HARB

Historic Architectural Review Board
Meeting Minutes
September 17, 2008

Chairman Gary Shaffer called the Historical Architectural Review Board to order at

7:35 p.m. on Wednesday, September 17, 2008. Those in attendance were: Board members Nancie Gudmestad, Peggy Gustafson, Elwood Christ, Norm Forness, and new member Dale Gettel, who serves as the Borough's Code Enforcement Officer and is a certified building inspector; and Merry Bush, Borough Planner; and Caroline Smith, acting Borough Council liaison, were absent. A quorum was present.

Others attending the meeting were Paul Hamilton, representing 317-319 York Street, and John R. Bittinger, architect, and Wren Miller for 321 Carlisle Street.

Mr. Shaffer introduced the members and noted that the Board serves as an advisory group to Borough Council, which makes the final decisions concerning Certificates of Appropriateness. Borough Council will meet next on Tuesday, October 14, 2008. Applicants may pick up permits for those projects approved by Council after that date. Mr. Shaffer then explained the procedures that would be followed during the meeting.

There were no additions or corrections to the agenda. There were three changes to the minutes of August 20, 2008: Page 2 Item B. Alteration. Front entry. 218 Chambersburg St. ……. Norm Forness said that the door leading into the house was up three … One of the previous owners took it to someone on Springs Avenue to refinish it, but never paid for the work. The woodwork was never returned. Peggy Gustafson said that the man who may have done the work, Mr. John Toggas, still lives on Springs Ave. Page 3 Norm Forness said that the door is altogether too small for that space. If, however, an appropriate window was found and installed…..Page 3 Old Business. Next to the last line - Mr. Swisher said that the lift must be opened from the front for repairs. They will be able to…

Nancie Gudmestad moved to approve the agenda and the minutes of the August 20, 2008 minutes as amended. Elwood Christ seconded and the motion carried.

Applications for Certificates of Appropriateness

A. Alteration. Replacement Windows. 317-319 York Street. Vernon Easley, owner.

Paul Hamilton gave a brief description of the property; it is a twin dwelling (duplex) purchased as an investment property. The building has older-style wood double-hung windows. There have numerous attempts to weatherize the windows including caulking and pressure foam. The windows are single pane. The existing 1950-60 storm window assemblies have deteriorated. The window frames will remain the same. The windows if replaced will decrease the heat escaping from the windows in the winter and decrease the amount of noise entering from the street. Two front second-story windows on each side of the duplex are to be replaced, as well as one second-story window on the east exterior wall and one on the west exterior wall. These are the front bedroom windows. The existing storm windows will be removed. Mr. Hamilton noted that some windows have been upgraded in the past. He also noted that single-story additions in the back were built by another tradesman.

Peggy Gustafson asked if the owner was aware of the guarantee on these windows, noting that it is only good for 15 to 20 years.

Gary Shaffer asked for confirmation that the two first-floor windows on the front were not to be replaced. Mr. Hamilton said yes.

Findings of Fact: The structure located at 317-319 York Street is located in the Borough of Gettysburg Historic District as extended in 1999. The building has a mixed degree of integrity with the original fenestration remaining. Alternate siding has been installed and the fascia board covered. The original porch was removed and replaced with concrete. The windows are in poor condition. The applicant does not plan to alter the window openings and proposes one-over-one windows.

Elwood Christ moved to recommend that Borough Council approve the application as submitted. Nancie Gudmestad seconded and the motion carried, 5 to 0.

B. Alteration. Handicapped Accessible Ramp and Entrance. 321 Carlisle Street. Warren Miller, owner.

John Bittinger, architect for the project, explained the proposal. The applicant proposes to build a new handicapped accessible entrance at the rear of the property. The ceiling height just inside the current entrance is only seven feet. There is also a grade issue on the interior. The new addition will be incased in brick to match the existing brick as much as possible.

The new windows will match the existing windows. The current exterior doors will be changed to French doors to allow light from the entrance into the interior of the space. The new entrance will have 9-foot 6-inch high ceilings.

There will be a new deck and stairway to the second floor apartment. The steps to the lower entrance will have either wrought iron or power-coated hand railings that will match that on the steps to the front of the building. The new addition will have dark green shutters and white trim.

Elwood Christ asked about the angled corner on the second floor. Mr. Bittinger said that it would remain. The new entrance below will come straight out from the side wall. The angled corner on the first floor will remain although it will be on the interior of the building.

Peggy Gustafson asked about the materials for the windows. Mr. Bittinger said that the windows will be prefinished Anderson 500 windows. Ms. Gustafson then asked why the applicant was planning to install a row of bricks above the windows in the addition. Mr. Bittinger said that the applicant did not plan to replicate the windows in the original portion of the building. Lattice will be installed beneath the new exterior staircase to "class up" the area and hide unreachable areas beneath the stairs. There will be a wrought iron railing on the new porch. The deck flooring will be rubberized to match the matting system that will be used. It will not be a wood deck. The new stairway will be either steel or pressure treated wood.

Findings of Fact: The structure at 321 Carlisle Street is a sensitive building located with the local Historic District as determined by Borough ordinance. The building has a high degree of visibility and a mixed degree of architectural integrity. It is a critical project as permanent changes will be made to a sensitive building. The house was built in 1870 for Abraham Krise, a local farmer and one of the first directors for the Gettysburg Railroad when it began operations in 1859. The single-family dwelling became a funeral home in the 1950s.

Nancie Gudmestad moved to recommend that Borough Council approve the application as submitted and Elwood Christ seconded.

Mr. Christ asked the applicant about the width of the tread on the steps to the rear entrance. Mr. Bittinger said that they were 12 inches or wider. Peggy Gustafson asked about the shutters. The applicant said that they would be truly operable shutters. Peggy Gustafson said that shutters made of fiber reinforced polyester (FRP) take paint quite nicely.

It was noted that the Secretary of Interior Guidelines recommend that additions be designed to be compatible with the historic portion of the building but not be an exact replica.

The motion passed 5 to 0.

Elwood Christ assumed the role of chairman since Gary Shaffer was representing the following application.

C. Alteration. Demolition 218 Chambersburg Street. Bryan Wasylyk, owner.

Merry Bush provided background material noting that while there was no listing for 218 Chambersburg Street in the 1903 Gettysburg Street Address Directory, the property does show up on the 1931 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map with two adjoining accessory buildings just off the alley. .

The first part of the application was the requested demolition of the two rear accessory buildings. The applicant wants to know that he can demolish the buildings before he spends the money for a zoning variance. Currently, the applicant can park only one car. The other side is unusable for parking.

Peggy Gustafson asked if it was possible to retain part of the building noting that the proposed garage is so utilitarian. Gary Shaffer said that he was assisting the owner, Bryan Wasylyk with an entirely different project scope that is much more costly.

Mr. Shaffer said that Snyder Plumbing and Heating and that of Mr. Wasylyk's were once the same property, all part of one warehouse.

Nancie Gudmestad said that it was a charming building and that the Borough is losing so many of the buildings along the alleys.

Mr. Shaffer said that the applicant cannot build the proposed building and cannot build anything at all without going to the Zoning Hearing Board.

Caroline Smith said that she could not see any redeeming value to either of the existing buildings. Dale Gettel said that he could not see anything worth saving.

Peggy Gustafson made a motion to recommend that Borough Council issue a Certificate of Appropriateness for the demolition of the old buildings but with a stipulation that a new garage be built within two years of the demolition.

Elwood Christ seconded. The vote was 2 to 2; the motion died for lack of a majority. Dale Gettel said that he voted against the motion because of the two year stipulation. Nancie Gudmestad said that we should keep these old buildings and restore them like she did with the Shriver House. Caroline Smith asked if we weren't treating this project differently from the Knorr's. It was noted that we can now see this building from W. Middle and Franklin Streets since Kennie's old store was demolished. The applicant probably wants what is best for the Historic District but has limited funds. Gary Shaffer said that this building is utilitarian and like many others was built as a throw-away building.

Nancie Gudmestad made a motion to recommend that Borough Council approve the demolition of the two outbuildings. Peggy Gustafson seconded and the motion carried 4 to 0, with one abstention.

There was some discussion of what Mr. Wasylyk could do with his front door. Mr. Shaffer was to provide feedback to the applicant. The opening never had doors but is now an enclosed interior space with two interior doors with beveled glass, which lead to the rest of the home. The property is next door to the Snyder's property, which is a rental property. Elwood Christ asked if the applicant preferred to keep the red door. Mr. Shaffer said yes. "Is it a metal door, and if so, can it be painted?" Mr. Christ asked. Mr. Shaffer again replied yes to both questions.

New Business

The Board welcomed Dale Gettel. Mr. Gettel works for Commonwealth Code Inspection Services, Inc. and has been contracted by the Borough to serve as the Code Enforcement Officer. Rich Clark has resigned from the Board. He is moving to Florida at the end of September.

The Board was reminded of the workshop to discuss revisions to the Historic District Ordinance. The workshop will be held on Wednesday, September 24 at 7pm in the Council Chambers.

The meeting adjourned at 9:08 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Merry V. Bush, Borough Planner and Recorder