HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes HARC 08.24.2023Minutes of the
Historic and Architectural Review Commission
City of Georgetown, Texas
Thursday, August 24, 2023
The Georgetown Historic and Architectural Review Commission met on Thursday, August 24, 2023 at
6:00 PM at Council and Court Building, 510 W 9th Street.
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The following Members were in attendance:
Present were: Jennifer Powell, William J Harris, Lawrence Romero, Evan Hein, Pierce P Macguire
Public Wishing to Address the Board
On a subject that is posted on this agenda: Please fill out a speaker registration form which can be found on the
table at the entrance to the meeting room. Clearly print your name and the letter of the item on which you
wish to speak and present it to the Board Liaison prior to the start of the meeting. You will be called forward to
speak when the Board considers that item. Only persons who have delivered the speaker form prior to the
meeting being called to order may speak. Speakers will be allowed up to three minutes to speak. If you wish to
speak for six minutes, it is permissible to use another requestor's granted time to speak. No more than six
minutes for a speaker may be granted. The requestor granting time to another speaker must also submit a form
and be present at the meeting.
On a subject not posted on the agenda: A request must be received by the Advisory Board or Commission Liaison
prior to the day the agenda for this mee ng is posted. Each speaker will be given three minutes to address the
Board or Commission members. No action can be taken.
Regular Session
1.A Meeting Minutes
Consideration and possible action to approve the minutes from the August 10, 2023
regular meeting of the Historic and Architectural Review Commission -- Jessica
Lemanski, Planning Specialist
Moved by Lawrence Romero; seconded by Evan Hein to Approve the minutes from
August 10, 2023.
Motion Approved: 4- 0
Voting For: Lawrence Romero, Evan Hein, Pierce P Macguire, Jennifer Powell
Voting Against: None
1.B 2023-23-COA (1708 Main Street)
Public Hearing and Possible Action on a request for an addition that creates a new or
adds to a street -facing facade and for the replacement of historic architectural features for
the property addressed at 1708 S. Main Street bearing the legal description of
0.1902 acres out of (S/PT) of Block 3, Block, Montgomery Addition to Georgetown (2023-
23-COA) -- Maddison O'Kelley, Preservation and Redevelopment Manager
Maddison O'Kelley presented the staff report.
Ben Lawler, Applicant, approached the podium to address the Commission and discussed
the scope of the project, focusing on the addition of the second story. Lawler noted that
due to an easement in the backyard for wastewater, there is limited space to expand the
house laterally. They are restoring the original porch configuration of the house and
expanding vertically to allow a livable space to meet the client's needs.
Commissioner Powell asked if there are looming concerns with the second story
windows. Lawler noted that they can look into the possibility of shrinking the windows,
but he is unsure if it is possible.
Commissioner Powell asked if the driveway will be altered. Lawler confirmed that the
driveway will stay as it is.
Commissioner Powell asked if there is room to push the second story further from the
front fagade to minimize the mass and scale from the street. Lawler noted that the
easement in the backyard, as well as the aesthetics of the second story hanging over the
back of the first story may limit this option from being utilized.
Commissioner Powell opened the public hearing.
Linda Austin, 1009 S Elm St., approached the podium to address the Commission and
established that she is very familiar with this house, and they are very excited to
welcome new residents to the neighborhood and culture of Old Town. Austin noted that
we need to be mindful of changes we make to the neighborhood.
Jonathan Silk, 1708 Main St., approached the podium to address the Commission and
spoke to his excitement to be moving to Georgetown with his family and business from
the Houston area. Silk noted that he is a veteran and was attracted to Georgetown due to
its Purple Heart City designation.
Liz Weaver, 1221 S Main St., approached the podium to address the Commission. Ron
Weaver, 1221 S Main St., ceded his time to Liz Weaver. Liz spoke to her concerns
regarding the size of the structure in relation to the neighboring lots, the placement and
mass of the second story, the window size, and the lack of on -site parking. Weaver noted
that the house to the right of the subject property will likely be redeveloped in
the next few years, and looming may present an issue. Weaver noted another project
down the street where a second story was added, and spoke to the visual impact of that
addition and the option of moving the second story facade back from Main Street to
minimize the massing of the building.
Commissioner Powell closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Romero noted that he is concerned with potential looming and the
rooflines. Commissioner Powell agreed that looming is a concern and noted that she is
not inclined to rely on tree coverage between lots to resolve privacy concerns.
Discussion on driveway measurements and setbacks.
Discussion on looming from the second story and the restoration of the porch.
Commissioner Powell noted that it would be helpful to see a rendering of the second story
pushed back from Main Street to show the relationship to neighboring properties.
Moved by William J Harris; seconded by Pierce P Macguire to Approve as presented.
Motion Approved:,;- 2
Voting For: Evan Hein, William J Harris,Pierce FP M (Ar-re
Voting Against: Lawrence Romero, Jennifer Powell J
1.0 Training and Discussion on Sign Regulations in the Historic Overlay Districts
Training on sign regulations presented by staff with discussion -- Maddison O'Kelley,
Preservation and Redevelopment Manager
Maddison O'Kelley noted that since there are several members absent, the Commission
does have the option of postponing this training to a later date.
Moved by Evan Hein; seconded by Lawrence Romero to Continue this item.
Motion Approved: 5- 0
Voting For: Lawrence Romero, Evan Hein, Pierce P Macguire, Jennifer Powell, William
J Harris
Voting Against: None
1.D Staff Report
Updates, Commissioner questions, and comments -- Maddison O'Kelley, Preservation
and Redevelopment Manager
Maddison O'Kelley noted that there is a Town Hall meeting tentatively scheduled for
November to inform homeowners of happenings in the Historic Overlay Districts.
Adjournment
These minutes were approved at the meeting of SioPt. I L 7D7�
Attest
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