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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994-06-21 Historic District Board SummaryHISTORIC DISTI::::tlCT BOAI::RD June 21, 199d- 7:00 p,m, Kenai Council Chambers Pro Tern Chair I<aren Mahurin , CALL TO ORDER , APPROVAL OF AGENDA , APPROVAL OF MINUTES May 25, 1994 PERSONS PRESENT SCHEDULED TO BE HEARD , HISTORIC BOARD REVIEW a, Vozar- Food Vendor Bus - Lot 18, Block 5, Original Townsite NEW BUSINESS a, Profess iQ nal Nom inatio ns for' D isl~ict Board b, Setting Meeting Days BOARD QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS 1 OLD BUSINESS ,9, ADJOURNMENT PLEASE CONTACT LORETTA HARVEY 283-7933 IF YOU APE UNABLE TO ATTEND SO WE CAN ESTABLISH A QUORUM HISTORIC DISTRICT BOARD ****MEETING**** June 21, 1994- 7:00 p.m. Kenai Council Chambers Pro Tem Chair Karen Mahurin lo CALL TO ORDER Members present: Roger Meeks, Dorothy McCard and Karen Mahurin. Members absent: Will Jahrig, Rose Anne Murphy, Diane Rathman, Jim Arness, Alan Bomss, Ethel Clausen Pro Tem Chair Karen Mahurin called the meeting to order. There being no quorum the following discussion took place, but no official recommendation was given by the' Board. Karen Mahurin asked for public comment. Sandra Vozar stated that she would like to see the coffee bus go in. It is an older bus with some vents on top, which are required by the DEC. It is consistent with the- area because it is near Jahrig's property where there used to be a pharmacy and a small restaurant. Tourists walk from the RV Parks in the area to sit on the bluff and watch the. whales. Vozar thought it would be nice if the people could stop and 'have some coffee or a hotdog. There is a lot of money spent to bring tourism to Kenai and once people are here there is not much to do. This would be something for the tourist to enjoy. Other businesses have started out of buses, such as Ski-mos, which started out small to see whether their business would succeed in a certain area. The property where the bus will be has been mowed and improved and looks better than it did, also it is on the edge of the Townsite District. Karen Mahurin asked if this bus would be there for just this summer or longer? Sandra Vozar said the applicants would like to try it for a couple of summers. Mahurin asked if the applicants have a back up plan if they can not use the specified lot? Vozar said the applicants had come to her to see if they could rent the .lot. There is a lot available across the street which is zoned Central Commercial and they may be able to go there. Historic District Board Meeting - June 21, 1994 Page 1 Dorothy McCard said the intent of the Ordinance was that the Historic Board make recommendations to the Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z). It is important to look at the Ordinance as a City law and adhere to the ordinance. She noted the development criteria for old town was drawn up with careful consideration and the Board should base their decision on the law such as: 14.20.105 (e) Development criteria. The development criteria is intended to provide for a district in which residential and business co-habitat as a desirable and compatible use. All proposed construction, renovation, demolition, or alteration shall: (1) Encourage, whenever possible and compatible with historic character of the TSH zone, foot traffic; restaurants, gift shops, parks, etc; indigenous Kenai Peninsula flora; wooden structures including log style with soft colored or natural sidings. (2) Discourage uses which will violate the historic and scenic quality of the TSH zone; buildings and building additions which are not compatible with adjacent buildings or which violate the existing character and scale of the district. McCard felt that the bus was tacky and not compatible with the area because it was not a permanent structure. She did not feel comfortable ruling on the item without further input from other Board members, because it would be setting, a precedence for future development in the zone. She again stated she did not feel the bus Would be compatible with the intent of the zone. Roger Meeks said he had been on vacation and wanted to review the information further before making a decision on it. Vozar said they were willing to install the bus on a one year trial basis. Also, they would be Willing to enclose three sides of the bus with rough lumber'to make it fit in the zone. Karen Mahurin had mixed feelings about the bus in the TSH zone because the zone is so small. She would be more in favor of a permanent structure. Mahurin realized that the area is a big draw for foot traffic but was concerned over the looks of the bus and stated she would have to vote against the bus. She felt uncomfortable about setting a precedence for this type of development at the first meeting. Sandra Vozar said if the bus works there may be a permanent structure there in a couple of years. Historic District Board Meeting - June 21, 1994 Page 2 Karen Mahurin expressed concern that the issue could not go forward to Planning and Zoning without an Historic Board recommendation. Jack La Shot said he would verify with the attorney what the code states about this issue. Bus Vendor (name not given) stated she had walked through the area last year and there had been a coffee shop across from the church, so the development is consistent 'with previous activities in TSH. Their bus will be stocked to make anything, hamburgers, pie, etc. She said the land has been vacant forever and the bus would actually be an asset to that area. Sandra Vozar expressed concern that actions which have been taken in the TSH zone have sent a negative message to the community. It seemed that every development there was controversial this depreciates property values. Bus Vendor said that the lot they wish to put the bus on has been appraised at $8,800 and the lot across the street in the Central Commercial (CC) zone is appraised at $20,000. They would like to be on Vozar's lot because they need to hook up to water and electric. Sandra Vozar asked to make one more comment. It is an old bus and it will be in old town. Karen Mahurin thanked people for coming to the meeting. Dorothy McCard expressed concern that since this was the first review the Historic Board was given and any decision may set a precedence in Oldtown. She felt.the ordinance stated that the development should not be acted on by P&Z without a recommendation from the Historic Board. Since the system was established through'a lot of hard effort it should be' enforced. There being no further discussion the meeting was adjourned at approximately 8:00. p.m. oretta E. Harvey, Administrative Assistant Historic District Board Meeting - June 21, 1994 Page 3