Historic District Commission
Minutes
Land Use Meeting Room
February 19, 2008
Members present: ~ Chair Ken Fowler, KF; Elaine Steinert, ES; Kate McNulty-Vaughn, KM-V; Absent with notification: Jason Berger, JS; and Jim Harwood, JH
Staff present: Town Manager, Greg Federspiel; Building Inspector, Bill Thornton; Town Planner, Mary Albertson, MA; Land Use Clerk, Peggy Ammendola, PA
Minutes of February 5, 2008 tabled until next meeting.
Latest application, Dry Goods, 4 Housatonic St., Map 43 Parcel 172, scheduled for March 4, 2008, distributed to Commissioners.
5:30 PM Town Manager Greg Federspiel and Building Inspector Bill Thornton to discuss procedures and enforcement.~
Violations, in particular signage, continue to be a major issue with the Historic District Commission. The process is that an applicant must get approval from the HDC to put up a sign and then the Building Inspector issues a building permit for the sign. A sign that is put in place without the HDC approval is a violation, and the HDC is to notify the Building Inspector who in turn contacts the violator. If the violator does not respond, Mr. Thornton may take the violator to Land Court. Fines can be levied, but usually the fine is waived if the violator complies with the Bylaw. Mr. Thornton stressed that the HDC must have their Bylaw clearly stated for compliance. An issue that continues to surface that needs clarification is neon lighting. Mr. Federspiel suggested the HDC
consider proposing an amendment to the Zoning Bylaw with regards to signage in the District. Specific language is necessary to give the HDC the ability to force compliance.
In attendance were the following:
John and Susan Foulds, 42 Walker St.
Jim Biancola, 136 Main Street
Also, representing the Historical Commission:
Andrea Winter
Suzanne Pelton
It was suggested that it would be helpful to have a catalog of photographs of the signs in the Historic District. Mr. Thornton said that if a new business wanted to replace a previous business’s sign, leaving post and hardware in place, having a photo reference would be helpful and approval to re-face the sign could be a simpler process.
KF told those present that the Commission sent out a letter, mailed November 6, 2007 to all property owners in the Historic District. The owners have been notified of their obligations to be compliant. (MA will provide a copy to the Historical Commission.)
6:15 PM Zuckerman, Map 7 Parcel 22-4, plan to construct a garage/porch addition to lower rear corner of existing residence.
Making the presentation was Mark Morganstein of William Caligari Interiors/Architecture. This structure is not a part of the Historic District inventory, but because of the close proximity to the District, the owners have consistently submitted their proposed changes to the HDC. The Commission reviewed the elevations and plans presented. KM-V made a motion to grant a Certificate of Non-Applicability to the Zuckermans for their latest garage/porch project. ES seconded the motion and the Commission voted to agree 3-0.
Lenox Historical Society: Vicki Salvatore of the LHS dropped in to get advice for placement of a sign for the Society at the Academy Building, 65 Main St., Map 43 Parcel 61. She stated that more visibility for the sign is needed as many people are unaware of their location and that the public is welcomed to come in. The Commission offered suggestions. Ms. Salvatore will submit an application before any changes are made.
KM-V made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:55 p.m. and ES seconded the motion. The Commission voted to agree 3-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Peggy Ammendola
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