Historic Preservation Commission Agenda and Packet 2018 01 22

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Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes November 20, 2017 Page 5of6 fact that it meets all criteria for landmarking, if that were an option. Koertje seconded. Roll call vote. Commissioners Cyndi Thomas and Dickinson voted nay. Motion passed 4-2. Haley stated that the Commission did not answer the broader question of how to handle postwar architecture and the 50 -year rolling historical criterion. Chuck Thomas stated that the Commission did answer the question, because it was a representative of the postwar era, it had social significance, and it did not have any severe impediments to renovation. Those factors constitute precedent in future decisions. Johnson stated that the Commission had not closed public comment. He asked the Commission to consider that just because a structure was built and just because it was 50 years old was not a reason to do it. He appreciated the discussion, but it showed that the Commission and the City does not understand its period of significance. This house did not offer charm or interest. He questioned the decision of the Commission, stating that the Commission decision was punitive. The Commission was meant to be incentive based and when a house of historical significance came to him as an architect he championed its maintenance. He charged the Board to find a periodization that he could take to his clients and he could understand as a resident. The current situation was ambiguous and subjective. He thanked the Commission again for the discussion. Haley stated that the national standard was 50 years or older. As cities evolve they have to consider how past architectures become significant over time. She apologized that Johnson's application was the guinea pig for the Commission's discussion. Chuck Thomas stated that he did not vote his prejudice. When he came into the meeting he was prepared to vote no. His prejudice would be to grant demolition. The building was not significant in style, but it was significant of its historic era. It was an historic representation of the postwar optimism and the boom in building homes for returning vets. He took exception to the comments. Fahey agreed and stated that the Commission had offered options to the applicants in landmarking and in building a basement. ITEMS FROM STAFF Demolition/Alteration Certificate Updates Ritchie updated the Commission on the Blue Parrot sign. City Council continued the hearing to December 5th to find an option to save the sign in its entirety possibly at a different location. Staff is working with the applicant to develop alternate options, which may be available by the next Commission meeting. Upcoming Schedule No upcoming hearings scheduled at this time. Haley asked for questions of the staff. Fahey asked if there were updates on the historic preservation conferences in January and the summer.