City of Kalamazoo - September 16, 2025 Historic District Commission

Updated 3 days ago

In the City of Kalamazoo Historic District Commission meeting, members review applications for window replacements on historic properties, ensuring compliance with local preservation standards. A significant portion of the meeting is dedicated to the case of a condemned building with a history of fire damage and neglect. The city, representing the community's interest, presents a case for the building's demolition due to safety hazards and community complaints. The commission ultimately approves a notice to proceed with the demolition, citing public safety concerns and neighborhood impact.

Chapters

Call to Order (00:05:15)
The meeting was called to order at 5:05 PM with a request for a roll call.

The meeting commenced at 5:05 PM with a roll call request. All members were marked as present.
Roll Call (00:05:21)
Roll call was conducted, and all members were present.

A roll call was conducted to verify attendance. All members responded with 'Present', confirming full attendance.
Approval of Last Meeting's Minutes (00:05:57)
The minutes from the last meeting were approved unanimously.

A motion to approve the minutes from the last meeting was moved and seconded. The motion passed with all members voting 'Aye'.
Adoption of Agenda (00:06:17)
The formal agenda for the meeting was adopted without additions.

The agenda for the meeting was adopted following a motion and second. All members voted 'Aye' to approve the agenda as presented.
Reading of Disclaimer (00:06:40)
A disclaimer regarding the responsibilities of the Historic District Commission was read.

Luis read the disclaimer outlining the public purpose and responsibilities of the Historic District Commission according to the City of Kalamazoo code of ordinances.
Public Hearing: Kitchen Window Replacement (00:08:15)
A proposal to replace a drafty kitchen window was discussed and approved.

The applicant described a project to replace a drafty kitchen window with a new like-for-like window. After a brief discussion and questions, the commission approved a Certificate of Appropriateness for the project.
Public Hearing: Osborne Home Window Replacement (00:12:32)
Discussion and approval of a proposal to replace a rotted window on a property on Osborne.

Don presented a proposal to replace a rotted window on his son's former property. The new window will be a Pella reserve double hung window. The commission approved the work as compliant with the Secretary of Interior standards.
Discussion: Demolition of Fire-Damaged Structure (00:15:28)
City representatives discussed the demolition of a fire-damaged property deemed dangerous by the Building Board of Appeals.

Representatives from the City of Kalamazoo discussed the status of a fire-damaged property that has not been repaired. The Building Board of Appeals has deemed it a dangerous structure and the city is seeking approval to demolish it to abate the nuisance.
Discussion on Historic Home Renovation (00:34:21)
The meeting discussed issues surrounding the renovation of a historic home, including height discrepancies and structural concerns, highlighting the complexities of maintaining historic properties.

The participants discussed the renovation plans for a historic home, noting that the peak of the roof was to be no more than four feet taller than the existing structure. However, the expected drawings confirming this were never received by the building department, leading to a stall in progress. Concerns about mold and the deteriorating condition of the home due to delays were raised, alongside the city's patient handling of the situation. The conversation underscored the challenges faced in balancing preservation with practicality, especially when financial and circumstantial constraints impact project timelines.
Motion to Approve Notice to Proceed (00:37:53)
A motion was made and approved to issue a notice to proceed for the demolition of a building due to safety concerns, following a roll call vote.

The committee moved to approve a notice to proceed with the demolition of a building, citing safety concerns as the primary reason. The motion was based on criteria A and D, and it was seconded and approved unanimously during a roll call vote. The approval indicated the committee's agreement that the building posed a danger and that demolition was in the best interest of the community. This decision followed extensive discussion on the building's condition and the lack of progress in its renovation.
Coordinator's Report (00:39:09)
The coordinator provided updates on minor projects including roofing and signage, indicating no major issues and inviting questions from the committee.

The coordinator presented a report detailing several minor ongoing projects, such as roof repairs and sign replacements. They mentioned a church on Locust Street undergoing minor signage work. The coordinator emphasized that there were no significant issues with these projects and invited committee members to ask questions if they had any concerns. The report was described as straightforward and routine for the month, reflecting typical maintenance and minor improvement activities within the community.
Adjournment (00:40:05)
The meeting was adjourned after all agenda items were covered, thanking participants for their contributions.

Following the completion of all agenda items and reports, the meeting was officially adjourned. The chairperson thanked all participants for their attendance and input during the discussions. The adjournment marked the conclusion of the session, with participants expressing their appreciation for the opportunity to discuss and make decisions on important community matters.