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HomeMy WebLinkAboutminutes.hpc.19761123RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 100 Leaves The Regular Meeting of the Historical Preservation Committee was held at 1:00 in the Council Chambers, City Hall, on November 23, 1976. T~ose members present were Norm Burns, Lary Groen, Terry End, Florence Glidden, Mona Frost, Bob Marsh and Gaard Moses. Also present was John Stanford of the Planning Office. Approval of Minutes Old Business Pre-Application Review Little Victorians The minutes of the November 9th meeting were reviewed. Burns asked that one correction be made on page 1, paragraph 4, under Amelia's. The sentence where it was stated that the building was outside the perimeter of the historic district should be stricken. This was stated, but is incorrect. Ms. End moved to approve the minutes as corrected, seconded by Ms. Frost. All in favor. Motion carried. Ms. Frost discussed the residences that each member had chosen to contact in the proposed historic district. The members discussed the various reasons those persons contacted had for either not wanting or for supporting the extension of the historic district. Lary Groen discussed the subject of tax advantages for those residences designated historic, and sug- gested that possibly Mary Hayes of the Times could do an article on this. Stanford stated that Mike Horan of the Little Victorians would like to present a design for pre- application review. Burns moved to add this to the agenda, seconded by Ms. End. Mr. Horan has previously been before this committee to recieve approval of the addition of a deck on the north second story of the building. He is now making application to add a deck on the second floor where the sliding glass door is. The deck would extend out from the building 20". The trees are about 5' away from the building. There will not be a roof over this deck, but the overhang does come out over it partially. Horn presented the pictures of the project to the members. The Main Street historic district was approved at the last City Council meeting and that is why it is necessary for him to come before this committee. Stanford stated that it was the feeling of the Planning Office that the door exists now, and is virtually unusable, and they therefore do not feel that the addition of the deck would cause any problems, but would make the door usable. He did request, however, that in the future, if any application for this type of work is made, that the drawings for the project be shown in relation to the rest of the building, not just singled out the way they are presented at this time. Marsh moved to approve the application with the condition that it match the existing part of the facade, seconded by Burns. All in favor, motion carried. Historic Designation Tax Advantages Expansion of the Historic District Citizen Comment Brian Goodheim, County Housing Authority, is present to discuss with the members the new Tax Reform Act of 1976, which includes new provisions for those buildings or structures or districts designated as Historic. Goodheim stated that in the past the in- volvement of the government in housing has been to stimulate new growth. Now they are moving also to the "preservation" aspect. The old tax laws encourage demolition of inner cities and the demolition cost could be written off. This is no longer possible. Even though the laws appeal to a more urban atmosphere than Aspen, it will be beneficial to us in many ways. The new laws encourage the use of existing resources and preserve a historical heritage. The basics of the incentive are 1) demolition of historic structures that are registered or designated either locally or with the National Register 2) rehabilitation of the historic structures. With the new laws, the con- tractor will no longer be able to use as a tax de- duction the demolition cost of a project, this will have to be included in the overall cost of a new project. This is a financial incentive. Goodheim does not know if this would apply also to moving buildings, which would be more applicable to this area. Under rehabilitation expenses, these expenses can be amortized over five years. The question of differences between rehabilitation and restoration were discussed. The exact details of this law and the effects on restoration and moving buildings are not known at this time. This is a new law, and it will be a little while before we know the full benefit of this new tax law. Goodheim discussed the R-15 county zoning, which would allow the moving of a se~Derate'_~ residence on to the site of a larger residence. Stanford discussed one theory of the county incorporating into the PMH zone some type of bonus for having a piece of property developed as a receiving district for historic struc- tures. There is a demand for property on which historic structures can be situated. Goodheim also stated that there would have to be close governing to prevent an overflow of Victorians being moved. Groen stated that he would be very interested in finding out the exact advantages to this new tax law, and how potential participants could apply for what- ever funds would be made available for restoration or rehabilitation. Thes~ would be projects like the Wheeler Opera House, which restoration costs have run so high. Carla Astor, owner of property in the propsed extension of the Historic District is present at this meeting to present to the committee the feelings of the people on her block as well as herself. She is strongly against this area being included in the extension as they feel the area between Spring and Original on Hopkins does not contain sufficient number of historic buildings to warrant its inclusion in this expansion. The problem of the newly constructed Aspen Athletic Club practically blocking in that area was discussed. She feels that this area would become a "garden area" for the other tall buildings to look down on. Groen stated that he feels a lot of Ms. Astor's argument is based on misconceptions as to the effects of historic designation. Stanford further explained -2- RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 100 Leaves Historical Preservation Committee Regular Meeting November 23, 1976 Historic District Progress Report Boat Tow Lift 1 Park that the reason why this area is included in the proposed expansion is to try to preserve the atmosphere of the small houses. It would hopefully help prevent such projects as the Aspen Athletic Club. This was argued at length by Ms. Astor. Stanford explained that the only difference there would be in what is allowable now and what would be under historic desigantion is that the HPC would have a chance to review any project de- sign. The members discussed the boundaries of the proposed district and problems in protecting the perimeter areas. Stanford suggested trying to develop some type of provision whereby areas adjacent to historic districts or historic structures would have to be reviewed. Stanford reviewed with the members various residences in the proposed Historic District that Vera Kirkpatrick is doing research on to verify ownership and history. One such residence is the Julius Berg Residence. This residence was originally owned by Julius Berg, who also owned the Berg Confectionery from 1884 to 1934. Pope Rolland was born in the residence immediately to the west of the Berg residence. Many of these homes are listed in the wife's name as owner, and Moses asked the reason for this. Ramona Markalunas stated that many times this was done to prevent judgement on the residence if the husband's mining investments fell through. Stanford stated that he would like to develop~ a map of the 1882 era to show the nature of the land use at that time. The research on this area is not yet complete but should be so by Friday or early next week. Stanford stated that he felt there should be a special meeting of this committee prior to the public hearing on December 7th. It was decided to have that meeting on Friday, December 3rd at 1:00. The information for the public hearing will be reviewed, and the proposed plans for the renovation of City Hall will be dis- cussed. Ramona Markalunas is present to disucss the preservatio~ of the boat tow at the Lift 1 Park. Groen reviewed with Ms. Markalunas the discussion held at the last meeting and Ted Armstrong'~sfeeling that the boat tow should be protected now that the Teen Center is in active use. Ms. Markalunas addressed this problem to the City Council in April, and submitted a plan for a structure similar to the Rubey Park Bus Stop, with the boat tow enclosed in plexiglass in the center, and either end of the building enclosed so that pictures and historical data can be placed there. She does not feel that Steve Knolton can claim ownership to this relic, as it was built by the citizens of Aspen for their use on the ski mountain. She suggested going to the High School with this project, getting the assist- ance from the shop for the building of the structure, and making this a Teen Center project. She feels that if the kids participate in this they will not be so destructive. She also feels that the City will cooperate in furnishing the supplies to do this project if necessary. The members recommended a Resolution from this committee supporting this project, and askinq Council for a site plan, maintenance and preservation of this historical relic. This will be presented at the next meeting. Moses moved to adjourn at 3:30, seconded by Bob Marsh. Ail in favor, meeting adjourned. Ellen L. A--tkins Deputy City Clerk