Historic Commission Minutes

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Commissioner Tom Swigart called the Historic District Commission meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.

Present: Cryderman, Swigart, Bayly, Holleman, Gudritz

Excused: Worley, Culp.

Motion by Holleman, supported by Cryderman to approve the minutes for April 16, 2003 and May 21, 2003 as submitted. Voice Vote: Motion Unanimously Carried.

City Administration: None.

City Council: None.

Historic District Commission: None.

Other Community / Governmental Liaisons: None.

CASE #1                                       Demolish & Rebuild
D & D Bicycles
121 N. Center
Northville, Michigan 48167

A representative from TPA Design Service out of Farmington Hills, explained plans to demolish the existing D&D Bicycle shop and rebuild a new retail bicycle shop and add office/ rental space. The Garrison Company out of Farmington Hills is the contractor.

Mark Duck and Danny Plant representing the Garrison Company asked for guidance from the Commissioners regarding the Demolition Standards, as well as, what was entailed in the mechanism of the design criteria.

The Commissioners explained to the applicant that it is up to the applicant to prove the case for demolition. The following four grounds for demolition should be considered:

The structure constitutes a hazard to the safety and well being of the public.

Retaining the structure causes an undue financial hardship.

The structure is not in the interest of the majority of the community.

The structure is a deterrent to a major improvement program that will be a substantial benefit to the community.

The Commissioners suggested that the applicant research the Historical Design Standard for examples of standards for new construction within the Historic District.

Motion by Gudritz, supported by Cryderman to refer the application for demolition back to the applicant pending additional information regarding why the structure should be demolished. Voice Vote: Yeas: All. Motion Unanimously Carried.

CASE #2                                                               Addition
Anders & Katy Gustafson
116 Randolph
Northville, Michigan 48167

Andres and Katy Gustafson described plans to convert an existing duplex at 116 and 118 Randolph Street to a single family home by adding a second story gable and enclosing the current outdoor staircase. The front porch will also be enlarged. The basic color scheme of the home will remain and the existing historic styling will be carried forth in the addition. New double hung Anderson windows will be added which will "look like" the existing windows. A contractor for the project has not been chosen.

COMMISSIONER COMENTS AND CONCERNS: Although a preliminary plan was submitted, the Commissioners stated that architectural drawings still need to be submitted. These drawings, which will be needed to be submitted (anyway) to the building department for the project’s approval, will show the details and specifics of the addition. The pitch of the new roof continues the Farm House look of the existing house, but details of the gable; railings, spindles, balusters, over hang etc. need to be submitted.

Motion by Holleman, supported by Gudritz to refer the application for the addition back to the applicant pending additional details as discussed this evening. Voice Vote: Yeas: All. Motion Unanimously Carried.

CASE #3                                                    Fence
Jon Wilkes
209 N. Wing St.
Northville, Michigan 48167

John Wilkes, Pastor of the First Baptist Church, described plans to install a 29" high Western Red Cedar picket style fence (visible from the street) at the rear and on either side of the house. Both sides of the house will have a 4’ gate. Between the house and the church, on the north side and to the rear of the house, a 6’ side yard fence will be installed. This fence will be board on board, and also red cedar. The entire fence will be of a concave style with lantern top posts.

Motion by Holleman, supported by Cryderman to approve the fence application for 209 N. Wing Street, pending, the Chief Building Official’s approval. Voice Vote: Yeas: All. Motion Unanimously Carried.

CASE #4                                           Roof
Gordon and Marcia Moore
512 W. Dunlap
 

Northville, Michigan 48167

A representative from Star Roofing described plans for a complete tear off and re-roof for

512 W. Dunlap St. The manufacturer is IKO and the shingle is "Cambridge" a thirty year dimensional shingle. A sample and color of the roof was presented.

Motion by Cryderman, supported by Gudritz to approve the application as submitted. Voice Vote: Yeas: All. Motion Unanimously Carried.

CASE #5                                                                Sign
Quizmos
122 Main Centres
Northville, Michigan 48167

A representative from Quizmos presented colors and material samples for the sign’s lettering. Colors include: Chrome - gold, black and white. The applicant stated that the Building Official has approved the sign and its size. This sign conforms to the other signs of the MainCentre building.

Motion by Cryderman, supported by Holleman to approve the application for Quizmos sign. Voice Vote: Yeas: All. Motion Unanimously Carried.

7. DISCUSSION:

7-A Historic Design Standards and Demolition Guidelines – July, 2003 agenda item

7-B Reaction to the "rules" - July, 2003 agenda item. (A clarification of "rules" = have no legal status but are "guidelines" of how to do business.

7-3 Discussion on amending the descriptive wording of the boundary of the Historic District.

8. ADJOURNMENT:

Motion by Gudritz, supported by Cryderman to adjourn the meeting at 8:30 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

P. S. Howard
Recording Secretary