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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-07-11- HSPB minutes CITY OF PALM SPRINGS HISTORIC SITE PRESERVATION BOARD MEETING CORRECTED - Minutes of Regular Meeting -Tuesday, July 11, 2006 at 8:15 a.m. Large Conference Room, City Hall, 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way Palm Springs, California 92262 ROLL CALL Present This Meeting Present Year-to-Date FY 2006-2007 Excused Absences To-Date James Hayton, Chair X 1 0 Sidney Williams, Vice Chair X 1 0 William “Bill” Scott X 1 0 John Williams X 1 0 Jim Isermann 0 0 1 Jade Nelson 0 0 1 Harold “Bud” Riley X 1 0 STAFF PRESENT: Craig Ewing, Director of Planning Loretta Moffett, Administrative Assistant Ken Lyon, Associate Planner * * * * * Chairman Hayton called the meeting to order at 8:15 a.m. Tuesday, July 11, 2006 * * * * * * REPORT OF POSTING OF REVISED AGENDA: The Revised Agenda was available and posted in accordance with state and local procedures for public access at the City Hall exterior bulletin board and the Department of Planning Services counter by 4:00 p.m., Friday, July 07, 2006. NOTE: Audio Cassettes and DVDs of HSPB Meetings are available for review. Cassettes will be kept for six months only. DVDs of the meetings will be kept indefinitely. Minutes format is more action related than verbatim except where special interest or special meetings are involved. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: June 13, 2006 Minutes M/S/C (S. Williams/Riley 5 Yes, 0 No, 2 Absent, 0 Abstentions) to approve June 13, 2006 Minutes as presented. PUBLIC COMMENTS: (3 minutes) Greg Trousdell, of Palm Springs Modern Homes spoke in support of demolishing the existing structures as the buildings at the 156@Tahquitz project site. Bob Hebling, spoke in support Orchid Tree Inn Pali-House project and urged the HSPB members to let this project move forward. Scott Kennedy, PS Mod Com, spoke about a historical artifact that was to be reincorporated at the ‘L Horizon Hotel when it was renovated. The owner offered to use the small original signs in the new hotel lobby. The signs are not there and asked the Board to look into the issue. Frank Tysen, 175 South Cahuilla Road, Casa Cody Inn, urged the Board to try to save as much as possible of the Orchid Tree Inn, and indicated that he possibly would have space on his property if the Bungalow in question was to be moved. ELECTION OF OFFICERS FOR 2006/2007: Vice Chair Sidney Williams was nominated for Chair and Jade Nelson for Vice Chair. Historic Site Preservation Board Page 2 of 6 Minutes of the July 11, 2006 Meeting M/S/C (Scott/J. Williams - 5 Yes, 0 No, 2 Absent, 0 Abstentions) to elect Sidney Williams as Chair and Jade Nelson as Vice Chair of the HSPB for 2006/2007. PUBLIC HEARING: N O N E A. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT: Outgoing Chairman Hayton “thanked” everyone for all the help during his term as Chairman, felt honored to serve, and thrilled to see so much more involvement and attendance to HSPB meetings from the community. B. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: (1) Orchid Tree Presentation (Application, Staff Report, and Historic Assessment sent with Board packet last month) Case 5.1085 CUP TTM 34019 an application by Pali-Palm Springs LLC. to sub-divide one lot for development of 34 residential condo units, one commercial condo unit comprised of a nine-room hotel, and one commercial condo unit comprised of a bar for accessory use to hotel, The proposal includes some demolition and renovation to a Class 3 Historic Site, formally known as The Orchid Tree Inn, Cultural Study completed, 261 South Belardo Road, listed in the 2004 Historic Survey. (originally brought before HSPB June 14, 2005 and again June 13, 2006) Subcommittee: Bill Scott, James Hayton. This project was continued from last month’s meeting in order to present more information on the 1915 Craftsman Bungalow and Sections A & B of the Site Plan. Matt Fisher, developer, stated they have done everything the Board asked them to do and asked his historic advisor to explain those details. Jan Ostashay, Principal Investigator of PCR Services Corp. described and outlined all that had been done in the past month and since the original historic assessment had been done in April/May 2005. After additional investigation this property is not in as good a condition as originally thought. Did a cursory survey around the neighborhood using the historic photo. Did not find any Craftsman bungalows, but did find Spanish homes in good condition. Board member John Williams commented that he and Jade Nelson focused on the bungalow for additional research in trying to determine if the bungalow can be saved, moved, or incorporated into the project. An article was published in the Desert Sun. Historical Society found some photos that show the front and south side of the bungalow have not been altered. Chairman Hayton asked that some type of memorial display, shadowbox models, chimney, or part of – be included in this project. Matt Fisher stated that the bungalow will not be included in this project based upon the findings of the historic assessment. This was part of the June 2005 presentation to this Board. If this Bungalow was an issue a year ago, they would not have purchased the property. This particular item is 100% detrimental to the project. A photo documentation could be a possibility - perhaps within the hotel. Jan Ostashay explained several ways of creative “memorializing” (photos, interaction TV, narrative booklets, etc) the project that could be features to guests staying in the hotel. The Board allowed a person from the audience to speak a second time relative to this project. Historic Site Preservation Board Page 3 of 6 Minutes of the July 11, 2006 Meeting Frank Tysen is willing to seriously explore moving the bungalow the one-half block to Casa Cody if it can be done sensibly. Will need specific measurements. Bob Hebling spoke in behalf of trying to save the bungalow, but understands this project cannot be incorporated it into the immediate project. Matt Fisher, developer, stated that they are 100% on board with the move of the building, but the cost will be up to the person who moves the building. Board member Scott moved to allow the developer to proceed with the plans as shown at the June 13, 2006 meeting with the contingency that in the next two months they make every effort to work with Mr. Tysen or any other potential buyer to move the building to another site, and if that is not possible to allow the Craftsman bungalow to be demolished. Staff explained that this is effectively no action, and the Board needs to be clear on what action they can take at this time. The only actions this Board can take today is to impose a 180 day demolition moratorium or to initiate a classification to Class 1 or Class 2 historic designation. There may be a third option - it the Board is not willing to recommend a six-month stay of demolition or initiate protective classification status, the Board could forward a Minute Motion to the Planning Commission asking that they impose additional conditions on their entitlement review along the lines of some of the issues identified in Mr. Scott’s motion about making efforts to relocate or archive the building. The Commission could then take up that recommendation from HSPB and impose it on their entitlement. Board member John Williams asked that if the Board asks for a 180 day stay of demolition, can that be voted on at the next meeting? Also asked Mr. Fisher if the Board could count on the developer not to destroy the bungalow until the September meeting if the Board passes on this motion? Time is needed to look at relocating and the costs. Staff indicated they may have to check with the City Attorney or there may be an answer in the Code. Staff read from the Code for clarification. Matt Fisher, developer/project manager, agreed to extra time and stated that they may not be starting this project until September or after anyway. He committed not to demolish the bungalow until after the Board meets on September 12, 2006. Jan Ostashay commented on moving the Bungalow, the challenges, and the integrity of it’s defining features that need to travel with the property. May cost upwards of $70,000+ to move. Member S. Williams asked if the Frey Building and the Motorcourt could be designated historic at some time after completion? Matt Fisher stated they prefer not to, but they are preserving some structures, bringing them back to true form. No designation is being considered. Jan Ostashay commented that at some point in the future the Mills Act might be considered to give protection and benefits. Staff stated this is not a correct motion under the Board’s authority. Other options described earlier. Historic Site Preservation Board Page 4 of 6 Minutes of the July 11, 2006 Meeting Matt Fisher stated they have not submitted for demo or building permits, need to get approvals in place and they are not in position to start any physical work on this property within the next 120 days at most. This is a commitment not to tear down the Bungalow within the next 120 days. Board member Bill Scott modified the motion and moved that the Board allow the project to proceed with a side Minute Order requesting Planning Commission to consider defer approval until the resolution of relocating the Craftsman Bungalow (within the next 120 days). Board member J. Williams seconded. M/S/C (Scott/J. Williams, 5 Yes, 0 No, 2 Absent, 0 Abstentions) to approve the motion as stated above. Board member John Williams asked for re-statement of the motion asking about the demolition of the Bungalow and move ahead with the project itself? Board member Scott rescinded the previously approved motion and moved that the Board start a Stay of Demolition for 120 days on the Craftsman Bungalow only. Board member John Williams seconded this restated motion. M/S/C (Scott/J. Williams, 5 Yes, 0 No, 2 Absent, 0 Abstentions) to approve the restated motion (outlined above). Staff stated that the effect of the Stay is that no demolition permit is issued, this does not affect the developer’s ability to proceed with entitlement with the Planning Commission or the submission of any plans for grading or anything else, but no demolition permit will be issued on the 1915 Craftsman Bungalow. This decision can be appealed by the applicant/developer. (2) GTE Building –Case 3.1277 – 369 North Palm Canyon Drive (Class 1 Historic Designation #26) (Subcommittee Jim Isermann, Bill Scott, John Williams) Staff passed around the actual sample of the colors which will be placed in the project file for future. The owner will not be asked to repaint the structure at this time, but when it does come time to repaint the building, the color samples in the project file will be used as requested by this Board. M/S/C (J. Williams/Riley, 5 Yes, 0 No, 2 Absent, 0 Abstention) moved to accept these paint colors and to place them in the Planning Department’s project file for future use on this Class 1 Designation. (3) ATM Shelter at Washington Mutual Bank at 499 South Palm Canyon Drive – Case 3.833. Subcommittee Jade Nelson and Sidney Williams. Vice Chair S. Williams reported that the subcommittee met with bank representatives and Architect Phillip Smith, looked at plans and drawings that the bank representative will take back to administration. C. NEW BUSINESS (1) Case 5.1046 - Agua Palm Springs - Update on WWII Tie-Downs Agua Palm Springs “156@Tahquitz” project - the re-subdivision of 24 acres to construct 156 condominiums within PD 71A at 2705 East Tahquitz Canyon Way. Staff explained that a Palm Springs Citizen had identified large concrete circles from the WWII Airbase in Palm Springs. There are several Tie-Downs in Palm Springs from the WWII, one on Easmor Circle has actually been designated as a Historic Site. Citizen asked that this newly identified site be considered Historic Site Preservation Board Page 5 of 6 Minutes of the July 11, 2006 Meeting and if further protective measures could be taken. Board asked for additional information at their June meeting. Staff referred to the report sent in the Board packets. Staff suggested to CRM and the developer that they review the additional findings and report back to this Board for further resolution. The project is fully approved. If this Board wants to designate any of these newly identified items, it will run through the same process as any Class 3 pre-1945 structure...a six month stay of demolition to allow for additional studies that might qualify one or any of them for a higher historic designation. Greg Trousdell, Palm Springs Modern Homes, reported that the project was started about 3 years ago, historic assessment was done in September 2004, the EIR study was done in 2004, and went thru entitlement process in 2005. AAC asked for a reduction of the 177 units down to 156. CRM will try to have something for staff within the next two weeks. Grading plans have been submitted, City Council reviewed in March 2006. Developer is under contract with structural engineers. Engineering drawings will be submitted this month. Developer asked to come back to this Board in or before August. Board asked for description of “Tie-Downs”, location of the designated site, proximity to the project in question, and if the developer has considered a memorial to these particular tie-downs and structures within this 156@Tahquitz project? Staff passed around and read the brochure from the Easmor Circle Tie-Down ceremony. Greg Trousdell reported on costly changes and delays that would have to be made in the project if these tie-downs/structures are protected. Developer offered to memorialize some of these historic features within the project. Board member Scott commented that the Easmor Circle tie-down is designated and he is not certain that others are needed. A special meeting could be scheduled so as not to delay this project. Staff was directed by Board to get more information from the last meeting, talked with developer, all entitlements are in place, timeliness is important to this project. Would like to meet between now and September for Board’s decision. Board and Staff agreed to adjourn this subject and meeting to July 20,2006. (2) Case 5.1113 - Palm Springs Art Colony - Demolition of three (3) pre-1945 single-family homes for the redevelopment of an existing shopping mall, mixed-use / live work units, 71 SFR/zero lot line multi-family homes south of Racquet Club Road, east of North Palm Canyon Drive, and west of North Indian Canyon Drive. Staff reported that this is a large project with three structures on site that are pre-1945. Building department is pressuring to have these buildings demolished. Board packet contained full report. Suggested information be brought back at Adjourned meeting. Brian Lucas, PrimeUrban, developer for owner, reported that four homes on this site, three need demolishing. One is the Garbo House which will be restored to original condition. Sweetwater building burned and has been completely demolished and Shari’s restaurant is in process of demolition. Board concerned with security of site and conditions of structures. Board members Jim Hayton and John Williams were appointed to the subcommittee to visit site with staff and owner and report back at the July 20 adjourned meeting. Final historic report and assessment will be required prior to this special meeting. Board member Scott asked that no demolition be permitted until Board meets at the special meeting, and is concerned that the “Minor Architectural Application” title is not appropriate for a demolition project. Buildings need to be secured. Building styles are ranch style cottages. Historic Site Preservation Board Page 6 of 6 Minutes of the July 11, 2006 Meeting Brian Lucas stated there is an informal stay of demolition on the three structures, asked for sufficient time to get reports prepared and submitted, and that a formal stay of demolition not be issued or requested. D. COMMITTEE REPORTS AND SPECIAL PROJECTS: (1) Media Outreach - John Williams Reported on the Desert Sun article on the Craftsman Bungalow. There is interest in what this Board is doing and asked public to submit any information to Planning staff. (2) Historic Site Plaque Update – Board suggested edits on Neel House and Hamrick House. Plaques – staff will revise text. (3) P.S. Preservation Foundation - Sidney Williams – no report (4) P.S. Historical Society - James Hayton – no report (5) P.S. Modern Committee - John Williams – reported the DVD Desert Holiday Postcard tour is available at the P.S. Visitors Center and www.psmodcom.com – cost is $20. Preservation and Lifetime Awards luncheon will be Saturday, October 14 at the Parker in Palm Springs ballroom. Lifetime Achievement Award goes to Architect William Krisel. (6) Architecture & Design Council - Jim Isermann – Sidney Williams reported that upcoming season events are in planning process. (7) Historic Preservation Ordinance Revision Project (a) Review of priorities - Board’s homework was to review Workshop list and work on prioritizing the items on the list. Prioritized list reviewed and discussed. New list will be prepared and forwarded to Board. See attached for today’s prioritized list. (8) Selection of Subcommittee for Spanish Inn project – Staff reported that an application has been presented by the owner for a Historic Site Class 1 Designation. Subcommittee of Bud Riley and James Hayton and staff will meet and review – and report back. Board decided on an Adjourned Meeting for July 20, 2006 Vice Chair Sidney Williams left the meeting at 10:40 a.m. 8. ADJOURNMENT - There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 12:15 p.m. August is dark for HSPB regular meetings, The next regularly scheduled meeting will be September 12, 2006 in the Large Conference Room at City Hall. Respectfully submitted, Ken Lyon, Associate Planner