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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-29-1999 Meeting (2) SUMMERVILLE TOWN MEETING AUGUST A STATE UNIVERSITY July 29, 1999 I PRESENT: Hans. Bob Young, Mayor; Steve Shepard, W. H. Mays, III, Freddie Handy, Bill Kuhlke, Jr. and Jerry Brigham, Commissioners; Jim Wall, Attorney and Lena Bonner, Clerk of Commission. . Mr. Shepard addressed the group regarding the procedures for the meeting. Mr. Mays noted the leadership of the Summerville neighborhood in the activities of other historic neighborhoods. Mr. Kuhlke stated that the focus of the meeting should be with the Summerville Historic Preservation Commission and the Summerville Historic District. Mr. Handy and Mr. Jerry Brigham noted that they were both there to listen to comments from citizens of the neighborhoods in order to better serve their needs. The Mayor addressed the matter of historic preservation, including the matters of the Historic Preservation Commission and design standards as to how they are applied or the need for updating them. I Mr. Byrd Warlick, 2229 McDowell Street, addressed the group regarding what the historic preservation ordinance is insofar as Summerville is concerned. He noted that the guidelines want to respect the character of the majority of the surrounding residences and that any new construction be compatible or traditional. Mr. David Burton, 822 Fleming Avenue, expressed his support for the historic preservation ordinance in the Summerville area. Ms. Gretchen Saunders, 1108 Hickman Road, spoke about the development of the guidelines. Ms. Sandra Blackwood, 1121 Monte Sano Avenue, spoke about the role of the Summerville Neighborhood Association and its activities in the area. Mr. Erik Montgomery, 111 10th Street, expressed support of the historic preservation ordinance. I Mr. Stewart Flanagin, 1117 Glenn Avenue, encouraged the appointment of a committee of Summerville property owners to evaluate the historic preservation guidelines. He stated that this committee should receive input from Summerville residents and determine what changes, if any, in content or interpretation, should be made. When this review has been completed, then the Summerville Neighborhood Association will try to see that the wishes of the majority of the property owners are fulfilled. Mr. Robert Osborne, 1215 Johns Road, spoke in support of the guidelines. I Mr. Dan Ravenel, Charleston, SC, spoke in support of preserving historic areas resulting in an increase in property values in those areas. Mr. Tom Sutherland, 1427 Anthony Road, spoke in support of maintaining Summerville as a residential area through its historic preservation ordinance. Mr. Gregory Wilson, 2259 Cumming Road, expressed support for the historic preservation ordinances both in Summerville and in the Palo Alto, California areas. Mr. Bryan Haltermann, 956 Hickman Road, stated that the process for renovations considered through the Historic Preservation Commission has worked well and should be continued in the future. Mr. Walter Alexanderson, 1103 Milledge Road, expressed support for the process of renovations and the preservation of the architecture of the homes in the Summerville area. Mr. Robert Mauldin, 2240 McDowell Street, spoke in support of historic preservation projects in the City. Mr. Lee Neal, 2513 Walton Way, expressed support for the review committee to study ideas for flexibility within the guidelines. I Mr. Virgil Fowler, 905 Heard Avenue, expressed his concerns about the requirements regarding construction materials within the ordinance guidelines. Mr. Harold Moon, 1143 Arsenal Avenue, expressed his concern for consideration for any amendments which may be considered to enhance creativity in the neighborhood. Ms. Carrie Garrett, 828 Milledge Road, expressed concern about building materials that should be considered, the flexibility of out buildings for renovation and/or demolition and a time frame in which renovations should be completed on properties. Ms. Vicki Stroeher, 1416 Stovall Street, spoke in support of the ordinance and asked for help from the Historic Preservation Commission regarding low interest loans to aid people who wish to make renovations. She also expressed concern about safety issues, problems with water and the conditions of rental properties. Mr. Ted Clarkson, 2409 Williams Street, stated that the ordinance be maintained to preserve the unique architecture in the area. I I Ms. Kate Metts, 1318 Hickman Road, expressed her concern about having the option to use siding on homes and the matter of enforcement of regulations that are in place. Ms. Margaret Fowler, Heard Avenue, stated that historic preservation is good but that the rights of people should also be considered in the changes they wish to make. Mr. Chris Bowles, 1336 Glenn A venue, expressed his support for the ordinance and a review committee which would be concerned with various issues. Mr. Tom Warner representing the Builders Association of Metro Augusta spoke in support of the Historic Preservation Commission and asked that consideration be given for flexibility in making changes regarding building materials for renovations. He also expressed support for a committee which would include a builder, an architect, a remodeling contractor and a variety of citizens. I Mr. Warlick: Currently we have asked that the ordinance be suspended for ninety days. I think it is appropriate for us to ask the Commission to reinstate the ordinance, to have it published and to make some what I call cosmetic changes that will make it legally defensible and come back and address the guidelines at a later time or simultaneously. But in the meantime we need to have the ordinance in effect. The guidelines state that any changes should have respect for the characteristics of the-majority of the surrounding residences. It's not inflexible and as to the materials, we can look at that. Anyone can appeal a decision of the Historic Preservation Commission to the Commission and they can reverse it. Some amendments can be done quickly that will give us an enforceable ordinance, and then we can address the building materials for some fine tuning. Mr. Mays: I would hope that we will reinstate the ordinance as well. Mr. Kuhlke: I agree with much of what Mr. Mays has said and I support the committee structure to take a look at some of the provisions in the guidelines. I hope that we can resolve this situation by September. Mr.. Handy: I have heard what you're saying tonight and I appreciate many of the comments of those present. Mr. Jerry Brigham: This has been a very informative session and I commend you for your articulation of the issues, your civility and I think you will be pleased with the results. Mr. Mayor: If anyone would like to make further comments regarding this session, I think we would be happy to keep the record open for your input in the next several days. A common sense approach certainly seems to be on the immediate horizon. I Mr. Shepard recognized Paul DeCamp and Randy Oliver for their work in this area and thanked the members of the Commission and the citizens in the area for attending. I ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned. Lena J. Bonner Clerk of Commission NWM I I