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CITY OF MUSKEGON
HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
November 4, 2008
Chairperson J. Hilt called the meeting to order at 4:02 p.m. and roll was taken.
MEMBERS PRESENT: J. Hilt, L. Spataro, S. Thompson, T. Bosma, S. Kroes,
MEMBERS ABSENT: K. Panozzo, excused; L. Wood, excused
STAFF PRESENT: H. Mitchell, D. Leafers
OTHERS PRESENT: Mr. & Mrs. F. Glancy, 1164 Terrace St.; M. Fazakerley, Eagle
Aluminum; D. LaBrenz, City of Muskegon Inspection Department
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A motion to approve the regular meeting minutes of October 7, 2008 was made by L. Spataro,
supported by T. Bosma and unanimously approved.
NEW BUSINESS/PUBLIC HEARINGS
Case 2008-30 – 1164 Terrace Street. Applicant: Fred Glancy. District: McLaughlin. Class: A.
Current Function: Residential. M. Franzak presented the staff report. The applicant is seeking
approval to move the house at 1164 Terrace St. to one of the following locations, listed in order of
preference: 487 W Clay Ave., 508 W Webster Ave., or 382 W Muskegon Ave. Staff has no
recommendation.
L. Spataro asked why they wanted to move the house from its current location. F. Glancy stated
that they had been looking for a historic home to renovate and wanted to change this multi-unit
home back into a single family residence. They liked the house but preferred a more desirable
location. T. Pastoor of the McLaughlin Neighborhood Association stated that the Association
preferred that the house remain at its current location. He stated that the neighborhood association
had partnered with area churches and other civic groups to improve the McLaughlin neighborhood,
and there was a lot of positive momentum. Mrs. Pastoor discussed the history of the area and stated
that a lot of progress had been made in improving the neighborhood. She also preferred that the
house remain where it was. Mrs. Glancy stated that the reason she wanted to move the home was
because she wanted to be closer to the downtown area and within walking distance of the downtown
attractions. J. Hilt asked what would happen to the lot if the house was moved. L. Spataro stated
that was a fair concern, considering that this was an intact block with other historic homes. It would
leave a large vacant corner lot. F. Glancy asked what the City was doing to help the neighborhood.
L. Spataro explained several ways the City supported the neighborhood, including zoning, code
enforcement, and police presence. T. Pastoor stated that the City’s Community & Neighborhood
Services department was also investing federal grant money in the neighborhood by rehabbing some
HDC Minutes 11/04/08 1
of the older homes. Mrs. Glancy asked who regulated the AFC or halfway houses in the area. L.
Spataro discussed different options available in case there were issues with the homes. Mrs. Glancy
stated that she was told that there could be no new construction on the vacant lots they were
considering. L. Spataro stated that the City had no prohibitions regarding new construction, but it
could be a requirement of the Heritage Association, who owned a couple of the lots.
A motion that the HDC approve the request to move the house at 1164 Terrace Street to one of the
vacant lots at 487 W Clay Ave., 508 W Webster Ave., or 382 W Muskegon Ave., as long as all
zoning requirements are met and the house fits on the lot, was made by L. Spataro and supported by
S. Kroes. The motion failed, with all board members present voting nay.
Case 2008-31 – 1329 4th Street. Applicant: Lowell Kirksey. District: Campus. Class: A. Current
Function: Residential. M. Franzak presented the staff report. The applicant would like approval to
install 24 feet of wood fencing along the rear of the property. Staff recommends approval.
A motion that the HDC approve the request to install the wood fence as long as it meets all zoning
requirements and the necessary permits are obtained, was made by L. Spataro, supported by S.
Thompson and unanimously approved.
Case 2008-32 – 1468 Clinton St. Applicant: David Eppelheimer. District: Clinton-Peck. Class: A.
Current Function: Residential. M. Franzak presented the staff report. This case was not included
on the agenda, as it was not received until after the meeting packets were mailed out. The applicant
would like approval to replace the wood windows on the first and second floors with vinyl
windows. Staff recommends approval of the request.
A motion that the HDC approve the request to replace the current wood-framed windows with
vinyl, as long as the original window openings are retained, the new windows are of a similar style
as the current ones, and all necessary permits are obtained, was made by L. Spataro, supported by T.
Bosma and unanimously approved.
OLD BUSINESS
Hackley Park Fence – M. Fazakerley of Eagle Aluminum updated board members on the proposed
replacement of the historic fence in Hackley Park. He stated that the Hackley Park Association had
agreed to pay for a replacement made of iron. He requested that the City allow a fence panel to be
removed so that he could use it as a pattern. S. Thompson asked what would happen to the old
fence. Board members suggested some possibilities for it.
A motion that the board authorize the replacement of the fence in Hackley Park to be done in cast
iron and with the current design reproduced, was made by L. Spataro, supported by T. Bosma and
unanimously approved.
OTHER
Century Restoration, LLC – M. Franzak received a letter from this company stating that they do
restoration of historic homes.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 5:00 p.m.
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HDC Minutes 11/04/08 2
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