Historical Commission — Nov 9, 1988

THE MINUTES OF THE 326th STATED MEETING OF THE PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION 9 November 1988 Edward A. Montgomery, Jr., Chairman Present: Edward A. Montgomery, Jr., Chairman David Brownlee Caroline Golab David Hollenberg Jason Nathan William D. Thompson Christine Washington Christopher Cashman, First Deputy Director, Department of Commerce Barbara Kaplan, Executive Director, Philadelphia City Planning Commission William Bankowsky, Director of Commerce Scott Wildes, Office of Housing and Community Development David Wismer, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Licenses and Inspections Maria Petrillo, Esq., Law Department Richard Tyler, Historic Preservation Officer Patricia Siemiontkowski, Assistant Historic Preservation Officer Sally Elk, Historic Research Technician Randal Baron, Preservation Planner Maureen Heaney, Clerk Stenographer I Also: Walton Max, 822 Swanson Street MaryLou McFarland, Preservation Coalition of Greater Philadelphia And others. STATED MEETING 2 9 November 1988 THE MINUTES of the 325th Stated Meeting of the Philadelphia Historical Commission held on 12 October 1988, Edward A. Montgomery, Jr., Chairman, were reviewed and approved. THE REPORT of the Architectural Committee Meeting of the Philadelphia Historical Commission held on 27 October 1988, David Hollenberg, Chairman. Mr. Hollenberg divided the report into three sections. The first section includes those projects for which the Committee recommends approvals in concept: 700-18 Walnut Street, 516 Spruce Street and 104-06 Arch Street. Mr. Hollenberg noted that working drawings for 104-06 Arch Street will be reviewed by the Architectural Committee before work is started on this project. The Commission unanimously voted to accept the recommendation of the Architectural Committee for the conceptual approval of these applications. The second section covers four projects which require additional information. This information has been received and approvals are recommended for the following projects: 413 S. 10th Street, 123 Queen Street, 18th & Race Street and 1915 Pine Street. Mr. Hollenberg noted that revised drawings were not submitted for 1915 Pine Street; rather an historic photograph was presented which suggested that the original submission was based on precedent. An approval is now recommended for the replacement of a non-historic door opening with a window. The Commission unanimously voted to accept the Architectural Committee's recommendation for these four projects. The final submission involves the property situate at 406-08 S. 16th Street for which the Committee recommended an approval pending a site visit. Mr. Hollenberg informed the Commission that this project involves the reconstruction of brownstone steps by an experimental procedure. Mr. Hollenberg stated that the staff had made a site visit and the

the property situate at 406-08 S. 16th Street for which the Committee recommended an approval pending a site visit. Mr. Hollenberg informed the Commission that this project involves the reconstruction of brownstone steps by an experimental procedure. Mr. Hollenberg stated that the staff had made a site visit and the Committee now recommends a conditional approval of this project for one year. The staff will visit the site in one year to evaluate the condition of the steps. At that time, the Architectural Committee will decide if a final approval should be recommended. The Commission approved the recommendation of the Architectural Committee for a conditional approval for 406-08 S. 16th Street. Scott Wilds opposed this conditional approval. THE REPORT on the Activities of the Philadelphia Historical Commission Staff for October 1988, Richard Tyler, Historic Preservation Officer. Richard Tyler stated that on 31 October he received a memorandum from John Gallery, the consultant retained by the Commission to assist in the drafting of rules and regulations. [HANDWRITTEN NOTES: At the bottom right of the page: "HR" (initials, appears to be a reference mark or signature)] STATED MEETING 3 9 November 1988 This memorandum raised additional questions and contained some basic language for consideration in the drafting of rules and regulations. Mr. Tyler stated that a first draft will be circulated among the members of the Ad Hoc Committee soon and that he hopes that by the December Commission meeting a text will be available for the Commission's review. The Commission unanimously voted to approve the Activities Report for filing. NEW BUSINESS The Budget for Fiscal Year 1989 and Fiscal Year 1990 and General Issues Richard Tyler reported to the Commission that the original budget passed by City Council for Fiscal Year 1989 appropriated funds for a staff of ten. This budget has been revised and now allows for only a staff of six. Mr. Tyler explained further the results of budget cuts on the operation of the Commission office. Mr. Tyler stated that following the designation of the three proposed districts (Rittenhouse/Fitler, Spruce Hill and Society Hill), the Commission will need to evaluate the impact of designation on the staff and its ability to administer the ordinance effectively given the increase in the number of buildings which will then come under the Commission's jurisdiction. The Commission discussed Mr. Tyler's recommendation to evaluate the ability of the staff to handle the increased

to evaluate the impact of designation on the staff and its ability to administer the ordinance effectively given the increase in the number of buildings which will then come under the Commission's jurisdiction. The Commission discussed Mr. Tyler's recommendation to evaluate the ability of the staff to handle the increased work caused by the designation of these major districts and agreed that a decision regarding the designation of additional districts be deferred at this time. The Commission did agree to continue to process nomination forms for the designation of individual buildings. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 11:50 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Maureen Heaney Clerk Stenographer I /mah [HANDWRITTEN NOTES: "II||II*:" appears in the bottom right corner of the page (appears to be a reference mark or archival notation).]