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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20180905MINUTES HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY September 5, 2018 A. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL The regular monthly meeting of the Historic District Commission was called to order on Wednesday, September 5, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. in Room 2001 of the Washington County Administration Building, 100 West Washington Street, Hagerstown, Maryland. Members present included: Tom Clemens, Edie Wallace, Ann Aldrich and Vernell Doyle. Also present was Staff member Stephen Goodrich, Director and Debra Eckard, Administrative Assistant. B. MINUTES Motion and Vote: Mr. Clemens made a motion to approve the minutes of the March 3, 2018 meeting as presented. The motion was seconded by Ms. Doyle and unanimously approved. C. COMMUNICATIONS AND BILLS None D, UNFINISHED BUSINESS None E. BUDGET None F. NEW BUSINESS Permit #2018-03629 -17801 Spielman Road Mr. Goodrich presented for review and recommendation a demolition permit application for 17801 Spielman Road. He reviewed the information in the agenda packet and showed a video of the property as it exists today. The property is listed in the Washington County Historic Sites Inventory as WA -II -1167 and is inside the historic boundary of the Fairplay Rural Village. Discussion and Comments: The current property owner, Charles Butts, was present at the meeting. He showed members pictures of the interior of the structure, which was heavily damaged by a tree that fell through the roof causing holes in the walls and water damage. Mr. Clemens expressed his opinion that the structure's contribution to the Rural Village was minimal and he is not opposed to the demolition. There was a brief discussion regarding the use of any materials that could be salvaged and reused in the new structure. The owner, if possible, will salvage materials for reuse; however, he does not believe anything will be salvageable. Motion and Vote: Mr. Clemens made a motion not to oppose the demolition of the dwelling at 17801 Spielman Road. The motion was seconded by Ms. Wallace and unanimously approved. Permit #2018-03189 - 9702 Beaver Creek Church Road Mr. Goodrich presented for review and approval a permit application for a non-residential addition/alteration for the Old Beaver Creek School located at 9702 Beaver Creek Church Road. This structure is listed in both the State and County Historic Sites Inventory (WA -II -077) and is also located in the County's Historic Preservation zone. Mr. Goodrich reviewed the information in the agenda packet and showed a video of the property as it exists today. He noted that a new addition to house restrooms is proposed that will cover the existing air conditioning unit and the bilco doors that lead to the basement. A handicap ramp is proposed on the north side of the building which will wrap around to a new door at the rear of the building. A gabled roof will be used on the addition. The addition will cover two of the original rear windows; however, the windows will remain in place and can be seen inside the building. Discussion and Comments: The property owner, John Barr, was present at the meeting. He explained there is a lot of water damage in the basement and the plumbing in the original bathroom addition is outdated and needs to be replaced. The proposed addition will have a gabled roof and will be covered in concrete board that looks like German board siding. The front door will not be altered. The concrete ramp will be against the stone foundation. Ms. Wallace expressed concern with moisture problems from the concrete ramp lying against the stone foundation. Mr. Barr further explained that the spouting will be removed from the building, will be placed underground and day -lighted a considerable distance from the building. When purchased, the roof had been leaking and the ceiling had collapsed inside the front door, which caused the floor to rot. The floor and ceiling have been replaced and the roof has been repaired. The complete interior will be restored and a sprinkler system will be installed with blind heads and the pipes will run through the attic. Ms. Wallace asked what purpose the building would serve. Mr. Barr is proposing to use the facility for a special events center, which will require a special exception from the Board of Zoning Appeals, He has a shared parking agreement with the church across the street as well as the church next door. He stated that he has spoken to all neighboring property owners, all of which are excited to see the building being restored. Mr. Barr stated that the bell tower has been taken back to its original condition. The metal framework has been sandblasted and repainted, a new rope installed, etc. The bell dates back to 1894. The bell tower will be lit at night. He also noted that the electric and telephone lines have been placed underground and the overhead wires will be taken down. There was a brief discussion regarding landscaping. Mr. Barr noted that landscaping will be installed to help obscure the handicap ramp as well as in the front of the building. A copper gooseneck light will be installed above the front door. The pavilion to the south side of the building has been updated with a new standing seam metal roof, electricity, paddle fans, an outdoor hydrant, etc. There was a brief discussion regarding the roofing material that will be used on the addition. Mr. Barr stated he cannot get slate to match what is on the existing roof but he is considering a standing seam metal roof. Commission members recommend using the metal roof. Motion and Vote: Mr. Clemens made a motion to approve the permit application as presented and recommended the use of a standing seam metal roof on the addition. The motion was seconded by Ms. Aldrich and unanimously approved. Permit #2018-03486 -17525 Shepherdstown Pike Mr. Goodrich presented for review and approval a non-residential new construction permit application for property located at 17525 Shepherdstown Pike. Proposed is a 60,054 square foot elementary school. Also included is a demolition permit application, for the Commission's review and recommendation, to remove the current Sharpsburg Elementary School upon completion of the new school. The school was originally built in 1936 with additions being constructed in 1967 and 1983 and is considered to be a contributing structure in the Antietam Overlay district. Mr. Goodrich noted that the plans for this demolition and new construction have been through an extensive review with the Maryland Historical Trust. Discussion and Comment: Mr. David Fischer of SEI, architects, Mr. Robert Rollins and Mr. Brad Otto of the Washington County Board of Education, were present at the meeting. Mr. Fischer stated that this structure is listed on the States Historic Sites Inventory as well as the National Register of Historic Places. A Memorandum of Agreement was signed between the Washington County Board of Education and the Maryland Historical Trust. Mr. Fischer briefly reviewed the stipulations outlined in the MOA. He noted that the original footprint of the current building will be outlined and will be incorporated in the design, possibly in a future garden. Ms. Doyle asked what would happen to the wrought iron fence surrounding the oak tree that is currently in the playground area. The fence will be salvaged and incorporated in the new plans. Ms. Doyle stated that the fence appears to be from the original fence that was located at the Antietam Street school, Mr. Fischer stated that the stone retaining wall will remain at its current location and will be repointed and the concrete curb on top will be replaced. The new building will be constructed of concrete stone, brick and metal siding. The gabled roof will help hide mechanical equipment. There was a brief discussion regarding the color of the stone to be used and the metal siding being used on the gabled end. Commission members expressed their opinions that the gabled end should either be all stone with multiple vents or metal siding in the point of the gable and stone underneath. This design would give the impression of a historic barn. Ms. Doyle asked if there would be any type of screening between the play fields and the residential properties. Mr. Fischer stated there would a privacy fence and landscaping to help shield the neighboring properties. Mr. Rollins stated a fence will probably be added in the future along the front of the play areas for security. Motion and Vote: Ms. Wallace made a motion not to oppose the demolition of the old school upon completion of the new school following the stipulations in the MOA and to approve the design of the new school. The motion was seconded by Mr. Clemens and unanimously approved. Permit #2018-03410 -10656 Downsville Pike Mr. Goodrich presented for review and recommendation a demolition permit application for property located at 10656 Downsville Pike (intersection of Downsville Pike and 1-70). This property is listed in the Washington County Historic Sites Inventory as WA -I-692. Mr. Goodrich reviewed the information provided in the agenda packet and showed a video of the property as it exists today. Discussion and Comments: Mr. Goodrich explained that the house has been unoccupied for many years and was purchased by a development company, Downsville Pike Land LLC. It was never the intent of the company to keep or restore the buildings. The owner submitted a rezoning application on these properties, which was ultimately denied by the Board of County Commissioners. Commission members believe it would be difficult to build a business at this busy intersection. Mr. Goodrich stated that during the rezoning hearing, the applicant's plan was to create an access from Halfway Boulevard and have a right turn only exit onto Downsville Pike. Motion and Vote: Ms. Aldrich made a motion not to oppose the demolition of the structure at 10656 Downsville Pike. The motion was seconded by Ms. Wallace and unanimously approved. G. OTHER BUSINESS None. H. CLOSED SESSION None 1. ADJOURNMENT Mr. Goodrich adjourned the meeting at 9:10 p.m.. Respectfully submitted, Stephen T. Goodrich, Director