HomeMy WebLinkAbout20160406MINUTES
HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSII
FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY
April 6, 2016
A. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
The regular monthly meeting of the Historic District Commission was called to order on Wednesday, April
6, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. in Room 255 of the Washington County Administration Building, 100 West
Washington Street, Hagerstown, Maryland. Members present included: Gary Rohrer, Christine Toms,
Tom Clemens and Edie Wallace. Also present was Staff member Stephen Goodrich.
B. MINUTES
There were no minutes presented.
C. COMMUNICATIONS AND BILLS
None
D, UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None
E. BUDGET
None
F. NEW BUSINESS
Permit 2016-01400 —14734 Warfordsburq Road
Mr. Goodrich presented for review and recommendation a permit to demolish a two-story dwelling at
14734 Warfordsburg Road (former Saputo cheese plant near Hancock, WA -V-005). Mr. Eric Games, the
applicant, was present at the meeting.
Mr. Goodrich showed Commission members a video of the site and the subject dwelling. The property is
currently owned by Orchard Business Park. Mr. Games stated that the sewer system has failed, the
chimney has fallen off, and the inside of the property has suffered much vandalism. He noted that
several people have expressed interest in the bricks and logs for re -use.
Discussion and Comment: Members expressed their disappointment that the structure has been
neglected and is now facing "demolition by neglect". Members believe that the County needs to develop
and adopt a "demolition by neglect" policy. Ms. Wallace expressed her opinion that if an owner wants to
demolish a structure that has been determined eligible for listing on the historic sites survey, they should
be required to record the history of the structure. The other members agreed with her opinion. There was
a brief discussion regarding re -development of this site. Mr. Games stated there are no plans for re-
development. The area will be cleaned, graded and planted in grass.
Mr. Rohrer expressed his concern that the structure is unsafe and is a hazard to public welfare.
Motion and Vote: Ms. Toms made a motion that the HDC is not in favor of the demolition; however, if
the owner proceeds with the demolition, the structure needs to be documented prior to demolition and an
effort to re -use all salvageable materials be made. The motion was seconded by Ms. Wallace and
unanimously approved.
Motion and Vote: Mr. Rohrer made a motion to recommend that this property be used as an example of
a "demolition by neglect" property and that the County needs to develop and adopt a "demolition by
neglect" policy that would require the property owner to, at the very least, record the history of the
structure they want to demolish. The motion was seconded by Mr. Clemens and unanimously approved.
The Commission would like to have the following facts documented for the property: the measurements
of each room and the floor plan of the structure, the types of logs used and materials used for walls. A
video would also be helpful.
G. OTHER BUSINESS
There was no Other Business to bring before the Commission.
H. CLOSED SESSION
None
I. ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Clemens made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:45. So ordered by Mr. Goodrich.
Respectfully submitted,
Stephen T. Goo rich, Director