Metro East Sun

City of Belleville Historic Preservation Commission met July 31

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

ATTENDANCE

Timberly Hund, Secretary

Molly McKenzie, Member

Alexandra Dixon, Member

Chet Breitwieser, Member

Absent:

Mike Dill, Treasurer

Linda Weisenstein, Member

Chirstina Schmittling, Member

Staff:

Eric Schauster, City Liaison

DRR Representatives:

Jerold Weathers

Guests:

Sean McElligott

CALL TO ORDER

Ms. McKenzie was selected as acting chair for the meeting and called the meeting to order at 7:03PM.

Emergency Procedures were given. Introductions were given.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION:

Sean P McElligott said the area around North Charels is looking dire, and many properties needs work. He is interested in redeveloping properties in the downtown area. His purpose in coming was to know more about what the commission is doing.

DESIGN REVIEW REQUEST(S):

129 N Virgina: Jerold M Weathers, owner. Request to repair and replace elements of his front porch and concrete work. He’s lived there for 55 years. Elements of his proposed project were understood and mostly acceptable, though the commission requested a sample of the proposed vinyl rail since the current design manual does not accept this material and the existing posts are wood and brick. The commission is in the process of updating these guidelines.

Ms. Dixon – Motion made to approve the DRR with the following conditions:

- Provide sample of propose new railing product for Commission’s approval.

- Tuckpoint existing brick piers

- Replace lower concrete steps with same material

- Replace lower sidewalk with same material

- Replace wood skirting with same material

- Replace wood steps with same material

Mr. Breitwieser, Seconded.

Motion carried unanimously.

312 N Charels: A fire occurred and the house has been vacant since. It has had multiple owners who have been difficult to reach. It may be downtown Belleville’s oldest house built in 1837. The inside is in disrepair and the amount of work to sustain it is unknown. The 12th Circuit Court has a demo court order in place. Mr. Breitwieser suggested a walk-through may be appropriate so the Commission can make an educated decision.

Mr. Breitwieser – Motion to table discussion until more is unknown about the status.

Ms. Dixon, Seconded.

Motion carried unanimously.

OFFICER’S REPORTS:

Chair Report: None.

Secretary’s Report:

Ms. Hund motioned to approve as amended the May 21, 2024 meeting minutes.

Mr. Breitwieser – Seconded the motion.

Motion carried unanimously.

Treasurer’s Report:

Staff Liaison Schauster reported that $3,900 is the current balance, with $1,900 encumbered for the Design Review Manual.

Staff Liaison Report:

1) DRR Administrative Approval: 418 N Jackson: Replace existing concrete steps with new concrete steps.

2) Design Review Manual Updates: Meetings with Farnsworth Group will begin in the next few weeks. Times need to be scheduled at their office or City Hall.

3) HPC Membership Updates: There are currently two positions available. A letter of interest has been submitted by someone in the finance industry.

4) HPC Facebook Page: There has been turnover in the PR department at the city. No new news.

NEW/OLD BUSINESS:

1) DRR – 306 North Charles: No update

2) Misc.

Ms. Dixon would like to continue to proactively brainstorm ideas on how we may spend our funding.

Ms. McKenzie suggested keeping the 6th Street Park on the Staff Liaison Reports. The city is still considering a design approach. It was suggested to engage area design programs for a competition to get ideas.

Mr. Breitwieser suggested a report or log of demo list properties or properties in need of rehab would be helpful the Commission as well as potential developers.

ADJOURN:

Ms. Hund - Motioned to adjourn.

Ms. Dixon - Seconded

Motion carried unanimously.

Meeting adjourned 7:51 PM.

https://www.belleville.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_07312024-3296