, Joseph Krupczynski, architect and professor. Commission members that have agreed to participate include Chair Kennedy, Bruce Kriviskey and Tris Metcalfe. 1 Member Drake advocated for an associated educational component and Chair Kennedy warned against evolving into a design review board. Chair Kennedy agreed to contact people about becoming members of the sub-committee. Member Metcalfe said a visual presentation would go a long way towards educating the public about the potential damage partial demolition can cause. Local Award Ceremony/ Evaluation and Follow-Up Discussion will be postponed until Member Blumenthal is in attendance. Member Howes asked that a thank you note be sent from the Commission to Coopers, for their donation to the ceremony. Letters should also be sent to John LaFlamme, and Mike Flynn. The information about the plaque program needs to be sent to the new award winners. Representation on the Central Business Architecture Committee Since the resignation of Susan Well, there has not been an official Historic Commission representative on the CBAC. Member Kriviskey joined that Committee as an interested citizen and has been participating. Now that he is also a member of the Historic Commission, it makes sense to have him designated the formal representative. Member Howes made a motion to that effect, seconded by Member Winston. The vote in favor was unanimous. Arch Street Bridge Railing/ Bike Path Members were asked to review proposed bike path plans per the Section 106 process. Leeds Civic Association had asked the Commission to relay their desire to see an attractive railing across the bridge. Member Metcalfe and Chair Kennedy agreed to research what might be appropriate, and bring that information to the next meeting. The consultant will be asked about design requirements relative to bicycle safety and project parameters. Sustainable Northampton/ City’s Comprehensive Plan Members were given a draft of the Consultant produced section addressing Historic Resources. Member Kriviskey offered to revise it and circulate it for review. He will send it to Peg for distribution. Community Preservation Act Chair Kennedy ( who serves as Vice-Chair of the Community Preservation Committee ) reported the Committee is putting together the project review criteria. When a draft is complete, it will be circulated to various City boards, committees and the general public for input. Possible projects for application 2 3 were discussed, including finishing the National Register nomination for the Pomeroy Terrace neighborhood, a city survey to update and produce new Form B’s and entrance signs for the City corridors. State Hospital Memorialization Committee The final report was submitted to the Citizen’s Advisory Committee in June. An implementation committee was then established, which includes Member Howes, Member Blumenthal and Chair Kennedy. That effort will commence in the fall. Membership Member Drake (re) expressed his desire to move from an alternate position to the permanent one, vacated by Susan Well. Peg will try to get an update on the application of Craig Della Penna. Members agreed to hold a meeting in July. Adjourn: the meeting concluded at 8:25 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Peg Keller NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION Minutes July 30, 2007 Members Present: Chris Kennedy, Chair, Barbara Blumenthal, Tris Metcalfe, Norman Winston, Kim Howes. Also present, Craig Della Penna, new member, Doug Kohl, Developer, Paige Bridgens, Adam Cohen from the North Street neighborhood and Peg Keller, staff. Members absent, David Drake and Bruce Kriviskey. Call to Order: Chair Kennedy called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. No one made a comment during the public comment period. Member Metcalfe made a motion to approve the minutes of the last meeting, seconded by Member Winston. The vote in favor was unanimous. Public Hearing/ Kohl Construction application to demolish house at 8 View Ave. Chair Kennedy opened the hearing to discuss this request. He explained the process and gave background on the ordinance. After a site inspection by the sub-committee, a determination of significance was made. This allowed the Commission more time to gather information about the history of the house and offer an opportunity for public comment. Mr. Kohl was asked to present the reasoning for the demolition request. He said he needs to remove it to access land he would like to develop. Chair Kennedy asked others present for comments. Mr. Cohen said he toured the interior and noticed wooden pegs in the beam structure and that the second floor appeared untouched. He concluded that there are some interesting interior features that should be considered in the deliberation. Ms. Bridgens offered her thinking, that the house had been moved from the fairgrounds, there was a stable behind the larger house on North Street and that this was the only dwelling from the underpass to Damon Road during that time period. She felt it was significant for that reason. In addition, it is a solid home, potentially able to be used as a two family dwelling; that is the path she urged the developer to pursue, rather than demolition. 1 Member Blumenthal asked those present to elaborate on their knowledge of the historical significance. Ms. Bridgens said her sources were long time neighbors. Mr. Kohl said he also learned it had been moved from the fairgrounds. He said the map of 1873 does show a house at the View Ave. location; he is not sure if it is the current one. Member Blumenthal asked why the sub-committee had deemed it significant. Chair Kennedy replied that there is a Form B (historical survey form) on the Isaac Bates house on North Street, which was moved from Bridge Street (where Augie’s is now). His sources for information included Larry Tatro and Kerry Buckley. The Isaac Bates house is more important that this house, but he felt it was important to do more research on all the structures. The theory was that the house at 8 View was actually the barn for the Isaac Bates house. The Chair asked the members for their comments. Member Winston: the house has no particular significance that he can see, no redeeming features and it is standing in the way of progress. He said it would be great to see new structures on that site. Member Blumenthal: she would be sorry to see the house demolished, as it is a sound structure. But the link to the Isaac Bates house is vague. There is also an intervening house. This house, if a barn, has not been preserved as a barn and has been greatly modified. She does not see a case for deeming the house preferably preferred ( the next step in the ordinance process ). Member Metcalfe: noted that the future site plans are not the Commission’s purview. He said that it is a shame to destroy a post and beam frame from this era. He advocated for moving it, at least. He said it would be easy to move, slide it over out of the way. He agreed it may be a morphed version of history (barn to a house) but it could be incorporated into the new development. A development making use of an existing (historic) structure could make the project more marketable. Member Howes: said he inspected it (arrived on-site after the others left) and looked at the foundation and the 1st and 2nd floors. He does not see it as architecturally significant, and said he does not know the historical background. He described it as light construction, but not passing the test of being a structure worthy of preservation. Chair Kennedy said his research yielded that North Street was constructed in the 1890’s to 1910 time period. He thinks the original barn was demolished and this house came about circa 1900-1910. Based on the construction details and other evidence such as no gas light fixtures, he thinks that this structure was not part of the Isaac Bates homestead. He thinks the structure is newer and may have 2 been moved from somewhere else. He said the renovation from a barn to a house would have been extensive and there are no elements there to support that it was the barn to the Bates house. Member Blumenthal made a motion that the structure at 8 View Avenue not be preferably preserved. The motion was seconded by Member Winston. There were 3 votes in favor of the motion, ( Winston, Blumenthal, Howes ) and one opposed (Metcalfe). The motion was approved; demolition will be permitted. Project Updates New Member: Mr. Della Penna was introduced to the Commission, his appointment is pending. Sub-Committee Activity: Members discussed whether or not the sub-committee site visits should be posted. Peg will ask the City Solicitor. Sub-Committee on Ordinance Revisions Chair Kennedy is trying to reach the Building Commissioner to see if he is interested in joining the study group. It was agreed to circulate a question on the historic preservation listserv regarding how other Commissions have defined “partial demolition” . In the due diligence done earlier, it was found that most use the word “substantial” demolition that results in the review activation. Members discovered early on that these terms were too vague and enforcement officials and City Councilors, in addition to the first study committee wanted more specificity. Chris will continue inviting members for this study effort ( goal being to have more than total demolition reviewed by the Commission) to begin in the fall. It was noted that visual representations would be effective community education tools. Local Awards Ceremony Evaluation Members applauded the success of the Florence Civic center as an event site. With parking, power point, kitchen and an open airy space all offered, it may be made the permanent ceremony site. With regard to award criteria, Member Blumenthal said it is difficult to vote on something without knowing the exact nature of the work done. All agreed that this year had been a little “loose” with members not getting information in until the last minute, if at all. She also said she is uncomfortable giving awards to new construction. Member Howes suggested that a sub-committee be formed to draft criteria to bring to the full Commission. Members Howes, Metcalfe, Blumenthal and Della Penna volunteered to be on the sub-committee. Member Blumenthal will take the lead. They will also investigate the inclusion of an honorable mention category. 3 4 Sustainable Northampton Plan The deadline is approaching for the comments to the Cecil Group. Peg will forward the draft from Member Kriviskey. Members were asked to peruse the draft for a final time and get comments to Peg as soon as possible. Arch St. Bridge Bike Path Railing Mr. Della Penna offered to do some research on what type of railing would be appropriate. The draft schematics were circulated. Members of the Leeds Civic Association have asked the Commission to monitor this. The safety specifications have not been sent from the Consultant yet. Discussion will continue. Mr. Della Penna will email some pictures he has from other places, most using vertical non-rusting black painted aluminum. Peg will give him the consultant’s contact information. Community Preservation Act/Committee Chair Kennedy said they are developing their project review criteria. Once the Committee formulates a draft, it will be sent out to the appropriate boards and committees for input. This will take place in September. Correspondence ƒ Chair read an email received from Lilly Gaev about property she owns at 98 King Street. She is researching how to get a variance from the Architectural Access Board to place a handicap ramp on the rear (rather than the front) and wants help from the Commission to address architectural significance factors. Chair Kennedy and Member Howes will drive by after the meeting. ƒ Mass. Historic/ 48 Elm The State is still looking for updated information on the antennae proposed for St. John’s Episcopal Church bell tower. ƒ Mass. Historic sent a letter re: Turkey Hill and possible archeological significance. New Business Member Metcalfe asked that the Commission send a letter to the Planning Board about the negative impact of the proposed Hilton Garden Inn hotel on two adjacent historical structures, the New South St. apartments and the Round House building. After some discussion, the members voted unanimously to send a letter. Member Metcalfe will draft, send to the Chair for editing. Adjourn/ The meeting concluded at 8:40 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Peg Keller NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION Minutes August 27, 2007 Members Present: Chair Kennedy, Kimball Howes, David Drake, Bruce Kriviskey, Barbara Blumenthal, Norman Winston,