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HomeMy WebLinkAbout3-2-05MINUTES HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY MARCH 2, 2005 A and B. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL The regular monthly meeting of the Historic District Commission was called to order by Stephen T. Goodrich on Wednesday, March 2, 2005 at 7:05 p.m. in Conference Room 1 of the Washington County Administrative Annex. Members present included: Jane Hershey, Sandra Izer, Merry Stinson, Carla Viar and David Wiles. Also present was County Commissioner Dori Nipps and staff member Debra Eckard. Absent members: Michael Gehr, Chairman, and Eleanor Lakin. C. MINUTES The minutes from the February 2, 2005 meeting were presented. A motion was made by Sandra Izer to approve the minutes as presented. Seconded by Merry Stinson. Unanimously approved. D. COMMUNICATIONS & BILLS 1) S.H.A. Maintenance Facility — Parkhead Mr. Goodrich presented a letter and maps from the State Highway Administration proposing the construction of a new salt barn at their maintenance facility at Parkhead, near Pecktonville. The State Highway Administration has determined that the construction of this facility would have no effect on historic resources in that area. After some discussion, Merry Stinson made a motion to have Mr. Goodrich prepare a letter to be sent to the State Highway Administration expressing the HDC's concern for construction on previously undisturbed areas and to recommend that if any archaeological resources are encountered during construction that they be recovered and curated. Copies of this letter should also be sent to the Maryland Historical Trust and the Hagerstown Historical Trust. Seconded by Carla Viar. Unanimously approved. 2) Training Resources Mr. Goodrich presented a copy of the "Historic Preservation the Process and the Profit" seminar brochure for the Commission's information. He also presented a copy of the Maryland Association Historic District newsletter detailing the Annual State Conference to be held in May. Both of these seminars would provide the required training for HDC members. If there are any members interested in attending the State Conference, there are funds available in the Commission's budget. G. NEW BUSINESS 1) Permit #2005-01655, 4621 Harper's Ferry Road Mr. Goodrich presented Permit #2005-01655 for construction of a garage at 4621 Harpers Ferry Road, Sharpsburg, Maryland to the Commission. This property is located in the Antietam Overlay District as described in the Washington County Zoning Ordinance under Article 20A and is subject to the regulations of Article 20, Historic Preservation District, Section 20.6. Mr. Albert L. Hetzel, Jr., the applicant and owner of the property was present. Mr. Hetzel presented photographs of the existing house constructed in 1999. He stated that the garage will be constructed using the same color and type of siding and shingles to match the house. Mr. Hetzel presented the proposed product specifications from 84 Lumber showing the windows (30 x 30", manufactured by MW Windows), garage doors (manufactured by GADCO), siding (manufactured by CertainTeed), and roof samples (rustic Virginia slate). The Commission received the plan and all four elevation drawings with the Agenda. Carla Viar made a motion to approve the permit application based on consistency with the Secretary of Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation and the recommendations for new additions and that the construction will not adversely affect the integrity of the historic district and its environment. Seconded by Jane Hershey. Unanimously approved. 2) PC -05.003, Mt, Aetna Farms PUD (revised concept plan) Mr. Goodrich presented information for the proposed Mt. Aetna Farms PUD located north of Robinwood Drive and Yale Drive. This concept plan is proposing 1,431 dwelling units on 220 acres. This application was previously reviewed by the Commission in June 2003; however, the concept plan has been revised and several changes have been made to the plan. There is an existing historic structure (WA -I-439) located on this site. In 2003, the HDC recommended that the concept plan be adjusted to provide an appropriately sized lot on which to retain, rehabilitate and re -use the existing buildings and that they be secured from the weather and vandalism to be protected until such time as the structure can be re -used. Commissioner Nipps stated that sewer service for this development is a serious issue. Sewer service would need to be approved by the City of Hagerstown which is currently under a consent order from the MDE. The developer has requested that this site be annexed into the City of Hagerstown; however, this development is not contiguous with the City and therefore cannot be annexed at this time. School capacity issues are another major concern for this development. Jane Hershey made a motion that the Commission reiterate its position from the June 2003 comments. Seconded by David Wiles. Unanimously approved. H. OTHER BUSINESS 1) Barnes Road Bridge Mr. Goodrich provided Gary Rohrer's response to Merry Stinson's request for information on the next oldest concrete arch bridge (after Barnes Road Bridge) in the County. Mr. Rohrer's response stated that the County's inventory of structures does not include an accumulative list of dates, but he referenced the book "Historic Bridges of Maryland" which lists the 1907 concrete arch structure over the Conococheague River. 2) Bowman Property Mr. Goodrich has contacted the Maryland Historical Trust regarding the Bowman property. A written formal request must be made in order to receive copies of any information submitted to the Trust for tax credits but he was informed that there have been applications on Maryland tax credits. Mr. Goodrich has also sent a letter to the Bowman's regarding the non-compliance with HDC standards and specifications for rehabilitation of an historic structure within an HP zone. Discussion: Commissioner Nipps suggested implementing fines for non-compliance of the Zoning Ordinance regulations for the construction/rehabilitation of properties designated within an HP zone. 3) 112 Broadway Tax Credit Application Ms. Izer expressed concern regarding the approval of some items listed on the tax credit application presented for the property located at 112 Broadway in February. Ms. Izer stated that she has contacted the Maryland Historical Trust regarding the replacement of the front wooden columns with fiberglass columns. The applicant stated on the application sent to the Maryland Historical Trust that the columns were replaced with "in -kind" columns. The Maryland Historical Trust is investigating the application at this time. Mr. Goodrich stated that Staff will review the minutes and tapes from the February meeting. J. ADJOURNMENT Jane Hershey made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:35 p.m. Seconded by Carla Viar. Unanimously approved. Respe-��.-x-11 muted, ' Stephen T. Goodrich Chief Senior Planner STG/dse