Cultural Heritage Board Meeting Summary - May 18, 2022

The Santa Rosa Cultural Heritage Board met virtually on May 18, 2022, at 4:30 PM to discuss several landmark alteration permits and concept reviews. The meeting was chaired by Brian Meuser, with members Bonnie Boren, Cappie Garrett, Henry Huang, and Maria Praetzellis present; Laura Fennell was absent. Notably, Board Member Huang recused himself from items 8.2 and 8.3 due to proximity to the properties. The board approved one landmark alteration and provided direction on several concept reviews.

Consent Calendar

• No consent items were on the agenda.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Carol Case (property owner at 807 Cherry Street) expressed concerns about the Living Roots project (8.2), including noise from church activities, construction hours, contractor licensing, the five-foot setback and fire access, privacy for her tenants, the health of an oak tree, and whether the steeple would contain bells.
• John DeLillo spoke in support of the Living Roots project, calling it an enhancement and an asset to the community.
• Alison Dykstra and Andrew Schulman (owners at 703 7th Street, Cherry Street Historic District) submitted an email in strong support of the Living Roots application, urging approval and noting the need for restoration.
• Moses Geller (722-726 Cherry Street) spoke in support, citing the long wait (12-14 years) for the burned structure to be restored.

Discussion Items

8.1 Fremont Park - Scope for Future Discussion (844 4th Street)

• Staff Liaison Susie Murray presented a three-step process for considering landmark designation. Chair Meuser explained the process, noting that a board resolution would only be a recommendation to City Council.
• Deputy Director of Parks Jen Santos confirmed that no historical evaluation has started yet and the park project is on hold pending board direction.
• Chair Meuser made a motion to consider landmark designation of Fremont Park or its historically significant elements at a future meeting. Board Member Garrett seconded. Vice Chair Praetzellis raised the need for a full historic evaluation prior to any designation. The motion carried 5-0.

8.2 Public Hearing: Living Roots Fire Rehab and Church Restoration (610 Orchard St) - LMA20-008

• Staff Liaison Susie Murray presented on behalf of Project Planner Monet Sheikhali. The project includes rehabilitating a fire-damaged two-story parsonage and restoring the steeple on the church, with an increase in height.
• Public comments: Carol Case (above) raised concerns; John DeLillo and Moses Geller spoke in support; Alison Dykstra and Andrew Schulman emailed support.
• Applicant representatives, including Architect Micah Andrecich and historic consultant Mark Perry, addressed concerns: no heavy bell planned; digital bell possible; insulation for soundproofing; existing stair and setback encroachment; contractor oversight.
• Board members praised the project. A friendly amendment allowed the applicant to fully enclose the upper railing if desired.
• Vote: Resolution CHB-2022-002 approved 4-0 (Huang recused).

8.3 Public Hearing: Front Yard Landscape and Hardscape (1122 McDonald Ave) - LMA21-018

• Project Planner Kristinae Toomians presented the proposal, which includes brick steps, walkways, a brick skirt, driveway replacement, a fountain, and a new fence.
• The applicant, Dr. Bean, confirmed that some work (brick hardscape) was already done; shutters were added without approval. Staff recommended either approving with conditions to remove shutters or continuing the item.
• Board Member Garrett expressed concerns about unpermitted work and historic guidelines. She voted no. Chair Meuser voted yes, noting the work is already done.
• Vote: Resolution CHB-2022-003 approved 3-1 (Garrett no, Huang recused).

8.4 Williams Residential Garage and ADU - Concept Review (212 Benton St) - LMA22-003

• Presented by Conor McKay (on behalf of Monet Sheikhali). The proposal includes a 400 sq ft garage with ADU above at the front of the property.
• Board comments included: use differentiated siding to distinguish from the historic house, consider a single-story design to better fit the predominantly single-story neighborhood, possibly relocate the structure closer to the existing house to reduce street presence, and ensure architectural details (garage door, windows, roof pitch) complement bungalow style.
• The applicant, Ben Williams, acknowledged the comments and expressed desire to fit in with the neighborhood.
• No formal vote was taken; comments will be provided to the zoning administrator.

8.5 Campbell Roof Replacement - Concept Review (408 Benton St) - LMA22-005

• Staff Liaison Susie Murray presented two options: asphalt shingles or metal standing seam, both with the existing roof pitch.
• Board members unanimously preferred asphalt shingles over metal, noting metal would be out of character for the historic district. They recommended a color similar to the existing tar-and-gravel roof, and advised regarding underlayment and flashing details.
• The applicant, Lacey Campbell, appreciated the guidance and confirmed the roofer said the existing gutters and downspouts could be preserved.
• No formal vote; staff will use the board's direction in processing the permit.

Key Outcomes

• Fremont Park: Motion approved 5-0 to prepare a study session on landmark designation.
• Living Roots (LMA20-008): Resolution CHB-2022-002 approved 4-0 (Huang recused), with a friendly amendment to allow full enclosure of the upper railing.
• McDonald Ave (LMA21-018): Resolution CHB-2022-003 approved 3-1 (Garrett no, Huang recused). Chair Meuser advised the applicant to remove unapproved shutters.
• Williams (LMA22-003): No formal action; comments summarized for zoning administrator.
• Campbell (LMA22-005): No formal action; board recommended asphalt shingles and provided technical advice.

All actions are final unless appealed within 10 calendar days.