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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-2-05MINUTES HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY November 2, 2005 A and B. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Chairman Michael Gehr called the regular monthly meeting of the Historic District Commission to order on Wednesday, November 2, 2005 at 7:05 p.m. in Conference Room 1 of the Washington County Administrative Annex, 80 West Baltimore Street. Members present included: Michael Gehr, Jane Hershey, Sandra Izer and Carla Viar. Also present was County Commissioner Dori Nipps and Staff members Steve Goodrich and Debra Eckard. C. MINUTES Ms. Izer made a motion to approve the October 5, 2005 minutes as presented. Seconded by Ms. Hershey. Unanimously approved. D. COMMUNICATIONS AND BILLS Mr. Goodrich stated that the latest copy of the Forum Journal is available at the County Planning Department for members to read. Mr. Goodrich presented a letter received from the State Highway Administration regarding proposed improvements to the existing storm drain system at the intersection of U.S. Route 11 and Englewood Road. The State Highway Administration stated, "no historic built resources will be affected by the project". The Commission has no comment on this project. E. UNFINISHED BUSINESS The Board of County Commissioners, at their regular meeting on October 25, 2005, reappointed Michael Gehr to the Historic District Commission for a three-year term extending to October 31, 2008. F. BUDGET CLG Application Matching Funds This item was discussed as New Business. G. NEW BUSINESS RZ-05-01 0 and CP-05-003 — Cloverly Mr. Goodrich presented for review and comment an application for a zoning map amendment to rezone property located at the northeast corner of the intersection of Maryland Route 64 and Maryland Route 77. The property is currently zoned A — Agricultural, A(R) — Agricultural Rural and EC — Environmental Conservation. The applicant is requesting a zoning designation of RR — Residential Rural. The applicant is also requesting an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan to enlarge the Smithsburg Town Growth Area Boundary to include approximately 56 acres of property. The property proposed to be included in the Growth Area currently has a Washington County Comprehensive Plan Land Use Policy Area classification of Agriculture and Environmental Conservation in the Rural Area. The amendment proposes that this property be included in the Town Growth Area with a policy designation of Low Density Residential. The developer is proposing 72 single-family residential lots on approximately 62 acres. Discussion: There was a brief discussion regarding ownership of the property and the knowledge that the developer knew the current zoning on the property and the land uses associated with that zoning designation when the property was purchased. It was noted that if the proposed zoning designation is granted and the property is put in the Town of Smithsburg Growth Area, it would allow more dense development. There is also concern regarding the negative affect on other historic properties in close proximity to the proposed development. Mr. Goodrich noted that the Staff does not support individuals requesting amendments to the Comprehensive Plan because it takes away from the Board of County Commissioner's long range planning responsibilities. Ms. Izer made a motion to forward the following comments to the Washington County Planning Department. The Historic District Commission is pleased that the developer has shown sensitivity to the historic structures located on the property; however, they are of the opinion that additional density on the property would have a negative affect on these historic structures and other historic structures in close proximity to the proposed development. Seconded by Ms. Viar. Unanimously approved. CLG FFY 2006 Application Mr. Goodrich presented for review and approval an application for Certified Local Government matching grant funds for FFY 2006. The proposed project for this application is Phase IV of the Rural Community Survey which will include Downsville, Brownsville, Bakersville, Gapland, Garrett's Mill and Mt. Lena communities. The Comprehensive Plan categorizes these communities as Rural Villages with the RV - Rural Village zoning designation. The total estimated project cost is $28,500 that includes the 40% local match of $10,000 that will be included in the HDC's FY 2006-2007 budget request. Commissioner Nipps noted that these surveys would be helpful to the Board of County Commissioners when offering incentives to developers to save historic structures on property proposed for development. Ms. Hershey made a motion to approve the CLG FFY 2006 application as presented. Seconded by Ms. Viar. Unanimously approved. H. OTHER BUSINESS In response to member's questions, there was a brief discussion regarding past demolition permits reviewed by the Commission. Mr. Goodrich reported that the HDC has influenced some developers to save historic structures or to reuse parts of historic structures that were demolished. He noted that the developer of Freedom Hills in Maugansville has decided to preserve the historic house on its own parcel and the barn will be taken down and the parts reused on another property. ADJOURNMENT Ms. Hershey made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:55 p.m. Seconded by Ms. Viar. Unanimously approved. Respectfully submitted, -r f Stephen T. Goodrich Chief Senior Planner STG/dse