HomeMy WebLinkAbout9-1-04MINUTES
HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY
SEPTEMBER 1, 2004
A and B: CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
The regular monthly meeting of the Historic District Commission was called to order by staff
member Steve Goodrich on Wednesday, September 1, 2004 at 7:02 p.m. in Conference Room lA
of the Washington County Administrative Annex Building. Members present included: Michael
Gehr, Frank Artz, Don Corbett, Jane Hershey, Merry Stinson and Carla Viar. Also present was
Dori Nipps, County Commissioner and staff member Debra Eckard.
C. MINUTES
The minutes from the June 2, 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. COMMUNICATIONS AND BILLS — None
E. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Draft Design Guidelines for Historic Preservation Districts: Steve Goodrich opened the
discussion stating that the funding from the Maryland Historical Trust was withdrawn because he
was unable to meet certain reporting and schedule requirements; however, he will be developing
the guidelines for the Commission's review. Mr. Goodrich has been reviewing guidelines from
different communities, cities, and small towns to prepare a document that will be conducive to the
needs of the Historic District Commission.
Mr. Goodrich first stated that the purpose of the guidelines will help guide and support decisions
made by the Historic District Commission when reviewing applications. These guidelines will
protect and enhance historic structures, help property owners and designers in planning projects,
preserve the character of the structure, and protect property values. Specific documentation
should be included in the application in order to give the Commission the correct information
necessary to make a fair, reasonable and consistent decision on the appropriateness of changes to
a structure. This information should include a scale drawing of the property, a scale drawing of
existing buildings, and sufficient information detailing the exterior of the structure.
Mr. Goodrich suggested that a change to the Commission's Ordinance needs to be made to include
a Certificate of Appropriateness. All other guidelines that have been reviewed include this
certificate.
There was some discussion concerning the adoption of a priority level rating system similar to the
one used by the City of Hagerstown. In the draft guidelines prepared by Mr. Goodrich, the
language used suggests judging each property on its own merits and own variables. This item
needs more consideration by the Commission.
Other items that need further discussion and consideration include fencing guidelines, materials to
be used in the renovation of a structure and the renovations as they pertain to the public's view of
the structure.
Mr. Goodrich stated that he will include a glossary and zoning maps showing the general
boundaries of historic properties and their relationships to main roadways. There will also be
graphics included in the guidelines.
It was agreed that members could further review the material and report recommendations during
the next meeting.
F. BUDGET
There are no budget items to discuss at this time.
G. NEW BUSINESS
1. Interstate 81 widening: The following concerns were discussed with the impending widening
of Interstate 81.
a. The physical location of toll booths are not architecturally consistent with the
historic character of the rural community.
b. There will be a significant increase in noise from acceleration away from toll booths
along National Historic sites.
c. No studies have been completed to consider avoidance routes used by motorists and
the negative impact these routes will have on historic sites and historic roads.
A motion to include these concerns in a letter to the State Highway Administration was made by
Jane Hershey, seconded by Merry Stinson, and unanimously approved. Steve Goodrich will
prepare a letter to the State Highway Administration addressing these concerns.
2. The term of service for Commission members Michael Gehr, Frank Artz, Merry Stinson,
Carla Viar, Eleanor Lakin and Donald Corbett will expire on October 31, 2004. Steve
Goodrich asked the members that were present if they wish to be reappointed to serve another
3 year term. Members responses: Michael Gehr — yes; Carla Viar — yes; Merry Stinson — yes;
Frank Artz — yes; Don Corbett — no. Steve Goodrich will contact Joni Bittner, Clerk, for any
names on a waiting list. All members were asked for recommendations of any persons that
may be interested in serving on the Commission.
H. OTHER BUSINESS — None
EXECUTIVE SESSION
There were no items to discuss at this time.
J. ADJOURNMENT
On a motion made by Janes Hershey, seconded by Don Corbett and approved unanimously, the
meeting was adjourned at 8:35 p.m.
Resp eotfully. submitted,
Stephen . Goo rich
Chief Senior Planner
STG/dse