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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-1-06MINUTES HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY November 1, 2006 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 1, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. in Conference Room 1 of the Washington County Administrative Annex, 80 West Baltimore Street. Members present included: Michael Gehr, Sandy Izer, Charles Stewart, Carla Viar, David Wiles, Robert Bowman, II and Merry Stinson. Also present was County Commissioner Dori Nipps and Staff members Stephen Goodrich and Debra Eckard. Mr. Gehr recommended a change in the order of Agenda items. Due to the extensive length of discussion regarding the item under "Unfinished Business" for the Ringgold Church of Christ, Mr. Gehr recommended that this item should be presented following the New Business items listed on the Agenda. Ms. Izer made a motion to change the order of the Agenda items. Seconded by Ms. Stinson. Unanimously approved. C. MINUTES Ms. Stinson made a motion to approve the October 4, 2006 minutes as amended. Seconded by Ms. Izer. Unanimously approved. Mr. Goodrich introduced Robert Bowman, II as the newest member of the Historic District Commission. D. COMMUNICATIONS & BILLS None. E. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Rinaaold Church of Christ design review Mr. Goodrich presented for design review additional plans for the Ringgold Church of Christ. The review was continued from the October meeting. The Commission requested additional drawings and information. There was a brief discussion regarding the appearance of the scale and mass of a structure. Mr. Goodrich provided several photdgraphs taken at various locations in the surrounding area and a scaled three-dimensional drawing. Photographs with the new buildings sketched in were created and provided by staff in an attempt to represent the appearance of the new buildings in the existing village setting. Discussion: There was a brief discussion regarding the materials proposed for use on the structure. Mr. Knepper, a Church representative, stated that the front of the building will have split -face rock and white stucco. Earth tone colors will be used. The back and left side of the building will be covered with vertical aluminum siding; however, there will be Leyland Cypress trees planted along the left side of the building to shield the view of the siding. Mr. Goodrich stated that the trees along the back of the proposed building are in a Forest Conservation easement area and cannot be removed. Mr. Knepper stated that the driveway has been redesigned in order to save the historic structure that was proposed for demolition. Trees will be planted as a buffer and landscaping will be provided throughout the parking area. Comments: Ms. Izer stated her opinion that the structure is not compatible with the existing structures in the Rural Village. Ms. Stinson stated her opinion that by breaking up the mass of the structure into different parts and the proposed landscaping, the structure appears to be a grouping of buildings rather than one large massive structure. Mr. Wiles stated his opinion that if compromises cannot be made with the Church regarding the proposed structure, the Church may be forced to leave the area and the Rural Village would be without any Church. Ms. Stinson agreed with Mr. Wiles comments and stated her opinion that the Commission needs to look at the benefits the Church brings to the community. Discussion: There was a brief discussion regarding the style of the steeple for the proposed Church. By consensus, either steeple would be acceptable to the Commission. Mr. Wiles made a motion to indicate concept approval of the Ringgold Church of Christ design plans as presented specifically with the modifications to the driveway that will preserve the Victorian house and includes additional landscaping. The design was determined to be consistent with the guidelines of the Rural Village district and the existing structures in the Village. Seconded by Ms. Stinson. The motion passed with Mr. Wiles, Ms. Stinson, Mr. Bowman and Mr. Stewart voting "Aye" and Ms. Izer voting "Nay". Ms. Viar abstained. F. BUDGET None. G. NEW BUSINESS Permit #2006-08666-6015 Dunker Church Road, Sharpsburg Mr. Goodrich presented for review Permit #2006-08666 for property located at 6015 Dunker Church Road, Sharpsburg. The property is located within the legislative boundaries of the Antietam Battlefield and the County's Antietam Overlay zone. The applicant is proposing to demolish an existing barn. Discussion: Mr. Gehr made an inquiry regarding the,age of the barn. Mr. Goodrich stated that the structure is not listed in the Washington County Historic Sites Inventory. Ms. Izer visited the property and believes the barn is in remarkably good condition. She stated that a piece of the tin roof is rolled back and if it is not repaired, she believes it will be demolition by neglect. Ms. Stinson also visited the property and believes it is a good example of a late 191h or early 20th century barn in Washington County. She believes more information is needed regarding the structure. Mr. Goodrich stated that he contacted Mr. John Howard of the National Park Service because the NPS has an easement on this property. Mr. Howard endorsed the removal of the structure because it was not present during the time of the Antietam Battle. There was a brief discussion regarding the guidelines that should be used in reviewing this permit. The Secretary of Interiors Standards should be followed although consideration should also be given to the overall purpose of the National Battlefield to preserve the scene at the time of the Battle. Ms. Stinson made a motion to deny the demolition permit application based on the Secretary of Interior's Standards because this is a good representation and intact example of a late 19, or early 201h century barn in Washington County. The Standards encourage retention and reuse of structures rather than demolition. Seconded by Mr. Wiles. Prior to the vote, Ms. Stinson noted that the applicant was not present to provide additional information or to address any questions raised by the HDC. Ms. Stinson's motion passed unanimously. Permit # 2006-08225 and # 2006-08226 — 3604 Mills Road Mr. Goodrich presented for review and approval Permit # 2006-08225 and # 2006-08226 for property located at 3604 Mills Road. The applicant is proposing to construct a two -car detached garage and a sunroom addition. The property is located in the Antietam Rural Village zoning. Discussion: There was a brief discussion regarding the materials that are proposed for use. All materials will be compatible and in character of the existing house. Ms. Izer made a motion to approve building Permit #2006-08225 and #2006-08226 for the property located at 3604 Mills Road for the proposed addition and two -car detached garage. If built in accordance with the submitted plans, the new construction and addition are compatible with the new construction in the Antietam Rural Village zoning and the adjoining properties and is consistent with the design guidelines of the Rural Village district and the Secretary of the Interior's standards. Seconded by Ms. Viar. Unanimously approved. Permit #2006.07725, 21633 Kelso Drive Mr. Goodrich presented for review and approval Permit #2006-07225 for property located at 21633 Kelso Drive. The property is located in the Leitersburg Rural Village zoning. The applicant is proposing to construct a sunroom addition. Comments: Ms. Stinson stated her opinion that the addition would not have a negative effect on the Leitersburg Rural Village zoning historic district area due to the location of the property and the trees surrounding the property. It also appears that the addition is appropriate for this house and compatible with the adjoining properties. Ms. Stinson made a motion to approve Permit #2006-07225 for property located at 21633 Kelso Drive because it is consistent with the existing dwelling and the Rural Village design guidelines. Seconded by Ms. Viar. Unanimously approved. Permit #2006-08621, 5722 Tall Timber Lane Mr. Goodrich presented for review and approval Permit #2006-08621 for property located at 5722 Tall Timber Lane. The property is located in the Highfield Rural Village zoning and is outside of the historic district area. The applicant is proposing a two-story addition. Ms. Viar made a motion to approve Permit #2006-08621 for property located at 5722 Tall Timber Lane. If the addition is constructed in accordance with the submitted plans, it appears to be compatible with the existing and related structures and would not have an adverse affect on the Highfield Rural Village zoning. Seconded by Ms. Izer. Unanimously approved. PC -06-009 — Williamsview Mr. Goodrich presented for review and comment the preliminary consultation for Williamsview located along Kendle Road. This site was previously reviewed by the Commission as part of a rezoning for a Planned Unit Development on both the Britner and Ebersole properties. The HDC, during their first review, recommended the retention and reuse of the complex of farm buildings within the PUD. After a field visit of the farmhouse, the HDC withdrew their recommendation because the structures did not show any significant historic architectural features and were in very poor condition. However, the HDC recommended buffering along the eastern side of the property between the proposed development and adjoining properties. Discussion: There was a brief discussion regarding the proposed open space and afforestation areas. The developer is proposing to use part of the individual lots as forest retention areas to meet the Forest Conservation requirements. Ms. Viar made a motion to maintain the HDC's previous recommendation of buffering along the east side and to recommend additional buffer on the western portion of the property. The HDC also expressed their regret that their previous comments were not taken into consideration when the new concept plan was prepared. Seconded by Ms. Stinson. Unanimously approved. :tej:I 1-111-11111* None. None. J. ADJOURNMENT Mr. Stewart made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:40 p.m. Seconded by Ms. Viar. So ordered. Respectfully itt d,�q Stephen T. Goodrich Chief Planner STG/dse