Metro East Sun

City of Belleville Historic Preservation Commission met August 15.

Here is the minutes provided by the Commission:

Attendance-

Present: Jack LeChien, Molly McKenzie, Ashley Pollock, Ryan Wallis, Keith Owens, Doug Luna Guests: Josh Szymanski; Karl Gilpin; James Hines

New Business-

The Commission heard the DRR for 132 N. Pennsylvania Ave.

This DRR addressed replacement of windows with double-hung white vinyl windows. It was presented by James Hines. The windows are manufactured to specifications by a AMI. The proponents brought an exemplar window for demonstration. The proponents noted that windows 2 and 3 are not visible from the street. The window in the front of the house that is being replaced is framed with wood.

Mr. Luna expressed concern that the appearance of the window has less historic character than other examples previously considered by the Commission. However, this is ameliorated by the lower prominence of the window—recessed under a porch and in shadow.

Mr. LeChien moved to approve, Mr. Owens seconded. The DRR was approved by unanimous vote.

The Commission then heard the DRR for 419 E. Garfield St.

Karl Gilpin of Tygracon Properties presented the DRR to the members. This house was built in 1942. It has been vacant for a considerable amount of time. The owners have already done some work on the inside to shore up the structure. The projects for which approval were requested are numbered:

1. Existing dilapidated stairs being replaced with new concrete. Mr. Wallis moved to accept, Mr.

LeChien seconded. This section carried by unanimous vote. 2. Remove plumbing pipe handrail and replace with aluminum rail system. Mr. Gilpin asked to expand that there is a rail by the door that should be added to the DRR. Mr. LeChien moved to approve, Ms. Pollock seconded. Unanimously approved. 3. Reshingle the house with burnt sienna shingle. Replacing 3-tab roof with architectural shingles.

Mr. Owens moved to approve, Ms. Pollock seconded. Unanimous vote in favor. 4. Remove lamppost and non-code wiring. The lamppost will be eliminated and not replaced. Mr.

LeChien moved to approve, Mr. Owens seconded. Unanimous vote in favor. 5. Replace garage light and side man door light with fixture #2 and #4. Mr. Luna moved to

approve, Mr. Wallis seconded. Unanimous vote in favor. 6. Gable—We concur with the owner that the existing wood feature will be preserved. 7. Aluminum sheet wrapping behind the gutters surrounding the roof, and extending horizontally across the soffit. Mr. Luna raised an objection, because the soffit is an architectural feature, and covering it with aluminum sheeting would be historically inappropriate. The presenter stated

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that the replacement design will have a profile similar to the existing profile but made of metal or plastic, with a definite drip, or will be replaced with new wood with the same design. Ms. Pollock moved to approve, Mr. Luna seconded. Unanimously approved. 8. Replacement of back door and garage door. House door six lite, garage door with half-moon

window. Mr. LeChien moved to approve, Mr. Owens seconded, unanimously approved. 9. Sidewalk around back of house from driveway to back door. Mr. LeChien moved to approve,

Mr. Luna seconded, unanimously approved. 10. The replacement will be a paneled door. Mr. Luna moved to approve, Wallis seconded,

unanimous approval.

Chair’s Report-

Newsletter: Ms. McKenzie circulated a draft at the meeting for comment (but not voting).

Mr. LeChien noted that the districts have no landmark buildings, so asked that reference to it in the opening paragraph be removed. Mr. LeChien also suggested referring specifically to the historic neighborhoods by name with regard to requiring a Design Review Request, in light of other historic districts that are not in the jurisdiction of the BHPC. He suggested that reference be added to the list of districts in the jurisdiction of the BHPC.

Ms. Pollock suggested adding a paragraph that differentiates between the National Registry Historic districts and city historic districts, and which encourages utilization of tax credits in the National Registry Historic districts.

Mr. LeChien stated that residents should be directed to the IHPA for guidance on the historic tax credits.

Molly noted that the IHPA has a new name now, and we should use the new name.

Mr. Owens noted that it is Illinois State Historic Preservation Office.

Mr. LeChien referred to the certain renovation briefs, which inform on restoration methods.

Ms. McKenzie asked about contacting 421 Court Street, which has a combination of concrete blocks and landscape timber fence that the BHPC intends to inform the owner is non-compliant. Mr. Schauster stated that he plans to contact the building inspector regarding this matter.

Secretary-

Minutes of July 18, 2017 were approved unanimously.

Minutes of June 20, 2017 that were circulated to the Commission members did not include recent updates. Mr. Wallis will send the updated minutes to Eric.

Treasurer-

Savings account: $3,089.10

Checking account: $2,000.00

Increase of interest of $2.13

City Liaison Report-

Mr. Schauster circulated a notice of a National Park Service publication for certified local governments, and recommended selection of photographs for inclusion in that publication.

Ms. Pollock recommended photos from 804 E. Washington St., which was saved from demolition.

Mr. Schauster suggested inclusion of photographs of the old Turner Hall.

Mr. Schauster reported that the City advertised for the Planner position.

Mr. Schauster reported that the City met with SWIDA regarding the Meredith Home. There is a need for an accommodation on parking. They are waiting on word that IDA has approved their tax credits.

Mr. Luna moved to adjourn, Ms. Pollock seconded. Unanimous approval. Meeting concluded at 8:45, p.m.

http://www.belleville.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_08152017-1536