HARB Minutes

Chairman Gary Shaffer called the Historical Architectural Review Board to order at 7:33 p.m. on Wednesday, June 20, 2012. The meeting was held at the Borough Municipal Building, 59 E. High Street. A quorum was present. Those in attendance were: Board members Colleen Lingle, Philip Goble, Peggy Gustafson and Dale Gettel, Borough Code Enforcement Officer; Merry Bush, Borough Planning Technician and Historic District Administrator; and Scott Dellett, Borough Planning Director. Jim McCabe and Nancie Gudmestad were absent

Also in attendance were: William Chantelau and Roger Steinacker representing Christ Lutheran Church, 44 Chambersburg Street; Jeff Cook representing 234 Baltimore Street; Jason Smith for both 234 Baltimore Street and 243 York Street; Jeremy Bowling for 243 York Street, Kimberly and Wayne Mayers for 55 South Street; Burnell Meckley for 317 and 319 N. Stratton Street; Jill Rohrbaugh representing Gettysburg College for 337 Carlisle Street; James Haley, architect with Haley Donovan, and John Randolph, Ingerman, for 108 N. Stratton Street; and Cheryl Hankey for 32 Barlow Street. 

Review of Agenda and Minutes

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, July 9, 2012. 

There were no changes to the agenda. The Board reviewed the minutes from the May 16, 2012 meeting and the special meeting held on May 31, 2012 and continued on June 7, 2012. There was one correction to the June 7, 2012 minutes: the date in the first line of both the first and second sections should be changed to May 31, 2012. Philip Goble moved to approve the May 16, 2012 and May 31, 2012 minutes as written and the June 7, 2012 minutes as corrected. Dale Gettel seconded. The minutes were approved. 

Certificates of Appropriateness 

A. Conceptual discussion. Replacement of porch railing with vinyl. 317-319 N. Stratton Street. Burnell Meckley, owner. 

Burnell Meckley, owner of 317 and 319 N. Stratton Street asked to speak with the Board regarding the replacement of wood railings with a vinyl railing system. Mr. Meckley was concerned with the continued maintenance required for wood railings and lead in the old paint. 

Peggy Gustafson asked if the railings had deteriorated to where they needed to be replaced. Mr. Meckley said they were not there yet. She said that the only design detail that remained on the two houses were the railings and columns of the front porches. 

Colleen Lingle said she agreed with Ms. Gustafson. Philip Goble asked if the paint on the railings had been tested for lead. Mr. Meckley did not respond. 

Gary Shaffer said that removing a wood railing and replacing it with a vinyl one goes against the Historic District Ordinance. Continuing, Mr. Shaffer said that if such an application came before the Board, the Board would probably recommend that Borough Council deny the application. 

B. 234 Baltimore Street. Alteration. Construction of door hood over front entry. Jeff Cook, owner.

The applicant proposes to construct a door hood over the front door of the building located at 234 Baltimore Street. Jeff Cook said that the door hood would protect those entering the building from snow, rain or ice. The applicant’s contractor, Jason Smith, said that the top piece of trim on the door would be removed. The roof peak of the hood would be just below the window over the door. 

Background: The building was constructed c. 1812 and is one of the oldest in the Borough. There is no photographic evidence of the 1812 structure before it was modified. 

Dale Gettel asked about the materials to be used in the hood. Mr. Smith said that the brackets would be premade of cedar. The front fascia and the interior of the arch would be made of PVC lumber matching the existing siding. 

Peggy Gustafson said that the hood on the Musselman property across the street is installed on an angle. Mr. Smith said that the top leg of the bracket is shorter to allow for headroom clearance. The element connecting the two legs of the right angle will be curved. The brackets will be installed outside of the door trim and the lighting fixture.

Findings of Fact: The structure at 234 Baltimore Street is a sensitive building as defined in Chapter 11 of the Borough Code of Ordinances, Historic Districts (Historic District 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 has been considerably modified, certain sites of later historic significance or buildings that the Board has determined to be exemplary of later architectural styles. 

The construction of a door hood as proposed would be a permanent change, making this proposal a critical project, which is defined in the Historic District Ordinance as "A project involving demolition of all or part of any building or change in configuration and rhythm of any building as a whole, or any alteration to a sensitive building."

The building is a pre-Civil War era building; one of the oldest in the Borough. The building has been significantly compromised. The windows and doors have been replaced, the porch has been modified, alternative siding and a faux stone foundation were added to the building. The rear and side elevations have more architectural integrity but have limited visibility. The front elevation is highly visible.

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

Gary Shaffer said that very few of the nearby buildings have original door hoods. 

Motion: Gary Shaffer made a motion recommending that Borough Council issue a Certificate of Appropriateness for the construction of a door hood over the front door of 234 Baltimore Street as submitted. Mr. Shaffer said that most PVC lumber has a smooth side and a wood grain side. The Board’s preference is the smooth side, which does not retain dirt like the wood grain. Peggy Gustafson seconded the motion, which passed 5 to 0.

C. 243 York Street. Alteration. Replacement of porch posts, railing, decking and framing with vinyl material.

The applicant proposes to replace the porch posts with six-inch by six-inch pressure treated posts wrapped with PVC Coil Stock. The railing would be replaced with Fairway All Vinyl hand rail and balusters. The porch floor will be rebuilt with pressure-treated lumber and the decking replaced with Timber Tec composite decking.

Background: The dwelling unit at 243 York Street is part of a four-rowhouse unit built c. 1890. The style is Second Empire according to the Borough of Gettysburg Comprehensive Building Inventory 1988 (GETT/HBSC). The front porch extends across all four units. 

Gary Shaffer said that the porch retains its original columns and besides the replacement windows and roof the building retains most of its architectural integrity. Mr. Shaffer said that the porch foundation may be failing, evidenced by the loose bricks on the left side. 

Jason Smith, the owner’s contractor, said when he inspected the underside of the porch he found that some of the framing is rotting, the center post is failing and is not connected to the framing structure. The stone and mortar footings do not have much strength. Floor boards are rotted. The applicant’s main push is to rebuild the front porch. Mr. Smith accepted the fact that a vinyl replacement railing or vinyl posts would not be approved based upon the discussion with Burnell Meckley.

Gary Shaffer said that the low railing in front with higher railings on the sides was normal for the time of construction. 

Philip Goble asked if the joists are rotten. The contractor said they were.

Dale Gettel about the top of the porch. Jason Smith said that the full top is in good condition, although the center column is rotting at the bottom. 

Peggy Gustafson said the column is in poor condition at the bottom in an eight-inch section from the quarter round trim down to the decking. She asked if the contractor had considered removing that bottom section and replacing it with a new wood piece. The two pieces can be connected by a dowel rod(s). Mr. Smith said he had not considered that. 

Ms. Gustafson asked if the applicant had a sample of the decking material proposed. Mr. Smith did not have a sample, though Gary Shaffer said that it was the same material as used on the Willis property on E. Middle Street.

The contractor asked if the railing needed to be brought up to code. Dale Gettel said that as long as the same railing was reinstalled that it did not have to be brought up to code. If it was replaced with a different railing system, then the applicant would have to bring it up to the height required by the Uniform Construction Code. 

Gary Shaffer pointed out that when the replacement windows were approved for the building, the transom window was to be left alone. The transom is now covered with plywood. The far left railing is in poor condition. 

Motions: Gary Shaffer moved to recommend that Borough Council issue a Certificate of Appropriateness for the replacement of the porch structure with pressure treated wood and the replacement of the porch decking with an alternate material as selected by the applicant. The columns are to be repaired if necessary with the moldings replaced. Colleen Lingle seconded the motion, which passed 5 to 0.

Gary Shaffer then moved to recommend that Borough Council issue Certificate of Appropriateness for the repair of the original front railing, replacement of the far left railing with a paintable PVC railing and installation of a new handrail going down the front steps. The motion died for lack of a second.

Gary Shaffer then made another motion to recommend that Borough Council approve a Certificate of Appropriateness for the repair of the original front railing as it exists, repair or replacement of the far left railing in wood, and the installation of a secure and safe handrail on the steps. This handrail does not have to be made of wood. Colleen Lingle seconded the motion. The motion passed, 5 to 0.

D. 337 Carlisle Street. Alteration. Removal and infill of large window facing Carlisle Street. Gettysburg College, owner.

The applicant proposes to infill the large window facing Carlisle Street in the former motel that now serves as student housing for Gettysburg College.

Background: The motel predates April 1931 as it appears on the Sanborn Fire Insurance Map of that year. The building was modified sometime in the 1950s or 1960s.

Gary Shaffer read the three options regarding the closing of door and window openings listed in the Gettysburg Design Guide: 

q First Choice is to retain the historic window or door in place, with all its associated features. Add materials or treatments at the interior to make the units inaccessible or nonserviceable, while maintaining the external appearance. Painting glass black on the inside or adding other similar materials to achieve the same effect may be considered. Also consider installing shutters over windows and sealing doors.

q Second Choice: If windows and doors are missing or must be removed due to extensive deterioration, install new units of compatible design, and continue with Option 1.

q Third Choice: Fill the opening with a material that is compatible in appearance to the wall facing material. Be sure that surface is recessed from the face of the wall, and that the original size and shape of the opening are maintained. Retain as much detailing and ornament in place as possible. Save any removed historic materials for later use.

The applicant presented an application for the third option. Dry wall has been installed on the interior of the window. The metal windows are leaking allowing moisture to building up in the walls. The applicant proposes to infill the window with a stucco like material and paint it to match the exterior brick. The infilled space would have three sections separated by two score lines. The masonry of the planter will be repaired and landscape plants will be planted. 

Philip Goble questioned the durability of EIFS – a stucco-like material. Jill Rohrbaugh, project architect, said that it will be installed on a hard backer board and should hold up fine. 

Findings of Fact: The motel structure at 337 Carlisle Street is a sensitive building as defined in Chapter 11 of the Borough Code of Ordinances, Historic Districts (Historic District 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 has been considerably modified, certain sites of later historic significance or buildings that the Board has determined to be exemplary of later architectural styles. This building has been modified over the years. The building is a contributing structure to the Gettysburg Battlefield National Register District.

The infill of a window especially on the front façade is a permanent change, making this proposal a critical project, which is defined in the Historic District Ordinance as "A project involving demolition of all or part of any building or change in configuration and rhythm of any building as a whole, or any alteration to a sensitive building." The proposed change will be highly visible from a public street.

The window has been in filled on the interior and as such no longer allows sun to enter the student room nor does it appear to impact privacy.

Philip Goble moved to recommend Borough Council issue a Certificate of Appropriateness for the infill of the window facing Carlisle Street at 337 Carlisle Street using Option Three as presented by the applicant. Peggy Gustafson and Dale Gettel seconded the motion. The motion passed 5 to 0. 

E. 44 Chambersburg Street. Alternate. Replacement of front steps with an alternate material. Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, owner.

The applicant proposes to replace the existing wood steps leading to the church entrance with an alternate material. The same material would be used to replace the decking of the porch. The applicant said the existing steps are not original. The steps had been extended to meet the fire and safety act requirements. The applicant proposes to build a steel structure to support the steps. 

Background: The Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church building was completed in 1836. The brick building was expanded to the south in 1876 and 1930. During and after the Battle of Gettysburg, the church was used as a battlefield hospital. The building is extremely visible and retains a high degree of architectural integrity.

Bill Chantelau, representing the church, said that the steps had been replaced in 1996 with a cost of $25,000 to $30,000. He said the church did not get their money out of the replacement steps. Currently, he said the steps are both a safety and an "eye" hazard. The existing railings will remain. 

Peggy Gustafson asked to see a sample of the material proposed for the steps. Mr. Chantelau provided a sample of the Sierra Series made by Kleer Decking. The steps will be made in a deep brown color called "Espresso." The material has a 100 percent PVC core. There are no organic fillers that could promote the growth of mold and mildew. 

Findings of Fact: The structure at 30 Chambersburg Street is a sensitive building as defined in Chapter 11 of the Borough Code of Ordinances, Historic Districts (Historic District 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 has been considerably modified, certain sites of later historic significance or buildings that the Board has determined to be exemplary of later architectural styles. 

The replacement of the front steps and porch decking with an alternate material is a permanent change, making this proposal a critical project, which is defined in the Historic District Ordinance as "A project involving demolition of all or part of any building or change in configuration and rhythm of any building as a whole, or any alteration to a sensitive building."

The building is a contributing structure to the Gettysburg Battlefield National Register District and the proposed work will be highly visible from a public street. The structure at 30 Chambersburg Street retains a high degree of architectural and historical integrity.

Based on the application materials submitted by the applicant: The steps are deteriorating and have been patched, and the porch decking is covered with carpet, which is not appropriate for the exterior of a pre-Civil War building. 

Motion: Peggy Gustafson moved to recommend to Borough Council that a Certificate of Appropriateness be granted for this project as presented. Colleen Lingle seconded and the motion passed 5 to 0.

F. 55 South Street. Replacement of metal roof with rubber roof. Rebuilding of porch column. Kimberly and Wayne Mayers, owners.

The applicant proposes to rebuilt with in-kind materials the right column of the porch to match the other columns. The porch roof will be rebuilt with new joists and a new surface. The applicant proposes to change from a metal roof to a rubber roof. New half-round gutters will be installed. 

Background: The two-story National Folk Style house was built c. 1890. A one-story addition was built in 2006. 

Wayne Mayers said that the water does not drain from the porch roof properly and has damaged the right porch column. He wants to replace the integral or "California" gutter system with external gutters. 

Dale Gettel asked about the rubber roof. Mr. Mayers said that the metal porch roof is leaking. Some of the corner rafters need to be replaced due to water damage. The porch will be rebuilt and covered with a rubber roofing material. 

Peggy Gustafson suggested that there are not enough downspouts to handle the water coming off the second floor roof. She suggested Mr. Mayer consider a larger diameter downspout. Philip Goble said a larger half-round gutter might work.

Findings of Fact: The structure at 55 South Street is a sensitive building as defined in Chapter 11 of the Borough Code of Ordinances, Historic Districts (Historic District 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 has been considerably modified, certain sites of later historic significance or buildings that the Board has determined to be exemplary of later architectural styles. 

The proposed change in the roof material for the front porch is a permanent change, making this proposal a critical project, which is defined in the Historic District Ordinance as "A project involving demolition of all or part of any building or change in configuration and rhythm of any building as a whole, or any alteration to a sensitive building."

The building is a contributing structure to the Gettysburg Battlefield National Register District. Based on the application materials submitted by the applicant: the existing metal porch roof has deteriorated; the proposed work will be highly visible from the street and the right column will be rebuilt using in-kind materials. 

Philip Goble made a motion to recommend to Borough Council that a Certificate of Appropriateness be issued for the reconstruction of the porch roof and right column and installation of a rubber roof surface on the porch at 55 South Street as presented in the application. Colleen Lingle seconded the motion, which carried 5 to 0. 

G. 32 Barlow Street. Replace wood siding of front and rear enclosed porches with vinyl. Replacement of porch windows with vinyl windows. Cheryl Hankey, owner.

The applicant proposes to cover the wood siding on the front and rear enclosed porches with vinyl siding and replace the porch windows with vinyl windows. 

Background: The ranch-style house located at 32 Barlow Street was built in the 1950s. A previous structure located on the property appeared on the April 1931 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map. 

Gary Shaffer said that the porch may have been altered previously. The ranch-style house has a modern simplicity with very little ornamentation or detail. The windows and doors are not significant elements. Cheryl Hankey, the owner, said that the windows are wood and she can’t open them. 

Peggy Gustafson wondered about the ornamentation selected for the rear porch door. She did not think it fit well with the style of the house. Ms. Hankey said she would be willing to select a simpler design more appropriate to the house. 

Colleen Lingle moved to recommend Borough Council approve the Certificate of Appropriateness for the installation of vinyl siding and windows on the front and rear porches and the replacement of the rear porch door at 32 Barlow Street as presented in the application. Philip Goble seconded and the motion carried, 5 to 0.

H. 108 N. Stratton Street. Demolition of two buildings. John S. Randolph, Ingerman Development Company, LLC., Equitable owner.

The applicant proposes to demolish two vacant buildings, 32-52 Foth Alley and 104-106 N. Stratton Street, jointly known as 108 N. Stratton Street, located in the Residential Office Redevelopment Zoning District. The applicant proposes to construction a senior housing project and a separate commercial office building. At the time of this application, no elevation drawings or other designs have been submitted for the proposed buildings. 

Background: 104-106 N. Stratton Street: The two story-brick section on the corner of N. Stratton Street and Foth Alley appears on the 1907 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map and the wing extending to the west along Foth Alley was constructed by 1919 according to the Western Maryland Railway right-of-way map. The original function of the building was an automobile garage, adding sales and storage in 1931. By 1947 the Keystone Garment Company, a dress factory, shared the space with the automotive garage. The concrete block wing that extends westward along the railroad track was added in 1959. Reference: Pennsylvania Historic Resource Form completed June 2006. (See attached.) Portions of the building most recently served as the location of Adams County Social Services including the site of the homeless shelter run by the South Central Community Action Programs, Inc (SCCAP).

32-52 Foth Alley: Located at the northeast quadrant of Foth Alley and Strickhouser Alley between North Stratton and Carlisle streets is a joined collection of buildings making up the Adams County Novelty Company. The buildings are large one-story concrete block and metal clad structures set at right angles to one another. Contrasting with these large wings is a small two- story, two-bay framed office building constructed between the 1924 and 1931. The oldest portion of the complex first appears on the 1919 Western Maryland Railroad Company right-of-way map as the planing mill in the Strasbaugh Coal [and Lumber] Yard. That section, built between 1912 and 1919, is the easternmost north-south aligned part of the complex. According to Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps two more large components were added by 1947. The remainder of the complex was built between the late 1940s and early 1950s. Reference: Pennsylvania Historic Resource Form completed June 2006. (See attached.) Before being vacated, a portion of the complex housed Mel’s Antique shop.

John Randolph, Ingerman, gave a brief presentation. The square footage of the two buildings is ±53,000 square feet and consist of a combination of one- and two-story sections. If demolition of the buildings is approved, the applicant will return in late fall or early winter with a conceptual application showing elevation drawings for a senior housing building and a 5,000- to 10,000-square foot commercial building. The project will be a phased project using funds from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP), a commonwealth grant program administered by the Office of the Budget for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic and historical improvement projects. The Adams County Economic Development Corporation (ACEDC) will take ownership and have development control. If approved, demolition will take place late summer or early fall. Ingerman can’t get reimbursed for its cost from the RACP grant until demolition is complete. The overall project would not be complete until 2014. 

Peggy Gustafson said her only concern was having the buildings come down without a guarantee that something would be built in their place. John Randolph said if for some reason that Ingerman couldn’t follow through with construction, the ownership would be in the hands of the ACEDC and the Gettysburg Industrial Development Authority, who would make sure that the property is developed in an appropriate manner. 

Findings of Fact: The structures at 32-52 Foth Alley and 104-106 N. Stratton Street are sensitive buildings as defined in Chapter 11 of the Borough Code of Ordinances, Historic Districts (Historic District 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 has been considerably modified, certain sites of later historic significance or buildings that the Board has determined to be exemplary of later architectural styles. 

104-106 N. Stratton Street: Exterior surfaces of most of the building have been replaced or covered with non-historic materials – metal cladding, vinyl or aluminum windows and false shutters. This situation diminishes the building’s integrity of design, materials and association. However, the location, setting and overall form of the building remains intact, and such character defining features as roof configuration, parapets, some original windows and doors and the building’s componentized appearance remains intact. In addition, the original surface materials may survive, al least to some extent beneath the later sidings. Reference: Pennsylvania Historic Resource Form completed June 2006. 

32-52 Foth Alley: The sprawling Adams County Novelty Company complex consists of a variety of attached components dating from several periods of construction. The grouping is not overly cohesive, although it is intact. The oldest portions of the complex are metal clad over frame and brick construction and thus integrity of design, materials, workmanship and feeling is diminished. Original materials may survive, however, beneath the new coverings. The property does retain integrity of location and setting, as well as its association with the larger site as part of the industry that developed along the railroad. Reference: Pennsylvania Historic Resource Form completed June 2006.

Demolition is a permanent change, making this proposal a critical project, which is defined in the Historic District Ordinance as "A project involving demolition of all or part of any building or change in configuration and rhythm of any building as a whole, or any alteration to a sensitive building."

The buildings are non-contributing structures located within the Gettysburg Battlefield National Register Historic District. The proposed demolition would be visible from both public streets and alleys. 

There have been numerous discussions and several conceptual plans presented for this parcel but due to economic and other circumstances the projects never came to fruition. Gary Shaffer said when demolition of the buildings came up years ago, HARB had many discussions but came to accept that demolition would allow for the development of higher and better uses of the property and increase the tax base of the Borough. Colleen Lingle said she wanted the historic buildings to be incorporated into the new development somehow. 

Motion: Dale Gettel made a motion to recommend that a Certificate of Appropriateness be granted by Borough Council for the demolition of 32-52 Foth Alley and 104-106 N. Stratton Street. Conceptual designs for new construction will be presented to the Board in late 2012 or early 2013. Philip Goble seconded the motion. The vote was 4 to 1, with Colleen Lingle casting the dissenting vote. Ms. Lingle wants to see the developer incorporate the historic buildings into the design. 

Old Business – Revisions to Historic District Ordinance

Scott Dellett distributed a first draft of proposed changes to the Historic District Ordinance regarding demolition procedures containing sections from other Pennsylvania municipalities. The Board will review before the next meeting. 

There being no additional business to come before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 9:35 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Merry V. Bush

Borough Planning Technician and Historic Administrator.