MINUTES

 

MEETING OF THE

LANDMARKS COMMISSION

Founded 1875

“Populus felix in urbe felici”

 

 

 

 

Monday, March 10, 2003

 

7:00 p.m.

City Council Chambers, Room 213,

1685 Main Street, Santa Monica

CALL TO ORDER:         7:05 p.m.

 

1.      ROLL CALL

 

Present:

Nina Fresco

Roger Genser

Barbara Kaplan

Ruthann Lehrer

Robert Posek

Barbara Schnitzler      

 

Also Present:

Kimberly Christensen

Elizabeth Bar-El

Barry Rosenbaum

Arlene Johnson

Councilman Michael Feinstein

 

Absent:

James Rosenfield

 

2            REPORT FROM STAFF:

 

Ms. Bar-El stated that the Oscar Niemeyer house has been sold to Michael and Gabrielle Boyd.  They are very excited to own an Oscar Niemeyer house and have plans to add a garage.  Also, they are working with an architect who understands the architecture of the house.  They also plan on applying for designation in the future. 

 

She also stated that the contract for the Ocean Park Survey is being finalized.  Main Street has been cut out of the survey because of budget reasons. 

 

 

 

 

 

3.         COMMISSIONER ANNOUNCEMENTS:

 

Commissioner Schnitzler shared an email from the Ocean Park Gazette dated March 3, 2003.

 

4.         APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

         Public Input Permitted

                       

A.         February 10, 2003

 

         Chair Pro Tem Genser made a motion to approve the minutes.  Commissioner Fresco seconded the motion, which passed unanimously by voice vote.

 

   5.            APPROVAL OF STATEMENTS OF OFFICIAL ACTION:

 

A.     Statement of Official Action: Landmark Designation Application LC-02LM-008, 317 Georgina Avenue, designating the structure as a City Landmark.

 

      Chair Pro Tem Genser made a motion to approve Items 5A and 5C.  Commissioner Posek seconded the motion, which passed by the following vote: 

 

B.         Statement of Official Action: Landmark Designation Application LC-02LM-009, 507 Wilshire Boulevard designating the structure as a City Landmark.

 

The following member of the public addressed the Commission: Craig Jones regarding the Statement of Official Action for 507 Wilshire Blvd.  He stated that the language is a little vague and suggested a few additions to make it more precise to indicate that the Wilshire façade contains the historic elements.  He also stated that they are in the process of obtaining an historic consultant and very close to presenting the project to staff for an Administrative Approval.  He stated that it will be a very good example of adaptive reuse, similar to the Rapp Saloon property and the Criterion Theater. 

 

The Commission discussed the language of the Statement of Official Action and agreed that it is indicative of the façade and the character defining features as is, and that no changes would be necessary.

 

      Chair Pro Tem Genser made a motion to approve Item 5B.  Commissioner  Schnitzler seconded the motion, which passed by the following vote: 

 

  Ayes:            Fresco, Genser, Kaplan, Lehrer, Posek, Schnitzler

              Nayes:            None

              Absent:            Rosenfield

              Abstain:            None

           

C.         Statement of Official Action: Certificate of Appropriateness Application No. LC 02CA-021, approving an upper level addition at the youth hostel located on the designated Landmark property located at 1438 2nd Street (Rapp Saloon).

 

     

  Ayes:            Fresco, Genser, Kaplan, Lehrer, Posek, Schnitzler

              Nayes:            None

              Absent:            Rosenfield

              Abstain:            None

           

6.   PUBLIC INPUT: (On items not on agenda and within the jurisdiction of the Commission)

 

         The following member of the public addressed the Commission: Peter Tigler, Pico Neighborhood Association, regarding a Googie-style pump cover at the gas station on 14th and Pico (1331 Pico).

 

Chairperson Lehrer asked if staff would look into the status of the project and find out what kind of environmental review needs to be done.

     

7.         CONSENT CALENDAR:

         Public Input Permitted

 

         None.

 

8.      OLD BUSINESS:

         Public Input Permitted

 

         None.

 

9.      NEW BUSINESS/PUBLIC HEARINGS: 

         Public Input Permitted

              

A.        Certificate of Appropriateness LC-03-001, 406 Adelaide Drive, for alterations to a property designated as a City Landmark, including demolition of an existing carport and construction of a new structure to include a three-car garage and accessory living quarters in the rear yard with access from the alley.  (Previously approved under expired Certificate of Appropriateness LC-01CA-008).

 

Staff report presented by Liz Bar-El.

 

Commissioner Schnitzler recused herself from this item.

 

The following members of the public addressed the Commission: Paula Kayton, neighbor, and Winston Chapel, architect for property owner.

 

Commissioner Posek made a motion to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness.  Chair Pro Tem Genser seconded the motion, which passed by the following vote:

 

         Ayes:              Fresco, Genser, Kaplan, Lehrer, Posek

         Nayes:            None

         Absent:           Rosenfield

         Abstain:          Schnitzler

 

B.      Certificate of Appropriateness LC-03-002, 380 Santa Monica Pier, Sign Program to establish parameters for all signs within the boundaries of Pacific Park (continued to April 14, 2003).

 

C.        Certificate of Appropriateness LC-03-003, 380 Santa Monica Pier, to allow following work at Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier: Replacement of children’s swing ride, Seaside Swing, with another children’s ride (“L’il Scrambler”), relocation of Frog Hopper; exterior refurbishment of the “Pier Gear” retail store located on main Pier walk.

 

Staff report presented by Liz Bar-El.

 

The following member of the public addressed the Commission: Dana Wyatt.

 

Following a lengthy discussion regarding amending the proposed ramp in order to maintain the rollercoaster track design element, Commissioner Schnitzler made a motion to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness with the conditions that the thematic element remain in place and that revised plans must be submitted subject to staff approval.  Commissioner.  Commissioner Kaplan seconded the motion, which passed by the following vote:

 

         Ayes:              Fresco, Genser, Kaplan, Lehrer, Posek, Schnitzler

         Nayes:            None

         Absent:           Rosenfield

Abstain:    None

 

D.           Landmark Designation Application LC-03LM-001, 710 Adelaide Place, for

                              formal consideration of designation of the structure as a City Landmark.

 

Staff report presented by Liz Bar-El.

 

The following member of the public addressed the Commission:  Paula Kayton.  The property owner was present but did not speak.

 

Chair Pro Tem Genser made a motion to approve the Landmark Designation based on the staff report and findings.  Commissioner Posek seconded the motion, which passed by the following vote:

 

         Ayes:              Fresco, Genser, Kaplan, Lehrer, Posek, Schnitzler

         Nayes:            None

         Absent:           Rosenfield

         Abstain:          None

 

10.           DISCUSSION ITEMS:

         Public Input Permitted

 

A.   Review of Demolition Permits and Consideration Whether to File an Application For Designation of a Structure as a Landmark or Structure of Merit.

     

         1.         2617 31st Street (PC014057)

                  R1/Single Family Residential

                  Single Family Residence and Accessory Garage

                           Structure Not Identified in the Historic Resources Inventory

 

         2.         914 5th Street (PC014028)

                  R2NW/Low Density Multiple

                  One-Story Residence w/Detached 2-Car Garage

                  Structure Not Identified in the Historic Resources Inventory

 

         3.         528 Ocean Park Blvd. (PC014110)

                  OP2/Ocean Park Low Multiple Residential

                  One-Story, Single Family and Studio (back unit)

                  Structure Not Identified in the Historic Resources Inventory

 

         4.         128 Hollister Avenue (PC014112)

                  OP2/Ocean Park Low Multiple Residential

                  2 Units w/Detached Garage

                  Structure Identified in the Historic Resources Inventory (5D)

                 

                  Letter submitted from resident, Cordula Ohman in favor of saving this                     property (10.a.4).

 

Commissioner Posek stated that 128 Hollister Avenue has integrity in its context, is a nice building and is part of a great neighborhood.  He stated he would like to see it studied further.

 

Chair Pro Tem Genser stated that the context with regard to a potential district was stronger on other South Beach streets than at Hollister Avenue.  He also would like to research it further for individual significance.

 

Commissioner Fresco concurred with Chair Pro Tem Genser that the Commission should look at this property as an individual building.  She stated that Hollister Avenue is too eroded to be considered as a district due to too many demolitions.

 

Commissioner Kaplan stated that the property is significant as well as beautiful.  She would like to see the whole setting retained because it represents a piece of the City’s development history.

 

Chairperson Lehrer stated that the property has an individually high rating and beautiful architecture.  It is a wonderful structure that speaks of a whole era.  She also sees it as part of a potential district in the future. 

 

Chair Pro Tem Genser made a motion to continue this item to next month, and to direct staff to conduct additional research.  Commissioner Fresco seconded the motion, which passed by the following vote:

 

                     Ayes:              Fresco, Genser, Kaplan, Lehrer, Posek, Schnitzler

                     Nayes:         None

                     Absent:         Rosenfield

                     Abstain:         None

 

B.   Update and Discussion on Plans to Celebrate Preservation Week 2003, May 5-11, 2003, including discussion of whether to award recognition certificates or “stewardship awards” to owners of historic structures that are either designated or listed on the Historic Resources Inventory.

 

      Commissioner Schnitzler stated that a good way to ensure that the whole city were included would be if the nominations came from the neighborhood associations. 

 

      Chair Pro Tem Genser agreed with Commissioner Schnitzler.  He also suggested drafting a letter to the neighborhood groups asking for suggestions. 

 

      Chairperson Lehrer suggested that the Commission first come up with the criteria before notifying the neighborhood groups.

 

      The Commission decided to defer any observances for this year, and to plan a more fully developed program with criteria and outreach to neighborhood groups for the future.

 

C.   Discussion of Landmarks Ordinance Revisions approved by the City Council on February 11, 2003, on second reading, including changes that will affect the Landmarks Commission’s processes.

 

Ms. Bar-El gave a presentation on the most significant aspects of the ordinance changes.

 

Chair Pro Tem Genser thanked the staff and City Council for the short turnaround time in preparing the changes.

 

D.   Discussion of ways to inform and prepare applicants for Planning and Building permits regarding if and when their request will require Landmarks Commission review and what this review entails. (Requested by Commissioner Fresco)

 

Commissioner Fresco stated that she is interested in developing a better way to inform the public on this matter.  

 

After a lengthy discussion, Chairperson Lehrer asked Commissioner Fresco to draft a booklet and bring back for further discussion.

 

E.   Update and Discussion on Joint Landmarks/Planning Commission sub-committee on Incentives and Potential Amendments to the Municipal Code. (Requested by Commissioner Genser)

 

Chair Pro Tem Genser stated he spoke to Darrell Clarke, the Planning Commission chairperson, regarding the joint Committee, and would like to setup a meeting in mid-April between the Commission and include staff as well.  He would also like to have an adhoc committee rather than a subcommittee.  

 

Ms. Christensen stated that she would coordinate with staff and report back to the Commission.

                       

F.            Planning Commission Case List (Information Only)

 

11.    WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS:

         Public Input Permitted

 

         None.

 

12.  FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:  (Requests from Commissioners to add items to upcoming agendas)

 

Disclosure of historic inventory status through real estate Purchase contracts, (by Commissioners Fresco and Schnitzler) 

Presentation on inventories, (by Chairperson Lehrer)

Discussion on the level of materials given with submittals to the Landmarks Commission (by Commissioner Schnitzler)

Discussion of the boundaries of the Ocean Park Survey Update.

           

13.    NEXT MEETING DATE AND COMMISSION AGENDA: Monday, April 14, 2003.

                       

14.         ADJOURNMENT:  10:00 p.m.