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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20110907MINUTES HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY September 7, 2011 A. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL In the absence of the Vice Chairman, Stephen Goodrich called the regular monthly meeting of the Historic District Commission to order on Wednesday, September 7, 2011 at 7:05 p.m. in Conference Room I of the Washington County Administrative Annex, 80 West Baltimore Street. Members present included: Robert Bowman, Tom Clemens, Kurt Cushwa, Christine Toms, Gary Rohrer, and George Anikis. Also present were Staff members Stephen Goodrich and Debra Eckard and Ex -Officio Commissioner Jeff Cline (arrived at 7:25 p.m.). B. MINUTES Mr. Clemens made a motion to approve the minutes of the August 3, 2011 regular meeting as presented. Second by Mr. Anikis. Unanimously approved with Mr. Cushwa and Ms. Toms abstaining from the vote. C. COMMUNICATIONS AND BILLS None D. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None E. BUDGET None F. NEW BUSINESS Plumb Grove National Resister ADolication Mr. Goodrich began a preliminary review of the National Register application for Plumb Grove located at 12654 Broadfording Road, Clear Spring. Any action on the application by the Commission will be taken during the October meeting in order to meet the legal guidelines for advertising of the meeting and to notify the owners of the property so they may attend the meeting. Mr. Goodrich reviewed the information contained in the application packet. He explained that the application is being submitted under Criteria C for architectural significance. Discussion: There was a brief discussion by Commission members citing the thoroughness and completeness of the application. Mr. Bowman noted that he is a Board member of the Clear Spring Historical Society and provided some additional comments with regard to restoration and rehabilitation efforts at Plumb Grove. Southern Boulevard Phase I Mr. Goodrich gave a brief overview of the Southern Boulevard project and reminded Commission members that this project was previously reviewed and comments submitted to the Maryland Historic Trust regarding the effect on historic properties in the surrounding area. Previous comments included additional forest screening to protect the National Register site "Garden Hill". The Commission also recommended further study of the Ravenswood Heights Historic District along Frederick Street. He explained that this is the first phase of the project, which will run from Oak Ridge Drive to Frederick Street. Mr. Goodrich noted that MHT acknowledged the Commission's comments and recommendations and is now seeking comments on the demolition of a dwelling at 1240 Frederick Street, MHT believes that this dwelling is part of the Ravenswood Heights Historic District and demolition would be a negative effect on the district. Mr. Goodrich noted that a change in the design of the location of the roadway is not an option according to the County's Engineering Department. A mitigation package is being developed by the County Engineering Department and Development Facilitators (the consultant), which will be submitted to MHT. A copy of this package will be sent to the Commission for its review and recommendation, which will probably be discussed at the October meeting. Discussion and Comments: Mr. Rohrer stated this property (along with a vacant lot) was purchased by the County in 1989 with the intent to remove the house for the construction of the roadway. If this dwelling is not removed, the entire alignment of the roadway would be shifted and several houses on the other side of the street would need to be removed. There was a brief, discussion regarding the size of the side yards for the remaining houses. Mr. Goodrich stated that he has briefly discussed the required Forest Conservation mitigation with the County's Engineering Department. A decision has not been made on mitigation; however, Mr. Goodrich suggested that part of the mitigation could be planting trees on the vacant lot to help protect the remaining homes. Ms. Toms expressed her opinion that the roadway will divide the existing neighborhood. Mr. Goodrich noted that MHT has not acknowledged the division as an adverse effect on the neighborhood. Ms. Toms suggested that when the house is demolished, documentation should be provided describing the house and how it fit within the neighborhood. Mr. Cushwa asked what would happen to the stone from the house when it is demolished. Mr. Rohrer stated that the stone would probably be stockpiled for use in the future. There was a brief discussion with regard to using the stone in the proposed round -about. Mr. Bowman suggested that all materials from the house should also be offered for reclamation or re -use. Mr. Goodrich stated that he would forward the Commission's comments with regard to the stockpiling of the stone and forest mitigation. Culvert Replacement — MD 68 over St. James Run Mr. Goodrich presented for review and comment a State Highway Administration project for the replacement of a culvert on Maryland 68 over St. James Run. Four historic structures were identified by the State Highway Administration within the Area of Potential Effects listed in the Maryland Inventory of Historic Properties as WA -II -435 — Myron L. Bloom General Store and Post Office, WA -II -1175 — Lydia Manor, WA -II -1176 — 17268 Lappans Road and WA -II -1177 — Norfolk and Western Railway St. James Station. The Commission reviewed a brief video showing the area of the proposed culvert replacement and its proximity to the historic properties listed. Discussion and Comments: Due to the location of the proposed culvert and its proximity to the historic structures, members of the Commission did not believe there would be any adverse effects to any of the historic structures. Motion and Vote: Mr. Clemens made a motion to send a written response to the State Highway Administration that the proposed culvert replacement will not have a negative adverse effect on any of the identified Maryland Inventory of Historic Properties listed in their letter of July 28, 2011, Second by Mr. Rohrer. Unanimously approved. Devil's Backbone Dam plaque Mr. Goodrich noted that the Devil's Backbone Dam is in the process of being rehabilitated. The County is proposing to place a plaque at the site to document the history of the Dam and is seeking the advice of the HDC to decide what written and photographic information should be included on the plaque. The Maryland Historic Trust has determined that the Dam is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. Mr. Rohrer volunteered to prepare the information and forward it to Commission members for their review and comment before submitting It to the County. G. OTHER BUSINESS Ms. Toms announced that the BKG Working Group will be holding its first meeting on Wednesday, September 14th. She will provide an update at the October meeting. There was a brief discussion regarding the French Lane property that was recently sold. H. CLOSED SESSION None I. ADJOURNMENT Mr. Rohrer made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:00 p.m. Second by Ms. Toms. So ordered. Respectfully submitted Stephen°T. Goodrich Director