ASHLAND HISTORIC COMMISSION
Meeting Minutes
 

November 2, 2011

APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mr. Giordano moved to approve the October 5, 2011 minutes. The motion was seconded by Mr. Swink and was approved unanimously.
 
PUBLIC FORUM:  Philip Krayna spoke regarding his remodel project of a historic home at 247 Sixth St.  He explained to the Commissioners that there was never intent to demo the existing home, only to add a second story. However, once the initial interior demo began they uncovered previous remodeling done with sub-standard framing.  The contractor, Michael Hodgin, advised that the existing framing be redone to make the home safe. By the time they pulled down all the bad framing the house was nearly gone. Chairman Shostrom explained that from Historic’s point of view, a historically contributing cottage home was destroyed and the redesigned 2-story changes the streetscape. There was further discussion of the mistakes and assumptions that were made on both sides.  Mr. Krayna asked that the code be clarified to add a secondary component to the demo ordinance to address this type of situation. 
 
COUNCIL LIAISON REPORT:  None
 
 
PUBLIC HEARING:  Chairman Shostrom received consensus from the Commissioners to change the order of the public hearing since there were no applicants present for the 151 Church St project.
 
PLANNING ACTION:         2011-01452          
SUBJECT PROPERTY:     400 Allison Street
APPLICANT:                      Heiland Hoff Architect for Robin Bierman         
DESCRIPTION:                  A request for a Modification to a 2010 and 2011 Site Review and Conditional Use Permit (PAs 2010-00992 & 2011-00043) approvals to adjust the approved structure based on findings of a recent survey. As adjusted, the proposed home will be at 8%, over the MPFA where 9% was approved. Additionally, the request includes a Tree Removal Permit request to remove three (3) trees which were to be retained as per the previous approval. The subject property is located at 400 Allison Street.
 
Chairman Shostrom asked if there were any exparte contacts or conflicts of interest.  Ms. Kencairn recused herself because she is the landscape architect on the project.  She left the room.
 
Heiland Hoff said the original site plan was inaccurate and the property was actually longer and narrower than originally shown.  As a result the footprint of the house had to be modified in order to meet setbacks.  One bump-out was removed and several of the interior rooms decreased in size.  Ms. Renwick felt the back entrance was still fairly prominent.
 
Mr. Giordano made a motion to recommend approval of the modification as shown.  Ms. Renwick seconded the motion and it was approved unanimously.
 
Ms. Kencairn returned to the meeting.
 
PLANNING ACTION:         2011-01377                         
SUBJECT PROPERTY:     151 Church Street
APPLICANT:                      Steve Schein        
DESCRIPTION:                  A request for a Modification to a 2005 Minor Land Partition (2005-004) for a Building Envelope Modification and a Tree Removal Permit to address six (6) trees which were removed without permits following the partition approval. The request also involves the request to remove two (2) additional trees which are located within the modified building envelope. Additionally, based on a slope analysis conducted by an Oregon Licensed Surveyor, the Planning Director has determined the proposed development is not subject to the Development Standards for Hillside Lands because the slope, based on the natural grade of the property is less than 25%.  The Development Standards for Hillside Land apply to lands with slopes 25% and greater.  The applicant has submitted a slope analysis establishing the natural grade of the property between 18.8 and 20.3%. The subject property is located at 151 Church Street.
 
Chairman Shostrom asked if there were any exparte contacts or conflicts of interest.  Mr. Giordano explained that he had worked on the original design but not on this current plan.  He said he would like to stay to hear the discussion but wanted to abstain from voting. Ms. Kencairn also worked on the project but there was no financial involvement. The Commissioners agreed they could both stay.
 
Ms. Gunter explained that the new house design was more of a modern ranch style with fake stone on the front and a 2-car attached garage.  No elevations were submitted with the plans but the developer had built several other homes of this style.  There were also several trees that were removed from the site that were supposed to have been kept.
 
The Commissioners felt the proposed footprint is not historically compatible and is out of character with the neighborhood.  They want to see elevations that show a style more in keeping with the historic district including recessing the garage behind the front façade a minimum of 10-30 feet.  Chairman Shostrom made a motion to deny the modification based on these concerns.  Mr. Swink seconded the motion and it passed.
 
Mr. Giordano excused himself from the meeting.
 
NEW BUSINESS:  None
 
B.  Review Board Schedule
 
 

ADJOURNMENT