LOWELL HISTORIC BOARD

PUBLIC HEARING

November 13, 2006 at 7:00 p.m.

MEMBERS PRESENT                                                                         OTHERS PRESENT

Reynold Ilg, Chairman                                                                           Sean Devan, College Street LLC

Peter Aucella                                                                                        Carlos Texidor, College Street

J. Matthew Coggins                                                                               Sarah Stebulis, Assistant Administrator

Rachel Edlund (arrived at 6:10)                                                              Stephen Stowell, Administrator

Richard Lockhart                                                                                             

Martha Mayo                                                                                                   

Susan Zacharer

2.   PUBLIC HEARINGS

      A.  DLHD-07-20:  27 Jackson Street – Hamilton Mfg. Co.

The former Hamilton Mfg. Co. Mill No. 7, built 1911 and 1919.  Application for an Historic Permit for exterior rehabilitation and associated site improvements.

The Chairman read the published Public Hearing Notice and declared the Hearing open to those wishing to speak in favor of the application.

The Chairman recognized Sean Devan representing College Street LLC.  Mr. Devan presented the proposed exterior rehabilitation and site improvements to the Board, including the entrance canopy and ramping, site lighting, and window guards.

Having asked aloud 2 more times if anyone else wished to speak on behalf of the proponents and hearing no one, the Chairman declared the Hearing closed to proponents and opened the Hearing to those who wished to speak in opposition. 

Having asked aloud 2 more times and hearing no one, the Chairman declared the Hearing closed to opponents and opened the Hearing to comments or question from Board members and the staff.

Mr. Aucella asked for clarification on the plans of which were the existing conditions and which were the proposed conditions.  Mr. Devan clarified the proposed plans for the Board.

Mr. Aucella asked about the proposed window grates.  The Administrator stated that he has seen a sample on site and the horizontal lines do match up.

Mr. Aucella asked about the placement of the canopy.  The Administrator stated the canopy was being installed in an area that had already been altered with infill.

Mr. Aucella asked about the loading door areas.  The Administrator stated that they were contemporary openings and therefore are being treated as such with modern materials, rather than being made to look like a historic door which was never there.

Mr. Lockhart asked what the material for the loading door area would be.  The Administrator stated it would be aluminum and glass.

Mr. Aucella asked if there were any photographs of the safety guards.  The Administrator stated that he did not have a photograph, but has seen the mock up in which the horizontal members do line up with the windows, as requested by the Board.

Mr. Aucella asked there was going to be any lighting on the parking lot across the street.  Mr. Devan stated that he would have to check.  The Administrator stated per the conditions of a permit, the lighting and fencing would be consistent with the fencing and lighting used elsewhere on site.

Ms. Edlund asked if the lighting would be metal halide or high-pressure sodium, as there is a difference in the color they emit. Mr. Devan asked what the Board would prefer.  Mr. Coggins stated the usually go with a white light and he would have to check to see if there was a city ordinance pertaining to this.  Ms. Edlund stated that detail would be determined later.

Mr. Aucella asked if the landscape along the canal will remain.  The Administrator confirmed that it would be retained since the landscape was now mature and any new landscaping will match up to what is currently there. 

Mr. Aucella asked about the treatment of the island in the parking lot.  Mr. Devan stated that the treatment has not been determined.  The Administrator stated that the preference would be to have it be hardscaped, probably defined by granite curb and edging with hard pavers.

The Administrator asked what the timeline was for doing the parking lot.  Mr. Devan stated he would like to begin work towards the end of this year. 

Mr. Lockhart asked about signage.  The Administrator stated that signage would be one of the conditions of the permit and that they are looking into a common directory for all users of the site. 

Ms. Edlund asked if they will have their name on the canopy.   The Administrator thought they could do the address of the property on the fascia of the canopy.

Mr. Aucella asked what the name of this project was.  Mr. Devan stated that they do not have a name for the building yet. 

The Chairman asked about the entryway to the parking lot.  The Administrator stated that there is an existing fence that was installed by Joan Fabric which will be retained and continued.  The Chairman asked if it would be an open entry or a gated entry.  Mr. Devan stated it would be an open entry as they are sharing the entrance with Adden Furniture.

The Chairman asked if the parking lot will be solely for the residents of this building.  Mr. Devan stated that was correct.  The Chairman asked how this will be monitored.  Mr. Devan stated that residents will have a parking sticker and the lot will be monitored and cars towed by the hour which do not have a sticker.

Mr. Lockhart asked if they plan to put up a new fence for the parking lot across the street.  Mr. Devan stated that he would have to find that out.  The Administrator stated that he will sit down with the applicant to go over details of that parking lot further, including fencing and lighting.

Mr. Edlund asked what the current roof drainage was.  Mr. Devan stated that the roof drainage currently goes off the eaves of the building, and added that the roof and drip edge have recently been replaced under a staff approval. 

Motion by Mr. Aucella, seconded by Mr. Lockhart, to:

vote to issue the Historic Permit for the exterior rehabilitation of Mill No. 7, as well as site improvements, in the Hamilton millyard in the Downtown Lowell Historic District conditional upon the following:

·         Submittal, review, and approval of final details related to any outstanding aspects of the window scope of work including, but not limited to, canal level exterior safety bars, any proposed interior screen units (dark color), and blinds (dark color) prior to commencement of individual work items;

·         Submittal, review, and approval of final details related to all entries/doors, egresses, and canopies prior to commencement of individual work items;

·         Submittal, review, and approval of final details related to all aspects of the site plan including, but not limited to, planting schedule/list, dumpster/screening locations, fencing, site lighting, site signage, and other site features prior to commencement of individual work items (including parking lot across from site on Jackson Street).  Care to be taken to maintain existing canal edge screening and to coordinate with other millyard partners on site work, in particular the primary vehicular entrance on Jackson Street; and

·         Submittal, review, and approval of any scope of work alterations and final details including, but not limited to, gutters/downspouts, any required fire department rooftop safety railings, any additional proposed rooftop elements (ie: decks, etc.), mechanical equipment, building signage, and building light fixtures prior to commencement of individual work items.  Coordination with Board and other adjacent millyard property owners (AHF, CMAA, Adden Furniture, NPS, DCR, Locks and Canals, Boott Hydro, etc.) to continue to ensure consistency in treatment of overall site in terms of landscape, buildings, and other elements.

Work is consistent with the Standards in the Downtown Lowell Historic District, in particular Sections 2.301 and 2.303.

Unanimously approved, 7-0.

The Public Hearings were closed at 7:10 p.m.

LOWELL HISTORIC BOARD

REGULAR MEETING

November 13, 2006 at 6:00 p.m.

MEMBERS PRESENT                                                                         OTHERS PRESENT

Reynold Ilg, Chairman                                                                           Sean Devan, College Street LLC

Peter Aucella                                                                                        Bernard Lynch, City Manager

J. Matthew Coggins                                                                               Carlos Texidor, College Street

Rachel Edlund (arrived at 6:10)                                                              Sarah Stebulis, Assistant Administrator

Richard Lockhart                                                                                  Stephen Stowell, Administrator

Martha Mayo                                                                                                   

Susan Zacharer

1.   CITY MANAGER BERNARD LYNCH

The Chairman called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm.  Upon the absence of Mr. Lynch, the Chairman asked the board to continue on to the approval of the Minutes.

3.   MINUTES

      Approval of the Minutes of October 10, 2006.

Motion by Ms. Mayo, seconded by Mr. Lockhart, to:

approve the Minutes of October 10, 2006 as presented.

      Unanimously approved, 6-0.

4.   OTHER BUSINESS

      A.  College Street (305 Dutton Street and 27 Jackson Street) Update

The Chairman read the update provided by the Administrator in the meeting notes.  The Administrator stated that the Public Hearing for tonight was for exterior and site work at 27 Jackson Street.  He added that Mr. Devan will be able to update them further on 305 Dutton Street after the public hearing.

The Administrator stated that he has been in close contact with Mr. Devan about 305 Dutton Street and that he is satisfied with the progress that has been made to this point.  He stated that he has received a conceptual site plan and plans for the Forge Shop which are currently being reviewed.  He also stated that the correct windows have been ordered for the two windows on the Dutton Street elevation, as well as the windows for the infill area on that elevation.

The Administrator stated that they are currently working on the stairway and canopy details. 

The Chairman asked if the Board would like a representative for College Street to be present at the December meeting to address the Board on progress.  The Administrator stated that he felt the progress was sufficient enough to not require them at the next meeting, but if there happens to be any stall in progress that the Board should have the monthly updates reinstated.  Mr. Coggins agreed.

The Chairman restated that the Board would not have College Street in next month, but they will reinstate monthly updates if progress declines.

Mr. Aucella asked how much progress we can expect from them with the cold weather.  The Administrator stated that it would mostly be design work, although the windows have been ordered and will probably be installed in the next couple of months.

B.  419 & 509 Market Street

The Chairman stated the Mr. Gray could not attend tonight’s meeting due to an emergency at his home, and therefore the report on progress at 419 & 509 Market Street will be postponed until the December meeting.

C.  Enforcement/Violations Update

The Administrator stated that staff continues to work with many of the same businesses as reported last month.  He stated that Nick Petrakos of the Blue Shamrock has repainted the storefronts, alley and upper windows, and that he is currently looking into replacing the side door on Palmer Street, as well as new signage. 

1.   CITY MANAGER BERNARD LYNCH (continued)

The Chairman suspended the Board’s current discussion to introduce City Manager Bernard Lynch to the Board.  The Chairman asked if there was anyone on the Board who Mr. Lynch has not met.  Mr. Lynch stated that he has met everyone on the Board.

The Chairman asked if Mr. Lynch had any questions of the Board.  Mr. Lynch stated that he received the materials about the Board from his previous meeting with The Administrator, Chairman and Mr. Aucella and that he felt he understood the function of the Board.  He asked for the Board to update him on projects and/or issues that they are currently facing.

Mr. Aucella stated that work at Appleton Mills will involve the Historic Board heavily, especially in light of recent discussions of the Judicial Center possibly being located there.  He felt that the it is the Board’s hope that the façade of the mill can be retained along the canal and on Jackson Street.  Mr. Coggins stated that on Wednesday they will be filming the buildings to keep an accurate record of their current state of disrepair, as well as having a walk though of the site with DCAM and related City agencies.

Mr. Coggins stated that there is some concern about retaining the façade at the Appleton Mills, but they have no problem with creating a building with comparable massing that currently exists.  Mr. Aucella stated that it is ironic that there are discussions of building within a façade again, as they looked into a similar situation at the Lawrence Mills.  Mr. Coggins stated that he thought that would give them a better sense of the possible project at Appleton Mills.

Mr. Lynch stated that he felt it was a great opportunity to explore options for that building, although it is a shame that it has been lost structurally.  The Administrator agreed and stated that even within the last 5 years the building has become less safe.

Mr. Aucella stated that the Board is also involved with the design of the University Avenue Bridge, specifically the details of the railings and trusses.  He stated that they were given a proposal which Design Review has not been impressed with, but they are working on formulating ideas of what would be more acceptable and appropriate options.

Mr. Lynch asked about the current railings.  The Administrator stated that they were a replacement installed in the 1950’s.

Mr. Aucella also stated that the idea of retaining the existing bridge, in addition to building a new bridge has fallen flat, as the National Park has been opposed to the idea, and because of lack of interest by the University and City to maintain it.  He stated that the Board is working on how to respond to the current proposals.

Mr. Lynch stated that he has heard that some people wanted to revisit the idea of putting the new bridge on the other side, over the hydro facility.  Mr. Aucella stated that the problem with that idea is that it goes through a historic gatehouse and the National Park and Board would be opposed to that option.  It would also make the already complex permitting and mitigation process even more complicated.

The Chairman stated that tonight’s Public Hearing is for the former Joan Fabrics building on Jackson Street and that the Board is very involved with all the restoration projects downtown.  He asked if Mr. Lynch has any questions about what he has seen downtown.  Mr. Lynch stated that he has noticed that the Board has been very successful in providing solutions for problems that keep both the Board and the developers satisfied.  He stated that was a very important part of making projects viable and reasonable and he applauded the Board’s work in doing that.

The Administrator stated that other projects which the Board is currently involved with include the new infill on the Athenian Corner parking lot, as well as the Marston Building and Workingman’s Protective Union on Middlesex Street.

Mr. Lynch asked where the Athenian Corner project now stands.  The Administrator stated that Sam Poulton is the developer and they are currently working on a four-story building located on the existing parking lot which will be an expansion of the restaurant, as well as have a retail space on the corner.  Residential units would be located on the upper floors.  He added that the current 1970’s façade and signage will be removed from the Putnam Building and through research and pictures found at the Center for Lowell History and Pollard Memorial Library, the building will be restored.  The Administrator stated that the real challenge will be to make the new building balance with the historic building and streetscape, since it will be the city’s signature piece of infill and is located directly across the street from the entrance to the National Park Visitor Center. 

Ms. Edlund stated that the Board prides itself on trying to get involved with projects as early as possible, so time and energy is not wasted. 

Mr. Lynch asked who the architect for that Athenian project is.  The Administrator stated that the architect is Tom McGrath out of Cambridge. 

Mr. Lynch asked if they will have parking for the site.  The Administrator stated that they have come to an agreement to use the parking garage on Market Street.  Mr. Coggins added that they will have 3 parking spaces on-site for the operators of the restaurant.

Mr. Aucella stated that this is the kind of infill the Board encourages and he hopes that some day there will also be infill on the plots on Merrimack Street, across from Kirk Street next to Old City Hall, although that will probably not be in the near future. 

The Administrator stated that staff has had a preliminary meeting at the Sun Building with John DeAngelis and he has plans to have restaurant space, commercial space and some residential units in the building.  Also coming up will be reuse of Nuestra del Carman Church on Merrimack Street, which will be residential and for which preliminary plans are currently being discussed. 

The Administrator stated that many other projects are also ongoing and they are currently working on rehab at the old Sun Garage on Market Street, as well as preliminary plans with Architectural Heritage Foundation on the CMAA/Adden Furniture buildings on Jackson Street.  He stated that staff is beginning planning for the Doors Open Lowell event in spring, as well as work on a grant secured through Massachusetts Historical Commission to update the surveys of the Pawtucketville and Acre districts.

Mr. Lynch asked it there had been any further movement at the Massachusetts Mills.  Mr. Aucella stated that there is really nothing new, other than the continued idea that it will be incorporated into the Riverwalk, and current design work reflects that possibility.

The Administrator stated that within the next month staff will be meeting with Joe Donovan to fine tune the historic district boundaries on the GIS maps for internal and external use, as well as clean up any misleading terminology. 

The Administrator stated that over the winter staff will be working with the owners of the Hildreth Building to replace the awnings and prepare for repainting in the spring.  He added that there is a minimum maintenance order on the Simpson Block, which will also be painted in the spring.  The Administrator stated that they have been successful in getting the Nesmith Building, Diplomat Building, Wentworth Building, and Enterprise Building repainted this fall, as well as many others. 

Ms. Mayo asked what the status was of 26-28 Lawrence Street.  The Administrator stated that DPD Asset Manager Larry Bevere has just received the appraisals back and is preparing a report for staff and the Board to present at the December meeting.  He will then go forward on disposition of the property after the Board has accepted the appraisal.

The Chairman stated that one thing staff tries to do is get in contact with businesses downtown before they open to ensure signage is appropriate and that they are aware they are in a Historic District.  He stated that if people do slip by, staff will contact them to bring them into compliance. 

Mr. Lynch asked if the Historic Board gets out into the neighborhoods.  The Chairman stated that the Board does do review of demolition and new construction in the eight new neighborhood districts that were created in July 2005.  The Administrator added that the Board produces informational brochures about the neighborhoods and other areas outside of downtown, as well as runs a house marker program throughout the entire city to promote civic pride.  He added that staff is happy to provide technical assistance to anyone who inquires about historic paint colors, appropriate repairs, and/or possible consultants.  The Administrator said that if Mr. Lynch had any other ideas on how the Board could be better involved with the neighborhoods, that he should .

The Administrator asked Mr. Lynch if he would like a copy of the agenda sent to his office each month to keep up with what the Board is reviewing.  Mr. Lynch stated that he would appreciate that.

Mr. Lynch asked the Board if there were any question they had of him. 

Mr. Aucella asked The Administrator where they stood with the member appointments on the Board.  The Administrator stated that on December 1, 2006 letters will be going out for those whose terms are up for this cycle, which includes Mr. Lockhart, Mr. Aucella, Ms. Mayo, Mr. Ilg, and Mr. Gray.  The Administrator stated that he would copy Mr. Lynch when the correspondence is sent.

Mr. Lynch thanked the Board for the opportunity to meet with them. 

4.   OTHER BUSINESS (continued)

      A.  College Street (305 Dutton Street and 27 Jackson Street) Update (continued)

The Administrator updated Mr. Devan on the report he had already given to the Board regarding the work that has been done at 305 Dutton Street, including the ordering of windows for the Dutton Street elevation and the submission of site plans and plans for the Forge Shop. 

The Administrator stated that we also need to address the historic canopy which needs to be replaced, treatment of the stairway area, signage and preparation of the building for a complete paint job in the spring.

Mr. Aucella asked if the cinder-blocked infill on Dutton Street will be getting windows.  The Administrator confirmed that the windows for this section have been ordered and he is working with College Street on incorporating venting into one of the windowpanes.

      B.  Enforcement/Violations Update (continued)

The Administrator continued to talk about the Blue Shamrock, stating that the upstairs nightclub was told by the fire department that all of the windows had to be blocked up, which was done without first consulting with staff.  Mr. Aucella asked if he created walls inside.  The Administrator stated that was correct and there is no way to get at them from inside, so they are exploring options including removing window sashes or panes to install dark screening in front of the plywood walls. 

Mr. Aucella asked if the returns on the front door had been repainted along with the rest of the building.  The Assistant Administrator stated that she was sure they had been, but would verify that.

Ms. Mayo stated that the Brush Gallery has done something similar with interior walls.  Mr. Aucella stated he would look into it, as the National Park holds the lease on the property.

The Administrator stated that he has been in contact with Mandarin Kitchen and they are aware of their violations and that staff will be doing a site visit this week. 

The Administrator stated that the fence at the Sirk Building was replaced about a month ago.  He stated that he continues to be in touch with the property owner at 35 Market Street regarding the canopy design that is being undertaken by Mill City Iron/Gene Soucy.  He stated he has been in contact with the building management company for the Labor Ready building about removing the roll down doors, to which they were amenable. 

The Administrator stated that he spoke to Dennis Cronin about the fence at the parking lot on Central Street and they are hoping to have it repaired in the spring. 

Ms. Mayo asked about the progress of 88 Prescott Street.  The Administrator stated the work is continuing and that Brian McMahon will be coming to the Board to propose roof decks, which will be a continuation of their original permit. 

Ms. Mayo asked he has any information on the roof deck on Paige Street.  The Administrator stated that he has called Mr. DeAngelis on the roof decks on both Paige and Middle Streets. 

The Administrator stated that he has talked to Eden Milroy and that there is an operational sprinkler system in the Lawrence Mill buildings on Perkins Street and that they have been continuously operational.  He added that they plan to do some maintenance on the system within the next month as well.  Mr. Milroy will also be submitting plans for a small parking garage across the street from the mill, which they hope to do for the spring.

Ms. Mayo asked about the status of Moe’s.  The Administrator stated that staff has gone to the site and there is really nothing that can be cited as minimum maintenance.  Mr. Aucella asked if there was anything that could be cited by the fire department.  Mr. Coggins stated that they have done that before, items had been removed, and he feels the volume is probably not in violation.  The Administrator stated that he would again call the building owner about possible window displays.

C.  Administrator’s Report

The Administrator stated much of his report had been addressed in their meeting with Mr. Lynch, including the status of 26-28 Lawrence Street, the MHC Survey & Planning Grant for the Pawtucketville and Acre neighborhood updates, and upcoming review and permitting activity. 

      The Administrator and Assistant Administrator attended the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s

annual National Preservation Conference in Pittsburgh, October 31-November 4.  Wellesley College was also able to fund intern Kim Zunino’s attendance.  Mr. Aucella also attended.

Intern Kim Zunino is continuing the preparation of the National Register nomination for St. George’s Antiochian Church on Bowers Street.  The nomination is nearing completion and will soon be sent to MHC for review.

Planning is beginning for the 2007 Doors Open Lowell including identification of new grant funding sources.  The Assistant Administrator is in the process of completely redesigning the event’s website in time for launching at the end of the year and the first preliminary is meeting next week to discuss dates and details.

D.  Board Member Items/Inquiries

Mr. Aucella stated that he noticed an a-frame sign outside of Blaine on Central Street. The Administrator stated that he would check on it and send a letter.

5.   ADJOURNMENT

      Motion by Mr. Coggins, seconded by Ms. Zacharer, to:

            adjourn the meeting at 7:15 p.m.

Unanimously approved, 7-0.

_________________________________

Sarah U. Stebulis, Assistant Administrator

Stephen R. Stowell, Administrator

Lowell Historic Board