City of Annapolis Historic Preservation Commission met Oct. 9.
Here is the minutes provided by the commission:
The Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) of the City of Annapolis held its regularly scheduled public hearing on October 9, 2018 in City Council Chambers. Chair Zeno called the meeting to order at 7:03pm.
Commissioners Present: Chair Zeno, Vice Chair Leahy, Kennedy, Finch, Phillips, Collins, Dr. Scott, Kelly
Staff Present: R. Laynor- Chief, Historic Preservation
Chair Zeno introduced the commissioners and staff. She stated the Commission’s purpose pursuant to the authority of the land use articles and administered the oath en mass to all persons intending to testify at the hearing.
C. ANNOUNCEMENTS
There were none.
D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. September 11, 2018 Meeting Minutes
The HPC deferred voting on the September 11, 2018 meeting minutes to its November 13, 2018 meeting.
E. VIOLATIONS
There were none.
F. CONSENT DOCKET
1. Ordinance O-34-18 Findings
The findings for O-34-18 were removed from the consent docket and the voting on Ordinance #O-34-18 was deferred to the HPC’s October 25, 2018 meeting. Alderwoman Tierney noted that the legislation was reviewed by the Planning Commission and will be reviewed by the Rules Committee at their November 2018 meeting. There were changes to the document that Ms. Laynor agreed to make and the revised document will be distributed to HPC review for review and approval at its October 25, 2018 administrative meeting.
G. NEW BUSINESS
1. 69 West Street – Level Restaurant – Jennifer Sowers/Owner – Paint mural on front elevation, second floor.
Ms. Sowers, Owner, explained that she would like to paint a mural on the second floor front façade of her restaurant. She explained that the mural is intended to raise awareness that there is a restaurant at the site and the subject matter of the painting will have a Chesapeake Bay theme.
Staff: Ms. Laynor restated her written report and recommends conditional approval of the application as noted in the staff report specifically that the owner provide routine maintenance of the finished product.
No one else from the public spoke in favor or opposition to the application so Chair Zeno declared the public hearing closed at 7:54pm.
Commissioners: Ms. Finch agrees with the staff’s recommendation on the mural and Ms. Collins concurred but stated that she does not agree that the applicant should be held accountable for the City not clarifying the design guidelines for murals. Ms. Phillips has concern of viewing this as another alteration because the brick has already been painted. Dr. Scott agrees with the staff report and believes since it is not historic brick and is also painted, he does not oppose the mural. Mr. Elson noted that there are no specific guidelines that address murals however there are review criteria in the Code that should be followed specifically under 21.56.060. Chair Zeno agrees with the staff report and believes the design meshes well with its surroundings. Ms. Kelly believes the mural will be a considerable attraction to others in the area. Vice Chair Leahy is persuaded by staff’s recommendation that it will not have an adverse impact.
Vice Chair Leahy noted that whereas the application for 69 West Street complies with Section 21.56.020 and HPC guidelines B.1 and D.1 (SOI #1, #2, #5 and #9), moved approval of the application as conditioned that the applicant provides routine maintenance of the mural to preserve the condition of the finished product. Dr. Scott seconded the motion. The motion passed in a vote of 5-2. (Kelly and Phillips dissent)
H. OTHER BUSINESS
1. Cultural Landscape Report – Cultural Landscape Report Presentation by Dr. Sally Nash
Dr. Nash gave a brief overview of the Cultural Landscape describing the study area and the evolution of the City Dock streetscape. She noted that the intent is to reference this document in the City code so would require the preparation of an ordinance which would require HPC approval. She went over the character defining qualities and features of the landscape to include the four areas specifically historic conditions, existing conditions, integrity and treatment approaches.
Ms. Laynor added that the four key points she picked out of the report is that City Dock landscape is iconic; the essential defining characteristic of City Dock is its natural cove basin; the City Dock is the non-institutional heart of the City; and that the City Dock landscape must adapt to sea level rise and increased flooding.
Several members of the public spoke on the presentation and the HPC all believed this to be a well organized as well as written document.
I. ADJOURNMENT
With there being no further business, Ms. Collins moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:02pm. Ms. Phillips seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously in a vote of 7-0.
https://www.annapolis.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_10092018-1462
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