EIGHT HUNDRED AND FIFTY NINTH MEETING

TUESDAY – APRIL 18, 2023– 6:00 P.M. - REGULAR

AGENDA

*This meeting was conducted virtually through Zoom*

Convened: 6:00 P.M.                                       Adjourned 6:46 P.M.

Commissioners Present:                                 Staff Present:                                               

Margie McCeney                                             Monta Burrough, Deputy Director, ECD        

Marlene Frazier                                                Brooke Quillen, HDC Coordinator, ECD

Gayle Snyder                                                   Sydney Woodland, Admin. Assistant, ECD         

Mary Eileen Leszcz                                         Emily Cline-Gibson, Planner I, ECD           

Patrick Davis                                                   Josh Mitchum, Planner II, ECD

Gregory Sweitzer                                             Darnell Butler, Communications

Councilmember Kole

Commissioners Absent: Zero (0)

Citizens Present:  Five (5)

            Chairwoman McCeney called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. and asked for a roll call. SEVEN (7) Commissioners answered present, constituting a quorum. Chairwoman McCeney then read the Opening Statement.

Chairwoman McCeney asked if there were any corrections to the Minutes from the Regular HDC meeting held on March 21, 2023. There were none.

On a motion by Ms. Snyder seconded by Ms. Frazier, the minutes were approved on (7) seven affirmative votes.

HDC-2023-0089 for 31 Fourth Street, submitted by Sean Underwood, Applicant is seeking approval to remove leaking flat roof over addition on North side of the home and replace flat roof with pitch roof matching the rest of the home in architectural style.

On a motion by Mr. Davis seconded by Councilmember Kole, the application was approved on (7) seven affirmative votes.

HDC-2023-0090 for 407 Montgomery Street, submitted by Gabrielle Whitfield, Applicant is seeking approval to add a 178’ of 42” Charleston Picket Fence with Cedar Pickets, runners and post caps. Applicant also wants to add one (1) 4’ wide gate and one (1) 8’ wide double gate, fence will enclose backyard.

The applicant was present. The Commission asked the applicant if the fence was in the rear yard, the applicant stated it was. The Commission then asked if the fence was already up, the applicant stated it was not.

On a motion by Councilmember Kole, seconded by Mr. Sweitzer, the application was approved on (7) seven affirmative votes.

HDC-2023-0091 for 605 Montgomery Street, submitted by Gary Horton, Applicant is seeking approval to change roof from 3 tab to architectural gray/brown same color and replace gutters with white aluminum 5''.

The owner’s son was present.

On a motion by Ms. Frazier seconded by Ms. Leszcz, the application was approved on (7) seven affirmative votes.

HDC-2023-0095 for 401 Prince George Street, submitted by Charlene Blankenship, Applicant is seeking approval to remove one (1) Holly Tree and cut and grind stumps, the tree is starting to cause problems.

The applicant was not on the call. There was discussion among the Commissioners and staff about the Holly tree already being removed. Staff explained they were unaware of that. The Commissioners also reported the roof next door had been changed from shingles to metal and was not approved. Staff stated they will look into it. The Commission recommended asking the owner to plant a new tree on this property, which is standard for any tree removal.

On a motion by Councilmember Kole, seconded by Mr. Davis, the application was approved on (7) seven affirmative votes.

HDC-2023-0099 for 512 Main Street, submitted by Nadol Hishmeh, Applicant is seeking approval to replace store front glass. Applicant also wants to replace front wood door with metal door that swings outward.

The applicant was present.

On a motion by Councilmember Kole, seconded by Ms. Leszcz, the application was approved on (7) seven affirmative votes.

A tax credit request for 710 Montgomery Street, submitted by C. Philips Nichols, Jr. for HDC Certificate of Approval HDC2022-0106, to repair the slate roof. The cost was $16,280.59, proof of payment $16,280.59 and tax credit amount is $1,628.06.

The applicant was present.

On a motion by Ms. Frazier, seconded by Mr. Davis, the application was approved on (7) seven affirmative votes.

Staff Approvals:

HDC-2023-0093 for 401 Prince George Street, submitted by Charlene Blankenship, the applicant is seeking approval to remove a dying Weeping Willow tree with a letter and pictures from arborists.

HDC-2023-0100 for 209 Tenth Street, submitted by Nick Horvath, the applicant is seeking approval to remove a dying Maple tree with a letter from arborists.

HDC-2023-0102 for 332 Laurel Ave submitted by Felicia Hyatt, the applicant is seeking approval to demo an eroded walkway and replace with a new walkway, all in-kind.

There was no discussion regarding the staff approvals.

Comments were made from the Commissioners regarding the mylaurelapp for submitting complaints. They wanted clarification on how it works and how to enter a complaint. Staff addressed their questions with the procedure of handling a complaint and noted if there is any confusion in the future to contact staff directly. It was also requested for staff to look into some of the complaints brought up in tonight’s meeting.

Minutes Approved:     Brooke Quillen            Date:  5/16/2023