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CITY OF MUSKEGON
HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
April 1, 2008
Chairperson J. Hilt called the meeting to order at 4:02 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: J. Hilt, S. Thompson, L. Spataro, T. Bosma, S. Kroes
MEMBERS ABSENT: K. Panozzo, excused; L. Wood
STAFF PRESENT: M. Franzak, D. Leafers
OTHERS PRESENT: A. Boezaart, Community Foundation; C. Ammond, Cascade
Engineering; J. Schafer, 1782 Jefferson; D. LaBrenz, City of
Muskegon Inspection Department
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A motion to approve the regular meeting minutes of March 4, 2008 was made by S. Thompson,
supported by T. Bosma and unanimously approved.
NEW BUSINESS/PUBLIC HEARINGS
Case 2008-04 – 561 W Western Avenue. Applicant: Muskegon Railroad Historical Society.
District: Clay-Western. Class: AA. Current Function: Non-Profit. M. Franzak presented the staff
report. The applicant requests approval to place a switch stand outside near the front entrance of the
building. The stand would be securely bolted to the ground. Staff recommends approval as long as
it meets all code requirements and the necessary permits are obtained.
J. Hilt asked if they had received permission from the Heritage Association. M. Franzak stated that
they had. L. Spataro asked if the applicant had obtained an easement, since the stand appeared to be
on the City sidewalk. M. Franzak stated that they hadn’t yet.
A motion that the HDC approve the request to install the proposed switch stand as long as it meets
all code requirements and any necessary permits and easements are obtained, was made by S.
Kroes, supported by L. Spataro and unanimously approved.
Case 2008-05 – 425 W. Western Avenue. Applicant: Community Foundation. District: Downtown
Structures. Class: A. Current Function: Non-Profit. M. Franzak presented the staff report. The
applicant requests approval to install a SWIFT Rooftop wind energy system on the roof of the
Frauenthal Center for the Performing Arts. This alternative energy system will be linked to the
energy system of the building to help offset energy costs and will also serve as an educational
display. An informational display with real time data monitoring will be installed in the lobby of
the Hilt Building to permit public viewing of this demonstration project. Staff recommends
HDC Minutes 04/02/08 1
approval of the proposed wind energy system as long as it meets all code requirements and the
necessary permits are obtained.
A. Boezaart stated that there would be no alterations to the building itself. The only thing added
would be some anchors to hold brackets for the turbine. He stated that he checked with the City’s
zoning office, and this fell within the guidelines. T. Bosma asked if the turbine could be located
further away from the street. A. Boezaart stated that part of the mission of the Community
Foundation was education, and since alternative energy was becoming a hot topic, they wanted to
make sure the system was visible from street level. This was also an optimal location, since it faced
southwest. A. Boezaart and C. Ammond answered board members questions regarding the size of
the turbine.
A motion that the HDC approve the request to install the proposed wind energy system as long as it
meets all code requirements, any necessary permits are obtained, and the HDC reviews any changes
to the turbine model, was made by L. Spataro, supported by S. Kroes and unanimously approved.
Case 2008-06 – 1782 Jefferson. Applicant: James Schafer. District: Jefferson. Class: AA. Current
Function: Residential. M. Franzak presented the staff report and distributed a site plan showing the
proposed location of the shed. The applicant would like approval to place a pre-constructed
12’x16’ gamble roof storage shed manufactured by Mast Mini Barns of Fremont, MI. The structure
will be placed on a 6” gravel bed at the end of the driveway, roughly even with back of the house.
The structure will be painted to match the house when the house is painted this summer. Staff
recommends approval of the proposed shed as long as it meets all code requirements and the
necessary permits are obtained.
S. Thompson asked what material the shed would be made of. J. Schafer stated that it was a prefab
unit with 2x4 construction and it would have a plywood floor on a gravel bed. J. Hilt asked how
high the fence was that was around the shed. J. Schafer stated that it was 6 feet high, and he
planned to replace a section of the fence with the shed wall. The roof style was discussed, and
board members concurred that they would rather see a roof that more closely matched the house.
A motion that the HDC approve the request to install the proposed shed as long as a 12/12 roofline
is used, it meets all code requirements, and the necessary permits are obtained, was made by L.
Spataro, supported by T. Bosma and unanimously approved.
Case 2008-07 - 593 W. Western Avenue Applicant: City of Muskegon. District: Clay-Western.
Class: AA. Current Function: Commercial. M. Franzak presented the staff report and distributed
photos of the dilapidated building. This case was not listed on the agenda, as it was received late.
This structure, the former Muskegon Hotel, was declared a dangerous building by the Housing
Board of Appeals on January 8, 2004. The HDC issued a COA for the demolition of the building
on March 2, 2004 and the City Commission concurred. The property was not demolished in an
effort to allow developers an opportunity to redevelop it. That has not occurred and the structure
has continued to decay to the point of being a danger to pedestrian and vehicular traffic on Western
Ave. This request is to re-issue the COA for the demolition of this structure, and staff recommends
approval.
D. LaBrenz explained the condition of the building and stated that he was concerned about the
façade falling into the street as it continued to deteriorate. S. Thompson asked if there were any
HDC Minutes 04/02/08 2
plans to save the decorative tiles. D. LaBrenz stated that it would be up to the developer. The last
time he spoke to him, he had no immediate plans for the building. L. Spataro asked if the City had
the money in their budget to demolish the building. D. LaBrenz stated that he wasn’t sure. L.
Spataro stated that there wasn’t much left of the building to save, and he was concerned about the
other adjacent historic buildings that were being damaged.
A motion that the HDC approve the request to re-issue the Certificate of Appropriateness for the
demolition of this structure was made by S. Kroes, supported by S. Thompson and unanimously
approved.
OLD BUSINESS
None
OTHER
None
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 4:40 p.m.
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