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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20161005MINUTES HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY October 5, 2016 A. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL The regular monthly meeting of the Historic District Commission was called to order on Wednesday, October 5, 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 2016-04505-21314 Leitersbura Pike Mr. Goodrich presented for review and recommendation a permit to demolish a 3,200 square foot, two- story dwelling at 21314 Leitersburg Pike. Mr. Jason Divelbiss, legal counsel for the owner, and Mr. Scott, owner of the property, were present at the meeting. Mr. Goodrich showed Commission members a video of the site and the subject dwelling. Mr. Divelbiss explained that the owner intends to combine this parcel with an adjacent parcel. He noted that the dwelling on this parcel is not suitable as a rental property due to deterioration of the dwelling and the owner has no intent of using the dwelling as a principle residence. It is the owner's intent to clear the property and make it suitable for re -development as part of the adjacent parcel which currently contains a business. Mr. Divelbiss believes the owner would re -zone these parcels with a Rural Business overlay zone. Mr. Scott explained the circumstances that led to his purchase of the property. He stated that the dwelling is in very poor condition and he believes it is a safety hazard. Discussion and Comment: Mr. Rohrer asked what the owner would do with the materials if the house is demolished. Mr. Scott stated he would contact a preservationist to salvage any usable materials. Ms. Toms asked if the structure has been looked at by a structural engineer. Mr. Scott said it has not. There was a discussion about removing the many layers and additions one at a time until the original structure is revealed. Mr. Goodrich asked that when the original structure and any additions are determined to be the important historic parts would the owner consider donating the entire structure to be moved and re- constructed in another location, such as the Ag Center. The owner said he would be willing to donate the structure(s). Mr. Divelbiss noted that coordinating the timing of these events would be important so the property is not jeopardized by vandals or becomes even more of a safety hazard. Motion and Vote: Mr. Rohrer made a motion that the owner can begin the selective demolition of the portion of the structure that is not historic and use his judgement and credibility to contact Mr. Goodrich when he is at the sensitive portion of the structure that should be considered for preservation for the reasons previously discussed. HDC members will then visit the structure and re-evaluate the significance and importance of the structure at that time. The motion was seconded by Ms. Toms and unanimously approved. Mr. Rohrer expressed the gratitude of the Commission to the owner for his willingness to save and preserve the historic portion of the structure. G. OTHER BUSINESS Mr. Rohrer announced that the Civil War Trust and Save Historic Antietam purchased the Wilson farm. Mr. Clemens reported that the National Park Service has approved the demolition of the Wilson farmhouse, which was also approved by the Maryland Historical Trust. Mr. Rohrer noted these structures are not a major part of the original battlefield. Mr. Goodrich stated that several years ago the Wilson farm barn was brought before the HDC for approval of its demolition. At that time, the members of the Commission believed the barn could be saved and they were opposed to the demolition. Mr. Rohrer and Mr. Clemens expressed their opinions that the structures are not historically significant and do not contribute to any historic district. Mr. Goodrich stated the structure is not on the Maryland Historic Sites Survey. Mr. Clemens stated that SHAF will be funding the demolition and will contact an organization like Habitat for Humanity to take any materials that are re -usable. Ms. Wallace and Ms. Toms expressed their concerns with regard to early 20th century structures being torn down. Motion and Vote: Mr. Rohrer made a motion that the Commission does not object to the demolition of the Wilson farm structures and that every effort will be made to re -use any salvageable materials. The motion was seconded by Mr. Toms and unanimously approved. H. CLOSED SESSION None I. ADJOURNMENT Mr. Goodrich adjourned the meeting at 8:00 p.m.. Respectfully submitted, Stephen T. Goodrich, Director