HDC_01 06 2005City of Little Rock
Department of Planning and Development Historic
723 West Markham Street District
Little Rock, Arkansas 72201-1334
Phone: (501) 371-4790 Fax: (501) 399-3435 Commission
LITTLE ROCK HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
MINUTE RECORD
Thursday, January 6, 2005, 5:00 p.m.
I. Roll Call and Finding of a Quorum
A Quorum was present being three (3) in number
II. Members Present: Carolyn Newbern
Wesley Walls
Terrence Bolden
Members Absent:
Marshall Peters
Wyatt Weems
City Attorney: Deborah Weldon
Staff Present: Andre Bernard
Charles Bloom
Tony Bozynski
Walter Malone
III. Old Business
Item 1: 420 East Ninth Street
Charles Bloom, Historic Preservation Staff, introduced this item to the
Commission. It was noted that the property has recently under gone interior
renovations. During the renovations three air conditioners were installed in three
separate windows of the building. Mr. Bloom noted that a COA is required for
installation of any installation of air conditioning unit within the historic district.
Mr. Bloom noted that Brian Gray who was representing PDIC Investments, LLC
signed an Affidavit dated December 28, 2004 promising removal of the units
within seven days. On January 8, 2005 two of the three units were not removed
and was in violation of the MacArthur Park bylaws. Carol Zoeller of 500 East
Ninth Street and Angela Murray of 421 East Ninth Street voiced their opinion on
the property and its proposed use. Andre Bernard, Director of housing was
present and clarified the number of units on the property. Commissioner
Newbern informed the forum of absent Commissioner Peters' questions of the air
conditioners on the property. Mr. Bozynski and Mr. Bernard noted that the home
was previously declared unsafe and was not to code, but now has passed all
inspections. A brief discussion prompted by Mrs. Zoeller noted concern of
painted plywood that is now covering the area where one air conditioning unit
was removed. Commissioner Walls noted that addition of plywood to a window
would require a COA. City Attorney Deborah Weldon reminded the Commission
that they only had authority regarding the COA process, not the use of the
property. The Commission acknowledged the concerns and urges the city
departments to be as vigilant as they can regarding code compliance and safety of
the property.
Item II: Design Review Guidelines Review
Commissioner Walls updated the fellow commissioners of progress made on
pictures being taken of properties within MacArthur Park for the new Design
Review Guidelines Book. Commissioner Newbern noted the structure of the
book and suggested an addition in regards to the artificial siding policy. Also the
Commission and Staff have noted that they preferred that a COA is required if it
is seen from the street, not the alley. The Commission and Staff noted that alleys
are not considered streets. Also reminded was that "public right-of-way"
indicates all streets and alleys. City Attorney Deborah Weldon noted that the
Macarthur Park Historic District Ordinance refers to "street," and changing its
language in the guidelines would require an amendment to the Ordinance. The
Commission and Staff decided that all wording in the new guidelines book should
refer to "from street" rather than "from right-of-way" to avoid contradiction of the
Ordinance.
Item III: Real Estate Commission
Mr. Bloom introduced the topic. Boyd Maher of the Arkansas Historic
Preservation Program noted availability of the North Little Rock Commission.
Mr. Bozynski noted that a lunch meeting might be appropriate. The Commission
opted for a lunch meeting of Wednesday January 19, 2005 with a goal of half of
area Commissioners showing present. Mr. Maher was selected as a moderator for
the meeting.
IV. New Business
Item I: Election of Chairman and Vice Chair
Commissioner Walls makes a motion to make Carolyn Newbern as Chairman and
Marshall Peters as Vice Chair. Commissioner Bolden Seconds the Motion. The
motion passes with 3 ayes 0 noes and two absent. City Attorney Deborah Weldon
reminded the Commission that Commissioner Peters has the option to withdraw
from nomination since he was not present.
Item II: Caroline Apartments Pre-Application Discussion
No one was present regarding this property. Mr. Bloom informed the
Commission that the applicant might be contacting his office in regards to
applying for a COA for new windows and exterior work to the building. The
Commission stated that vinyl windows are discouraged as well as the painting of
brick.
Item III: Heritage Tourism Display
Commissioner Newbem introduced the idea of a Heritage Tourism Display at the
May 7, 2005 Heritage Garden Event. The Convention bureau may help with the
set-up. There was an overall consensus to pursue a display at the Heritage Garden
Event.
Item IV: MacArthur Park Survey
Mr. Bloom stated that progress was being made on the Macarthur Park Survey
and a Request for Qualifications will soon be sent out.
Item V: Work Program
Mr. Malone mentioned a concept of an action plan for this upcoming Historic
Commission year. Commissioner Newbern supported the idea of finding external
funding sources and not relying completely on city budgets. Commissioner
Newbern mentioned small grants that might be available and the Commission
should try to get itself a dedicated budget. Mr. Maher cited examples of small
towns having historic commission funds. Mr. Maher mentioned the Quarterly
CLG training workshop in El Dorado, AR for January 27 to 28, 2005. AHHP has
contracted for a study on how historic districts affect municipalities. It should be
ready by January of 2006.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:24 p.m.
ATTEST:
Chairman Secretary
Date: