Historic Preservation Commission Agenda and Packet 2020 05 11

Home Browse Search

Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes February 24th, 2020 Page 2 of 14 Dunlap suggested that Council should address Commissioner Ulm’s comments from the previous meeting on lot coverage. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA Chris and Kelly Wheeler, 525 La Farge, gave an update on 537 La Farge. Wheeler stated that he had met with the developer to convey neighbors’ concerns about the duplex, noting that the neighbors respected his rights as a property owner to build the house of his wishes. Wheeler asked if the developer would reevaluate the scale and the use the current home in the new construction and if he would consider changing the duplex to a single-family home. The developer replied that those changes would result in lower square footage and a reduction in profit. Wheeler described the time it had taken to follow-up with the developer and their email exchanges, stating that he thought the developer was running out the clock. Because the 180-day stay was really 120 days from the time the permit was pulled, Wheeler thought that time was on the developer’s side. With that in mind, Wheeler and his neighbors created a group called Save 537 La Farge. The group had posted on Facebook and shared yard signs and flyers, getting the information out. Wheeler noted that neighbors had no voice in the developer pulling a permit and building a duplex. Wheeler stated that the developer would be off to his next development and the neighbors would be left with the duplex, an eyesore, for the next 50-100 years. Wheeler asked the Commission to consider the neighbors’ rights as taxpayers in Louisville and the rights to protect the historic character of Louisville. He asked the Commission to consider the wellbeing of Louisville residents over developers who viewed Louisville as a place to make profits. Klemme asked the Wheelers to address their views to the Planning Commission and Council, since the Historic Preservation Fund was a voluntary program. She also encouraged neighbors in the area to landmark their homes if possible. She added that this particular property could not be landmarked anyway because it had been changed significantly. She noted that different commissions were trying to work together on these issues. Haley added that the commissioners were volunteers and cared about the character of Louisville. She appreciated the Wheelers’ passion and encouraged them to pass on their passion to others. She stated that the Commission was sympathetic and that the situation broke her heart. Ulm agreed that the Wheelers’ activism was important. He agreed with Mr. Wheeler that people living and investing in Louisville were sometimes at odds. Haley asked for further public comment. Seeing none, she invited the first public hearing item. NEW BUSINESS – PUBLIC HEARNIG ITEMS 925 Jefferson Avenue: Landmark, Grant, Alteration Certificate Request