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HomeMy WebLinkAbout6-2-04MINUTES HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY JUNE 2, 2004 A and B: CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Due to the absence of Chairman Michael Gehr, the regular monthly meeting of the Historic District Commission was called to order by staff member Steve Goodrich on Wednesday, June 2, 2004 at 7:00 p.m. in Conference Room lA of the Washington County Administrative Annex Building. Members present included Frank Artz, Don Corbett, Jane Hershey, Eleanor Lakin, Merry Stinson and Carla Viar. Also present was Dori Nipps, County Commissioner and staff member Debra Eckard. C. MINUTES The minutes from the May 5, 2004 meeting were presented. A motion was made by Frank Artz to approve the minutes as presented and seconded by Jane Hershey. The minutes were unanimously approved without any corrections. D. COMMUNICATION AND BILLS — None E. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 1. Ordinary Maintenance and Definitions Steve Goodrich asked for comments and suggestions for the Ordinary Maintenance and Definitions articles that will be incorporated into the Washington County Historic District Guidelines. An outline and glossary was distributed at the May 5a' meeting. No comments or suggestions were forthcoming at this time. This item will be discussed again at the July 7a' meeting. F. BUDGET There are no budget items to discuss at this time. G. NEW BUSINESS 1. Proposed Telecommunication Tower (Hagerstown Fairgrounds) Steve Goodrich presented a letter, photographs and maps from BL Companies for a proposed telecommunications tower to be constructed at the City of Hagerstown Fairgrounds Park which is located within the Hagerstown City limits. BL Companies asked for comments regarding the project's potential adverse effects on this and surrounding historic properties. After review and a discussion of the documentation, Eleanor Lakin made a motion to recommend that the Historic District Commission's comment is that this is an inappropriate site for a cell tower due to its location in the middle of an historic community park and within the viewshed of three historic districts. The motion was seconded by Merry Stinson. Motion was passed by unanimous vote. County Commissioner Dori Nipps suggested that copies of the recommendation be sent to the Hagerstown City Council and the Hagerstown Historic District Commission. 2. Demolition Permit #2004-04595 Steve Goodrich presented a demolition permit for property located at 17042 Castle Hill Road. A map showing the location of the property, a house location survey and an Inventory Form for State Historic Sites Survey from the Maryland Historical Trust were also presented. Owners of the property, Mr. Brian Hamilton and Ms. Christi Geisbert were present at the meeting and presented photographs of the structure (a 40'x 80' barn) proposed for demolition. Mr. Hamilton stated that he has several years of experience in the construction field and has worked on many historical preservation projects in the City of Frederick. The owners purchased the property in February with the intent of restoring the barn, which is dated 1904, to use for their horses. After further inspection of the barn, Mr. Hamilton found that the 10' x 10' beams that hold up the peaks of the roof are completely broken in half and the main supports to hold the rafters in place are completely rotted. The owners are concerned with safety issues since the barn is located in close proximity to the road and also because they have six children. The owners are planning to keep the 40' x 40' wagon shed portion of the barn and intend to use lumber from the existing barn in their restoration efforts to save some of the integrity and historical value of the remaining barn. Carla Viar made the motion not to oppose the demolition since neglect and damage to the structure is beyond a reasonable effort to restore and because of the owner's attempts to document the historical value of the structure and to reuse lumber to restore the remaining portion. The motion was seconded by Jane Hershey. Those in favor of the motion were Frank Artz, Don Corbett, and Eleanor Lakin, Merry Stinson was opposed to the motion. Motion carried. Steve Goodrich will forward the recommendation to the Washington County Permits Department. I. EXECUTIVE SESSION There were no items to discuss at this time. I WJIi Jt►17 4 kU tK1l On a motion made by Jane Hershey, seconded by Carla Viar and approved unanimously, the meeting was adjourned at 7:50 p.m. Respectfully s r fitted, VStephT oodrich Chief Senior Planner STG/dse