MINUTES

 

MEETING OF THE

LANDMARKS COMMISSION

Founded 1875

“Populus felix in urbe felici”

 

 

 

 

Monday, November 10, 2003

 

7:00 p.m.

City Council Chambers, Room 213,

1685 Main Street, Santa Monica

CALL TO ORDER:              7:10 pm

 

1.     ROLL CALL    

Present:

Commissioner Berley

Commissioner Fresco

Chairperson Lehrer

Commissioner Kaplan

Commissioner Levin

Commissioner Rosenfield

 

Also Present:

Elizabeth Bar-El

Barry Rosenbaum, City Attorney

Arlene Johnson

 

Absent:

Chairperson Genser

 

2.      INDUCTION OF NEWLY APPOINTED COMMISSIONERS: JOHN BERLEY AND DEBRA LEVIN

 

3.      REPORT FROM STAFF:

Ms. Bar-El reported that the new Landmarks Tour brochures are available at the planning counter and the information desk in the lobby of city hall.  The Ocean Park update of the Historic Resource Inventory has been turned in by Historic Resources Group, and will be presented to the Commission probably in January.  Community and Cultural Services has grant money and will use some of the funds for the HABS photography work on the Marion Davies Estate.  Therefore, there is no need to generate a letter to Council at this point.

 

4.      COMMISSIONER ANNOUNCEMENTS:

         None.

 

5.      APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

         Public Input Permitted

                                     

A.  October 13, 2003

 

Commissioner Kaplan made a motion to approve the minutes.  Commissioner Fresco seconded the motion, which passed unanimously by voice vote with the following corrections.  Commissioners Berley and Levin abstained.

 

Corrections: Pg 10, 1st paragraph, “Add garage addition and the louvers”. Pg 6, Commissioner Fresco added that there is a person of significance, not Chair Lehrer.  Pg 9, change in the end, “he sold it to the Boyds” to, “in the end, the Boyds bought the property.” 

 

   6.   APPROVAL OF STATEMENTS OF OFFICIAL ACTION:

 

A. Statement of Official Action: Certificate of Appropriateness LC-03CA-007, Sign Adjustment Application 03ARB350, 1415 Ocean Avenue, approving a new roof sign to replace the historic roof sign removed from the Georgian Hotel, a City-designated Landmark property.

 

B. Statement of Official Action: Landmark Designation Application LC-03LM-005, 851 19th Street, denying designation of the courtyard apartment complex as a City Landmark.

 

C. Statement of Official Action: Certificate of Appropriateness LC-03CA-009, 145-147 Bay Street, approving exterior repairs on two structures that are contributors to the Bay Street Craftsman Cluster Historic District.     

 

D. Statement of Official Action: Certificate of Appropriateness LC-03CA-010, 211 Alta Avenue, approving a change to the front elevation as approved in Certificate of Appropriateness LC-CA01-006, which permitted new construction connecting existing bungalows.

 

E. Statement of Official Action: Landmark Designation Application LC-03LM-006, 147 Georgina Avenue (R.D. Farquhar Residence), designating the single-family residence on the property as a City Landmark.

 

F. Statement of Official Action: Landmark Designation Application LC-03LM-007, 1001 Third Street (The Embassy Apartment Hotel), to determine designating the apartment hotel on the property as a City Landmark.

 

Commissioner Fresco made a motion to approve Item 6A-F.  Commissioner Rosenfield seconded the motion, which passed unanimously by voice vote.  Commissioners Berley and Levin abstained.

 

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

 

8.      CONSENT CALENDAR:

         Public Input Permitted

 

         None. 

 

9.      OLD BUSINESS:

         Public Input Permitted

 

A.  237 Palisades Beach Road (PC014971) (Continued from October 13, 2003)

RVC - Residential-Visitor Commercial

1-Two Story, Single Family Resident

         Structure Identified in the Historic Resources Inventory

 

The following members of the public addressed the Commission: Carl Robertson, owner, Lewin Wertheomer, Mary Jo Winder, Chuck Levy and John Law.

 

Chair Lehrer stated that she agrees with the speakers.  The Landmarks Commission’s process is a selective one.  This property does not have architectural significance and does not merit further evaluation.

 

Commissioner Berley stated that based on the criteria it is very marginal.  The structure has architectural significance, however it is marginal.  He also felt it does not merit landmark consideration.

 

Commissioner Rosenfield concurred. 

 

Commissioner Kaplan stated that the house is charming, but not worth holding onto.

 

Commissioner Fresco stated that based on the consultant's report, the house does not merit consideration.

 

Commissioner Levin stated that to give this building landmark status diminishes the designation of the other buildings.

 

No action was taken on this item.

 

 

10.    NEW BUSINESS/PUBLIC HEARINGS: 

         Public Input Permitted

                          

None.

 

11.    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.   1911 3rd Street (PC015058)

C4/Hwy Commercial District

One Story Structure

Structure Not Identified in the Historic Resources Inventory

                    

                     2.   506 Palisades Avenue/(PC015059)

                           R1-Single Family Residential

                           House, Accessory Building and Garage

Structure Identified in the Historic Resources Inventory

 

   The following member of the public addressed the Commission:                   Dom Cecere, owner and Donald Nierlich.

 

The Commissioners all agreed that this property does not merit any significance.  

 

                     3.   2303 27th Street (PC015098)

                           R1-Single Family Residential

                           Detached Two-Car Garage

                           Structure Not Identified in the Historic Resources Inventory

 

4.   528 14th Street (PC015109)

R1-Single Family Residential

Single Family Dwelling w/Detached 2-Car Garage

                           Structure Not Identified in the Historic Resources Inventory

 

5.   247 19th Street (PC015118)

R1-Single Family Residential

1-Story, Single Family Resident w/Detached Garage

Structure Not Identified in the Historic Resources Inventory

 

                           No action taken on item 11A(1-5)

                       

B.  Discussion regarding 153 Hollister Avenue and Consideration of Whether to File an Application for Designation as a City Landmark. (Requested by Commissioner Kaplan)

      Continued to next month. 

 

C.  Discussion of the 19th & Idaho Cluster and Consideration of Whether to file an Application Initiating the Process to Designate the Four Properties Identified in this Cluster as a City Historic District.

 

      The following members of the public addressed the Commission: Reza Ivanpour, owner of 1903 Idaho, Christy Hobart, Elizabeth Terry, applicant and Patrick Aroff, co-owner of 857 19th Street.

 

      Commissioner Berley asked the owners why they would not want to have the buildings landmarked.

 

      Mr. Aroff stated that a decision designating these properties as a historic district would place an undue burden on the owners. 

 

      Mr. Ivanpour stated that in terms of investments, it seems unfair.  Also, the buildings don't match the characteristic of other buildings in the area many of which were redeveloped in recent years.

 

      Chairperson Lehrer noted that the owners’ opposition would nullify an application, although these properties do retain historic integrity as a cluster or perhaps together with other properties in the vicinity.

 

      After further discussion, there was no action taken on this item.

 

  1. Discussion Regarding the Downtown Design Guidelines and Issues Concerning City Landmarks and Potential Landmarks in the Downtown Area (Presentation by Commissioner Fresco)

 

The presentation was cancelled due to technical difficulties.  Some general discussion was held, but the item was tabled until ROMA comes to present its proposal to the Commission.

 

  1. Discussion of the Street Lamps on Broadway and Whether to Pursue Research regarding their Historic Significance and Possible Designation as City Landmarks.

 

      Commissioner Fresco made a motion to direct staff to conduct more research and report back next month.  Commissioner Rosenfield seconded the motion, which passed unanimously by voice vote.

 

  1. Discussion of Ways to Revise the Municipal Code as it Pertains to Defining Demolition/Substantial Remodel and Jurisdiction of Landmarks Commission to Review the Application. (Requested by Commissioner Fresco)

 

Commissioners requested clarification of the process for redefining Landmarks Commission’s review role.  Staff explained that it falls within the topic of the ordinance revision scheduled to begin early next year.

 

G.  Discussion of Language Proposed for Two Plaques to be Located at Hollister Court (2402 Fourth Street).

 

      Commissioner Levin recused herself from this item.

 

Commissioner Kaplan made a motion to approve the wording for the plaque as follows: The 13 Craftsman-style bungalows that make up Hollister Court were built between 1904 and 1924, a period when bungalow courts were popular and there was a strong demand for seasonal accommodations in Ocean Park.  The two rows of individual structures are arranged facing a central, private footpath.  Featured Craftsman elements include front porches, generous windows and overhanging eaves.  Hollister Court is an excellent example of the courtyard design's potential for creating a healthier living environment and providing opportunities for social interaction.  Designated on December 10, 1990.  Commissioner Berley seconded the motion, which passed unanimously by voice vote.

 

H.  Discussion of the Georgian sign and whether it is appropriate to amend the Landmark Designation Findings & Determination to reflect inclusion of the sign as a character-defining feature. (Requested by Commissioner Fresco)

 

      The Commission directed staff to notice a public hearing to amend the determination.  This is not urgent and should be put on the calendar when the agenda is light.

 

I.    Discussion of Palisades Park and Consideration of Whether to File an Application for Designation as a City Landmark, including discussion of continuation and composition of the Palisades Park ad-hoc joint sub-committee with the Recreations and Parks Commission.

 

      Chair Pro Tem Genser and Commissioner Kaplan volunteered to be on the ad-hoc committee.  Commissioner Fresco will be back-up for one month.  City Attorney will check whether non-commissioners may attend these meetings so that Jim Rosenfield might participate after he resigns.

 

J.   Planning Commission Case List (Information Only)

 

 

12.    WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS:

         Public Input Permitted

 

         None.

 

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

        

         Ms. Bar-El asked for Commission training topics for a session in February or March.

 

         Commissioners stated that they prefer the Ocean Park update presentation on the evening of a regular meeting and starting earlier.

 

         Commissioner Fresco asked to agendize a discussion for nominating the Sears and Roebuck building as a landmark.

 

14.    NEXT MEETING DATE AND COMMISSION AGENDA: Monday, December 8, 2003.

                                                  

15.    ADJOURNMENT: 9:52 pm