By Nicky Boyette – As part of his continued renovation of 33 Ridgeway, Chris Fischer had applied to the Historic District Commission to remove two chimneys that stood 11 ft. above the roof of the house. He told commissioners at the Dec. 7 meeting the primary chimney had originally served the living room, and was not engaged with the framing of the house. The secondary chimney, however, presented more of a problem because of where it was situated, plus a previous worker had failed to attach flashing adequately and rainwater runoff found its way beneath the roof. The carpenter had recommended removing it altogether.
Fischer said after he submitted his application he learned the primary chimney could be repaired, although he wanted to shorten it a bit if commissioners would allow.
Commissioner Melissa Greene stated she preferred Fischer keep the primary chimney at its present height and repair it but she was okay with his removing the other chimney. Commissioners agreed with her suggestion.
Pillar Widening
John Van Woy had two projects for 12 Lookout Circle on the agenda. He wanted to rearrange two limestone pillars on either side of the driveway to allow for a 15-foot entrance instead of the existing width of 9.5 ft. which he claimed was a hazard for sideview mirrors. He said a photo existed showing the pillars farther apart at some point in the past, but he did not have the photo with him at the meeting.
Commissioner Virgil Fowler pointed out the guidelines are clear that original structures should be maintained, and Greene suggested the discussion be tabled until the next meeting so Van Woy could produce the photo.
Van Woy’s other application was to take down a carriage house and rebuild it in another location on the property. He intended to construct a three-level structure with a basement, main level and an apartment space in an upper story. He said the move would ease parking constraints on the property and generally improve use of the space.
Greene stated Van Woy did not have a demolition permit for his project, and should present the application to the Planning Commission first and then return to HDC.
Jeff Collins, a nearby neighbor, told commissioners the situation in his vicinity “is a disaster.” He said the area is used for overflow parking from the Crescent Hotel, and “obnoxious guests block my driveway access and there is noise from the large parties there. He said he has no privacy because of a constant stream of vehicles in and out of 12 Lookout. He said he would be against any construction on the property until the buildings are brought up to Code and the parking and noise issues are addressed.
In other business, commissioners approved these two applications:
- 19 Norris – replace window; extend deck
- 120 N. Main – add stairway to side porch
Regarding the vote on 120 N. Main, commissioner Susie Allen recused herself because she was the applicant and Fowler recused himself because he would be tenant of the property.
Commissioners approved these items on the Consent Agenda:
- 120 S. Main – re-wrap existing billboard
- 120 S. Main – two new signs
- 13 N. Main – new sign
- 831/2 Spring – new sign
The Consent Agenda items are Level I applications that the City Preservation Officer believes to be in accordance with the design guidelines.
Chair Dee Bright presented these Administrative Approvals, which are applications for repair or work involving no changes in materials or color but which include changes in roofing color:
- 10 Singleton – re-roof
- 17 Bridge St. – repair, replace, repaint rotten siding
- 30 Steel – re-roof, new color
- 114 Wall – re-roof
Next meeting will be Wednesday, Dec. 21, at 6 p.m.