HARB
Historic Architectural Review Board
Meeting Minutes
August 19, 2009
Chairman Gary Shaffer called the Historical Architectural Review Board to order at 7:33 p.m. Wednesday, August 19, 2009. Those in attendance were Board members Peggy Gustafson, Elwood Christ, new member Judi McGee, Dale Gettel, Borough Code Enforcement Official; Merry Bush, Borough Planner; and Claire Lewis, Borough Council liaison. Nancie Gudmestad was absent. The Board members present constituted a quorum.
Others in attendance were John G. Kramb, Adams County Winery, for 25 Chambersburg Street; Curt Grim, 59 York Street and Steve Garvick, 53 Chambersburg Street.
There were no changes to the agenda. Peggy Gustafson moved to accept the minutes of July 15, 2009 as submitted. Dale Gettel seconded and the motion carried, 5 to 0.
Mr. Shaffer introduced the members and noted that the Board serves as an advisory group to Borough Council, which makes the final decision concerning Certificates of Appropriateness. Borough Council will meet next on Monday, September 14, 2009.
Certificates of Appropriateness
A. Alteration. ADA compliant access. 53 Chambersburg Street. Steve Garvick, owner.
Peggy Gustafson asked if the proposed ramp was to serve both store entrances in the building. Steve Garvick, the owner, said that the ramp was only for one entrance— 53 Chambersburg Street. Ms. Gustafson asked about the railing made of 2x4s. Mr. Garvick said that since the rise was six inches or less he would not need a railing and the drawing should not have been included in the application.
Dale Gettel asked about the width of the ramp. Mr. Garvick said that the ramp would be 42 inches wide, leaving 36 inches from the ramp to the curb.
When asked if this was the only possible location for an ADA compliant access, Mr. Garvick said that he has an ADA ramp located in the rear of the building providing access to the first floor. Gary Shaffer asked if there was parking in the rear and is there room for a ADA compliant parking space. Mr. Garvick said that he could create one. There is no way, however, for someone on the street to easily access the ramp in the rear.
Peggy Gustafson asked if there were any steps within the interior of the store. Mr. Garvick said that was a step but he installed a ramp.
Findings of Fact: The building at 53 Chambersburg Street is located within both the Gettysburg Borough Historic District and the Gettysburg Battlefield National Register Historic District and is a contributing structure. Therefore, the HARB has the right to review this project. According to the information provided to the Board the ramp would have a rise of six inches or less so that railings are not required. The owner has indicated that an ADA ramp was constructed at the rear of the property allowing access.
Mr. Garvick said that as far as he knows, his contractor does not have an ADA certified engineer or architect on staff. When asked Mr. Garvick agreed to wait until the Borough’s consulting engineer has reviewed the plans for a decision from HARB.
Elwood Christ moved to table further discussion of the application until H.R. Gray has reviewed and made comment on the proposed ramp design. Peggy Gustafson seconded the motion, which carried 5 to 0.
B. Alteration. Window Replacement. 59 York Street. Curt Grim, owner.
Elwood Christ said that a tannery was located on this site about 1850. He noted that while the building is over 50 years old, it’s probably not a Civil War building.
Mr. Christ asked Curt Grim, the owner, if he planned to cover the lintels or trim work. Mr. Grim said no, he plans to install new aluminum-clad wood sashes within the existing openings. The windows would have simulated divided lights. Existing trim would be painted.
Dale Gettel asked how many windows were being replaced. Mr. Grim said between 50 and 60 windows including the Stratton Street façade and the York Street façade which includes the building where Fields of Glory operates.
Judi McGee asked if the applicant had considered repairing what is there. Mr. Grim said that the existing windows were single pane windows that are in bad shape.
Gary Shaffer asked about the existing storm windows. The applicant said they would be removed and not replaced. Mr. Grim said that the existing grill patterns on the windows will be replicated.
Peggy Gustafson asked if the owner planned to replace the two missing window hoods above two third floor windows. Curt Grim said it was not under consideration at this time.
Mr. Grim said that the building is heated by gas; each apartment has its own heating system with boilers and radiators with 10 furnaces in the basement. Gary Shaffer said that when the building was purchased by Mr. Grim it was not fit for habitation. The building was brought up to code under the PA Department of Labor and Industry.
Findings of Fact: The building located at 59 York Street, Gettysburg Borough, is a sensitive building over 50 years of age and has a mixed degree of architectural integrity with the window configuration unchanged. The proposed windows comply with the guidelines from this Board. The proposed work would be highly visible from a public street. It was noted that the cladding does not vary much from a painted finish.
Dale Gettel moved to recommend that a Certificate of Appropriateness be issued by Borough Council. Elwood Christ seconded. Judi McGee asked about the finish on the windows. Mr. Grim said that they would all be in white or a cream color. The building would maintain its green trim. The motion carried, 5 to 0.
C. Alteration. Awning. 25 Chambersburg St. Adams County Winery. John Kramb, owner
Elwood Christ said that the building once housed Blocher’s jewelry store. He said that it was quite possible that the nucleus of the building dated to 1858. The front façade was changed more than 50 years ago.
John Kramb, the owner, said that the awning would be located over the arched entry way not over the stained glass window. The awning would be roughly parallel to the one located to the right of the entry way. The awning would be the same color as the neighboring awnings with a similar design, as well.
Peggy Gustafson asked about lettering on the front of the awning. Mr. Kramb said that they were planning to use block lettering on the awning similar to that on the awning of the pottery shop down the street.
Elwood Christ asked if the sign would come down. The applicant said yes.
Findings of Fact: The building at 25 Chambersburg Street is a sensitive building. The work proposed is a critical project having high visibility from the street. The awing would be similar to those already existing on that street. The stained glass window would remain uncovered.
Peggy Gustafson moved to recommend that Borough Council issue a Certificate of Appropriateness for the application as submitted. Elwood Christ seconded and the motion carried, 5 to 0.
Old Business
A. Alteration. Front porch. 300 N. Stratton Street. Linda Zhea, owner.
Gary Shaffer said that he had not been able to meet with Mr. Coldsmith, the contractor for the work at 300 N. Stratton Street. The main issue that remains is the type of replacement material for the front porch roof. The owner will most likely maintain the hidden (internal) gutter.
Peggy Gustafson said she stopped to see the property and Ms. Zhea, the owner, was not happy with HARB. The owner is unhappy and the contractor has not been clear with her.
New Business
Gary Shaffer commented on the federal government’s push for window replacement for energy "savings." He suggested that the Board may have to consider allowing alternate materials for windows on upper floors like several cities, including Baltimore, have done.
The meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Merry V. Bush
Borough Planner and recorder