HARB Minutes

Chairman Gary Shaffer called the Historical Architectural Review Board to order at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, January 18, 2012. Those in attendance were: Board members Peggy Gustafson, Colleen Lingle, Nancie Gudmestad, Dale Gettel, Code Enforcement Officer; Merry Bush, Borough Planning Technician and Historic District Administrator; and Scott Dellett, Borough Planning Director. The full board was present, although there remain two open seats on the Board.

Keith Bordonaro, representing 430 Baltimore Street, also attended.

Reorganization

As usual during the first meeting of the year, the Board reorganized. Scott Dellett opened the floor for nominations for chairman. Gary Shaffer was nominated by Peggy Gustafson; Nancie Gudmestad seconded the nomination. There were no additional nominations so Peggy Gustafson moved that the nominations be closed. Dale Gettel seconded. Mr. Shaffer agreed to accept the position. 

Gary Shaffer nominated Peggy Gustafson for vice chairman; Colleen Lingle seconded. There being no other nominations, Dale Gettel moved to close the nominations; Colleen Lingle seconded. Peggy Gustafson agreed to serve as vice chairman.

Review of Agenda and Minutes

On page two Nancie Gudmestad pointed out that the word "ceiling" was missing from the first line in the sixth paragraph under Item B. The line should read, "Mr. Gettel asked if the Applicant considered replacing the rear porch ceiling with plastic beadboard…" Ms. Gudmestad also pointed out that the address "309 Buford Avenue" was missing from the heading for Item C. 

Peggy Gustafson noted that the building history and findings of fact for each application were missing from the minutes. Merry Bush agreed to add that information. Ms. Gustafson had two additional changes to the minutes. The third paragraph under Item A. should read, "Ms. Gustafson said molding permanently holds the transom and advised Ms. Saum-Wicklein she may have a hard time cleaning it but a storm window could be inserted with clips similar to those on the Adams County Housing Authority building at 40 E. High Street." The third sentence in the first paragraph under Item E. should read, "Ms Gustafson asked how many steps were leading to the deck; the drawings indicate removal of the existing sidewalk."

Nancie Gudmestad moved to accept the amended minutes for the December 21, 2011 meeting. Dale Gettel seconded the motion, which carried 5 to 0.

Gary Shaffer introduced the members and explained the procedures that would be followed during the meeting. He noted that the Board serves as an advisory group to Borough Council, which makes final decisions concerning Certificates of Appropriateness. Borough Council will meet next on Monday, February 13, 2012.

Gary Shaffer recused himself as he has a fiduciary relationship with the following applicants. Peggy Gustafson assumed the role of chairman. 

Certificates of Appropriateness

A. Alteration. Window Replacement. Front Elevation. 430 Baltimore Street. 

Keith Bordonaro, owner.

Background: The two-story building, a Neo-Eclectic design, first shows up on the April 1931 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map. The building is constructed of block covered with brick veneer. The building was built as a residence but has served as a commercial property for the past15 years or so. Peggy Gustafson said that she remembers the building serving as Dr Lefever's office back in 1967.

Nancie Gudmestad asked the applicant to explain the type of windows proposed. Gary Shaffer explained that the windows would be made of metal-clad wood. He said that all four windows are in bedrooms, however, they do not open enough for use as egress and thus do not meet code. The proposed windows will mimic the existing number of lights either 9 or 12. Windows marked numbers 1 and 3 (side windows) have 12 lights while windows 2 and 4 (front) have 9 lights. 

Dale Gettel said that he was a firm believer in having two egresses from each bedroom. Gary Shaffer said that the windows will be clad in colored aluminum either white or cream in color.

Finding of Facts: The structure at 430 Baltimore Street is a sensitive building as defined in Chapter 11 of the Borough Code of Ordinances, Historic Districts (Historic Districts Ordinance). A sensitive building is defined as any building that has been standing for at least 50 years at the time of the application. The proposed changes are major, bringing a significant change to the front façade. The building is a non-contributing structure to the Gettysburg Battlefield National Register District. The proposed alteration would be a significant change to a defining feature of the front elevation. 

The proposed change would be highly visible from the front (west) of the building and somewhat visible from the north. 

Nancie Gudmestad moved to recommend that Borough Council issue a Certificate of Appropriateness for the replacement of four windows as proposed in the application. Colleen Lingle seconded; the motion carried 4 to 0, with one abstention.

B. Alteration. House: Replacement of garage door. Carriage House: Addition of porch and replacement of rear door. 58-60 York Street. John Jumba, applicant, under contract. 

Background: The two-story Greek Revival brick mansion was built ca. 1840 for the family of George Swope. The building served as a hospital during the Battle of Gettysburg. The applicant proposes to use the property as a small hotel. 

Colleen asked for clarification on which garage door would be removed. The door to be removed is the second one from the street. Retaining the first door should help with street noise. The doors are located in a 1950s addition to the house. 

Dale Gettel asked if a handicapped accessible room was a requirement for them to do their project. Gary Shaffer said that the applicant has a binding sales agreement but must get HARB approval before the agreement is final. The managed hotel will have 18 guest rooms. One room must be accessible if the owner does not live there and there are more than five guestrooms. There will be an interior lift to allow access to the entire first floor where breakfast will be served. There are four existing steps from the house to the garage. The steps will be relocated so both stairs and the lift will fit. Mr. Shaffer said that hotels with more than 50 rooms require roll-in showers in accessible rooms. 

Dale Gettel asked there was any chance that the alterations to the west elevation of the carriage house would be visible from York or N. Stratton Streets. Gary Shaffer replied no. Merry Bush asked if the existing rear door of the carriage house was large enough. Mr. Shaffer said that the door opening was large enough. He noted that the carriage house is made of painted cement block so that changes would not be difficult to make.

Nancie Gudmestad asked if an overhang would be built over the entrance to the accessible room. Mr Shaffer said no. He noted that the main entrance to the building would be on York Street. 

Out of curiosity Peggy Gustafson asked where guests would park? Gary Shaffer said that the Borough parking garage will be used for parking, noting that the zoning ordinance does not require parking spaces for hotel rooms located within the Old Town District. Ms. Gustafson asked why the block design of the garage doors was not repeated in the space beneath the new windows of the proposed accessible room. Mr. Shaffer said the design didn't quite fit. 

Finding of Facts: The structure at 58-60 York Street is a sensitive building as defined in Chapter 11 of the Borough Code of Ordinances, Historic Districts (Historic Districts Ordinance). A sensitive building is defined as any building that has been standing for at least 50 years at the time of the application, even though it may have been considerably modified, and certain sites of later historic significance or buildings that the Board has determined to be exemplary of later architectural styles. 

The proposed work is considered a minor change which does not affect the integrity of the south (front) or east elevation. The previous installation of two garage doors altered the north façade of the main house. Since 1938 there have been alterations to the north and east elevations; namely the removal of several porches and alterations to several windows. 

The building is a contributing structure to the Gettysburg Battlefield National Register District.

The proposed alteration to the north façade of the house will have limited visibility from N. Stratton Street and no visibility from York Street, the main thoroughfare. The proposed replacement of the rear door of the Carriage House will not be visible from either the streets or Racehorse Alley. The installation of the porch may be slightly visible from York Street. 

Dale Gettel made a motion to recommend that Borough Council issue a Certificate of Appropriateness for the replacement of a garage door with new windows and a door and the replacement of the rear door to the carriage house and the construction of a small porch with a roof over the rear entrance. Colleen Lingle seconded and the motion carried 4 to 0, with one abstention. 

New Business

Gary Shaffer announced that six people have applied for the two open positions on the Board. The Human Resources Committee, under the chairmanship of Claire Lewis, will interview all six. The other members are Susan Naugle and Becky Brown. Those who have applied are Steven Brown, Phil Goble, Jim McCabe, Walter Powell, Chuck Teague and Robert Wagner. 

Peggy Gustafson said that in the past Board members interviewed new applicants. She said that people who live in the Borough want to be represented by people who also live in the Borough. She said that it's important to have experience restoring historic buildings.

Old Business-Historic Preservation Awards

Colleen Lingle said that in the training session she recently attended it was recommended that Boards not restrict themselves too much when creating an awards program. What is important is the recognition of efforts made to preserve and maintain historic properties.

Gary Shaffer suggested that there be an award of excellence, for example the Arts Council's adaptive reuse of the old Pontiac dealership building, which brings a positive change to the neighborhood. Other categories suggested were extensive restoration, maintaining painted surface with attention to detail, maintenance and attention to architectural detail/historic fabric.

Dale Gettel said that we should celebrate the feel of the Borough. It would also be a way to engage the general public. It was suggested that a small piece be written for the next Borough newsletter asking for input from Borough residents and business owners. Peggy Gustafson asked that a decorative border be placed around the article to attract more attention to the article. Her suggestion will be passed on to Judie Butterfield, who lays out the newsletter. A press release will also be sent to the local media.

The meeting adjourned at 8:40 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Merry V. Bush

Borough Planning Technician and 

Historic District Administrator