The City of Auburn
Historic Resources Review Board
c/o Office of Planning and Economic Development
Memorial City Hall - 24 South Street
Auburn, New York 13021
(315) 255-4115 Fax 253-0282
Meeting Minutes
June 29, 2004
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1. Meeting was opened at 7:00 p.m. in the 1st floor caucus room of Memorial City Hall
In attendance were members: Mike Deming, Betty Lewis, Jim Hutchinson, Sam Swan and staff members Michael Long and Alicia McKeen. Guests: David Taylor of Taylor and Taylor Associates and Gail Williams-Ingalls, Cornell intern.
2. Approval of Minutes: Peter Gabak made a motion to accept the minutes of June 8, 2004, seconded by Jim Hutchinson. All members vote approval. Motion carried.
3. Certificate of Appropriateness:
1. 87 South St. – Victorian House of Westminster Manor – parking lot. Mike Long states work has been progressing on site and driveway is part of rehab.
David Lansford - a different plan was originally approved in 2000. A new plan is submitted (attached). There will be 5 parking spaces on the north side of the building by the driveway, the driveway will match the width of the entrance aprons and landscape screening will be done to hide the parking area from the street.
Jim Hutchinson – arborvitae was discussed as a screening material but would prefer to see lower plantings, groupings and/or berms. Adding parking in the rear not practical for elderly.
Mike Long – break up plantings but keep on separate properties – don’t go over property lines. Need 10-foot buffer between parking area and next property.
Dave Lansford – there is some urgency to complete for opening and to make attractive for prospective tenants.
Mike Long – Code does not allow front yard parking – all parking has to be behind the front of the building.
Sam Swan – drive will be as shown? 16 ft with sidewalk?
Jim Hutchinson – will be as it was originally.
Mike Deming – then the consensus is the driveway width will match that of the apron; no parking beyond the front foundation and landscaping with any needed help from Mike Long.
Jim Hutchinson – also suggests that the generator at the Westminster site requires screening. Suggests 1 section 8’ long x 6’ high painted to match the garage with plantings in front.
Motion to approve the Victorian House plan made by Jim Hutchinson, seconded by Sam Swan. All members vote approval. Motion carried.
Motion to approve the fence screening of the generator made by Jim Hutchinson, seconded by Peter Gabak. All members vote approval. Motion carried.
4. Other matters.
A. Mike Long introduces David Taylor and Gail Williams-Ingals.
David Taylor gives background of firm and what they do. Gail gives background of studies and is working toward Masters in Planning and anticipates a PhD in Historic Preservation.
David Taylor – is pleased with the city as a whole and its buildings. Drove through neighborhoods, likes what he sees. Will be doing Reconnaissance level survey and filling out blue forms for NYS.
Peter Gabak – wants to be sure new work will be continued, not just going over what has already been done.
David Taylor – affirms – will be looking into new areas. Need to look at historic criteria and not ranking. Also recommends tax credits for Historic District income producing properties. A community preservation workshop is also proposed.
Mike Long – would like to get City Council, BID and Chamber of Commerce involved in any community workshop / presentation on preservation.
Dave Taylor – everything we do will be done from the public right-of-way – we will not be on private property. (General discussion of presented map and properties to be included in survey). We have plenty to look at and will be asking help from Mike Long. Plan is to have some forms completed by August and have a draft of the reconnaissance report.
B. Peter Gabak asks about the fence on the Adams Property – plastic fence was supposed to be removed.
Jim Hutchinson – states all agendas should include old business not yet resolved.
Mike Long – Cert. of Appropriateness had been issued, was finished business at that time. Unfinished business would include 107 South St., 102 South St. and now 44 South St.
Peter Gabak – also wants to know if permission was given to Bill Merritt for pine trees planted. This is a problem that needs to be addressed.
Jim Hutchinson – suggests sending registered letter to all homeowners in historic district explaining exactly what can be done and when a Certificate of Appropriateness is required.
5. Adjournment: Next meeting is scheduled for August 10, 2004 at Memorial City Hall at 7:00 p.m. – 1st floor caucus room. Motion to adjourn made by Peter Gabak, seconded by Sam Swan. All members approve. Meeting adjourned.
Recorded by: Alicia McKeen
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