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CITY OF MUSKEGON
HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
May 6, 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: G. Shepherd, 3762 Peninsula Dr; J. McGarry, 430 W. Clay Ave; C.
Mahn, 1423 Clinton
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A motion to approve the regular meeting minutes of April 1, 2008 was made by L. Spataro,
supported by S. Thompson and unanimously approved.
NEW BUSINESS/PUBLIC HEARINGS
Case 2008-08 585 W Clay Avenue. Request to do renovations to back porch, brick in back
window, and to install fence. Applicant: Jack McPherson. District: Clay-Western. Class: AA.
Current Function: Commercial. M. Franzak presented the staff report. The applicant would like to
remove the rotted roof over the back porch and build half walls to enclose the porch. He would also
like to brick in the back window and remove the bars for safety. He would like to install a solid
fence in the back of the property to conceal trash on the neighboring property, and install stylized
ornamental concrete and wrought iron fence on the north property line. Staff recommends approval
to modify the rear porch because it was not originally part of the building. Staff also recommends
approval of the fences.
M. Franzak stated that the City’s building inspector had noticed some unapproved work that had
been done on the building. G. Shepherd, the applicant’s representative, addressed that. L. Spataro
believed that the work had been approved at an earlier HDC meeting, perhaps a couple of years ago.
S. Thompson asked G. Shepherd to elaborate on the half-wall proposed for the porch. He described
the work planned for the porch and stated that the wall would replace the railing currently in place.
L. Spataro requested clarification on where the fences would be. G. Shepherd explained the
proposed locations of the different types of fencing.
A motion that the HDC approve the request to 1) remove the rotted roof over the back porch and
build half walls to partially enclose the porch, 2) fill in the back window with contrasting brick, 3)
install a solid fence in back of the property, with vinyl fencing being approved, and 4) install
stylized ornamental concrete and wrought iron fence on the north property line, with the conditions
HDC Minutes 04/02/08 1
that all code requirements are met and the necessary permits are obtained, was made by L. Spataro,
supported by S. Thompson and unanimously approved.
Case 2008-09 430 W. Clay Avenue. Request to replace old fence and install new picket fence.
Applicant: Muskegon County Museum. District: Clay-Western. Class: AA. Current Function:
Institutional. M. Franzak presented the staff report. The applicant would like approval to replace
the existing picket fence and to add a new picket fence to the property, as shown on the drawings
submitted.
J. McGarry stated that the property in question was the Scolnik Depression Era House at 504 W.
Clay Ave. He described the work to be done and where the fence would be located.
A motion that the HDC approve the request to replace the current picket fence and to install a new
picket fence as proposed, as long as it meets all code requirements and the necessary permits are
obtained, was made by T. Bosma, supported by S. Thompson and unanimously approved.
Case 2008-10 1423 Clinton Street. Applicant: Bruce Mahn. District: Clinton-Peck. Class: A.
Current Function: Residential. M. Franzak presented the staff report. The applicant requests
approval to install a 6’ x 6’ white vinyl fence with solid panels, poles and caps. They also would
like to install a 10’ x 6’ steel-framed shed with vinyl siding. Staff recommends approval.
S. Thompson asked if they would be removing the chain link fence. C. Mahn stated that the chain
link was the neighbor’s fence. They needed something sturdier to keep their dogs in the yard. She
explained the type of shed that would be erected, and was informed that the shed could not have a
metal exterior.
A motion that the HDC approve the request to install the vinyl fence and the vinyl shed as long as it
meets all code requirements and the necessary permits are obtained, was made by S. Kroes,
supported by L. Spataro and unanimously approved.
Case 2008-11 1670 Peck Street. Applicant: Neighborhood Investment Corp. District: Clinton-
Peck. Class: A. Current Function: Residential. M. Franzak stated that this request had been
withdrawn by the applicant.
OLD BUSINESS
None
OTHER
M. Franzak stated that he had been contacted by the staff person for Holland’s Historic District
Commission, and she expressed interest in touring Muskegon’s Historic District. He also
mentioned a Certified Local Government program, which could provide access to some grant funds
for the City’s historic areas. He is going to research that further.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 4:30 p.m.
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HDC Minutes 04/02/08 2
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