Proposed renovation and addition at 307 S. 7th

[Shawn Goodwin]

Hi Neighbors,

 

I am writing to express my concern about the proposed addition to 307 S. 7th St.  The sign in the front yard states "coming soon," and the rendering has an addition on the left side of the house, making it look like a ranch and not a bungalow!  I thought these types of additions were strictly prohibited to preserve the original character of such structures.  Indeed, they could expand into the attic, but my guess is this is more costly as the roof line would have to be changed in the back--likely the reason for the side addition.  I can't image what kind of precedent this might set for the neighborhood.  I was not able to go to the hearing concerning the addition on August 16th at 1 pm because of work commitments.  Does anyone know what is going on with this house, and did the Historic Commission approve this?

 

Best Regards,

 

Shawn Goodwin

601 Fatherland St.

[RodLeach KeithBuchanan]

Hey Shawn,

 

That property is two doors down from Rod and I, so we have been watching it closely.  I understand your concerns about the addition, but I looked at the rendering yesterday and I think it looks okay.

 

I think they were given an exemption because they can not add on to the back of the property. When you go out the back door the property line is only 5 feet from the back door.

It looks like that is the only option that they have to make the house larger. I would be interested in hearing what other neighbors think about the propsal.

 

Thank you

 

Keith Buchanan
Shawn Goodwin <shawn....@gmail.com> wrote:

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[C.norton]

A call to the Historic Commission can give you details and the correct information.  If an addition was approved, they can explain why.

Caol N

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[Shawn Goodwin]

Below is the response from the MHZC about the addition to 307 S. 7th. 

 

  My concerns are as follows:

1. This will completely change the facade of the house even if the addition is set back 8 ft. 
2. It has beautiful brick in great condition, and an addition will require painting the brick to have all of it match.
3. This will occupy most of the available yard space, which is already limited.
4. Personally, I have never seen a Craftsman Cottage with the proposed look of this house.  It is very strange and NOT historic.

Considering these points, why did they not do an upper story addition which would alleviate all the concerns above and give the same (if not more) added square footage?

 

I am personally concerned about such things getting approved and why "tough love" may not be exercised equally among all in Edgefield.  Additionally, the person buying the house is flipping it, and it is interesting to note that s/he purchased (according to tax records) the house on the day of the zoning hearing, 08/16/2007.

 

Sincerely,

 

Shawn Goodwin 

 

__________________

 

An addition was approved by the Metro Historic Zoning Commission to the side of the historic, contributing house at 307 South 7th Street.  Side additions are only appropriate and have only been approved, when a parcel is substantially wider than the average lot width, essentially 1-1/2 lots wide. 

 

Generally, the properties in your neighborhood are 50 feet wide and 150 feet deep to an alley.  307 South 7th is 95 feet wide, essentially a double lot wide, and only 50 feet deep.  As such, there is no opportunity for a rear addition, because Codes would require a setback of 20 feet from the rear property line.  The existing house already encroaches upon that 20 feet, as it sets only 10 feet from the rear property line. 

 

As the lot is 95 feet wide, the commission allowed a side addition, but required it be subordinate.  The addition will set back 8 feet from the front face of the house.  The addition is also massed and styled after the existing historic Craftsman Cottage.

 

Hope that helps to clarify the neighbor's concerns.  Anyone is welcome to come to our office and review the permit that was issued for the addition.

 

Sincerely,

Tim Walker

MHZC

 

[David Parker]

  Shawn,

 

  Not long ago, the property right behind this house was for sale and the owner did not buy it. Many of us wondered why.

 

It would have given them a spacious yard with plenty of room.  They just did not want to spend the money.

 

Neither the present owner or the previous owner has any room to complain.

 

I agree with you.

 

David Young Parker

714 Russell Street

Edgefield

----- Original Message -----

From: Shawn Goodwin