SH 5-22-23

Scenic & Historic meeting

Google Translate 

SCENIC & HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION

MAY 22, 2023  4:00 PM

COMMON COUNCIL CHAMBERS – CITY HALL

 

 

S&H Case No.: 06-23                                                       Zone: S&H

805 Varick Street                                                             Cert. of Appropriateness

Applicant:  Andrew Karas

Owner:  Tom Powers

 

In accordance with the requirements contained in Section 2-29-44 of the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Utica, the applicant is seeking approval of a Certificate of Appropriateness in order to make exterior improvements at the above referenced property.

 

The applicant is proposing to install an 18’ x 40’ patio area.  They will be replacing the existing asphalt with new stamped concrete to finish the look of the patio.  They are also proposing to construct a new roof over the outdoor bar/patio area.  It will be 18’ x 40’ with trusses manufactured by SR Sloan.  The roof will be American Building Components black metal panels.  The post will be 6” x 6” wooden posts and will be finished with stain.

 

 

S&H Case No.: 07-23                                                     Zone: S&H

1008 Cornelia Street                                                     Cert. of Appropriateness

Applicant:  Michael Pezzolanella

Owner:  Austin Valley, LLC

 

In accordance with the requirements contained in Section 2-29-44 of the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Utica, the applicant is seeking approval of a Certificate of Appropriateness in order to make exterior improvements at the above referenced property.

 

The applicant is proposing to construct a handicap ramp at the above referenced property.  The ramp will extend of the front entrance landing toward the parking area and wrap around the south side of the building 30’ to the rear.  The ramp will be pressure treated lumber painted to match the building. 

 

The applicant is also proposing to replace the existing front door with a similar custom glass panel door with an automatic opener to assist the handicap clients utilizing the newly constructed ramp.

 

 S&H Case No.: 08-23                                                        Zone: S&H

251 Genesee Street                                                            Cert. of Appropriateness

Applicant:  Verizon Wireless

Owner:  Masonic Association of Utica

 

In accordance with the requirements contained in Section 2-29-44 of the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Utica, the applicant is seeking approval of a Certificate of Appropriateness in order to install antennas on the roof at the above referenced property.

 

The applicant is seeking approval to install and operate two small antennas on the roof of the existing building in order to address existing service gaps and capacity issues in this area of Downtown Utica.

 

The antennas will be secured to the building by a non-penetrating roof mounts that will use ballasts to secure the antennas and mounts; related equipment will be mounted to the east side of the building wall.

 

In accordance with the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Utica, approval of a special use permit for all proposed telecommunications facilities is required and a public hearing must also be held by the Planning Board prior to any final approval.

 

 

S&H Case No.: 09-23                                         Zone: S&H

324 Genesee Street                                                  Cert. of Appropriateness

Applicant:  Munson

Owner:  Munson

 

In accordance with the requirements contained in Section 2-29-44 of the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Utica, the applicant is seeking approval of a Certificate of Appropriateness in order to design murals on the walls at the above referenced property.

 

Munson and its Pratt Munson College of Art and Design are undertaking a creative place making project utilizing the accessible public art form of the outdoor mural.  When completed, the mural will help bring the built environment of the Oneida Square Arts District to life while complementing previous and on-going efforts and investments in the area. 

The goals of the project are:

 

  1. Beautify and brand the neighborhood, instill community pride and enhance public spaces through aesthetic improvements to the physical environment.
  2. Help to reknit the social fabric by furnishing new opportunities for conversations, activating viewer’s imaginations and enhancing quality of life.
  3. Help to attract new residents and businesses by improving local perceptions and experiences of neighborhood safety and desirability. 

 

           Wall 1 (facing Fountain Elms): 31’ x 20’

           Wall 2 (facing State Street): 27’ x 22’

           Wall 3 (facing roundabout): 100’ x 22’ 

 

This is strictly a painting project with no construction other than surface preparation such as stucco patching, caulking and power washing.  The design does not contain any signage or advertising and is appropriate for viewing by all member of the school, neighborhood and the general public. 

 

S&H Case No.: 10-23                                                          Zone: S&H

2 and 3 Rutger Park                                                           Cert. of Appropriateness

Applicant:  Michael Lehman, AIA

Owner:  Landmarks Society of Greater Utica

 

In accordance with the requirements contained in Section 2-29-44 of the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Utica, the applicant is seeking approval of a Certificate of Appropriateness in order to install National Register historic markers at the above referenced properties.

 

The Landmarks Society, in keeping with their mission and with the financial assistance of the William G. Pomeroy Foundation, is proposing to fill a 50 year gap and provide appropriate signage at the two locations.

 

The proposed markers are similar to those erected in communities across the US and meet industry standards.  They will be cast aluminum, weigh about 40 lbs., and are approximately 32” x 18”.  The standard pole is 7’ tall.  The sign background will be neutral dark brown with white letter, US map logo and trim.  The text is fixed except for the property name and year of listing. 

 

The markers will be installed parallel to Rutger Street far enough back from the City right-of-way to avoid damage.  The sign at 2 Rutger Park will be located just outside of the stone wall which spans with width of Rutger Park.  The sign at 3 Rutger Park will be located close to the structure toward the front west corner.

S&H Case No.: 11-23                                                        Zone: S&H

403 Mandeville Street                                                       Cert. of Appropriateness

Applicant:  Hughes Construction Inc.

Owner:  Dr. Emile Wassel

 

In accordance with the requirements contained in Section 2-29-44 of the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Utica, the applicant is seeking approval of a Certificate of Appropriateness in order to make exterior improvements at the above referenced property.

 

The applicant is proposing to install new furring strips and plywood to the brick of the building; install new vinyl siding, soffit and fascia to the exterior of the building.  The proposed siding shall be grey or other color suggested by the Commission.  Four rusted steel doors will be replaced with four new steel doors to be painted.  Six old windows will be replaced with six new windows (specifications to be provided at the meeting).  The existing and newly installed wood trim will be wrapped with metal.

 

S&H Case No.: 23-22                                                           Zone: S&H

1704 Parkway Lane                                                              Cert. of Appropriateness

Applicant:  Julian Galimo

Owner:  Julian Galimo

 

In accordance with the requirements contained in Section 2-29-44 of the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Utica, the applicant is seeking approval of a Certificate of Appropriateness in order to make exterior improvements at the above referenced property.

 

The applicant is proposing remove the existing deteriorated Spanish tile roof and replace it with black architectural shingles.  The applicant has provided a letter from Dennis Padula & Sons Roofing which states that the roof cannot be repaired as there are too many cracked, loose and damaged tiles.  They have stated that most of the houses in the surrounding neighborhood are shingled roofs.  The replacement of the Spanish tile would be very cost prohibitive. 

 

At the October 2022 Scenic and Historic Preservation Commission meeting, the Commission approved the removal of the Spanish tile roof, however, they requested that the architectural shingle match the color of the existing Spanish tile as close as possible. 

 

The applicant returned for the November 20022 meeting to seek approval to paint the exterior of the home white and add the black architectural shingle for the roof.

 

The applicant has stated that this will not change the character of the neighborhood since a neighboring property has a white brick home also.

 

Mike Galimo, brother of the applicant, presented the application to the Commission.  He stated that his sister wishes to paint the home along with change the roof color to give it an updated appearance. 

 

The Commission members had discussion regarding painting the brick and had concerns that it will detract from the look of the home along with create an additional maintenance item for the homeowner.

 

At the November meeting, the Commission voted to deny the request for the black roof and painting the home.

 

The applicant is proposing this option once again.

 

S&H Case No.: 12-23                                                         Zone: S&H

121-137 Hotel Street                                                         Cert. of Appropriateness

Applicant:  Philip S. Sbarra, R.A.

Owner:  Hotel Street Owner LLC

 

In accordance with the requirements contained in Section 2-29-44 of the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Utica, the applicant is seeking approval of a Certificate of Appropriateness in order to make exterior improvements at the above referenced properties.

 

The buildings of 121 and 137 Hotel Street will be converted into apartments on each floor.  123 Hotel Street will be converted into a mix of apartments, common spaces and a commercial restaurant on the first floor and apartments on the upper floors.  The buildings have been connected over the years since they were originally constructed.  To incorporate this further, a new stair towner will be built between 121 and 123 Hotel Street to connect the buildings.  This will be visible from the north and east sides of the building.

 

All window openings will be reopened and new black aluminum clad wood windows will be installed.  The storefronts will also be reopened and new black aluminum and glass storefronts will be installed.  The existing overhead doors will be replaced with a mix of storefronts and infill that are similar to overhead doors with black aluminum clad wood windows.  The wooden sign on 137 in addition al all painted brick will be repainted.  The existing addition on the north of the building will be removed and the gravel parking lot will be repaved and striped.

 

The addition of apartments and a restaurant will begin to connect Hotel Street to the businesses found on North Genesee Street and to those in Baggs Square.  The restoration of the buildings will be similar to the restoration of other buildings in the area and will reflect the original state of the buildings.  The project is awaiting SHPO approval, NPS approval and Site Plan approval from the City of Utica’s Planning Board.