06/18/2006 MINUTES - Laserfiche WebLink

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uncovered metal anchors that they believe prove the existence of metal posts in the past. She said metal anchors would not be used to support wooden posts. According to Mrs. Wickersham, she has contacted Mr. Kent, Mr. Gwinn, and Mr. Hunt, and they are all in agreement with her that those anchors were used for metal pillars and not wooden ones. Mrs. Wickersham presented letters from Mr. Gwinn and Mr. Kent supporting their request for metal posts. She also stated that Gary Green of the Ben Smith family, former residents of the home, recalls when he was a small child that there were rusted metal pillars there before the wood, but he is looking for photos. She stated that Mr. Green had just left town or he would have attended the meeting. Chairman Starrett stated that all the Commission has is pictorial evidence of what the house looked like before the current project began, and that was with wooden posts. Barbara Wilson added that the character of the building is what is being addressed, and the Commission does not know what that was without appropriate documentation. Paul Denney stated that he has seen metal bolts used regularly to support wooden posts, so the existence of metal bolts alone is not enough evidence to prove that metal posts existed on the house. Chairman Starrett suggested that if there is documentation forthcoming, the item could be tabled and not acted upon. Under the SOI Standards, the Commission would not be able to grant the COA without some sort of pictorial evidence. Chairman Starrett stated that the Commission is only authorized to act in accordance with the SOI Standards. Chairman Starrett asked for two votes on this COA. The first being, does the proposed work meet the criteria of the SOI Standards with regard to: (1) Every reasonable effort shall be made to adapt the property in a manner that requires minimal alteration of the building, structure, object, or site and its environment. (2) The distinguishing original qualities or character of a building, structure, object, or site and its environment shall not be destroyed. The removal or alteration of any historic material or distinctive architectural features should be avoided when possible. (3) All buildings, structures, objects, and sites shall be recognized as products of their own time. Alterations that have no historical basis and which seek to create an earlier appearance shall be discouraged.