Minutes

June 1, 2006

North End - Huntington Heights Architectural Review Board.

Present:  Steve Hudak, Carolyn Hughes, Bea Dahlen,  Phil Shook, and Fred Whittaker.

Staff present:  David Watson

The regular meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm.

The minutes were approved as presented.

Motion: Dahlen

Second: Hudak

Unanimous

COA-06-162 Teresa Van Roey.  317 63^rd Street

Mr. Shook reviewed the appropriate section of the guidelines.  He noted that the request to use MDO (marine) plywood for decking was inconsistent with the required tongue and groove decking material.  Mr. Shook shared with the Board his research regarding the durability of tongue and groove decking.  He found that if the material was a treated wood and placed over a well-ventilated foundation it should have a service life of 40 or more years.  Improper ventilation or water ponding on the surface will drastically shorten the service life of the product.  He also stated that moisture underneath the Van Roey’s front porch was the likely culprit for the short life of the porch repair and that they should investigate the conditions underneath the porch.

The applicant, Mr. Van Roey, stated that he believed that the only way to reasonably ensure that the tongue and groove decking material did not warp would be to let it dry/cure for a year and seal both sides prior to installation. He stated his doubts as to whether even these steps would be effective and reiterated his preference for the use of marine plywood for the deck.

Mr. Whittaker stated that the MDO material, while of high quality, is not designed for use as decking and would probably not hold up to the wear of foot traffic.  Mr. Shook stated that his research indicated that MDO is most often used in soffit, siding, concrete forms, and exterior signage applications. It is not intended for use on horizontal surfaces, particularly those receiving wear.

Mr. Van Roey stated that he had previously installed a non-treated wood tongue and groove deck that failed in three years.  He hoped to use plywood to prevent warping.

The Board consensus was that they had been consistent in the requirement of tongue and groove decking and did not believe that the case as presented warranted deviation from this precedence.

The applicant then asked for guidance regarding the installation of a rail on the front porch.  The Board noted that while required for new construction, a railing is not required for this dwelling because it was built prior to the passage of the ordinance mandating it.  However, any new installation of a rail would have to meet current standards.  The Board recommended a simple boxed spindle with a facing board on the outside of the rail, or a wrought iron or aluminum rail.

Motion for approval with amendments: Whittaker

Second: Dahlen

Aye: Dahlen, Hughes, Hudak, Whittaker, Shook

Nay:

COA-06-163   David Joyner, Jr.  319 50^th Street.

Mr. Shook read the appropriate section of the guidelines and compared them with the submitted application.  The Board did not have any questions or concerns regarding the applicant’s request.  They did advise him to contact the Department of Engineering if he intended to do any work within the city’s right of way.

Motion for approval:  Dahlen

Second:  Hudak

Aye: Dahlen, Hughes, Hudak, Whittaker, Shook

Nay:

COA-06-164  Justin and Alison Folkwein  6000 Huntington Avenue.

Mr. Shook read the appropriate section of the guidelines and compared them with the submitted application.

In reference to the installation of new double-hung windows, Mr. Shook noted that the lower rail of the windows should be wider than the upper rails and that the style should be one over one.  Mr. Shook also stated his belief that a pair of double-hung windows in the attic dormer space would be more appropriate than a one larger double-hung window.  The Board was not entirely in agreement on this point.

Motion for approval: Dahlen

Second: Whittaker

Aye:  Dahlen, Hudak, Whittaker

Nay: Hughes, Shook

 
Old Business

The board reviewed the applicant pool for the current vacancy.  Mr. Shook stated, and the board concurred, that while the applicant pool was quite strong, the logical recommendation is Dederie Wells.  Staff agreed noting that because she is a P.E. her appointment will allow the current architect, who is not a North End - Huntington Heights resident, to pursue her desire to step down from the board.  This would allow an additional appointment to the board in the near future.  Staff also noted that Ms. Dahlen’s second term expires in November 2006 and this would result in a net of three new board members for the New Year.

New Business

The board noted that the an application concerning the former Riverside Hospital was going before the Planning Commission on June 7.  Any interested board members were encouraged to attend.