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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20180303MINUTES HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY March 3, 2018 A. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL The regular monthly meeting of the Historic District Commission was called to order on Wednesday, March 3, 2018 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, Tom Clemens and Edie Wallace and Commissioner Jeff Cline. 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 #2018-00245 -14201 Pennsylvania Avenue Mr. Goodrich presented for review and recommendation Grading Permit GP -17-034 — Brumbaugh/Kendle/Grove Farmstead Mr. Goodrich presented for review a grading permit application for property located at 14301 Pennsylvania Avenue. This is the site of the Brumbaugh/Kendle/Grove Farmstead listed in the Washington County Historic Sites Inventory as WA -I-480. This property is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. Mr. Goodrich noted that the HDC reviewed a demolition permit for this property several years ago. He gave a brief overview of the events that have occurred since that time including a Memorandum of Understanding. Most of the obligations listed in the MOU have been fulfilled. Mr. Phil Ridenour, Director of the Hagerstown Regional Airport, was present at the meeting, He stated that contractors have been contacted to reclaim materials from the house and the barn. Discussion and Comments: Mr. Rohrer asked what the land will be used for in the future. Mr. Ridenour stated that the land is currently being leased for agricultural purposes, and will continue as such. At some point in the future, it may be developed for commercial or an aviation -related use. He noted that the previous Airport Director believed that the farmstead buildings posed a threat for the safety of the Airport and its runways. Mr. Ridenour gave a description of the various options detailed in the MOU to rehabilitate the house and barn. Mr. Goodrich asked if the cemetery located on the property would remain. Mr. Ridenour stated that the cemetery will remain on the site and the Airport has already made improvements to it. Family members will be allowed access to the cemetery. Concensus: By consensus, the HDC acknowledges that the conditions of the MOU including the protection of the cemetery, reuse of the materials and the recordation of the property have been honored; however, the Commission would like to see the farmstead, at least the barn, be restored or repurposed because of its uniqueness to the County. MD 68 bridae over Beaver Creek Mr. Goodrich reported that the State Highway Administration was planning to remove the MD 68 bridge over the Beaver Creek. After a meeting in late January which was attended by many people opposed to the removal of this bridge, SHA has postponed its plans and is further researching an alternative to the removal. A follow-up letter written on February 28th by SHA describes a temporary solution which would be compliant to the Secretary of the Interior's Standards SHA will also be re-evaluating the project Discussion and Comment: Mr. Rohrer explained that the SHA [in a letter dated January 3"d] has determined that the arch is unstable and stones are missing, which is making the structure unsafe. However, he disagrees with this assessment and has offered to meet representatives on site to inspect the bridge. If the bridge is taken down, he would be in favor of a two-lane bridge being constructed to accommodate future needs. However, Mr. Rohrer believes the first priority should be saving the historical bridge if possible. He expressed his opinion that if a new two lane bridge is constructed, traffic calming measures will be needed. Consensus: The HDC supports a much more detailed examination of the structure before any determination is made with respect to removal and replacement of the bridge. If the final determination is made that the structure is deficient and cannot be saved, its replacement should incorporate native limestone facings, wing walls, etc. to maintain its historic appearance. The County's stone arch bridges are a character defining feature of the County and need to be given more sensitive consideration. In the future, the Commission believes that the process needs to be changed to involve the public sooner rather than later when considering changes to historical structures. MD 65 Improvements Mr. Goodrich presented for review a letter from the State Highway Administration proposing to replace one loop ramp with another. He noted that SHA has found two historic sites in the proximity of the project that need to be considered — one on the Artz property which has already been removed and one in the northeast quadrant of the interchange. This structure is not eligible for the National Register and has been determined by the Maryland Historical Trust to have lost a great deal of its historic integrity. A separate archeological analysis has been made and several sites have been identified. Consensus: The HDC concurs with SHA's analysis and recommendations for treatment of archeological findings. Appointment of new members Mr. Goodrich provided members with the applications of several individuals interested in serving on the HDC. There are several vacancies at this time. Members chose 5 individuals for Mr. Goodrich to contact before providing their names to the County Commissioners for appointment. H. CLOSED SESSION None I. ADJOURNMENT Mr. Goodrich adjourned the meeting at 8:30 p.m.. Respectfully submitted, c Zap Stephen Goodrich, Director