HARB
Historic Architectural Review Board
Meeting Minutes
March 18, 2009
Chairman Gary Shaffer called the Historical Architectural Review Board to order at 7:35 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18, 2009.
Those in attendance were Board members Nancie Gudmestad, Peggy Gustafson, and Dale Gettel, Borough Code Enforcement Official; Claire Lewis, Borough Council liaison; and Merry Bush, Borough Planner. Elwood Christ and Norm Forness were absent. The number of Board members present constituted a quorum. Others in attendance were Greg Livelsberger, Schmuck Lumber Company, for 615 York Street and Chris Johnstone, 320 N. Stratton Street
There were no additions or corrections to the agenda. There was one correction to the February 18 minutes, in the fourth paragraph under Item A, it was Peggy Gustafson who said that the transom above the door needs to match the width of the door like those shown above the windows. Nancie Gudmestad moved to accept the minutes of February 18, 2009 corrected. Peggy Gustafson seconded and the motion carried.
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 Monday, April 13, 2009.
Applications for Certificates of Appropriateness
A. Replacement windows. 320 N. Stratton Street. Chris & Nancy Johnstone, owners.
Merry Bush said that the building at 218-220 N. Stratton Street was built between 1903 and 1931. There was no listing for the address in the 1903 Directory but the house appears on the 1931 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map. The dwelling units across the street were built in 1912 so it is most likely that this building was constructed about the same time. This is the last building in the Historic District on N. Stratton Street. The age of the building makes it a sensitive one and the proposed work is a critical project as it would alter the appearance of the building.
Nancie Gudmestad asked if the first floor front window was the only one the applicant was planning to keep. Mr. Johnstone said that it was. He said the vinyl windows would replace the existing windows. Included are the first floor side windows and all those on the second floor, along with the attic window. The unit at 318 N. Stratton Street has vinyl windows. Mr. Johnstone wants his side of the duplex to match.
Mr. Johnstone said that the new windows would be three-over-one to match the existing windows. The windows would be made specifically for this house. The muntins will be sealed between the glass.
Peggy Gustafson, noting the manufacturer offered different colors of glass, asked the applicant which one he was proposing to use. Mr. Johnstone said that he was using clear glass, low E argon-filled windows.
Gary Shaffer noted that the replacement windows on the adjoining property, 318 N. Stratton, did not come before the Board.
Findings of Fact: The property located at 320 N. Stratton Street is within the boundaries of the Gettysburg Borough Historic District as determined by ordinance. The property is one-half of a duplex. The adjoining property, 318 N. Stratton, already has replacement windows. The duplex is over 50 years old and the applicant proposes to replace original fabric with an alternate material.
Dale Gettel moved to recommend that Borough Council approve the application and grant a Certificate of Appropriateness for the project. Peggy Gustafson seconded the motion.
Nancie Gudmestad expressed concern about the wrapping of the trim and lintels. Peggy Gustafson said that the record must show that the Board is making an exception for this property due to the fact the trim and lintels at 318 N. Stratton had been previously covered. The owner said that he would not ordinarily prefer wrapping of the trim.
Gary Shaffer said that it would be to the owner's benefit if the two sides of the duplex matched. Mr. Shaffer noted, in this case, the casings are flat with no detail.
The motion carried, 4 to 0.
Due to fiduciary relationships with the following applicants, Gary Shaffer recused himself.
B. Alteration. ADA compliant ramps. 615 York Street. Greg Livelsberger, owner.
The Board members expressed their pleasure that Greg Livelsberger was bring his company, Schmuck Lumber, to the former Lumberyard site. Mr. Livelsberger proposes to remove the aluminum and glass shelter, the airlock, from the building supply portion of the building; this section now sits empty. A new ADA-compliant ramp with railing will be added.
On the plumbing supply side of the building, the existing ADA-ramp will be extended. Installed will be a new ramp railing and guide rail, painted black. The vinyl siding on the porch will be replaced and new roof shingles installed.
Mr. Livelsberger plans to replace the existing tin on the Sixth Street side of the building. Other areas will be cleaned up and painted.
Nancie Gudmestad asked about any plans for the roof. The applicant replied that it is a fairly, new roof and he plans to maintain it.
Nancie Gudmestad made a motion that Borough Council issue a Certificate of Appropriateness for the project, as submitted. Dale Gettel seconded and the motion carried, 3 to 0, with one abstention.
C. Alteration. Enclose porch. Add deck. Replace window with new door and add awnings.
12 Wade Avenue. Brad Yohe, owner.
The applicant proposes to enclose the front porch, replace a first floor window on the west side with a new door to access a new 12x14-foot wood deck and install awnings on the front of the house.
Dale Gettel spoke against allowing a new wood deck next door to the Jennie Wade House. If the proposed door replaced the window, the door would open on grade and a patio would make more sense than a deck. Gary Shaffer said that the owner would agree to that change.
Peggy Gustafson asked if awnings were to be placed on the dormers. Mr. Shaffer said yes. Ms. Gustafson then asked the purpose for the half-wall of vertical siding. Mr. Shaffer said that the vertical siding is to give the impression that there was a pre-existing partially enclosed porch.
Mr. Shaffer said that the existing exterior stair would remain. The stairway provides access to the second floor apartment.
Peggy Gustafson moved to recommend that a Certificate of Appropriateness be issued for the project without the deck. Nancie Gudmestad seconded and the motion carried, 3 to 0 with
one abstention.
The meeting adjourned at 8:25 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Merry V. Bush
Borough Planner and Historic District Administrator