Timonere to intervene in Harbor dispute
May 9—ASHTABULA — Ashtabula City Manager Jim Timonere will try to resolve a dispute between a Harbor district business owner and the Ashtabula Historic Preservation Commission after the issue arose at Monday's City Council meeting.
Micheline Guerriero recently made repairs to the front of her local arts studio, Lake Erie Mermaid Arts, located at 1317 Bridge St.
Ashtabula Historic Preservation Commission Chairperson Ann Rapose said that the previous wood product that Guerriero initially used for exterior repairs did not hold up with the weather and started to de-laminate.
Before receiving approval from the architectural review board, Guerriero chose to make repairs using brick.
"Brick was chosen for the facade as a more sustainable choice that would not rot in the future and we felt it was appropriate material to bring unity between our building and other buildings on the upper corridor of Bridge Street," she said.
Rapose said that a certificate of appropriateness is required before altering the exterior of a building in the harbor.
"Our feeling is that the brick that's on there now gives it more of a 60s look," Rapose said.
"The commission voted to deny approval and recommends that the brick facing be removed and the storefront be returned to its original approved design or a new design approved by the commission, using wood or a compatible substitute material."
Guerriero disagrees.
"Our opinion is that this is not an acceptable solution and would come at great personal cost to us as private owners," she said. "I would like the community, especially the historical neighborhood which encompasses about 10 blocks, to understand that every change or improvement that you would like to make to your property must be approved by the historical commission. I'm not sure everyone knows the extent of their jurisdiction."
Guerriero wanted to appeal the decision made by the commission, but the council decided to push for a resolution meeting, in which both parties could speak to the city manager.
Ward Three council member RoLesia Holman moved on a motion after City Solicitor Cecelia Cooper asked Holman to amend the language of her motion, "such that the council finds that modification is in the best interest of both parties and direct the city manager to have his staff sit down with both parties and see if they can come up with a compromise."
In other news:
—Timonere discussed progress being made with the ongoing ODOT project and he said that he hopes it will be finished before August.
—Ward 4 council member Jodi Mills said that Ashtabula Area City Schools Superintendent Lisa Newsome reported a decrease in enrollment due to parents choosing to homeschool their kids. There has also been a rise in online schooling.
"The district is in need of substitute teachers and substitute bus drivers," Mills said.
—The city is currently looking for part-time temporary summer help. The listing is on the city website under the government tab.
