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HDC_04 03 1997LITTLE ROCK HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION MINUTES 3 April 1997 Commissioners Present: John Bush John Greer Tommy Jameson Charles Marratt Julie Wiedower Staff Present: V.Anne Guthrie Anthony Black The meeting for the Little Rock Historic District Commission (LRHDC) was called to order and roll call was given. As there was a quorum, the February minutes were approved as amended; the minutes from the March meeting, which were distributed at the meeting's onset, will be reviewed and approved at a later date. A Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) application, which had been deferred from the 20 February meeting, was the first agenda item: Applicant: Marsha L. Taul Address: 1305 Cumberland Street Request: Install vinyl siding on the structure's three facades Ms. Taul asked about two COA siding applications that previously had come before the LRHDC and what actions were taken. The siding requests were for Poe Travel at 915 - 917 Cumberland Street and for 411 East 6th Street. An overview was presented by staff of the previous artificial siding applications for both addresses, their request, vote and conditional approval. Poe's first application for siding was November 1990, and it was denied unanimously. Their second application was submitted in 1991 and, reading from the minutes, was approved (3-1 vote) with four conditions, which were: (1) the fascia, soffit, crown & cove moldings and upper trim not be covered with artificial siding; (2) covering the flat fascia with gutter is acceptable; (3) all louvers remain the same configuration; and (4) drip molding be reinstalled where missing. The application for siding at 411 East 6th Street came before the LRHDC in May 1993 and was unanimously approved with the following conditions: (1) the north facade, including one west panel in the porch area have no artificial siding; (2) no siding be allowed on the bay on the structure's west side; (3) wood lattice on the west and south sides be replaced with wood lattice; and (4) all details of original features are to remain unaltered. Little Rock Historic District Commission Minutes of 3 April 1997, Page 2 There was discussion about the conditions and implications of artificial siding on a structure's architectural detailing. It was noted that the subject property at 1305 Cumberland Street is listed as a contributing structure to the historic district and discussion focused on the application of artificial siding to contributing structures. The artificial siding that's already in place on the north side does change the appearance and condition of the structure and its architectural details. Chair Bush asked for comments regarding siding and the proposed artificial siding policy that was discussed at the agenda meeting; especially how the proposed policy would effect the applicant's request (NOTE: a copy of the draft artificial siding policy is enclosed along with these minutes). Commissioner Marratt stated that the applicant should have a copy of the proposed siding policy in order to know how issues will be addressed in the future. The applicant stated she had a FHA 204 rehabilitation loan, which has a deadline of the end of March. Guthrie stated that a letter was written to the applicant following the February meeting, offering to notify FHA regarding the deferred request before the LRHDC. There was no response to this letter. Commissioner Wiedower asked about the furring strips for the siding and its effect upon the existing wooden siding. There was a question regarding other architectural detailing that would be covered by the artificial siding. Commissioner Jameson explained the mechanics of applying artificial over original wooden siding, and how it effects the original. He stated that the applicant's choice of artificial siding does not duplicate the original siding. This is evident on the northwest corner of the house where one can see the difference between the artificial siding in place on the north and the original siding on the west (the west, or front, facade is to retain the original siding; only painting is planned for this facade). After discussion regarding the application of artificial siding, Jameson made a motion (first explaining the reasoning for the motion) to approve the COA application for artificial siding with the condition that it only be allowed on the rear, or east, facade of the structure. A vote was taken and four (4) were in favor of the motion to approve the application with the one condition; there was one (1) abstention from the vote. After the vote, the applicant did want to register a complaint regarding a neighborhood structure that had artificial siding applied but did not receive approval to do so. It was stated that the applicant may file a letter of complaint with the LRHDC. Wiedower raised a concern about the north facade of the 1305 Cumberland structure where upcoming repairs will be necessary when the existing artificial siding is removed. There may be available funds to make such repairs, and staff will provide names and phone numbers to the applicant. Little Rock Historic District Commission Minutes of 3 April 1997, Page 3 The second COA request on the agenda was: Applicant: Edna Crone Address: 110 Rock Street Request: Install vinyl siding on the structure's trim While the applicant was present, Jay Core represented her before the LRHDC. He gave a brief overview of the structure; primarily that Hanke Brothers had assured the applicant that they would obtain the necessary permits. The company had applied artificial trim to approximately 75% of the structure before the work was stopped due to not having a COA or a permit; it is clear that the company assumed responsibility to obtain necessary approvals as part of their contract with the property owner. Core stated that there were several reasons why the request should be approved: the structure has little historical significance; it is not architecturally contributing to the district; it is located on a dead-end street and has no through-traffic; it is an economic hardship for the applicant not to have the trim taken care of; and steel siding was applied to the majority of the structure in the 1970s. The reason for replacing the wooden trim with artificial was that the trim had not been painted for several years and her insurance rates had increased dramatically because of this. There was discussion regarding economic hardship for the applicant and possible alternatives to artificial siding over the trim, such as having the trim repaired and painted for less than the cost of artificial siding. It was stated that the owner would probably qualify for the "Paint Your Heart Out" program that the city sponsors every year. It was suggested that perhaps the applicant's expense would be less if only the trim were repaired and painted rather than have artificial siding over it, but Hanke should replace the columns that were removed. Wiedower made a motion, that with the applicant's approval, the consideration for a COA be deferred until the May meeting. This will allow time to gather cost estimates for paint and repair and so Hanke Brothers can represent themselves. The motion was seconded and vote was unanimously approved. Under old business, an update was given by Bush about the new construction of the transfer station on Capitol Avenue. He stated that the project's consultant team is looking into not constructing a (barrier) wall along the street, which acts as a visual barrier and contributes to criminal activity. It was the construction of the wall that was recommended when the project came before the LRHDC last year. As there was no further business, the meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m.