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
September 12, 2006
1. Meeting was opened in the Council Chambers Conference Room. In attendance: Mike Deming, Christina Selvek, Jim Hutchinson, Jill Fudo, Judith Bryant, Betty Lewis. Staff members Alicia McKeen, Stephen Selvek and Mike Long.
2. Approval of Minutes: Motion to approve minutes of July 11, 2006 made by Jim Hutchinson, seconded by Christina Selvek. Christina states follow ups needed for satellite dishes at 17 & 80 South St. and letter from Codes to 88 South St. concerning the fencing, gutters and repairs to the north side porch. All members vote approval for the minutes. Motion carried.
Motion to approve the minutes of August 15, 2006 made by Christina Selvek, seconded by Jill Fudo. All members vote approval. Motion carried.
3. Certificate of Appropriateness
99 South St. request for new sign
Christina asks for the materials used and if there will be anything on the backside.
Jim – current side is parallel to the road
Jill – we need to talk about this in the historical context. The existing sign is historically appropriate for the building where the new sign is not.
Jim – it is also obtrusive, closer to the sidewalk, perpendicular to the road and large
Jill – the current sign is lit internally
Christina – this has exterior illumination which isn’t a problem
Jim – we have allowed exterior illumination
Christina – uplights?
Jim – yes. This sign is too much. Would like to see the existing sign remain. They also have three sign on the r-o-w on Fitch Ave, a sign on South St., entrance signs and the Montessori signs. Any approval for this sign would have to include the elimination of all other signs. And the banner between the trees.
Stephen – concerning the historical inappropriateness and the overall aesthetics – does this include the materials?
Jill – that’s the biggest thing. The building is not an 1800’s building – it should not have an 1800’s sign.
Mike L. – this is a non-contributing structure. Will consult SHPO.
Jill – the building has much to offer, it is a period building.
Mike D. – send a letter of denial with suggestion to “spruce” up the current sign.
Stephen – concise reason for denial?
Christina – materials used, historical appropriateness, size, location and number of other signs.
Stephen – asks for a motion for approval. Motion made by Jim Hutchinson, seconded by Judith Bryant. All members vote disapproval with Mike Deming abstaining. Motion denied.
92 South St.
Stephen – replacement windows installed, has permit for interior remodeling. No applications have been made to this Board. Asks for input.
Christina – not the first time we have come upon an owner stating they don’t know approval is needed.
Jim – it looks better than the current windows – need to be painted
Jill – there is a problem with the grilles
Jim – white windows look awful
Mike L. – put an exterior grille on to cover
Stephen – windows are very cheap
Christina – are exterior grilles doable?
Mike L. – they can be made
Jim – they can change the glass to remove the grille
Christina – the window isn’t the right color, the mullions are not right, it doesn’t match anything
Jill – there are serious profile issues. Is this for action tonight?
Stephen – there is no formal application at this time.
Jim – can the window be used in the rear?
Jill – no, it can be seen from all sides
Stephen – polls Board for opinion on replacing window up to proper standards. All members agree.
Jim – can order sashes without mullions and paint windows
Mike D. – let him know the application as it stands will be denied.
Stephen – a CA that did not make the agenda: Mike Long approved 131 South St. to extend a 4 foot wooden picket fence along the rear, opposite side and then connect to the house. Approval is for it to come to the rear of the house.
Mike L. – Connor Fence is installing it
Motion to accept made by Jim Hutchinson, seconded by Jill Fudo. All members vote approval. Motion carried.
4. Other Matters
Stephen – 9-11 Logan St., owned by Matteo Bartolotta, working on a grant application and preliminary design work. #9 is a 2-story building, #11 is “L” shaped. Proposal is for a mixed-use development with the 1st floor as commercial space and the remainder as high-end luxury condos. To go forward the Planning Board is considering a resolution for an overlay zone over the R2 zone as R2 only supports buildings up to six units. It is cost prohibitive for this property to conform to that. Commercial uses would be limited. Council approval will be required for the change to take effect.
Mike D. – need to urge Mr. Bartolotta to pursue as a landmark.
Mile L. – Trying to get SHPO to consider.
Mike D. – get local designation. Important to include to have regulation in place.
Stephen – there are 2 resolutions to look at. One is a general support by HRRB to allow the adaptive reuse of the building and support for this project in particular for inclusion in the Grant.
Christina makes a motion to adopt the proposed resolution supporting the mixed-use overlay zone ordinance change. Seconded by Jill. All members vote approval. Motion carried.
Judith Bryant makes the motion to approve the support intent and conceptual design. Seconded by Jim Hutchinson. All members vote approval. Motion carried.
Stephen – On September 23 the Annual Historian Banquet will be held. RSVP to me by September 13.
Mike L. – HRRB will pay.
Stephen – 54 South St. – a couple interested in purchasing the property has concerns knowing it is in the historic district. They want to rehab as economically as feasible. The slate roof needs to be torn off & replaced and they cannot afford replacement in kind. Wish to replace with material to resemble slate.
Christina – yes, there is rubber made to resemble slate.
Jim – still expensive.
Mike L.- previous owner painted with aluminum paint.
Jim – would like to see estimates for something comparable and actual slate.
Mike D. – would like to see more info.
Stephen – would like some idea of direction from the Board before making a decision to buy. Want to know if the Board is will to work with an alternative.
Jim – yes, bring in estimates.
Stephen – according to Sec. Interior Standards, ok to consider alternative if cost prohibitive to replace in kind.
5. Adjournment: Next meeting scheduled for October 10, 2006. Motion to adjourn made by Judith, seconded by Jill. All members vote approval. Meeting adjourned.
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