3A Public Hearing 2008 1201 - Laserfiche WebLink

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the Ordinance to mean that the use of a building can't be changed? Commissioner D. Reed said she does not like to see a building that is not being used for something, and it won't be used as a Blacksmith Shop. She agreed with Chair Reicker, that it does change the look of the structure. Commissioner U. Reed asked what the building is being used for now. Dr. Friend said it's being used for storage. Commissioner Rinaldi said the height is not that much of a change. Commissioner Kaplan said she agrees that the integrity of the building will be changed. On the other hand, one foot doesn't seem like that much of a change. It's hard to determine at what point something is too much of a change. She believes the owner should have some leeway in making decisions about her property. Commissioner Rinaldi said if we approve this change to the appearance, what about the next person who wants to make exterior changes? Chair Reicker said this change is altering the basic structure and proportion of the building, and it will appear out of scale. Commissioner U. Reed asked if the window enlargement would make it look different than the other windows. Mr. Bolinger said the appearance won't change that much. Commissioner Kaplan said if we approve this change, we are setting a precedent. Our charge is to make sure the exterior of a Landmark building retains its historic look. We need to be clear about what is acceptable. This Commission tries to be fair in applying the same rules for everyone. She said she is not comfortable about approving this change. Commissioner U. Reed asked what the Commission had decided about another historic blacksmith shop on the historic list. Commissioner Kaplan said the owner wanted to convert the building to an office, which included changing the front doors. At the Commission's request, the owner redesigned the plan so the historic appearance of the doors would be retained. Mr. Bohne asked if the first floor of the Blacksmith's Shop could be used as a residence with a simple redesign. Mr. Bolinger replied no. He said the first floor is just the kitchen and bathroom, so the second floor has to be for sleeping. Mr. Bolinger said Dr. Friend has spent a lot of money improving the Gardener's Cottage — including cleaning and dry rot repair. If the Blacksmith's Shop is not improved, it will decay. Commissioner D. Reed said the problem with doing additions is the historic look is changed. On the other hand, if owners aren't interested in taking care of historic properties, they will decay. We need to be flexible and find a balance. Commissioner Kaplan said it is noted on the property deed that it's a City Landmark. The owner was aware of this at the time of purchase. Regarding the dry rot problem, this is basic maintenance that an owner is responsible for whether or not the property is historic. Commissioner Kaplan said it is not the responsibility of this Commission to make sure the Blacksmith's Shop is rentable. Our function is to follow the guidelines of the Historic Preservation Ordinance. This Commission tries to be flexible whenever possible. -2-