July Minutes

Summit Avenue

Residential Preservation

Association

Board Meeting Minutes

21 July, 2014     •     at 1358 Summit

Call to Order – 7:05pm. Agenda finalized. Present:  Gladhill, Westermeyer, Walsh, Natz.

Old business:

Summit Sale to be coordinated by Mary Lynch on September 20 (same date as MGCC sale). People will be encouraged to have individual sales, but no coordinated group effort.

Rachel reported on WSNAC. The WSNAC board just reviewed the report on the Buyback program and passed the recommendations. Rachel was commended for her hard work.

New business:

Gladhill will submit a Knight Green Line Challenge to fund the Walking Street study.

Decisions about land use were as follows:

900 Summit:  SARPA would not be opposed to the solar panels, provided they were in accordance with our solar energy position.

1621 Summit:  SARPA is not convinced that outward opening casement windows are appropriate for this house. However, we feel that the removal of the non-original storms (along with the retention of the transoms) is an extremely positive alteration. We believe the removal of the storms is the most important factor, and would not oppose outward-swinging casements in that case.

1890 Summit: In general, SARPA is not in favor of the demolition of original structures, including outbuildings. However, in this case, we believe that the current garage is in such poor condition that its replacement is warranted. We would encourage the homeowner to make some small changes to add some additional architectural character, which we believe will serve the property well and add particular value. We would like to see this project serve as an impetus for other preservation work on that block.

344 Summit was tabled until next month.

The board determined to send a letter to Councilmember Tolbert indicating a concern with tear-downs in Macalester-Groveland and urging a study and possible moratorium during the study.

The board voted to ask Old Hamline Village to keep us updated in their efforts to save old houses around Hamline University. Perhaps they should investigate a growth boundary for the university.

The board considered the proposal by Neighborhoods First to convert Ayd Mill Road to a linear park. Board members were concerned that this would put much more traffic onto neighborhood streets, especially Summit, and there was discussion about various issues with a linear park in that location. It was moved by Gladhill and seconded by Westermeyer that SARPA supports Ayd Mill Road be retained in its current use as a highway. Motion unanimously approved.

Gladhill updated the board on upcoming house tours including Summit homes by PAM and the SHA.

There was some discussion about new planters to replace the ones damaged in the recent vandalism. There was a preference for larger, lower planters. Such planters might even be able to sustain perennials or simpler gardening. It was estimated the cost would be $3,000-6,000, and we are not sure where that funding could come from.

The following board positions were elected:

Gladhill stays as president.

Vice President – Carolyn Will

Treasurer – Francis Luikart

Membership Chair – Mary Lynch

Walking Street Co-Chairs – Carolyn Will and Ted Lentz

           

Meeting adjourned at 8:20.