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CITY OF MUSKEGON
HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
September 5, 2006
The meeting was called to order at 4:06 p.m. by Chairperson J. Hilt.
MEMBERS PRESENT: J. Hilt, S. Thompson, S. Kroes, L. Spataro
MEMBERS ABSENT: T. Bosma, excused
STAFF PRESENT: J. Fitzpatrick, D. Leafers
OTHERS PRESENT: H. Sytsema, 1604 Jefferson
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A motion to approve the regular meeting minutes of August 1, 2006 was made by S. Thompson,
supported by S. Kroes and unanimously approved.
NEW BUSINESS/PUBLIC HEARINGS
Case 2006–31 – 561 W. Western Avenue Request to remove fire escape. Applicant: Muskegon
Heritage Association. District: Clay Western, AA. Current Function: Commercial. J. Fitzpatrick
presented the staff report. The applicant wishes to remove the fire escape at 561 W. Western Ave.
As can be seen from the photos provided, the fire escape is in a state of disrepair and does not
appear to be historically significant. HDC Guidelines recommend identifying, retaining, and
preserving architectural metal features such as columns, capitals, window hoods, or stairways that
are important in defining the overall historic character of the building, and their finishes and colors.
Identification is also critical to differentiate between metals prior to work. Each metal has unique
properties and thus requires different treatments. Staff recommends approval, as it does not appear
that the existing fire escape is historically significant.
A motion that the HDC approve the request to remove the fire escape from the building at 561 W.
Western Ave., was made by S. Thompson, supported by L. Spataro and unanimously approved.
Case 2006-32 - 1188 Fourth Street - Request to install vinyl siding, vinyl replacement windows,
gutters, a wrought iron security door, and to remove the existing awnings. Applicant: James and
Tina Harmon. District: Houston, A. Current Function: Residential. J. Fitzpatrick presented the
staff report. The applicant wishes to install vinyl siding, vinyl replacement windows, gutters, and a
wrought iron security door. Applicant would also like to remove the existing awnings. HDC
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guidelines for primary windows & siding were provided. Staff recommends approval, with the
conditions listed below.
A motion that the HDC approve the request to install gutters, install a security door, and remove the
existing awnings, install vinyl siding, and install replacement windows with the usual conditions
that (a) existing cornice or building trim elements shall not be covered or replaced without
Commission approval. Commission approval will depend upon how closely the trim cladding or
new trim elements duplicate the appearance of the existing building trim elements; (b) the wall
siding material shall not extend over the existing trim members such as window and door trim, sills,
facias, soffits, frieze members and boards, brackets, aprons, corner boards, trim boards, skirt boards,
or any other characteristic moldings or architectural features (see attached illustration); (c) if the
above mentioned trim members are to be clad, they shall be covered with custom formed cladding
which shall closely approximate the shapes and contours of the existing moldings or trim.
Distinctive or unusual trim or architectural elements shall not be clad without prior consideration
and Commission approval; (d) no building trim elements or architectural features are to be removed
or altered to facilitate the installation of the new siding or trim cladding without approval of the
Historic District Commission; (e) in most cases the soffit cladding material shall run parallel and
not perpendicular to the plane of the wall; and (f) replacement windows match the original windows
in design and type and that they consist of or are painted an appropriate color and the size of glass
lites and muntin arrangements shall match the original windows, was made by S. Kroes, supported
by L. Spataro and unanimously approved.
Case 2006-33 – 1342 Peck St. Request to replace bay window with French doors. Applicant:
Eleanor Harris. District: McLaughlin, A. Current Function: Residential. J. Fitzpatrick presented
the staff report. The applicant has removed the window from the front of the home at 1342 Peck
Street and replaced it with a set of French doors without HDC approval and without building
permits. City standards state that no exterior doors, windows, or exterior woodwork shall be
altered, removed, relocated, or added without Historic District Commission approval. The size of
glass lites and muntin arrangements shall not be altered without Commission approval. Special
glazing, such as stained or leaded art glass, shall not be removed without Commission approval.
Unusual decorative windows such as Palladian windows, oriels, bays, Gothic arch or segment tops,
etc. shall not be removed or altered. Federal standards state that this type of alteration is not
recommended. Altering entrances and porches which are important in defining the overall historic
character of the building so that, as a result, the character is diminished. Standards recommend
against the alteration of window and door placement, and staff recommends denial of the request.
The front of the home is important to the overall character of the house.
J. Hilt asked if there was any penalty for doing the work without prior approval. J. Fitzpatrick
stated that the City may be able to sue the homeowner. Board members concurred that the window
should not have been replaced, and discussed their options regarding the request. L. Spataro stated
that if the request were denied, the homeowners may be ineligible for tax credits.
A motion that the HDC deny the request to remove the window from the front of the home at 1342
Peck Street and replace it with a set of French doors because the request does not comply with HDC
standards, was made by L. Spataro, supported by S. Thompson and unanimously approved.
Case 2006-34- 1604 Jefferson - Request to install a deck on the back of the home at 1604 Jefferson.
HDC Minutes 09/05/06 2
Applicant: Marty & Heidi Sytsema. District: Jefferson, AA. Current Function: Residential. J.
Fitzpatrick presented the staff report. The applicant wishes to install a deck on the back of the
home at 1604 Jefferson. HDC guidelines for freestanding or attached decks state that placement
and design of all decks shall be approved by the Commission. Decks should be located in
unobtrusive locations and shall feature one of the edge details featured on the attached decking
detail illustration. Decking boards shall consist of 5/4" thick pressure treated decking or square-
edged fir decking and appropriately finished. Staff recommends approval, since the deck is to be
located at the rear of the house.
Board members asked if there would be rails or benches on the edges of the deck. H. Sytsema
stated that she didn’t think the deck would be high enough to require rails. They were considering
benches.
A motion that the HDC approve the request to install a deck on the back of the home at 1604
Jefferson St., and to allow staff to approve railings if required, was made by L. Spataro, supported
by S. Kroes and unanimously approved.
OTHER BUSINESS
Heritage Zoning J. Fitzpatrick stated that he had talked to the Zoning Administrator about rezoning
the H, Heritage district, and which areas should be residential or commercial. He will continue
looking into that and provide the HDC with additional information so that they can make a
recommendation to the Planning Commission. J. Fitzpatrick stated that he had also discussed the
fire station building, little depot, and 297 W. Clay, since they are historic buildings but were not in a
district.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 4:45 p.m.
dml
9/05/06
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