HARB

Historic Architectural Review Board
Meeting Minutes

June 17, 2009

Chairman Gary Shaffer called the Historical Architectural Review Board to order at 7:35 p.m. on Wednesday, June 17, 2009. Those in attendance were Board members Nancie Gudmestad, Peggy Gustafson, Dale Gettel, Borough Code Enforcement Official; and Merry Bush, Borough Planner. Elwood Christ arrived at 7:50 pm. Claire Lewis, Borough Council liaison, was absent. The number of Board members present constituted a quorum.

Others in attendance were Gary and Pat Stone for 52 Chambersburg Street; Jim and Bonnie Wentz, 48 and 52 York Street; Holliday (Holly) Giles, 45 Chambersburg Street; Jacqueline White and Gregg Pitzer for 690 S Washington Street; Ross Brownley, 155 S. Washington Street; Robert and Elaine Smith, 22 Carlisle Street; John Burke and John Syper, Friendly's, 445 Steinwehr Avenue; Robin Thomas, 56 E Middle Street; John Lawver, Borough Manager; and Donna Abraham, Abraham's Lady, 25 Steinwehr Avenue.

There were no additions or corrections to the agenda. Peggy Gustafson asked that the minutes of the May 20, 2009 meeting be corrected as follows: on page 3 under Item E, the third sentence in the third paragraph should read "Ms. White said she had a copy of the guidelines." Nancie Gudmestad moved to accept the minutes of May 20, 2009 as 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, July 13, 2009.

Applications for Certificates of Appropriateness

Old Business

Merry Bush noted that the following applications for ADA ramps within the Borough's right of way were reviewed by the Borough's ADA consultant, H. R. Gray, under Title 2 of the American's with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended (ADA)

Borough Manager John Lawver gave an overview of where the Borough stands regarding ADA issues. He noted that there have been numerous ADA complaints filed with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Council, eight of which have gone to federal court. Title 3 of the ADA governs ramps within or just outside a building but on private property. Title 2, however, governs ADA access in the public right of way. The two sections of the ADA do not match. The ADA issues the Borough faces impacts the Historic District more than any other area of town. H. R. Gray carried out a survey on Chambersburg and York Streets. This is where most of the lawsuits have been filed. HARB is to review the applications for aesthetics and impact on the streetscape.

Mr. Lawver said that the Borough consultant is surveying all the streets of the Borough for ADA compliance. The Borough is advocating comprehensive solutions to ADA access, such as raised sidewalks providing access to a number of doorways. A raised sidewalk could provide access to

36 through 58 York Street.

Gary Shaffer recused himself from the Board and discussion about the following applications, as he as a fiduciary relationship with the property owners. The Board received the recusal in writing [see attachment to these minutes] Elwood Christ assumed the role of chairman.

A. Alteration. ADA compliant ramp. 45 Chambersburg Street. Holliday & Allison Giles, owners.

Holly (Holliday) Giles said that the front door was the only way to access the shop located at 45 Chambersburg Street. It was noted that any other method of access would be technically infeasible.

Dale Gettel moved to recommend that the Borough Council grant a Certificate of Appropriateness for a ramp as it is the only way to provide ADA access and that it would have minimum impact on the Historic District. Nancie Gudmestad seconded the motion. The motion carried, 4 to 0, with 1 abstention. It was reiterated that all construction drawings must be approved by the Borough's ADA consultant before a sidewalk permit can be issued.

B. Alteration. ADA compliant ramps. 48-52 York Street. James & Bonnie Wentz, owners

Gary Shaffer, acting on behalf of his clients, said that the only possible ADA access for 48 York Street is from the street using the public right of way. A minimal ramp is required according to Mr. Shaffer. Mr. Shaffer acknowledged that a more comprehensive solution would also work here.

Peggy Gustafson recommended that Borough Council issue a Certificate of Appropriateness for an alternate method of ADA compliant access to 48 York Street than proposed, noting that while there is only one feasible location for ADA access (in the PennDot and Borough right of way) the proposed ramp would have a major impact on the historic district and that a rise of less than six inches does not require a handrail. Nancie Gudmestad seconded the motion, which carried 4 to 0 with 1 abstention.

Gary Shaffer, speaking on behalf of his clients, said that a Certificate of Appropriateness should be issued for the ramp at 52 Chambersburg Street as proposed, noting that it is technically infeasible to access the rear of the property.

Peggy Gustafson made a motion to recommend that Borough Council issue a Certificate of Appropriateness for an alternate design for ADA access to 52 York Street located in the PennDot and Borough rights of way, noting that it is the only feasible way to gain access to the building, that a handrail is not required for a rise less than six inches but adding that the proposed ramp would have a large impact on the Historic District. Ms. Gustafson also noted that all design and construction drawings must be reviewed by H.R. Gray before a sidewalk permit can be issued. The motion was seconded by Nancie Gudmestad; it passed 4 to 0, with 1 abstention.

Gary Shaffer resumed his duties as chairman.

C. Alteration. ADA compliant ramp. 52 Chambersburg Street. Gary B. and Patricia Stone, owners.

Gary Stone, owner of the property, said that 52 Chambersburg Street will require an ADA accessible ramp and he plans to install railings similar to those installed at 17 Chambersburg Street. Merry Bush asked about the material for the railings. Mr. Stone said that he would use wrought iron.

Peggy Gustafson recommended that a Certificate of Appropriateness be issued for an ADA accessible ramp to be located within the PennDot/Borough right of way, as it is the only way to access 52 Chambersburg Street. The ramp shall be made of concrete with wrought iron railings. The proposed ramp may have an impact on the Historic District.

Nancie Gudmestad seconded the motion, which carried 5 to 0.

Gary Shaffer then explained the review process to new applicants.

New Business

A. Alteration. Window replacement. 56 E Middle Street. Robin Thomas, owner.

According to Robin Thomas, the owner, the house at 56 E. Middle Street was built in 1900 and she is only the second owner. Nancie Gudmestad asked about the drawing of the window and wondered if these windows open inward. Gary Shaffer clarified the drawing, saying that the windows only tilt in for cleaning. Ms. Thomas said that she was only replacing the windows on the rear closed porch and withdrew the portion of the application that referred to the front windows.

She said that any damaged wood on the front of the building would be repaired or replaced in kind. The roof of the bay window would be repainted and coated. She also plans to replace the gate at the rear of the property.

Findings of Fact: The property located at 56 E. Middle Street is located within the Gettysburg Battlefield National Register Historic District, as well as the Gettysburg Borough Historic District, as determined by ordinance. The proposed changes in the rear are permanent in nature but have no visibility from the street and are not very visible from the alley.

Nancie Gudmestad moved to recommend approval of the application as submitted, noting that the first paragraph was not part of the motion. Elwood Christ seconded and the motion carried, 5 to 0. Peggy Gustafson expressed her thanks to Ms. Thomas for maintaining the historic features of the front for all these years.

B. Alteration. Replace existing front porch. Relocate the steps. 155 S. Washington Street. Paula Olinger, owner.

Elwood Christ said that the house at 155 S. Washington Street was built in 1859 by James Foster. The roofline has been changed over the years as has the front entrance, but otherwise the building retains its architectural and historical character. Peggy Gustafson asked Ross Brownley, who was representing the application, why he included photos of a building from High Street with the application. Mr. Brownley said that he wanted to show that Trex flooring had been installed at a nearby building. She then asked about the proposed porch posts. Mr. Brownley said the posts would stand several inches above the railing. He noted that restoring the door surround was previously approved by HARB.

Nancie Gudmestad suggested ironwood for the following. She said that she used it for the porch decking and steps at the Shriver House and that she has not needed to repaint in the last 12 years. Mr. Brownley provided a sample of the flooring he proposed to use. He also said that he was proposing lattice work to hide the original granite step.

Findings of Fact: The building located at 155 S. Washington Street is Gettysburg Battlefield National Register Historic District, as well as the Gettysburg Borough Historic District. It is a sensitive building being more than 50 years old and retains significant architectural integrity and historic significance. The roofline has been altered along with the front porch. It was noted that the proposed porch rail would have traditional features similar to those at the Tillie Pierce and Shriver Houses.

Peggy Gustafson moved to recommend the application be approved with rails and spindles made similar to those of the Shriver House and that ironwood or synthetic tongue and groove material be used for the decking and steps. Dale Gettel seconded; the motion carried, 5 to 0.

C. Alteration. Replacement windows, rear. 22 Carlisle Street, Smith & Shisler, LLC, owner.

The applicant proposes to replace windows on the rear of the property. There are eight windows on each side of two apartments. The windows will be replaced as the apartments are vacated. The windows do not face the alley but are located at the sides, hardly visible from the alley.

Elwood Christ asked about the windows. The applicant said they would be the same size and have the same number of panes. The applicant proposes to replace the sills as necessary.

Peggy Gustafson asked about the sills. The applicant said that damaged wood would be replaced with pressure treated wood. When asked bout the lintels, the applicant said that none need to be replaced.

Findings of Fact: The building at 22 Carlisle Street is located within the Gettysburg Borough Historic District as determined by ordinance. The proposed work is a permanent change to a sensitive building, being that it is over 50 years old. There is no visibility from the main street and limited or no visibility from the public alley. There would be no detrimental impact on the streetscape or upon the design of the building.

Nancie Gudmestad moved to recommend that a Certificate of Appropriateness be issued for the work as submitted. Elwood Christ seconded and the motion carried, 5 to 0.

D. Alteration Alternate siding. Wrapping of trim. Replace doors. Friendly's Ice Cream #982. 445 Steinwehr Avenue.

Friendly's Restaurant is located on the site of the old Howard Johnsons restaurant, which was built between 1956 and 1959. It was replaced by the current structure in the early 1980s according to Elwood Christ. Therefore, it is a non-sensitive building with in the Gettysburg Borough Historic District and does not contribute to the Gettysburg Battlefield National Register Historic District.

Nancie Gudmestad pointed out that the bricks on the drawings were red but those on the building appear white. The applicant plans to remove the white paint. Peggy Gustafson asked if sandblasting the brick was the appropriate way to remove the paint. Shouldn't a chemical process be used to protect the brick. It was pointed out that modern bricks are harder than historic bricks and would be able to stand up to sandblasting.

Findings of Fact: The building at 445 Steinwehr Avenue is a non-sensitive building less than 50 years old. The proposed work is a major project including the alteration of materials but does not impact the overall design of the building. The building does not contribute to the Gettysburg Battlefield National Register Historic District.

Peggy Gustafson asked about the lighting. The applicant said that the down-lights have glare shields and the other lights are existing ones that are being painted black.

Dale Gettel moved to recommend that the application be approved as submitted. Nancie Gudmestad seconded; the motion carried, 5 to 0.

E. Alteration. Enclose front porch. Rear Addition. Add a carport. 690 S. Washington Street. Jacqueline White, owner.

The building at 690-692 S. Washington Street was built between 1923 and 1925 by Rebecca E. and Harry E. Clay and served as their residence. The Clays operated a teahouse next door at 688 S. Washington Street. That building has since been demolished. The Clay's teashop was significant in the "development of Black entrepreneurship in the Borough and in the nation as a whole."-- Historic Resource Survey for 688 S Washington Street. The applicant proposes changes to the building at 690 S. Washington Street to make it more habitable for her. Jackie White said that the home had been remodeled and turned into apartments. According to Ms. White all the original fabric had been removed. The windows are made of wood and according to Gregg Pitzer, Ms. White's contractor, were probably added in the 1950s or 1960s. An earlier proposal was denied at the May 20, 2009 meeting.

The applicant proposes to building a 12-foot deep addition to the rear of the building that would run the width of the building. The addition would have windows and an exterior door. The addition would have four windows on the rear matching those in the rest of the house and a solid four-panel fiberglass door will be installed on the south side of the addition. The addition will be covered with vinyl siding matching the siding on existing building. The applicant also proposes a carport at the rear of the property.

Dale Gettel remarked on the roofline, noting that the roofline of the addition is a continuation of the existing roofline. He then asked about an interior connection between the addition and the existing building. The applicant said there would be interior connections with doors.

Nancie Gudmestad asked about the heated concrete steps. Jackie White said that was included in her plan

Gary Shaffer asked about the location of the carport. Ms. White said that she needed it located right outside the exterior door of the addition. Mr. Shaffer then noted a part of the Historic District ordinance that gave Borough Council the right to require screening of parking from S. Washington Street (Chapter 11 §110.C.8).

Findings of Fact: The structure at 690 S. Washington Street is a sensitive building exceeding 50 years of age. It is located within the Gettysburg Borough Historic District as set by ordinance. The proposed changes would be permanent in nature. The building has been altered with the use of alternate siding and changes to the windows. The proposed changes to the building require a Certificate of Appropriateness.

Nancie Gudmestad moved to recommend to Borough Council that a Certificate of Appropriateness be issued for the rear addition as long as it meets all codes and that the parking structure be screened from the street. Elwood Christ seconded and the motion carried, 5 to 0.

Gary Shaffer recused himself due to a fiduciary relationship with the remaining applicants. Elwood Christ assumed the role of chairman.

F. Alteration. Modify front porch, new ADA ramp (on-site). Replace front door and modify door surround. 25 Steinwehr Avenue. Donna J. Abraham, owner.

The applicant proposes to widen the front doorway andreplicate the existing front door to allow for ADA access; the door is not original to the building. The second door will be sealed shut. Raising the porch floor to accommodate the ramp will require an additional step in front.

The owner believes that the building was built in 1917. According to the owner, the building was built as a residential duplex.

Nancie Gudmestad said the design was one of the nicest ways she has seen to handle an ADA ramp. Peggy Gudmestad remarked on the decorative elements framing the window and doors. Will the applicant replace these element in kind if they are damaged during removal? The applicant said yes.

Nancie Gudmestad moved to recommend the application as submitted. Dale Gettel seconded and the motion carried, 4 to 0 with one abstention.

G. Alteration. Deck and pergola. 12 Wade Avenue. Brad Yohe, owner.

A previously submitted application was approved for the installation of a patio on the west side of the house. The existing window just north of the chimney would be replaced with a door. Because of the slope of the property, the stone or concrete of a patio would be 8 to 16 inches out of the ground facing the street.

Findings of Fact: The site was originally occupied by a rough-cast house, probably a log cabin. The building is a contributing one to the Gettysburg Battlefield National Register Historic District and a sensitive one within the Gettysburg Borough Historic District.

The proposed deck would begin at the chimney and go toward the rear of the property. The pergola will be a blend of wood and plastic. The structural columns would be faced with an alternate material that are not structural.

It was noted that lot coverage could be an issue.

Nancie Gudmestad moved to recommend that the application be approved as submitted as long as the project met all requirements including those for lot coverage. Peggy Gustafson seconded the motion and it passed, 4 to 0 with one abstention.

Reports

Merry Bush announced that Judi McGee has been appointed to fill one of the open seats on the Board. Her first meeting will be in August.

The meeting adjourned at 10:15 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Merry V. Bush

Borough Planner and Historic District Administrator