The HDC has had a series of recent meetings with very light agendas, but the Sept. 2 meeting included four applications, two of which involved contributing properties. During the meeting, commissioners also heard about potential challenges to local historic districts.
Current applications
At 3 Prospect Ave., Arlene Urquizu received approval to remove an air-conditioning unit and replace it with a window. Urquizu’s application included a picture of an adjacent window, and the new window will match the existing window in material and appearance. Commissioner Peter Graham thanked Urquizu for her efforts to maintain the contributing property, which dates to 1909. The application was approved unanimously.
Another contributing property, at 216 N. Main St., dates to 1890. Owner Brad Sauerbry asked approval for a variety of improvements, including replacing the roof, improving porch columns, replacing the front door with a wooden door, and adding a wrought iron fence. Each aspect of his application was accompanied by extensive photography, including pictures of comparable neighboring structures. Before approving the change from asphalt shingles to a metal roof, commissioners verified that Sauerbry planned to use a true standing-seam product.
Another item on the application called for replacing four-by-four porch posts on the ground level with larger posts, to match the posts on the second floor. Director of HDC/Planning Cassie Dishman said she had checked with state preservation authorities who said making the posts bigger or encasing them would not substantially change the building’s appearance. All approved the application.
Monte Mojica received approval to replace aluminum windows with vinyl at 22 Echols St. The property dates to 1975 and is considered non-contributing.
At 15 Linwood Ave., owner Kay Yandell’s application to replace a street-facing window with a door was approved without any discussion.
Challenges to preservation
Dishman and Chair Debbie Davis had attended a preservation forum and discussed some of the major issues they encountered there.
The National Historic Preservation Act, passed in 1968, required an analysis of impacts before undertaking any federal project. Now, state and federal laws are threatening the ability of cities to regulate historic districts. Davis encouraged everyone to remain aware of pending legislation, and to speak up on the subject. She spoke of “a delicate balancing act” between historic preservation and the rights of property owners. “We want to work with you. but we also want to protect the historic resources of our town for future generations,” she said.
Other issues from seminar
- Davis said some historic districts approve solar panels, provided they are not on the front of a house. This city’s guidelines do not currently make that allowance.
- Dishman said the HDC may revisit alternative materials in some cases. She described an evaluation process to determine when to insist on original material, and when to look for suitable replacements. “Something appropriate for one structure may not be appropriate for its neighbor,” Dishman said. “The commission needs to exercise judgment.”
- Davis said harnessing the power of story-telling is the “super power” of preservation. “I think Eureka has done a pretty good job of telling the stories of their places,” she said, emphasizing the importance of individual homeowners investigating the history of their properties. Davis said the Historical Museum and Dishman have resources available to homeowners.
In other business:
- Graham encouraged citizens to get involved with local commissions. He also called for volunteers to help an ongoing project to refinish the basement floor in The Aud, on Nov. 19-21.
- The HDC will next meet at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 16. Level III applications were due Sept. 3, and Level II applications were due Sept. 9.