HomeMy WebLinkAbout20111005MINUTES
HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSh
FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY
October 5, 2011
A. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
The regular monthly meeting of the Historic District Commission was called to order on Wednesday,
October 5, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. in Conference Room 1 of the Washington County Administrative Annex, 80
West Baltimore Street. Members present included: Charles Stewart, Robert Bowman, Tom Clemens,
Kurt Cushwa, Christine Toms, Gary Rohrer, and George Anikis. Also present was Staff member Stephen
Goodrich.
B. MINUTES
Mr. Cushwa made a motion to approve the minutes of the September 7, 2011 regular meeting as
presented. Second by Mr. Bowman. Unanimously approved.
C. COMMUNICATIONS AND BILLS
None
D. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
- National Register Application Review for Plumb Grove
Mr. Goodrich reminded Commission members that information regarding the application for Plumb Grove
to be placed on the National Register of Historic Places was distributed during the September 7th meeting.
As required, notification was sent to the applicant regarding this evening's meeting. Mr. Bowman will
speak on behalf of the applicant and will abstain from voting as an HDC member. He noted that the
application was prepared by Paula Reed and accurately reflects the history and architecture of the
structures on site. Mr. Goodrich distributed photographs of the house for members to review.
Motion and Vote: Mr. Rohrer made a motion to approve the application for Plumb Grove to be placed on
the National Register of Historic Places. Second by Ms. Toms. Unanimously approved.
- Devil's Backbone Dam Plaque
The text written by Mr. Rohrer for the plaque at Devil's Backbone Dam was presented to the Commission
and there was a brief discussion.
[Commissioner Cline arrived at 7:15 p.m.]
Motion and Vote: Mr. Clemens made a motion to approve the text as presented and recommend that
this is the text that be used on the Devil's Backbone Dam Plaque. Second by Mr. Bowman. Unanimously
approved.
E. BUDGET
None
F. NEW BUSINESS
None
G. OTHER BUSINESS
- Brumbauah-Kendle-Grove (BKG) Farmstead
Ms. Toms and Mr. Cushwa gave a brief report on the progress of the working group for the Brumbaugh-
Kendle-Grove Farmstead. She noted that the group has met twice and a marketing plan must be
developed [in accordance with the MOA] by the end of November. The Washington County Economic
Development Commission is currently working on a basic marketing plan to present to the working group
at its next meeting. There was a brief discussion regarding the steps outlined in the MOA for
rehabilitation of the BKG Farmstead. It was noted that the Airport does not currently want to sell the
property in case it is needed for future expansion of the Airport. Members discussed the current condition
of the house and barn on the property. Mr. Cushwa stated that he suggested [to the working group] that
the money that has been set aside for demolition be used to stabilize the structures; however, this is not
one of the options within the MOA and he noted that the Airport does not want to re -negotiate the MOA.
Mr. Anikis gave a brief history of his involvement with the efforts to save the BKG Farmstead.
Commissioner Cline requested a copy of the letter from Homeland Security with regard to the issue of a
security risk relative to the BKG Farmstead. The Commission asked Commissioner Cline to find out how
much money has been allocated in the contract from the FAA to the Airport for demolition or restoration of
that property.
- Design Guidelines
Mr. Goodrich stated that he is trying to contact Sandy Izer and arrange for her to attend a meeting in
November or December for work to continue on the Design Guidelines.
- Southern Boulevard
Mr. Goodrich reminded Commission members that they reviewed plans for demolition of a house located
at 1240 Frederick Street. The Commission's comments were submitted to the Maryland Historical Trust,
the design consultant and the County's Engineering and Construction Department. Additional input from
the Commission is being sought for recommendations on how to make the proposed round -about "more
environmentally and context sensitive".
- Election of Officers
Motion and Vote: Mr. Rohrer nominated Charles Stewart to serve as the Chairman. Second by Mr.
Bowman. Mr. Clemens made a motion that the nominations for Chairman be closed, second by Mr.
Bowman. The vote was unanimously approved that Mr. Stewart serve as the Chairman.
Motion and Vote: Mr. Stewart nominated Rob Bowman to serve as the Vice Chairman. Second by Ms.
Toms. Unanimously approved.
7x.11141* 11[']
None
I. ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Anikis made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:55 p.m. Second by Ms. Toms. So ordered
Respectfully submitted,
Stephen T. Goodrich
Director of Planning & Zoning