Historic Preservation Commission Meeting – July 12, 2018

The Wilmington Historic Preservation Commission met on Thursday, July 12, 2018, at 5:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers to consider eight new business items and other administrative matters. All votes were unanimous (6-0). The meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.

Meeting Preliminaries

• Swearing in of witnesses.
• Motion to reorder agenda to hear Item 7 first due to weather and representative availability; passed 6-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 7: No public speakers.
• Item 1: No public speakers.
• Item 2: No public speakers.
• Item 3: No public speakers.
• Item 4: No public speakers.
• Item 5: Libby Beccarino (5908 Chester Street) spoke in favor of applicant Harry Smith, noting Smith saved the structure and stabilized the neighborhood.
• Item 6: No public speakers.

New Business – Discussion and Decisions

Item 7: 414 South 8th Street – Reduction of 90-Day Stay of Demolition

• The property suffered a severe fire on November 27, 2017, causing total loss; owner’s son was injured. Applicant Gregory Webb (Universal Loss Consultants) requested reduction to zero days due to extreme hardship and difficulty settling the insurance claim. The Commission approved 6-0, finding that the owner would suffer extreme hardship or be permanently deprived of beneficial use.

Item 1: 606 Walnut Street – After-the-Fact Approval for Exterior Alterations

• The 1907 Bertram Quelch House (contributing structure) had numerous unpermitted changes by the previous owner. New owners Thomas Bentley and Cindy Fung requested approval for a fence, deck, door, light fixture, and other alterations. Staff recommended conditions and a preservation agreement. After discussion, the Commission approved with conditions: fence reduced to 6 feet, deck to be removed within 15 years or when deteriorated, rear dormer window design to return in 90 days, painting of dormer white, and other conditions. Motion passed 6-0.

Item 2: 115 Ann Street – Remove Deck and Construct Screened Porch

• Non-contributing townhouse. Applicant absent; contractor Eric Lazzari present. Request approved with conditions including a preservation agreement to replace vinyl windows with wood windows when they deteriorate. Motion 6-0.

Item 3: 115 South 7th Street – Modification of COA for Door Design

• Originally approved wood doors; applicant proposed fiberglass doors for cost reasons. Commission approved 6-0 (Commissioner Hill recused). Doors are consistent with craftsman style.

Item 4: 507 Ann Street – After-the-Fact Approval for Windows and Siding

• Historic 1830 Federal-style house; property had a long history of violations. Owner Nancy Hoffer apologized for proceeding without approvals. Extensive discussion about removal of original windows and siding. Commission approved with conditions: wood siding matching original, wood muntins on windows, building permit required, submit front entry design by September 13, 2018 meeting. Motion 6-0.

Item 5: 402 North 7th Street – After-the-Fact Approval for Siding and Fence

• Applicant Harry Smith discussed challenges with break-ins and efforts to restore the former funeral home. Commission approved after-the-fact installation of synthetic siding on the addition and the wood fence, with conditions: install trellis instead of tall fence posts, remove vinyl decal from front door, delegate approval of future wood doors to staff. Motion 6-0.

Item 6: 709 Walnut Street – Modification of COA for Storm Door, Driveway, Landscaping

• Applicant Libby Beccarino requested changes: allow a storm door with a horizontal bar, use standard concrete driveway runners instead of pervious pavers, and relocate a Japanese maple to the street. Commission approved, allowing standard concrete and requiring city arborist approval for the street tree. Motion 6-0.

Other Business

• Approval of April 12, 2018 Minutes: Approved 6-0.
• Staff Items: Dawn Snotherly reported on improper lead-based paint removal by non-certified contractors; two sites were reported to the state. Staff will hold an information session.

Key Outcomes

• All eight agenda items were approved unanimously (6-0).
• Several decisions included preservation agreements and conditions to comply with the Wilmington Design Guidelines.
• Meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.