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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLandmark Preservation Commission - Minutes - 03/11/1992Landmark Preservation Commission work Session Minutes March 11, 1992 Council Liaison: Loren Maxey Staff Liaison: Joe Frank SUMMARY OF MEETING: Commissioners discussed the outline for the Historic Resources Preservation Program report with Allyn Feinberg of Community Services Collaborative. The LPC was notified that the Planning Department was awarded a 1992 CLG grant in the amount of $4000 to be used to designate two structures and produce a video on the designation process. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Commission Chair Rheba Massey called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m., 281 North College Avenue. Jennifer Carpenter, Bud Frick, Brian Janonis, Rheba Massey, James Tanner and Ruth Weatherford were present. Rae Ann Todd was absent. Allyn Feinberg of Community Services Collaborative was a guest. Carol Tunner and Joe Frank represented staff. DISCUSSION ITEMS NRPP - Discussion with Allyn Feinberg CSC on the draft HRPP Program Outline Commission members and staff reviewed the draft outline for the Historic Resources Preservation Program report with Allyn Feinberg of Community Services Collaborative, consultants on the project. Ms. Feinberg stressed that the report will recommend that the first needed steps should be in education and providing incentives to gain more community support. And once more community support is gained, there will be.more opportunities for additional regulatory control. She also stated that the report will describe resource needs to accomplish the program including additional staffing. The Historic Preservation Program report will present a four - pronged approach to preservation in Fort Collins: identification, incentives, education and regulation. Identification: This includes identification of historic resources in the City. This will be an ongoing effort including continued development of historic contexts, survey and inventory of individual structures and sites, etc. This information will help identify structures of importance, threats to them, and priorities. Lardwark Preservatim Cumissim March 11, 1992 2 The Commission recognized the need to complete a data base. It was noted that the consultants have undertaken a survey of approximately 125 structures that includes many of the most important and most threatened structures in the community that have not already been surveyed. Ms. Massey noted that the information from this survey work on threats need to be incorporated into the Historic Contexts. Incentives: This includes developing a package of incentives that can tip the balance of property owner's consideration in favor of preservation. The report will include a "laundry" list of incentives including pros and cons. The LPC and staff, with input from the public, will narrow down what incentives should be pursued. The final report will include details as to how these incentives should be implemented. Ms. Feinberg reviewed some of the incentives that will be included in the report. Staff gave Commission members copies of a March 9 list of Heritage Round Table suggestions for needs, regulations.and incentives for historic preservation in Fort Collins. Education: Ms. Feinberg emphasized that the community must become more aware of the importance of preservation. This includes more awareness that the staff and LPC is an expert body, capable of design assistance and determining the appropriate renovation of structures. New members of the community must be educated about the unique character of historic structures in Fort Collins. Ms. Feinberg mentioned that outreach to schools, City staff, other boards and commissions is important. Also, local history groups have a role to play. Regulation: Ms. Feinberg stated that ultimately, designation is the most important tool the City has to protect historic resources. However, without more community support, using regulation alone will not be successful. Commissioners discussed using a waiting period before issuing demolition permits. A 90 or 120-day waiting period could provide the Commission with the opportunity to contact owners and suggest alternatives to demolition, gather data on the property, and, in some cases, arrange to move the structure. Lardwsrk Preservation eoriission March 11, 1992- 3 The Commission discussed establishing historic conservation districts with incentives to preserve community character. It was suggested that the City of Fort Collins might set an example by taking the lead in designation and preservation of important City buildings. The Commission discussed the need for a better framework for integrating preservation into the City's development processes including PUD, zoning, capital improvement programming, etc. Ms. Feinberg commented that Fort Collins is far ahead of many communities in integrating preservation with overall planning. While the City is ahead in planning, implementation has not been as successful. The implementation problem is due in part to lack of adequate staffing and support for preservation. More specifically, the Commission suggested the following revisions to the Draft HRPP Program Outline: Section I. INTRODUCTION, Item B. How the Program was developed It was suggested that this section include mention of citizens, the LPC and the interviews that had been completed. Information provided in this section should show that the program was developed through a process. Section II. BACKGROUND. Item B. Issues in Historic Preservation "Issues in Historic Preservation" should be changed to read "Recognized Issues in Historic Preservation." This section must stress the appropriate reuse of structures. People need technical preservation information to determine whether preservation or rebuilding is more costly in a specific situation. This section must also stress the importance of preservation in developing community identity, neighborhood integrity and protecting or increasing property values. Number 1: Benefit of community vs. rights of property owner. This entry should be clear that this refers to community benefits and owner rights in general, not specifically this community. Number 2: Mr. Tanner questioned the use of the word, "typical" and the words, "real expertise". He suggested discussing LPC expertise in making design review decisions. Number 6: Ms. Massey has a new National Trust economic study that should be referred to in this section. 'Landmark Preservatim Camaissim March 11, 1992 4 Section II. BACKGROUND, Item C. The Case for Historic Preservation Number 1: This section should stress that Fort Collins' vernacular architecture is as important in this area of the country as is the more impressive architecture in the East. Item A should present a history of historic Preservation in Fort Collins. Also stress what has been lost. It was suggested that the history of the development in Fort Collins should include the connection to the environmental movement such as recycling of buildings and encourage infill development. Number 1: Mr. Tanner suggested that "Why it was settled" should be moved, to Section I, Item A, "What the Program is and why it is needed." Ms. Massey concurred that a brief history of Fort Collins should be included in the Introduction. She noted that the history must emphasize the role of agriculture and the agricultural college. Section III. EXISTING CONDITIONS IN FORT COLLINS, Item B. Historic Preservation in Fort Collins. The impact of land -use regulations in Fort Collins must be stressed. Number 2: Mr. Tanner suggested that implementation problems should be added to this item. Ms. Massey asked Ms. Feinberg if the questionnaire interviews are completed. Ms. Feinberg responded that they were not. Ms. Massey asked if "Approach to Historic Preservation" applies to Fort Collins specifically or to historic preservation in general. Ms. Feinberg responded that the "approach" is related to Fort Collins. Ms. Massey requested that a map be included under Number 2, Education. Number 4: "Regulations" - The Commission cautioned against the use of the word "streamline," as in "streamline administrative processes" (page 6, top of page). LarKlmark Preservation Commission March 11, 1992 5 Mr. Frick suggested a section be added entitled "Results and Benefits of Historic Preservation in Fort Collins." The vision should include preservation of landmarks and sites and the enhancement of downtown as an economic center. Section V. ACTION PLAN In the box labeled "Identification," the bulleted item "Computerize Data Base," must be clarified so that it is understood that the consultants will only recommend a data base, not develop it. Mr. Tanner noted that there is no mention of the lack of adequate staffing to carry out the action plan. He would like to see the words "crucial personnel shortage." He emphasized that staffing must be an issue. Ms. Feinberg responded that she is aware of staff needs and that this will be part of the action plan under regulations and implementation. Ms. Feinberg will look at other Certified Local Government programs and examine number of FTE's, staff and support. Ms. Massey suggested making "administration" a category, like education is a category. Mr. Frank commented that the Downtown Action Plan has been used often and that Council is used to seeing it. Ms. Feinberg stated that she will use a format similar to the Downtown Action Plan format. Ms. Carpenter asked if a demolition waiting period can be made part of the action plan. Ms. Feinberg responded that it can. In relation to historic overlay districts, Ms. Massey asked if areas can be protected with a 90-day review period for demolitions. Ms. Feinberg responded that this is possible, but noted that if there is no designation, an overlay cannot stop demolition. Ms. Massey inquired about the negative aspect of overlay -type regulations. Ms. Feinberg responded that underlying zoning still governs overall development plans. Landsark Preservatim Co jsaim March 11, 1992 6 The Commission and the consultant agreed that all ideas to buy time and try to work out alternatives, such as incentives, grants and moving structures should be included in the action plan. Ms. Massey wants to see some form of an "alert system" on the City's administrative procedures. Ms. Massey stressed the importance of using common planning terminologies. The "Regulations" section of the ACTION PLAN has comments on administration in it. Organization should be in a separate section. Mr. Tanner suggested pointing out what the LPC has accomplished and what it has not had resources to do. Ms. Massey wanted a "Better Communications" section that emphasizes the importance of informing members of staff and boards and commissions about Historic Preservation. The action plan must include a list of buildings that are threatened within each context. The list of threatened structures should be drawn from the Historic Context and survey work. GENERAL COMMISSION AND STAFF REACTIONS TO THE DRAFT: The Commission found the boxes and flow chart -type format on pages 2, 7 and 8 difficult to understand. Ms. Massey suggested that a "History" section be included that briefly describes property types by periods and discusses the threats to these specific property types. OTHER BUSINESS 1991 Outstanding Historic Preservation Awards Ms. Carpenter, Mr. Frick and Ms. Tunner reported on the Downtown Business Association luncheon to honor the recipients of the 1991 Outstanding Historic Renovation Awards. It was noted that the award winners were very complimentary of the City's design review process, LPC cooperation and City staff. Loren Maxey helped in making the presentations. Funding for Designation Video Ms. Tunner announced that the Planning Department had applied for and received a $4,000 CLG grant for 1992/1993 from the Colorado Historical Society. The funds will be used to hire a consultant to E Landmark Preservation Commission March 11, 1992 7 do one residential and one commercial landmark designation. These designations will be the focus of a video to be produced by the City's Cable Communications. The City has committed to $2,800 in matching funds to produce the video. The 1986 LPC video will be updated as part of this project. Neon Sian - Paris on the Poudre Ms. Tunner advised the Commission that she had received a request for a neon sign at #15 Old Town Square (Paris on the Poudre). She noted this was an administrative review but wanted to give the Board an opportunity to see the request. There were several favorable comments about the request and no objections. Woodward Governor Grant_Proaram Ms. Tunner reported that it was suggested that Woodward Governor may be interested in working with the LPC to set up a grant program to provide funds for historic preservation plaques. ADJOURN Ms. Weatherford moved to adjourn the meeting. Ms. Carpenter seconded the motion to adjourn. Ms. Massey adjourned the meeting at 8:20 p.m. Submitted by Charlotte Plaut, Secretary.