Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout20210303MINUTES OF THE HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY March 3, 2021 Due to current social meeting restrictions put in place by the Governor of Maryland because of the COVID- 19 pandemic, the Washington County Historic District Commission held its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, March 3, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. virtually using Zoom software. No physical meeting took place. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL The Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Commission members present were: Tom Clemens, Ann Aldrich, Vernell Doyle, Edie Wallace, Michael Lushbaugh, Greg Smith, and Ex -Officio County Commissioner Jeff Cline. Staff members present were: Washington County Department of Planning & Zoning: Jill Baker, Director; Meghan Jenkins, GIS Coordinator; and Debra Eckard, Administrative Assistant. MINUTES Mr. Clemens noted that the word acclamation was misspelled on page 2; this correction will be made. Ms. Aldrich made a motion to approve the minutes of the January 6, 2021 meeting as amended. The motion was seconded by Ms. Wallace and unanimously approved. NEW BUSINESS P2021-00431-7900 Sharpsburg Pike Ms. Jenkins presented for review and approval a permit application for the construction of a 1,224 square foot detached carport on property located at 7900 Sharpsburg Pike. This property is located in the Tilghmanton Rural Village. Ms. Jenkins clarified that this is a pole building that will have vinyl or wood siding on three sides; the side facing Herr Lane will remain open. She has spoken to the property owner and was told that he intends to match the color of the siding and roof to existing structures on the site. Motion and Vote: Mr. Lushbaugh made a motion to approve the permit application as presented. The motion was seconded by Ms. Wallace and unanimously approved. S-20-026 — Stonemont, Londontowne Apartments, Phase A, Section 3 Ms. Jenkins presented for review and comment a subdivision plat for Stonemont, Londontowne Apart- ments located at 226 Landis Road. The owner is intending to make Parcel 372, which contains Stonemont (Inventory #WA -I-371), smaller and add a panhandle extending to Landis Road. Ms. Baker explained that the land (Parcel A) on the west side of the panhandle will be conveyed to Londontowne Apartments and the land (Parcel 483) on the east side of the panhandle will be enlarged. Once these conveyances take place, there is potential for additional development on Parcel A and Parcel 483. It was noted that all three parcels are owned by Washington Land Company. Discussion and Comments: There was a brief discussion regarding protections for Stonemont. Members discussed using forest buffering to protect the historic context of the property. There was also a discussion that a recommendation could be made to apply for an historic preservation overlay for Stonemont. Motion and Vote: Ms. Aldrich made a motion to recommend that the owners of Stonemont apply for a Historic Preservation overlay zone and that a forested buffer continue to be provided to protect the historic integrity of Stonemont. The motion was seconded by Mr. Lushbaugh and unanimously approved. Comment: Mr. Smith asked staff to write a recommendation to the property owners for the members to review before it is sent to the property owners. OTHER BUSINESS Recognition of National Preservation Month Discussion Ms. Jenkins announced that May is National Preservation month. She asked HDC members for ideas and suggestions to promote historic preservation locally. Members discussed the following: • Press releases for County and State tax incentives • Promote the establishment of Historic District Commissions in the towns • Targeted mailings for property owners of historic structures regarding tax credits • Highlight the numerous updates to the HDC website • Highlight the designated Rural Villages • Spotlight on -going successes, such as the Saylor House, the log cabin on Jonathan Street, the old firehouse on Potomac Street (the Washington County Historic Trust will be participating in Washington County Gives on May 11th to raise funds for a new roof for the Saylor House) • Highlight ways to use your historic house and adaptive re -uses Staff Report • Several Rural Villages were surveyed in 2010 and later which have not been formally adopted by the Board of County Commissioners. Staff is working to get them adopted, which will then make historic structures in these Rural Villages reviewable by the HDC and in the future, eligible for tax credits and other initiatives once applicable amendments are made. • Staff reviewed the following projects: o 4425 Main Street, Rohrersville —This project was previously reviewed by the HDC for the addition of a front porch. The owners are proposing to add a small landing and stairs on the right side of the house. Staff approved this addition with the condition that all materials be consistent with the materials previously approved by the HDC. o 13626 Big Pool Road — Front porch replacement o 18651 Keedysville Road (Scheller property/Hoffman Farm) — MET has an easement on this property. The owners are proposing an in -ground pool. The HDC does not have review authority; however, MET will be reviewing this project. o 18906 Sandy Hook Road — Board of Zoning Appeals review for a proposed land swap between two adjacent houses for a driveway. o 20130 Dogstreet Road (Cochrane property) — Board of Zoning Appeals review to change the maximum lot density. HDC had no comments; however, the Department of Planning & Zoning commented that the request is inconsistent with the County's adopted Comp Plan. • Staff has applied for an MHT education grant for the coming year for additional training for members and staff. • The C & O Canal Headquarters is planning to open in April. • Meghan attended the Antietam Battlefield Visitor's Center update presentation. Many new exhibits and updates are planned. • The Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area grant reviews will be held in March. • Financial Disclosure Statements are due on Wednesday, March 10th ADJOURNMENT Ms. Aldrich made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:15 p.m. The motion was seconded by Mr. Smith and so ordered by the Chairman. Respectfully submitted, Jilltf. Baker, Director Washington County Department of Planning & Zoning