Village of Frankfort Historic Preservation Commission met Aug. 16.
Here are the minutes provided by the commission:
Call to Order: Chair Steward called the meeting to order at 5:30 P.M.
Commissioners Present: Chair Marcia Steward, Secretary Stephanie Kush, and Megan Johnson
Commissioners Absent: Chester Szmurlo and David Toepper
Staff Present: Amanda Martinez, Planner, and Mike Schwarz, Director of Community and Economic Development
Elected Officials Present: None
A. Approval of the Minutes from May 31, 2023
Motion (#1): Approval of the May 31, 2023 Special Meeting minutes.
Motion by: Kush Seconded by: Johnson
Approved: (3 to 0)
B. Certificate of Appropriateness: 32 W. Nebraska Staircase Landing Modification
Planner Amanda Martinez reviewed the request by Richard Wright to expand an existing metal staircase located on the west side of the existing 2-story garage. She also summarized the additional information that was distributed to the Commission after the agenda packet was distributed, including a 2022 aerial photograph of the property, an anonymous letter received prior to the meeting stating concerns about the privacy for the adjacent property to the south, and five photographs of the existing staircase from varying vantage points, provided by the applicant.
Chair Steward asked for any initial questions from the Commission members.
Commissioner Johnson asked if the stairs would include the same materials as exist today.
The applicant, Richard Wright, responded yes. He added that he just wants to place a few chairs on the new expanded landing to be able to sit outside.
Commissioner Johnson asked staff to confirm the setback between the existing garage and the south property line.
Amanda Martinez replied the setback is 2 feet, which will remain unchanged.
Chair Steward stated that according to the anonymous letter that the Commission received from staff prior to the meeting, there continues to be a privacy concern for the neighboring property to the south. She stated the lattice portions of the existing staircase does not appear to have adequate vines in order to provide a measure of screening.
Richard Wright replied that it was planted but the vines died.
Chair Steward asked the applicant to clarify the direction of the expansion.
Richard Wright replied that the stairs are located on the west side of the garage and the new upper stair landing would be expanded westward. He stated that he provided staff with additional photos this morning.
Chair Steward stated that the upper floor of the garage was originally used as an office but now it is a residence. She asked staff to provide clarification on the change in use.
Amanda Martinez explained that the Zoning Ordinance allows a residence of a business proprietor as a permitted use in the H-1 Historic District. In addition, the ordinances that approved a Special Use for a Planned Unit Development in 1999 for the property as well as the Major Change to the PUD that approved the upper floor being added to the original garage in 2008 did not have any conditions that would prohibit the conversion of the office above the garage into a living space.
Chair Steward stated that she has a concern about expanding the upper landing of the staircase relative to the proximity of the neighboring property to the south.
Richard Wright responded that he is not expanding the landing toward the property to the south. The staircase already overlooks the neighbor and he believes that he has the right to utilize his property.
Chair Steward asked the applicant if there is any way that he can provide more screening for the neighbor to the south.
Richard Wright replied that he would invite the Commission members to come to the site and see the foliage to see that there is quite a bit of screening.
Chair Steward stated that she believes that the materials and look of the staircase are appropriate. She just has a concern about the proximity of the staircase to the neighboring property to the south. She stated that she is looking for some coaching from the other Commission members.
Commissioner Kush stated that in this case, the staircase is more secluded than if it was located on a main thoroughfare. She does not see it as setting a precedent.
Commissioner Johnson stated that her only concern is that the landscaping that does provide some screening does not last forever.
Chair Steward asked if there were any other comments from the Commission or staff.
Mike Schwarz reminded the Commission that its purview is limited to the appearance of the proposed staircase expansion. He added that this development was originally approved in 1999 and that the existing staircase is not historic. The only reason that this matter is before the Commission is that the property is located in the H-1 Historic District.
Chair Steward thanked staff for clarifying the Commission’s role for this particular request.
Chair Steward called for a motion.
Motion (#2): Approve a Certificate of Appropriateness for the proposed stair landing expansion project located at 32 W. Nebraska Street in accordance with the submitted plans.
Motion by: Kush Seconded by: Johnson
Approved: (3 to 0)
C. Other Business
Chair Steward stated that there was no other business.
D. Staff Update
Amanda Martinez informed the Commission members about the National Association of Preservation Commissions (NAPC) Summer Short Course per the memo that was provided in their agenda packets. The event will take place virtually on August 23rd and 24th and will also be available to watch later on demand. The Village will cover the cost of the registration for any interested Commission members. She asked the members to let her know no later than Monday, August 21st if they are interested in the event so that she can register them as a group.
E. Public Comments
There were no public comments.
F. Adjournment
Motion (#3): Adjournment (6:10 P.M.)
Motion by: Kush Seconded by: Johnson
Unanimously approved by voice vote.
https://cms9files.revize.com/frankfortil/8.16.23%20HPC%20Meeting%20Minutes.pdf
Alerts Sign-up