The Historic District Commission approved the design of two proposed houses on Angus Street, even though questions remained about the owners’ plans to create multi-family housing on the site.
Tom and Debbie Reay had gone to the Planning Commission in February with a proposal for several small houses on two lots at 8-10 Angus. That plan was rejected, and they returned the following month with a plan for duplexes on each lot. That proposal was also rejected, and in April, Planning approved modest-sized single-family houses on the site. The lots did not meet the city’s minimum size, but the commission granted variances on the two properties.
Objections were raised during public comments to a design that seemed suitable only for occupancy by multiple families. Each property would have a two-story house, but the buildings did not have an interior staircase. The ground floor was described as a “walk-out basement,” although it would not be set below grade. Although the intent of Planning seemed clear, the HDC only reviews exterior design, and all approved the exterior plan.
Base questions to be answered by contractor
Mike Klecha described plans to remove and replace a deteriorated awning at 29 S. Main St., the location of Judge Roy Bean’s Old Time Photos. His proposal would add railings at the second floor and new soft awnings on the second-floor windows. Commissioners had little objection to the major aspects of the application, but they had questions about how Klecha planned to replace the bases for the posts. City Historic Preservation Officer Kyle Palmer said he will meet with Klecha and his contractor to get details on the construction, and the item can return to the agenda then.
In other business:
- Abraham Phillips received approval for his plan to remove weathered lattice fencing and replace it with a metal artistic fence at 51 Copper St. The house dates to about 1950 but has been altered since. The commissioners noted that the fence will be removable.
- Palmer said the legislature increased preservation tax credits from 25 percent to 40 percent in cities with fewer than 10,000 residents. The application takes some planning but can yield big rewards. Bright said the process is time-consuming, but help is available to apply. Commercial and residential properties are eligible.
- Commissioner Peter Graham reported on presentations by the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program in Fort Smith on May 5. He mentioned the importance of working toward community education and ensuring that guidelines work to keep the city authentic.
- Palmer said organizers of the Missouri Preservation Conference invited their counterparts in Arkansas to attend a session in Joplin on June 7. An HDC meeting is scheduled on that date, but Palmer said the meeting could be canceled if several commissioners decide to attend the Joplin event. Although the sessions would certainly be informative, Chair Dee Bright cautioned that some laws and procedures are different in Missouri.
- A workshop on masonry was well received and will be repeated in the near future.
- The HDC will meet next at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, June 7. Level III applications were due May 25, and other levels are due by May 31.