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]99 <br /> <br />APPEAL: BOARD OF ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW DECISION RE: <br />ST., N.W. AND 205 14TH ST., N.W. <br /> <br />200 15TH <br /> <br /> Mr. Robert Downer, attorney for Mrs. Toliver, owner of <br />the property at 200 14th Street, N.W. and 205 14th Street, <br />N.W. stated that the June 30th decision of the Board of <br />Architectural Review to deny demolition of the trees and <br />cottage on the site was being appealed to Council. Mr. <br />Downer stated that the site was designated an historical <br />property because of the age of the cottage and was therefore <br />subject to BAR approval. Mr. Downer stated that the <br />Hillcrest Apartments which were on the site burned and since <br />that time his client has been attempting to develop the <br />property but has been unable to find a feasible project <br />which maintains the cottage and trees. Mr. Downer stated <br />that the lot also would require 20 foot setbacks on two <br />streets which limits possible development. Mr. Downer <br />stated that a discrepancy existed in the historical survey <br />of the property, with the first one concluding that the <br />cottage had been relocated from Vinegar Hill and a later <br />survey showing that the property was on its original site. <br />Mr. Downer stated that the property has been altered and <br />therefore not maintained as the original structure which was <br />the basis for its historic designation. Mr. Downer added <br />that the structure is in poor condition. Mr. Downer stated <br />that he felt it would be in the best interest of the City to <br />allow removal of the cottage and trees and develop the site <br />in harmony with the surroundings. Mr. Downer stated that he <br />felt the trees were too large and out of proportion with the <br />neighborhood. Mr. Downer stated that if the appeal is <br />denied., the City Code provides that the property can be <br />offered for sale at its fair market value and that if after a <br />year the property has not been sold, then the cottage and <br />trees can be removed by right. Mr. Downer stated that the <br />property has been valued at its best use value of $i25,000. <br /> <br /> Mr. Towe questioned what possible developments could be <br />built on the site and Mr. Downer replied that an apartment <br />building could be built by right and a bed and breakfast <br />inn proposal had been considered which would require a <br />special use permit. <br /> <br /> Responding to a question from Ms. Waters, Mr. Downer <br />stated that the property had been purchased~by its present <br />owners for $137,000, noting that the Hillcrest Apartments <br />were then on the site. <br /> <br /> Ms. Waters questioned what could be constructed on the <br />site with the present conditions and Mr. Richard Spurzem, <br />son of the property owner, stated that a duplex with four <br />bedrooms each could be constructed, or a four unit apartment <br />building, with underground parking could be constructed at a <br />much greater cost. <br /> <br /> Responding to questions from Ms. Waters, Mr. Spurzem <br />stated that the cottage is presently rented and that <br />insurance had been collected on the apartment building which <br />burned. <br /> <br /> Mr. Spurzem stated that his mother had purchased the <br />property as an investment prior to the ordinance which <br />regulated historical properties. Mr. Spurzem stated that <br />the trees are the greater problem and that there might be <br />more flexibility with regard to relocating the cottage on <br />the same property. Mr. Spurzem noted that the trees are <br />only regulated because they are located on an historical <br />site. <br /> <br /> Mr. Robert Moje, Chairman of the Board of Architectural <br />Review, stated that the BAR had attempted to work with the <br />developers to maximize the use of the property by <br />preserving the historical structure. Mr. Moje stated that <br />the BAR had considered the request to move the cottage and <br /> <br /> <br />