North End-Huntington Heights Architectural Review Board

September 8, 2005 Minutes

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

Minutes were approved with minor modifications.  These included Mr. Whittaker’s desire for the Board to review paint colors and for the Board to have a preliminary meeting to discuss issues before the public meeting.  Mr. Whittaker agreed to email staff modifications he wished to be included in the record.

COA-05-143  324 52^nd Street
The application is to remove addition from porch roof, replace existing roof, install window where a door currently exists, install French doors.

Mr. Shook noted that materials used would match the existing conditions.  The applicant expressed a desire to install an oval window instead of a 6 over 6 style window.  This will be a side-facing window that will not be visible from the street because of the L-shaped configuration of the house.  Ms. Hughes noted that there historical precedence for an oval window.  Mr. Whittaker stated that he believes that an oval window would be out of character for the house and that a 6 over 6 window would be the most appropriate option.  The Board and applicant reached a compromise to allow an octagonal fixed window.

The application was approved (4-2) with the following conditions:

Demolition of an addition as submitted in the application

Installation of railing(s) and siding as submitted in the application

Installation of French doors as submitted in the application.

Installation of an octagonal fixed window in an opening now used as a door.

 COA-05-144  319 65^th Street
This is an application to remove aluminum siding and replace with vinyl siding, replacement of three-tab shingles with like shingles, and the replacement of windows.  The Board asked if the applicant would consider modifying the siding style to double four vinyl siding.  The applicant was open to this suggestion.

The application was unanimously approved with the following conditions:

Installation of double 4 vinyl siding

New roof as submitted in the application.

    Installation of windows as submitted in the application.

COA-05-145  233 52^nd Street

This is an application to replace windows, siding and roofing.  The applicant was not present to discuss the issues before the Board. 

The application denied because the Board stated that no siding samples were provided, the proposed windows did not match the existing windows, and the roofing materials did not match the original material.

COA-05-146  322 60^th Street

This is an application to replace vinyl siding with vinyl siding.  The applicant was not present but because the case was submitted via the Newport News Redevelopment and Housing Authority, city staff spoke on their behalf.  The application was slightly modified for the approval of 4” double clapboard siding instead of 5” Dutch lap siding.  The application was unanimously approved.

New Business
Malynda Johnson of 334 59^th Street came before the Board to discuss a litany of hardships she is currently experiencing during the renovation of her house.  Her problems arise primarily from poor workmanship from contractors/subcontractors and not from changes in approved plans.

Old Business
Mr. Whittaker would like to discuss addressing paint color and off-street parking.  Mr. Whittaker also suggested that a member of Codes Compliance should attend the ARB meetings.  There was a discussion over finding a new Architect to serve on the Board.  Mr. Shook asked if staff of the status of the proposed ordinance change that would allow non licensed engineers and architects to serve on the Board in the Engineer/Architect position.  The addition of a historian position was also proposed.  Mr. Watson stated that the Director of Planning was not in favor of making a change and staff was directed not to act on it.

The Board also asked staff to be sure that the applicant has detailed plans in their submissions.

Mr. Whittaker inferred that if the city responsible for finding staff for the Board, then the city should find an architect to serve on the Board.  Staff stated that the city is not responsible for populating boards.

Ms. Garner asked if the Board could go back to discussing New Business so that she could bring up an issue.  Mr. Shook opened the discussion for new business.  Ms. Garner discussed a trellis that was built on adjacent property approximately 15 years ago.  She is concerned that this structure may have been converted into a building and is now too close to the property line.  The structure is 3 feet from the side property line.  Staff noted that this is the proper setback.  The Board recommended that Ms. Garner discuss the issue with Christine Mignonia.

Mr. Whittaker stated that he would like to have a work session prior to the public meeting to discuss cases. 

Ms. Dalhen stated that she had heard from Ms. Garner that complaints from the neighborhood would no longer be accepted via phone calls and would have to be submitted in writing.  Staff stated that only Board members were required to submit complaints in writing, that this policy was instituted by enforcement officials in the department of Codes Compliance and approved by the City Manager’s office.  The Board members voiced their strong opposition to this policy.  Staff stated that until otherwise directed, the policy would stand.

The Board agreed to continue this discussion at a later time and the meeting adjourned.