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Galesburg Reporter

Sunday, July 13, 2025

City of Galesburg Landmark Commission met September 5.

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Galesburg Landmark Commission met Sept. 5.

Here is the minutes provided by the commission:

MEMBERS PRESENT: Suzanne Klohn, Mark Martin (arrived at 6:18), Robert Miener, Paul Stewart, and Greta Woolsey, 5.

MEMBERS EXCUSED ABSENT: Michael Fries and Roger Reynolds, 2.

OTHERS PRESENT: Judy Guenseth, Housing Coordinator.

Chairperson Stewart declared a quorum was present. The meeting began at 6:05 p.m.

Approve Minutes of August 1, 2018

Member Miener made a motion to approve the minutes, seconded by

Member Woolsey.

Minutes were approved by voice vote.

Consider Citizen Comment

None

Consider Staff Comment

Ms. Guenseth presented the Register Mail article on a special Civil War service held at the Central Congregational Church in August. Member Klohn expounded on what her church has being doing to encourage more activities like the one in the article.

Ms. Guenseth also presented a memo written by Planning Manager Steve Gugliotta discussing LIHTC and Historic Preservation tax incentives. She explained that these incentives are organized under the IRS and would assist developers with income tax incentives. She also explained the process is very complicated and is best pursued with a good accountant or attorney. Mr. Vitale also commented that he was trying to pursue these credits and it is a tremendous amount of paperwork.

Finally, she brought up the 25th Anniversary Preservation Awards, but Chairman Stewart said he was going to discuss this topic later in the meeting.

LC-18-0901 Consider Certificate of Appropriateness for 455 North Prairie Street

Mr. Adam Vitale is requesting a Certificate of Appropriateness for his home located on North Prairie Street. Mr. Vitale is seeking a Certificate of Appropriateness to build a garage on his property. The previous garage (not the original) was damaged by a tree and was removed. He did state that the home had a carriage house in its early history.

He presented updated drawings of the garage. He stated new construction in historic areas needed to look different but complement the existing structure. The front windows of the garage are arched similar to the windows of his home. The garage will be facing west, the same direction as the house.

The height of the garage was discussed and Mr. Vitale is aware that he will need to get a height variance from the Planning and Zoning Commission if his plan to build the garage is approved.

Mr. Vitale also presented an early picture of the house with a picket fence and a picture of a wrought iron fence to be installed. He plans to install the iron fence toward the front of the property but will install a privacy fence in the back portion. He also intends to install landscaping in front of the fence.

He also discussed the removal of the home north of him. He stated the home was in deplorable condition but is using building material from the home as much as possible to use in the restoration of 455 N. Prairie. The commission members expressed appreciation for this.

Member Woolsey moved, seconded by Member Miener to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness for 455 North Prairie Street.

Roll Call #1

Ayes: Members Klohn, Martin, Miener, Stewart and Woolsey, 5.

Nays: None, 0.

Abstain: None, 0.

LC-18-0902 Discuss Items from the Chairperson

Paul Stewart brought up the 25th Anniversary Preservation Awards in Chicago on September 15, 2018. He would like to go as he has in the past and asked if the commission would sponsor him.

Member Woolsey moved to have Chairman Stewart go to the awards and for the commission to pay the $50 ticket price. This was seconded by Member Martin. There were 4 ayes and 1 abstention.

Chairman Stewart also discussed the Scott home rehabilitation that was highlighted in the Register Mail. He indicated that it wasn’t a true historic rehab but that he appreciated that they did do some work in harmony with the original work.

General Discussion

Member Martin remarked that the commission didn’t have say in the fencing of the property on North Prairie and Chairman Stewart affirmed that. All agreed that it was nice of Mr. Vitale to inform the commission of his fencing plans.

There being no further business, Member Woolsey made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Member Miener, the meeting adjourned at 7:05 p.m.

http://www.ci.galesburg.il.us/assets/1/20/GLC_Minutes_9-5-18.pdf

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