HomeMy WebLinkAbout080123 HPC Meeting Packet
Agenda
Historic Preservation Committee
Regular Meeting
3:00 PM, August 1, 2023
City Council Hall Council Chambers, 540 Water Street
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1.Roll Call: Richard Berg, (Chair) Craig Britton (Vice Chair), Kathleen Croston,
George Randels, Kathleen Knoblock, Walter Galitzki and Michael D’Alessandro;
Monica MickHager (Council Liaison)
2.Approval of Minutes:
A.Review of draft Minutes forthe 6/6/23 Regular Meeting and 7/11/23 Special
Meeting.
3.Approval of Agenda:
4.Correspondence/Attachments:
A.Materials from NAPC webinar, Best Practices for Local Preservation Boards
(for discussion, time permitting, under the Agenda item for
Announcements/Other Business.
5.Appearance of Fairness:
6.Public Comment (for items not on the Agenda there is 3-minute limit per person)
8.Old Business:
A.HPC23-014, 1136 Water Street Hotel
Demo existing Sanderling Building; Construct new 4-story hotel with on-
site surface parking
Owner: Jag Sandu& Kuljit Shoker Agent:Sean Hegstead, Architect
Nivar LLC Haven Design Workshop
Applicable Guidelines:
Secretary of the Interior Guidelines;
Design Review Guidelines Overall and the Ferry Retail sub-
district guidelines at PTMC 17.30.150;
Locally- adopted Guidelines for Demolition within the NHLD;
Locally-adopted Guidelines for Signage at PTMC
17.30.160A(4);
Locally-adopted Color Palette at PTMC 17.30.160.A(5).
Exhibits:
1)Application and Revised Plan set
Applicant and Staff Presentation;
Public Comment (3-minute limit per person);
HPC Questions, Deliberation/ Comments and Recommendation (if
appropriate).
Applicant and Staff Presentation
Public Comment (3-minute limit per person)
HPC Questions, Deliberation and Recommendation
B. HPC Recommendations for 2024 Workplan
HPC recommendations were presented to Council at their 7/10 Retreat. Chair
Berg directed Mr. Britton to draft an additional letter to Council on behalf of
HPC with specific recommended actions.
Exhibits:
1) Draft Letter to Council
HPC Questions, Deliberation and Recommendation
9. New Business:
A. HPC23-016, 922 Jefferson St. Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation of a Secondary historic residence, including removal and
replacement (in-kind) of an existing rock wall along the Jefferson St.
frontage
Representative: Simon Little, Studio STL
Applicable Guidelines:
Secretary of the Interior Guidelines
Exhibits:
1) Application
2) Submitted Materials
Applicant and Staff Presentation
Public Comment (3-minute limit per person)
HPC Questions, Deliberation and Recommendation
B. HPC23-017, Pt. Hudson Buildings, Programmatic Design Review
Port of Port Townsend
The Port seeks approval of a programmatic Historic Design Review
application for a series of rehabilitation efforts at Pt. Hudson. See the
submitted application for a full Scope of Work list and Background
information.
Representative: Dave Nakagawara, Port of Pt. Townsend
Applicable Guidelines:
Secretary of the Interior Guidelines
Locally adopted Waterfront Design Guidelines Overall together
with Pt. Hudson sub-district Guidelines
Exhibits:
1) Application
2) Submitted Materials
Applicant and Staff Presentation
Public Comment (3-minute limit per person)
HPC Questions, Deliberation and Recommendation
10. Announcements/Other Business:
A. Materials from NAPC webinar, Best Practices for Local Preservation
Boards
11. Adjournment: Next Regular scheduled meeting: Sept. 5, 2023
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEEREGULARMEETING MINUTES
Date: June 6, 2023 Time:3:00pm Location:City Hall Council Chambers(staff and mostcommittee members), and
virtually via GoToMeeting webinar(for Craig Britton)
MembersPresent:Richard Berg(Chair), Craig Britton(Vice-chair-virtual),Kathleen Knoblock,George Randels,Michael D’Alessandro, City Council
member/HPCliaisonMonica MickHager, WalterGalitzki;Kathleen Croston
MembersAbsent(excused):None
Staff Present:John McDonagh, Senior Planner; Suzanne Wassmer, Associate Planner
Guests: Monica Maderand Simon Little of Studio STL, Mari Mullen of PT Main Street, Rob Larsen, Good Templar’s building owner with Good
Templar’s business owners including Benji Project founder Cynthia Ostermanand Bazaar Girls founder Kerri Hartman.
TopicMotions/Recommendation/Action
Call to Order Chair Berg called the meeting to order at
3:00 p.m.
Approval of May 2,2023 Minutes The group recommended Item Breflect a
“4-3”vote instead of a “4-0-3”vote. Motion
to approvethe minutes with this change by
Galitzki, second by Knoblock. Allin favor 7-
0.
Approval of the Agenda As staff had requested the group discuss at
the letter from the Mayor for the 2024
workplan, Berg suggested it be added to the
end of the agenda. Galitzki had additional
comments; Berg suggested they beaddedat
the end of the meeting. Moved by Randels,
seconded by Galitzki. All in favor 7-0.
Correspondence/Attachments:None.
Appearance of Fairness:Chair Berg recused himself from Item A
Good Templar’s signage as he did duringthe
May 2, 2023 meeting discussion as he is
consultant for theapplicant.
TopicMotions/Recommendation/Action
Public Comment(for any non-Agenda items)None.
No virtual hands upper McDonagh.
Old Business
A.HPC23-011 Good Templars Building 280 Quincy Street-Multiple Signs Chair Berg recused himself. Virtual
Applicant Presentation:BuildingOwner Rob Larsen presented the revised packetand statedcommunication with Britton’sinternet
sign locations and sizes remained the same exceptthe Quincy Street sign was replaced by a connection was difficult, so Britton agreed
sandwich board sign to meet the sign code requirement of only one projecting sign per with Berg thatanothermember be
storefront; the seven local women business owners recognize the historic aspect and revised nominated to take over asChair for this
colors and fonts, but asked fortwo exceptions:topic. Randels volunteered, Britton
1.Cynthia Osterman of the Benji Project explained that their chosen font is important to nominated Galitzki. Randels deferred.
their mission and their teenage audience, and it is integral to theBenji Project identity. She
wore a T-Shirt with Benji Projectlogo and fontto demonstrate.
2.Kerri Hartman provided color chip samples of Benjamin Moore CW-335 “King’s Red”
which sheproposed for the yarn ballon the Brigid’s Loftsigns. She said the color it that of
local bricks, and seems to fit downtown.
Motion by Randels,second by Kathleen to
Additionally,Rob Larsen presented a color chip of theBenjamin Moore CSP-565 “Indi Go-recommend approval of signs as presented.
Go”which had been pre-approved for thebuildingsash color through HPC15-009.Motion carries:6-0 with one recusal (Berg).
Committee:HPC thanked the applicants for their efforts to returnto the groupwiththe
majority of the requested changes, and that the tworequestedexceptions are smallasks.
Staff: McDonagh stated that as a logo, the Benji project font is acceptable. Wassmer
mentioned HPCs prior approval ofBishop Block Bottle Shop sandwich boardsign that used
their logo in a shade ofred noton the palette(HPC22-009),but on May 2, 2023 HPC
disapproved thesame red for the existing 21 square foot internally illuminated wall sign
(HPC23-009).Staff have written the decision for HPC23-009 as a denial, and thatit is pending
the PCD’s Director’s review.
NewBusiness
None
A.HPC23-010 Main Street: Several Items:
TopicMotions/Recommendation/Action
Applicant Presentation: Main Street Representative Simon Little of Studio STL described the
three projects Main Street would like to pursue:
1.Kiosk in Front of Quimper Mercantilein Downtown Port Townsend: The electronic sign
would be over 6 feet 8 inches tall and serve as advertising for local businesses and events.
Software can be updated remotely, and sign could be turned off at night. From prior
conversations with Public Works Director Steve King and City Manager John Mauro, the
group understands the current Sign Code does notallow this type of electronic “moving”
sign.
Committee:Croston asked if it could be placed on Sims outside the Historic District. Randels
responded more people walk downtown. Galitzki asked about the interactive sign on Taylor
Street in the Coldwell Banker window. Another member asked about the public event
bulletin board behind glass on the McCurdy Building wall.
Staff: McDonagh stated that printed real estate signs in the Windermere downtown window
are not considered to be signs, and that Code Enforcement is needed forthe Coldwell Banker
electronic “moving” sign. Wassmer stated that staff have had conversations with the owner
of Coldwell Banker, and that “moving signs” are prohibited in the sign code. McDonagh
cautioned that the tall sign’s location may block the existing Flagship Landing wall sign.
2. Splash Pad at Pope Marine Park: Little stated the groupmet with the City Parks and Rec
Board, who stated their long range plan specifies a location for a splash pad at Bobby
McGarraugh Park (Cherry Street between P and S Streets), a park withplay equipment for
toddlers, and that the Board has no funding. Per Little, the downtown locationwas chosen
to energize downtown and Pope Marine Park, but they are alsolooking for alternative
locations.
Committee: Galitzki asked what HPC’s role is in this. McDonagh responded it would be a
municipal improvement, so only the Secretary Guidelines would be usedand theydo not
include splash parks. Berg added the Streetscape Plan would be the closest plan. Britton
stated they want to review the project before Main Street goesfor a grant, and thinks it is
inappropriate for downtown and would only be used afew days out of the year. Knoblock
TopicMotions/Recommendation/Action
does not want to pave any more of downtown, and does not approve of the lighting. Croston
echoed Britton that the group needs to come to HPC before they apply for the grant and not
rush HPC into a decision when they have the money and a grant deadline. Randels noted the
submitted photos show splash parks in larger, more modern Cities, and is concerned with
busy Water Street next to Pope Marine it may not be safe for kids, andsuggested Fort
Worden. D’Alessandrolikes the water feature but not the site. Galitzki feels Port Townsend is
windy, disapproves of the increased pavement, increased water use and pointed out that
kids can go down to the adjacent beach and splash around. Berg suggested a downtown
locationthat is already paved like by the Cotton Building.
Applicant response: there is a good chance the Splash Pad would not be located within the
Historic District. Little would like HPC members to refer to the HPC guidelines and not base
their comments on their personal opinions. Thegrouphas come to HPC prior to applying for
grants.
Staff: McDonagh stated the cost of repair and maintenance should be considered, and
shoreline permitting may be requiredat Pope Marine Park(within 200 feet to the shoreline).
3. Bike Storage near the Cotton Building and Pope Marine Park: The group discussed the
location by the public restroomswith Steve King, and it was agreed it was a goodlocation -
across from the bike shop and near Elevated IceCream – that would not take away
pedestrian walkways or vehicle parking spaces. The packet includeda variety of shelter
designs and sizes in the packet.
Committee: Galitzki agrees with the location, suggests wrought ironbe incorporated in the
design. Knoblock: asked if the public has requested more bike parking. Little responded no,
but it has been on the City workplan. MickHager stated the requestcomes up several times a
year at City Council meetings. Croston is in favor but would likea fancier shelter.
D’Alessandro in favor of site but wants more location options. Brittonin favor of location and
would like a design that fits downtown. Randels in favorasPT is a bike-friendly community,
but asked if it meets an existing or created need; he is in favor of a design that compromises
between cost and simplicity. Berg: in agreement with others.
Staff: McDonagh askedif the bike rackshould be simple like the downtown Transit Shelters
which were designed to fit into the historic district. The Urban Waterfront Plan should be
TopicMotions/Recommendation/Action
reviewed for guidance.
Public Comment: Guest Monica Mader said the more bike parking, the better.
OtherBusiness/Announcements:
Bergproposed the discussion be tabled until
HPC16-024 Main Street –Tables and Chairs –McDonagh briefly described HPC’sapprovalof
theJuly meeting so that thismeeting could
Main Street’s durable green metal chairs and tables downtown, and requests HPC expand
end at 5:00 PM.
staff’s ability to approve additional chairsand tables.
The group agreed unanimously.
Discussion was tabled until next time.
Welcome BackJohn–Galitzki welcomed John McDonagh back.The group agreed unanimously.
Letter from the Mayor to Advisory Body Chairs –2024 Workplan Invite Berg stated he could update last year’s
On June 5, 2023, staff had forwardedto Berg the Mayor’s letter askingCommittees to letter and submit it again regarding HPC
provide actionitems for the 2024 workplan.guidelines and inventory work.
The group agreed unanimously.
Additional Comment from Galitzki: feels HPC did well today with the HPC colors and fonts,
and that there was a small percentage of exceptions. He asked if approvingexceptions
creates a slippery slopefor HPC members in the future and whether they should enforce pre-
approved colors and fonts.Britton responded that sometimes the exception to a building
color becomes an exception to a future sign color. Berg responded that in his 20 years on the
committee,the slope has slipped and HPC has approved exceptions to HPC colors and fonts
to provide flexibility. Galitzkinoted the green color for the Main Street tables and chairsis
not on the HPC pre-approved color palette.
Next Scheduled Meeting: Next meeting July 11, 2023 at 3:00 PM.
As the next regularly scheduled meeting is onJuly 4, a National Holiday,the group discussed The group agreed unanimously.
an alternative date and agreed to meet one week later on July 11 at 3:00 PM.
Adjourn: The meeting was adjournedat 5:02p.m.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEESPECIALMEETING MINUTES
Date: July 11, 2023 Time:10:00am Location:City Hall Council Chambers(for staff and mostcommittee members)and
virtually via GoToMeeting webinar(for Michael D’Alessandro))
MembersPresent:Richard Berg(Chair), Craig Britton(Vice-chair-virtual),Kathleen Knoblock,George Randels,Michael D’Alessandro, Walter
Galitzki, City Council member/HPCliaisonMonica MickHager..
MembersAbsent(excused):Kathleen Croston
Staff Present:John McDonagh, Senior Planner
Guests: Sean Hegstad, Architect –Haven Design Workshop; Dale King, Project Mgr.-Faber Construction; Jag and Conjee Sandhu, owners.
TopicMotions/Recommendation/Action
Call to Order Chair Berg called the meeting to order at
10:00 am.
Approval of June 6, 2023Minutes As this was a Special Meeting, no review of
the past meeting’s minutes (6/6/23) was
permitted. They would be reviewed at the
next Regular Mtg.on Aug. 1,2023.
Correspondence/Attachments:None.
Appearance of Fairness:None
Public Comment(for any non-Agenda items)NoAction Required.
No virtual hands were raised. Nomembers of the public were in attendance to offer in-
person comments.
NewBusiness
A.HPC23-014, 1136 Water Street–50 room hotelwith on-site surfaceparking As this was an initialreview of the
Applicant Presentation:Architect and Agent Sean Hegstadpresented the site plan and schematic plans, no formal action was
preliminary hotel building elevations. The proposal,as clarified by Sean,is for a 50 room, 4-taken by the HPC. They did express
storyhotel withon-site surface parking foreleven(11) vehicles. The existing on-site, 1story support for demolition of the existing
building (the SanderlingBuilding) wouldbe demolished to make room for the new hotel buildingwitha Waiver from compliance
construction. with certain Historic Preservation code
provisions (PTMC 17.30). HPC also
TopicMotions/Recommendation/Action
Staff: McDonagh stated that today’s purposewas for HPC to preliminarilyreview the expressed support(without a formal vote)
schematic hotel elevations, askquestions and provide the architect with direction on how to that staff explore accommodating rooftop
best meet the city’s adopted guidelines.elements (like an elevator penthouse)in
the maximum height limit allowed here
(46’).
HPCmembers asked numerous questions
of the architectand project manager.
While not being fully inclusivequestions
raised included: 1) Are colors being used
from thepre-approved palette?-yes;
2) Will noise from rooftop mechanical
equipmentaffectUptown properties?–
No, they should be far enough distant;
3) Is the proposed buildingheight
appropriate?–At 46’, the heightis
allowed by code;
4) Describethe window design and
material–proposed are horizonal sliders;
5) Could the east façadehave openings? –
No, with zero setback allowed the building
code prohibitsit).
A keyquestion posed by several members
was couldthe building’s “flat plane”be
modulated? Staff responded yes.
HPC asked that the architect refine the
design based on the question(s) raised and
returnfor further review at the Aug. 1,
2023 Regular Meeting.
TopicMotions/Recommendation/Action
Public Comment: No virtualhands were raised,and no members of thepublic were in
attendance to offer in-person comments.
OldBusiness
Noaction necessary.
None.
OtherBusiness/Announcements:
Staff to provide materials from the webinar
Recap of 6/29/23 Virtual Training on Best Practices for Historic Preservation Committee
at the Aug. 1, 2023 meeting.
Meetings
Additional Comment from Galitzki:
Next Scheduled Meeting:
August 1, 2023
Adjourn: The meeting was adjournedat 12:00p.m.
BEST PRACTICES
EffectiveLocalPreservationCommission
WEBINARWEBINAR
Monica Callahan & Ken Kocher
SERIESSERIES
THE PUBLIC
THE POLICY
THE PROCEDURE
THE PRACTICE
THE POLITICS
WEBINAR
THE PERCEPTION
SERIES
GENERAL POWERS
Inventory and survey historic properties
Recommend designation and
de-designation of historic properties
Review Certificate of Appropriateness (COA)
Recommend restoration and preservation
of government-acquired properties
Promote government acquisition of
conservation easements
3
WEBINAR SERIES | JUNE 2023
GENERAL POWERS
Conduct educational activities
Investigate and study HP matters
Consult with HPC experts
Submit materials to the SHPO
Review National Register nominations
Seek funding and grants (e.g., CLG grants)
Accept donations, grants & gifts of property
4
WEBINAR SERIES | JUNE 2023
THE PUBLIC
WEBINAR
SERIES
THE PUBLIC
Point of contact
Map and flow
Application and checklists
Sample(s) apps and materials
Good guides accessible and digestible
Information clearinghouse
6
WEBINAR SERIES | JUNE 2023
THE PUBLIC
Point of contact
Map and flow
Application and checklists
Sample(s) apps and materials
Good guides accessible and digestible
Information clearinghouse
7
WEBINAR SERIES | JUNE 2023
THE PUBLIC
Point of contact
Map and flow
Application and checklists
Sample(s) apps and materials
Good guides accessible and digestible
Information clearinghouse
8
WEBINAR SERIES | JUNE 2023
THE PUBLIC
Point of contact
Map and flow
Application and checklists
Sample(s) apps and materials
Good guides accessible and digestible
Information clearinghouse
9
WEBINAR SERIES | JUNE 2023
THE POLICY
WEBINAR
SERIES
THE POLICY
Ordinance (state compliance)
Standards
Guidelines & criteria
Rules of procedure
Updates
11
WEBINAR SERIES | JUNE 2023
THE POLICY
Ordinance
Standards
Guidelines & criteria
Rules of procedure
Updates
12
WEBINAR SERIES | JUNE 2023
THE POLICY
Ordinance
Standards
Guidelines & criteria
Rules of procedure
Updates
13
WEBINAR SERIES | JUNE 2023
THE PROCEDURE
WEBINAR
SERIES
THE PROCEDURE
Welcome statement
Placecards
Boy Scout mentality
Site visits
Public Notice
Hearing VS Meeting
Patience
15
WEBINAR SERIES | JUNE 2023
THE PROCEDURE
Welcome statement
Placecards
Boy Scout mentality
Site visits
Public Notice
Hearing VS Meeting
Patience
16
WEBINAR SERIES | JUNE 2023
THE PROCEDURE
Welcome statement
Placecards
Boy Scout mentality
Site visits
Public Notice
Hearing VS Meeting
Patience
17
WEBINAR SERIES | JUNE 2023
THE PRACTICE
WEBINAR
SERIES
THE PRACTICE
Annual training
Notebooks
Fieldtrips
Motion cards
Consent agenda
Administrative review
19
WEBINAR SERIES | JUNE 2023
THE PRACTICE
Annual training
Notebooks
Fieldtrips
Motion cards
Consent agenda
Administrative review
20
WEBINAR SERIES | JUNE 2023
THE PRACTICE
Preservation plan
Comprehensive plan
Work plan
Year-end wrap-ups
21
WEBINAR SERIES | JUNE 2023
THE PRACTICE
Preservation plan
Comprehensive plan
Work plan
Year-end wrap-ups
22
WEBINAR SERIES | JUNE 2023
THE POLITICS
WEBINAR
SERIES
THE POLITICS
Annual report
Summary of action
Liaisons & cross-pollination
Cross training
Wisdom retention
24
WEBINAR SERIES | JUNE 2023
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
THE POLITICS
SUMMARY OF ACTION
May 20, 2023
1.Call to Order & Quorum
2.Minutes of Prior Meeting
Annual report
3.Old Business
a.Status Committee Report
b.Administrative Approvals
Summary of action
4.New Business
a.Design Review
Liaisons & cross-pollination
(1)892 S. Main Street Mr. & Mrs. Tom Riden
Minor Alteration: addition of garage doors
APPROVED (6-1; abstention by Smith)
Cross training
(2)255 Madison Road Mrs. Norma Mattison
New Construction: outbuilding-garage
DENIED* (5-2, Rice and Ronan)
Wisdom retention
> see attached letter and findings
(3) 313 W. Washington Mr. & Mrs. L.C.
Powers
Minor Alteration: installation of new walk
TABLED (7-0) for lack of representation
25
WEBINAR SERIES | JUNE 2023
THE POLITICS
Annual report
Summary of action
Liaisons & cross-pollination
Cross-training
Wisdom retention
26
WEBINAR SERIES | JUNE 2023
THE PERCEPTION
WEBINAR
SERIES
THE PERCEPTION
Proactive press
Outside validation
Awards and recognition
Mission overlap
Social engagements
28
WEBINAR SERIES | JUNE 2023
THE PERCEPTION
Proactive press
Outside validation
Awards and recognition
Mission overlap
Social engagements
29
WEBINAR SERIES | JUNE 2023
THE PERCEPTION
Proactive press
Outside validation
Awards and recognition
Mission overlap
Social engagements
30
WEBINAR SERIES | JUNE 2023
THE PERCEPTION
Proactive press
Outside validation
Awards and recognition
Mission overlap
Social engagements
31
WEBINAR SERIES | JUNE 2023
THE PERCEPTION
Proactive press
Outside validation
Awards and recognition
Mission overlap
Social engagements
32
WEBINAR SERIES | JUNE 2023
Monica Callahan
ƦŷƚƷƚ
Planning & Development Director
mhcallahan@madisonga.com
706.342.1251 x1207
Ken Kocher
ƦŷƚƷƚ
Historic Preservation Officer
kkocher@madisonga.com
706.342.1251 x1225
director@napccommissions.org
www.napcommissions.org
33
WEBINAR SERIES | JUNE 2023
LEVI RESIDENCE
HPC PRESENTATION
HISTORICAL IMAGE. C.1916
CURRENT SITE IMAGES
INTENT
SCOPE OF WORK
SCOPE OF CONSTRUCTION
SCOPE - HOUSE
EXTERIOR ELEVATIONS
QSJODJQMF!GBDBEF
BEEJUJPO
QSJODJQMF!GBDBEF
BEEJUJPOBEEJUJPO
COLOR PALETTE
TRIMBODY BODY - BASESASH
Rockport Grey HC-105Hale Navy HC-154Marvin - Ebony
White, OC-151
REPLACED WINDOWS
- Aluminum-clad wood windows
Exterior:
Interior: Painted
REPAIRED WINDOWS
with intricate divided lites to remain.
repaired
Match to replaced windows
August 1, 2023
City Council of Port Townsend
240 Madison Street
Port Townsend, WA 98368
Subject: Historic Preservation Committee (HPC) Work Plan Recommendations
Honorable City Council Members,
Each year, the Historic Preservation Committee (HPC) is invited to submit a
letter to the City Council suggesting possible items for the following year’s official
Work Plan. This year, we had the additional honor, at City Manager John
Mauro’s sug-gestion, of sending a representative to speak at your public
workshop at which the upcoming Work Plan was discussed.
As a part of the preparation for that presentation, which included a review of the
previous year’s letters, we realized that in the past, the HPC had not made any
specific Work Plan proposals. After discussing this matter at the most recent
HPC special meeting on July 10, 2023, it was decided that we should submit a
new letter with the following clearly defined proposals, as follows:
FORT WORDEN
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) should be developed with the Wash-
ington State Office in charge of restoration of state-owned historic sites. The
MOU would outline the obligations of the parties, which would include seeking
comments and suggestions from the HPC before a project within our purview is
finalized. We recognize that the state has the right to go forward with projects at
Fort Warden without obtaining Port Townsend’s approval, but we think that mem-
bers of the HPC have the expertise to offer helpful comments and suggestions
before a project is finalized.
HISTORIC HOUSING INVENTORY
The official inventory of historic homes within the Port Townsend National His-
toric Landmark District (NHLD) was completed in 2010, approximately 13 years
ago. The HCP recognizes that a lot has changed since then, and recommends
that the city update the inventory, possibly with the help of a student intern.
There is also the question of properly inventorying historic buildings outside of
the NHLD, which has only been partially completed. This might also be a good
pro-ject for a student intern as well, possibly with help from some of the HPC
mem-bers.
PUBLIC ART
We understand that the HPC involvement in public art is limited to input regard-
ing the location of proposed public art installations; however, we care very much
about the “flavor” of Port Townsend, especially in the downtown area. We’ve
wondered if the city’s approved guidelines have been adhered to, and whether
there has been sufficient public input on proposed public art projects. We believe
that providing other perspectives by adding an HPC member to the Arts Commis-
sion would be beneficial.
PORT TOWNSEND MAIN STREET PROGRAM
The Main Street Program informs the HPC when they are about to embark on a
new downtown project, which is usually fully or partially funded by grants. The
HPC has noticed that projects often appear to be driven by the receipt of grant
funds rather than actual public need or desire for the project. We believe that a
survey of city residents, downtown business owners and property owners to de-
termine desired projects, such as improved beach access at Adams Street Park,
needs to be done. This would help The Main Street Program focus on seeking
grants for higher priority projects that truly enhance or support the downtown
area, rather than simply creating a project that matches grant criteria. It is im-
portant to note that funding limitations may require some projects to be imple-
mented in phases. Since they are an independent organization, we feel that it
would be helpful if the City Council suggested this type of approach for prioritiz-
ing future projects.
Thank you for your consideration of the suggestions made in this letter in regard
to your upcoming Work Plan. The HPC members are dedicated to enhancing and
preserving Port Townsend’s distinctiveness as a Historic Landmark District that
also attracts active tourism.
Sincerely,
Richard Berg, Chairperson
Historic Preservation Committee
RB:CB