2005-01-18 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mr. Schilling offered an amendment to add that this sidewalk be added to the spring sidewalk list, and Mr. Lynch and Ms. Hamilton agreed to the amendment. The amendment was approved by the following vote. Ayes: Dr. Brown, Ms. Hamilton, Mr. Lynch, Mr. Schilling. Noes: Mr. Caravati. The ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CONVEYANCE OF CITY-OWNED PROPERTY (7TM STREET, N.E. RIGHT-OF- WAY) TO WEATHERHILL HOLDINGS, LTD," as amended, which was offered at the January 3rd meeting, was approved by the following vote. Ayes: Dr. Brown, Ms. Hamilton, Mr. Lynch, Mr. Schilling. Noes: Mr. Caravati. ORDINANCE: HISTORIC DISTRICT SURVEY (GILDERSLEEVE WOOD) Ms. Mary Joy Scala, Planner in Neighborhood Development Services, explained that the ordinance will create a seventh major historic district and will add an overlay district designation under the purview of the Board of Architectural Review. Ms. Scala said that the district includes contributing and non-contributing structures, and said that the only difference between the two is that non-contributing structures do not have to be reviewed by the BAR for demolition. Ms. Scala said that the boundaries were chosen by specific guidelines and the BAR and Planning Commission addressed eight criteria. Ms. Scala said that the Planning Commission recommended approval on a four to three vote, and the BAR unanimously approved the district. Ms. Scala said that the BAR wants to pursue a conservation district in the future. Mr. Caravati expressed concern that there is no enabling legislation that allows conservation districts, but Mr. Tolbert said this is different than what has been discussed in the past. Responding to a question from Mr. Caravati, Ms. Scala said that the University of Virginia has requested that the properties they own be removed from the district. Mr. Tolbert said that the University either owns or is negotiating for properties in the area of the South Lawn project and is concerned about their inclusion and the process that would be required. He said he met with the neighborhood representative and asked how they felt about not including these properties. He said the neighborhood is okay with it if the University gives the following assurances: 1) that the University will not oppose creation of the district; 2) that there be no future acquisition of property by the University; and 3) that the street be made into a cul de sac to prevent through traffic. Mr. Tolbert noted that these discussions took place after the Planning Commission made their recommendation, and said that staff recommends the removal of these properties. Mr. Lynch said that contributing versus non-contributing designations appear to be on the basis of age, and asked if other factors are considered. Ms. Scala said that age eliminated these structures from being contributing. She said state and federal criteria were used. Mr. David Newman, University of Virginia Architect, said that contributing structures can be contributing if they are younger than 50 years, as long as there are other criteria, such as having been designed by an architect of significance. Dr. Brown said he is pleased to see the expansion of the historic district into this neighborhood and pleased with the proposal that both the University and the neighborhood are happy with. He said he supports removing the University properties. Ms. Hamilton agreed with Dr. Brown and said the University and neighborhood should be congratulated for coming up with a compromise. Mr. Caravati proffered that he does not think we are quite there, but he feels better about the proposal and tends to support removing the University properties. He said he