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CITY OF MUSKEGON
HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
MINUTES
December 6, 2022
T. Emory called the meeting to order at 4:09 p.m. and roll was taken.
MEMBERS PRESENT: K. George, J. Huss, D. Gregersen, T. Emory, G. Borgman
MEMBERS ABSENT: S. Radtke (excused)
STAFF PRESENT: J. Pesch
OTHERS PRESENT: None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A motion to approve the regular meeting minutes of November 1, 2022 was made by K. George, supported by T.
Emory and approved with T. Emory, K. George, D. Gregersen, J. Huss, and G. Borgman voting aye.
OLD BUSINESS
None.
NEW BUSINESS
Case 2022-34 – 464 W. Clay Ave. – Storm Windows
Applicant: Kimi George - District: Clay-Western - Current Function: Commercial
The applicant was seeking approval to install seven wood storm windows on the front elevation of the house and
metal storm windows on the remaining windows. K. George specified which seven windows were proposed to
have wood storm windows, and that the aluminum storm windows proposed for the remaining windows were
selected as a cost savings measure. D. Gregersen added that the aluminum storm windows may be less visually
intrusive than wood storms. K. George stated that the original storm windows for the house were narrow and
matched the split of the upper and lower sashes of the house’s windows, and that the windows on the sides and
rear of the house were split evenly and would not require custom storm windows. G. Borgman noted that the
HDC local standards allowed for aluminum storm windows if they were painted and not left with a bare metal
finish.
K. George explained that the plan was also to weatherize around the windows with the goal of preserving the
original, but non-operational, stained-glass windows. The stained-glass windows were too fragile to repair, but
the remaining windows on the house could be repaired or replaced, if damaged. G. Borgman asked if the storm
windows would be vented and K. George replied that the plan was to seal the sides and top, and vent them at the
bottom.
A motion that the HDC approve the request to install seven wood storm windows on the front elevation of the
house and metal storm windows on the remaining windows as long as the work meets all zoning requirements
and the necessary permits are obtained was made by J. Huss, supported by T. Emory and approved with T. Emory,
J. Huss, G. Borgman, and D. Gregersen voting aye. K. George abstained from voting due to being the applicant.
OTHER BUSINESS
Discussion of HDC Goals – This topic was a continuation of the discussion of the board’s activities from the
past year, and planning efforts to continue to work toward achieving these goals. Focus areas in 2022 included:
- Local Realtor Outreach – Staff had contacted 17 local realtors with information regarding HDC procedures
that can be shared with potential buyers. Some of those realtors noted the location of houses in historic district
in future listings and more potential buyers were contacting staff with questions prior to purchasing a property,
so these efforts seemed to be worthwhile. The board discussed creating and sharing literature highlighting
benefits of properties in historic districts, and staff referenced such a study carried out for the City of Holland.
Staff added that, of the analysis he was able to complete so far, he found that very few property demolitions
had occurred in the historic districts when compared to surrounding areas. The board also discussed potentially
hosting an informal, informational event to educate realtors and the public on the historic districts and HDC.
- Updating/Expanding Muskegon Homeowners’ and Citizens’ Guide for Historic Preservation – This
item was last discussed at the February and March meetings, but no action had been taken. The document was
created in 2003 with the purpose of assisting homeowners, builders, and citizens interested in acquiring an
historic resource for rehabilitation or construction within the historic districts. It was outdated or incorrect in
a number of areas, and could be expanded in others. Staff has suggested adding details such as appropriate
door designs to the architectural styles section of the document as well as other common topics. The board
agreed to review the document in sections at future meetings.
- Historic Districts Mailing – A draft letter to be mailed to property owners within the historic districts
containing information on the historic districts and HDC procedures was reviewed at the April meeting, but
Staff had not had the time to complete the mailing. J. Pesch noted that he had planned for this to be complete
mid-way through 2023 and that the mailings would not go out all at once, but rather in different segments so
that he would have time to answer any responses received from residents of the historic districts.
- Historic Districts Chapter of the Master Land Use Plan – HDC review of the Historic Districts chapter
from the 1997 City of Muskegon Master Land Use Plan was needed in coordination with the Planning
Department’s ongoing update of the full Plan. Staff provided a brief overview of the current chapter, noting
that it made outdated references to old review standards, and that the needed updates may be worth using the
City’s CLG status to seek assistance from a consultant. The board agreed to review the Historic Districts
chapter in-depth at a meeting in early 2023.
CLG FY23 Grant Application Letter of Support – City Staff were working to complete a grant application to
assist in funding conservation work for the monuments in Hackley Park. The HDC supported this project as a
grant priority at their May meeting. A draft letter was not prepared in time for the meeting, so the board agreed
to move discussion of this topic to the January 2023 meeting. At that meeting, staff will request that the board
formally acknowledge their support of the application via a letter of support.
J. Pesch explained that conservation work for two of the statues originally included in the grant application would
need to be funded separately, as they were not eligible for CLG grant funds due to ownership or location issues.
G. Borgman mentioned that the Heritage Village Committee had funds that they may be willing to contribute
toward the conservation work.
1292 Jefferson – K. George asked about potential preservation grant funding opportunities for rehabilitation of
the Nelson House at 1292 Jefferson Street which was owned by the Muskegon Public School District. As was
mentioned at the November HDC meeting, there was interest from private buyers to rehabilitate the house, but
the expenses associated with the project made it a difficult one to undertake.
Additionally, the school district had no plans to rehabilitate the house, and it was understood that their intention
was to demolish it should the house not be moved from the site. Past efforts to move the house revealed that doing
so would add significantly to the costs of the overall project.
J. Pesch explained the potential funding sources that he was aware of, and noted that some – such as the CLG
grants – only funded projects addressing historic resources that were owned by a public body or non-profit entity.
K. George suggested that a public body or non-profit entity handle moving the house, then list it for sale so that
a private buyer could complete the rehabilitation work. If moved to qualifying areas in the city, any owner that
wishes to take on the rehabilitation project could also benefit from tax incentives to lessen the financial burden of
the project. J. Pesch stated that he would discuss this topic with the City staff that were involved with a previous
effort to move this house.
The HDC voiced concern about the condition of the house and the urgency in arriving at a solution to save it from
demolition. They discussed next steps and the potential role the HDC would play in the process, how to get the
Nelson Neighborhood Improvement Association (NNIA) involved with efforts to save the house, and when to
discuss the topic with the Muskegon Public Schools Board of Education. It was decided that City staff would
meet to discuss the topic, the HDC would write a letter to the NNIA and the school board to be added to one of
that group’s future meeting agendas potentially in partnership with the NNIA. The board agreed to designate K.
George as HDC representative so that the board can be updated more frequently than once a month at each regular
meeting.
ADJOURN
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 5:40 p.m.
JP