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HomeMy WebLinkAbout7-12-06MINUTES HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY July 12, 2006 A. and B. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Stephen T. Goodrich called the regular monthly meeting of the Historic District Commission to order on Wednesday, July 12, 2006 at 7:05 p.m. in Conference Room 1 of the Washington County Administrative Annex, 80 West Baltimore Street. Members present included: David Wiles, Sandy Izer, Charles Stewart and Carla Viar. Also present was Commissioner Dori Nipps and Staff member Debra Eckard. C. MINUTES Ms. Viar made a motion to approve the June 7, 2006 minutes as presented. Seconded by Mr. Wiles. Unanimously approved. D. COMMUNICATIONS AND BILLS None E. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None F. BUDGET Mr. Goodrich presented a copy of the approved budget for Fiscal Year 2006-2007. There was a brief discussion regarding other sources of funding. G. NEW BUSINESS AP2006-083 - 24808 Pen Mar Road Mr. Goodrich presented for review and comment Building Permit application #2006.083 for William and Rhonda Fulmor. The property is located at 24808 Pen Mar Road, Cascade in the Rural Village of Pen Mar. The HDC will be reviewing plans for the proposed construction of a new home in the Rural Village. Discussion: Mr. Goodrich reminded Commission members that new development should be encouraged to be compatible with the historic character of the community. The Commission should be strict when reviewing old buildings and lenient when reviewing new building construction. There was a brief discussion regarding the style of the home, a rancher as opposed to the bungalow style homes that are frequently seen in the surrounding area. Members suggested changes to the windows and grouping of the windows that are characteristic of neighboring homes. Commission members suggested the following changes: a gabled front porch with railings and columns similar to other homes in the neighborhood, change the style and groupings of windows, and change the style of the garage doors. Mr. Fulmor stated they will be using El Dorado stone on the entire front of the house and garage. The owners have agreed to incorporate as many of the changes as financially feasible. By consensus, members agreed to continue the design review process until the owner can submit a revised drawing. Building Permit #2006-04232 —17922 Grant Avenue Mr. Goodrich presented for review and approval Building Permit application #2006-04232 for Lawrence and Elizabeth Milihram. The property is located at 17922 Grant Avenue, Boonsboro in the Rural Village of Tilghmanton. The applicant constructed a 30' x 30' garage to the right side of the dwelling. Ms. Izer made a motion to approve the building permit at 17922 Grant Avenue. The structure is compatible with the character of the existing structures and adjoining properties and consistent with the Secretary of the Interior's guidelines. Seconded by Mr. Wiles. Unanimously approved. Demolition Permit #2006-04285, 13001 Rowe Road Mr. Goodrich presented for review and recommendation Demolition Permit #2006-04285, 13001 Rowe Road, Smithsburg. The subject property is identified in the Washington County Historic Sites Survey as part of site WA -IV -065. Comments: The Grove's, owners of the property, stated that the house is in poor structural condition because of termite damage and rotten wood, there is lead paint in the house and the house leaks even though windows and the roof have recently been replaced. The owners believe they can no longer rent the property and wish to demolish the house and replace it. The barn would be retained. The owners also stated that they would retain any usable parts when they dismantle the structure. Ms. Izer made a motion that the Commission has no opposition to the demolition permit. Seconded by Ms. Viar. Unanimously approved. PP -06-005 — Phase I. Black Rock PUD Mr. Goodrich presented for review and recommendation the Preliminary Plat for Phase I, Black Rock PUD. Mr. Goodrich reviewed some of the history of this property for Commission members. He stated that the approved final development plan showed the houses on Lots 64 and 68, identified in the Washington County Historic Sites Survey as WA -1-063 and WA -I-076, would be retained. However, the preliminary plat for Phase I has been submitted to the Planning Commission showing both houses to be razed. Discussion: There was a brief discussion regarding the brick house on Lot 68 that had all windows and doors removed prior to the last review of this property. However, all of the windows and doors have now been replaced. Members commented on the good condition of the mortar and stone on the house and the stonewall that should also be retained. Ms. Izer made a motion to recommend that the Planning Commission should deny approval of the Preliminary Plat because it is not consistent with the approved final development plan. The HDC believes the structures retain their historic architectural character based on documentation available in the Washington County Historic Sites inventory. Members also expressed their disappointment and outrage regarding the deterioration of the structures due to the owner's obvious neglect. Seconded by Ms. Viar. Unanimously approved. CLG Grant Award Mr. Goodrich stated that the grant application for the Maryland Historical Trust has been denied due to lack of funds. He also stated that the local match for these funds is available from the Board of County Commissioners. Mr. Goodrich recommended using the local matching funds to survey rural villages that have not previously been surveyed. Mr. Goodrich will present the request to the Board of County Commissioners. H. OTHER BUSINESS None. I. EXECUTIVE SESSION None. J. ADJOURNMENT Ms. Viar made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:45 p.m. So ordered. ResWTodreict ed, ephen Chief Planner STG/dse