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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20190116These minutes were recorded on a cassette tape. MINUTES HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY January 16, 2019 A. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL The regular monthly meeting of the Historic District Commission was called to order on Wednesday, January 16, 2019 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, Gary Rohrer, Vernell Doyle and Ex -Officio Jeff Cline, Also present was Staff member Stephen Goodrich, Director, Washington County Department of Planning & Zoning. B. MINUTES Motion and Vote: Mr. Clemens made a motion to appi presented. The motion was seconded by Ms. Doyle and C. COMMUNICATIONS AND BILLS None D, UNFINISHED BUSINESS None E. BUDGET None F. NEW BUSINESS of the March 3, 2018 meeting as Mr. Goodrich presented for review and recommendation a demolition permit application for 18461 Manor Church Road, Washington County Historic Inventory Site #WA -II -183. It was noted that the property is not listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it is not in an historic district, and it does not have the County's historic preservation floating zone. Mr. Robert Householder, the owner of the property, was present at the meeting and addressed the Commission. He noted the basement had a great deal of water sitting in it a few weeks ago, which was not there at the time he purchased the property. He believes this is due to a spring that is located in the basement. This has caused the mortar joints to erode severely. He stated that many of the beams are rotted on the first floor, the floors are buckling and there is a great deal of mold. He showed members pictures of the interior of the house. It is the owner's intent to demolish the house and several outbuildings and construct a new home on the property in a different location. Mr. Householder stated that he had representatives from the National Park Service look at the stone on the house because he was planning to donate it for re -use; however, he was told that the stone has deteriorated and could not be reused. Discussion and Comments: Mr. Rohrer believes that the structure can be restored and rehabilitated; however, it will be costly. He explained that several stone arch bridges have been saved around the County and the Court House in downtown Hagerstown was restored to preserve the County's heritage. These minutes were recorded on a cassette tape. Ms. Doyle asked the owner if he would consider keeping the house on the property if other groups interested in historic preservation would help to restore the structure. Mr. Goodrich explained that generally only one principal residence is permitted on a property; however, there are alternatives that could be used such as creating a separate parcel for the house or filing an appeal to allow more than one principal structure. Mr. Goodrich also noted there are County tax credits available for exterior restoration and personal income tax credits for both interior and exterior restoration from the State. Easements for land preservation are also available, which would pay the owner for an easement. Ms. Wallace expressed her opinion that Manor Church Road has some of the best examples of historic structures that shows how Washington County was settled and why is was settled. She believes that this house is an integral part of the area and to Washington County as a whole. Public Comment: Paula Stoner Dickey, writer of the Historic Sites Survey form, was present at the meeting, She stated that many of the homes in that area were built over springs. To her knowledge, the information contained in the survey is still accurate. Michael Amontree briefly discussed the tax credits available and the benefits of using these credits. He expressed his opinion that building a new house citing the foundation and frame work are already professionally prepared of the property if it is demo Leslie Owing encouraged the owner to seek an altf Brad Wyand gave a brief history of the property saved as part of the County's history. Becky Motion and Vote: Church Road because it in Washington County. T Doyle and unanimously ai Mr. Goodrich stated that application must be prese Discussion deter and/or deny th Ordinance or a public Mr. Goodrich presented an less expensive than restoring an old structure He recommended that a recorded drawing be to demolition of the structure. that the structure should be also encouraged the owner to save this historic house. ce made a motion to oppose the demolition of the dwelling at 18461 Manor significant building that is part of a collection of significant historic structures building is intact and can be repaired. The motion was seconded by Ms. wed. cause the Historic District Commission is opposed to the demolition, the i to the Planning Commission at its February meeting for its input. Mr. Rohrer expressed his opinion that the County should have a provision to lition of historic structures. Other members agree that there should be an s in place for preservation policies. from the National Park Service requesting the HDC to be a consulting party on the proposed C & 0 Canal Headquarters at the former Miller Lumber property in Williamsport. A reply was sent to NPS affirming the HDC's interest in being a consulting party; therefore, the Commission will be notified of future meetings. Comments will be solicited. There was a brief discussion regarding the historic aspects of the property. G. OTHER BUSINESS These minutes were recorded on a cassette tape. Election of Officers Motion and Vote: Mr. Rohrer made nominated Mr. Clemens to serve as Chairperson for the HDC. The motion was seconded by Ms. Doyle and unanimously approved. H. CLOSED SESSION None I. ADJOURNMENT Mr. Clemens made a motion to adjourn the meeting at p.m. The motion was seconded by Mr. Rnhrer and so ordered.