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CITY OF MUSKEGON
HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
October 7, 2008
Chairperson J. Hilt called the meeting to order at 4:03 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: J. Hilt, L. Spataro, L. Wood, S. Thompson, T. Bosma
MEMBERS ABSENT: S. Kroes, excused; K. Panozzo, excused
STAFF PRESENT: H. Mitchell, D. Leafers
OTHERS PRESENT: D. LaBrenz, City of Muskegon Inspections Department; M.
Fazakerley, Eagle Aluminum; C. Murphy, Hackley Heritage
Association; C. Mahn, 1423 Clinton
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A motion to approve the regular meeting minutes of September 9, 2008 was made by L. Spataro,
supported by T. Bosma and unanimously approved.
NEW BUSINESS/PUBLIC HEARINGS
Case 2008-29 – 143 W Southern Avenue. Applicant: City of Muskegon (Don LaBrenz). District:
Jefferson. Class: AA. Current Function: Residential. H. Mitchell presented the staff report. The
applicant is seeking approval to demolish the house at 143 W. Southern Ave. under the City’s
dangerous building program. A list of building defects was provided to board members. Staff
recommended approval of the request.
S. Thompson asked if there were any plans for the lot once the house was demolished. H. Mitchell
stated that it was an unbuildable lot, so the possibilities were limited. The lot could be sold to the
neighboring homeowners to increase their lot size. T. Bosma asked if the house had been on the
market for sale. D. LaBrenz stated that there was currently a “for sale” sign there. T. Bosma asked
about the history of the house. D. LaBrenz stated that it was currently owned by a bail bondsman
but was vacant, and it was becoming a troublesome gathering spot for neighborhood kids. L.
Spataro explained some of the background and problems occurring at the house, and stated that
demolishing it would remove a negative influence on the rest of the historic district.
A motion that the HDC concur with the Housing Board of Appeals and approve the request to
demolish the building as long all zoning requirements are met and the necessary permits are
obtained, was made by L. Spataro, supported by L. Wood and approved, with S. Thompson voting
nay.
HDC Minutes 10/07/08 1
OLD BUSINESS
Case 2008-28 – Hackley Park. Applicant: Hackley Heritage Association. District: National
Register. Class: AA. Current Function: Park. H. Mitchell presented the staff report. The applicant
is seeking approval to replace the iron fence at Hackley Park with a new cast aluminum fence. Staff
had no recommendation. A representative from the association and the foundry making the new
fence will be present at the meeting to answer questions.
M. Fazakerley of Eagle Aluminum stated that he could reproduce the fence panels that were
currently there. He explained the process and the different materials used. M. Fazakerley and
board members discussed various options for replacing or repairing the fence, along with the work
and costs involved. H. Mitchell asked what the weight load was for the proposed fence. M.
Fazakerley stated that he wasn’t sure. L. Spataro stated that his concern was that this was a historic
monument in the heart of downtown, and he preferred to salvage and reuse as many original
materials as possible. M. Fazakerley stated that he would look into it further and gather additional
information on costs and salvage possibilities. C. Murphy of the Hackley Heritage Association
stated that the expense would be covered by funds from their association. Board members
concurred that they would postpone a decision until Mr. Fazakerley obtained the additional
information.
A motion that the HDC table the request to install the new fence in Hackley Park until additional
cost and other information is obtained, was made by S. Thompson, supported by L. Spataro and
unanimously approved.
Case 2008-27 – 1423 Clinton Street. Applicant: Bruce Mahn. District: Clinton-Peck. Class: A.
Current Function: Residential. This case had been tabled from the September meeting, so that the
applicant could attend the meeting and provide additional information on the type of fencing to be
installed. C. Mahn provided photos of the proposed fence to board members and explained where it
would be installed.
A motion that the HDC approve the request to install a scalloped white privacy-style fence as
proposed, was made by L. Spataro, supported by T. Bosma and unanimously approved.
OTHER
None.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 4:35 p.m.
dml
HDC Minutes 10/07/08 2
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