12/09/2016 PRE 16815 A igovisuux CITY OF KINGSTON Historic Landmarks Preservation Commission Wano@kingston-ny.gov Steven T. Noble, Mayor Deputy Chief Tom Tiano, Secretary December 9, 2016 ‘To Chairman Platte & members of the Kingston Planning Board: ‘We appreciate the opportuntty to submit comments regarding the proposed Iriah Caleural Centar in the Rondout-West Strand Historic District. The Historie Landmarks Preservation Commission reviewed the applicant's proposal at our November 3 and December, 2016 mastings. Our review ‘was done in accordance with paragraph 64 of Article LX in Chapter 405 of the City of Kingston Charter & Code, ‘Our commissian’s comments relate specifically tothe Trish Cultural Center as proposed for the ‘vacant lot at 2 Abee! Street with frontage on the West Strand. We understand the project at present is to bea new 16,213-equare-foot, three-story bullding with entraness on Company Hil! Path and Abeel Street. The legislative intent of our commission calls for us to consider the impact of this new ‘building on the Rondout-West Strand Historie District and its potential to “injuriously affect” the historical aod architectural worth of the district to the community. As such, our notes are limited to this consideration, After careful review, we have the following comments and concerns: ‘+ While we feet ls appropriate fora new building to be proposed at this site~on which buildings have stood in the past—-we question its relationabip in soale and architecture to the ‘surrounding district. Tae seal is large in comparison to other buildings and its exehitecture has litle preoedentin the immediate neighborhood, + We support plans to repair and improve Company Hill Path. ‘The historic development pattera for this clevated section of the district hes principal fagades of buildings facing Aboel Street with non-residential buildings having litle or no setback ‘roma the street. We acknowledge, however, that the siting ofits immesliate nelghbors tempersthis conceru, as does a general principle of continuity ofthe streetscape, © We have strong concerns about the impact of a parking lot cn the distinctly 19 century streetacape and the precedent it would set for future profects in the district. Itis unfortunate ‘thatthe City’s ordinances prohibit the use ofthe second ICC-owned parcel across Abec! Street as the center's designated parking lot. Our commission strongly prefers this project ‘void the “sea of cars” effect in front of the proposed building at 92 Abeel Street. » We have concerns about the impact of lighting on nearby residences, «Tals project’s emphasis on the lacal heritage of Kingston's Irish community demands that every opportunity be taken to symbolically reflect this lived, local heritage in its architecture. ‘We question the choice of yellow-gold Norman-sized brick asthe primary cladding material, which is not adequately representative of Kingston's once significantbrickmaking industry. ‘We understand that the choice of yellow brick was made to distinguish the ICC as a non- ‘residential building, but foel thatthe continuity of the streetecape outweighs that premise,12/09/2016 Par 16:15 FAX javo2vo0z ‘Wo understand that the lost D&H Paymaster Building, which formetly stood neat this site along Company Hill Path, is a source of inspiration for this project and that the West Strand~ ‘acing balconies pay homage to it. We urge the design team to reconsider how this 19! century connection ean be strengthened and synthesized into a more cohesive design. Its ‘current itoration-with its industrial casement windows and metal frame marquee—is more ‘akin to an early 20 century commercial/utiitarian building, of which there are diminishing ‘exaraples in the district, making it of questionable relevance to this project. Additionally, we feel certain aspects ofthe ICC project warrant further etudy, which, by extonsion, correspond to questions put forth by the Environmental Impact Assessment currently before your board: ‘+ Tho projet’ visual impact om the histori vista of the West Strand from the weterfront and ‘from Abeel Street. A visibility study using multiple vantage points along publie thoroughfares ‘would illustrate how the building’s eoale and meseing wll impact sightlies. The West Strand ‘rom the waterfront is arguebly our most cherished panorama in Kingston. Any new evelopment affecting thie vista must be carefully scrutinized, ‘The impact of this project onthe historic streetscape of Abee! Street andthe meneures that can be made to strengthen its continuity. Thi inchides closer study ofthe streets building setback patterns. ‘© How light pollution generated from the parking lot, the roof-top garden, and beleonies will be mitigated. ‘¢ The potential for irreparable harm to neighboring buildings from exeavation of bedrock. mane ert mie ecu Tune tal vo fajrtly affect tho unique th poe apes, eth be poeta oe character of, of and et see ennai ei ies aoe De: pecanenicnsty mogul nes heey ‘ask the. Doeed ts iat we excoptlonlly thoughtful her, We respect Phang points in its evaluation of this project. The Vice-Chair, Historic Landmarks Preservation Commission for the City of Kingston