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HomeMy WebLinkAbout9-5-07MINUTES HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSII FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY September 5, 2007 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, September 5, 2007 at 7:05 p.m. in Conference Room 1 of the Washington County Administrative Annex, 80 West Baltimore Street. Members present included: Michael Gehr, Charles Stewart, David Wiles, Robert Bowman II, and Merry Stinson. Also present was Kristen Aleshire, County Commissioner, and Staff members Stephen T. Goodrich and Debra Eckard. C. MINUTES Mr. Stewart made a motion to approve the August 1, 2007 minutes as presented. Seconded by Mr. Wiles. Unanimously approved. D. COMMUNICATIONS & BILLS Mr. Goodrich stated that the Forum News was included in the September Agenda packet for HDC member's information. Mr. Goodrich presented for review the following State Highway Administration projects: Project #WA330A21 — MD 67, MD 67D at 200 feet west of CO 994 (Weaverton Road) Appalachian Trail parking/access; Project #23802221-B01800 - US 40 Alt. Over Antietam Creek, Remedial Bridge' Work; Project #WA335A21 1-70 at US 40 Landscaping and Reforestation; and Project' #2380221-B05501 and #2380221-B05502 — 1-81 at Maugansville Road, Bridges #2105501 and 2105502. The State Highway Administration has determined that the proposed projects will not have any negative impact on any historic resources. No action required. E. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Revision to Cell Tower Review Procedures Mr. Goodrich reiterated the change to the cell tower review procedures. Mr. Goodrich stated that he would now review all cell tower applications to determine where historic sites are located in relationship to the location of the cell towers. If historic structures are located on the proposed site or adjacent properties, he will present them to the HDC for their review and recommendation. F. BUDGET None. G. NEW BUSINESS Permit #2007-05398 - 7910 Abbott Drive Mr. Goodrich presented for review and approval Permit #2007-05398 for property located at 7910 Abbott Drive in the Tilghmanton Rural Village zone; however, it is not within the historic portion of the Rural Village. Applicant Emmett Abbott was present at the meeting. The applicant is proposing a 652 -square foot open deck on the rear of the existing dwelling. Mr. Goodrich stated that the deck will be elevated and accessible from the main floor of the house, which is at ground level in the front but has two stories exposed in the rear. Ms. Stinson stated that the deck does not appear to be visible from the historic portion of the Village, it is in an area of similar homes, and is compatible with the existing structures on the property. Mr. Stewart concurred with Ms. Stinson's comments. Motion and Vote: Mr. Stewart made a motion to approve building permit #2007-05398 based on an inspection of the project plans and property in question and if constructed in accordance with the plans, the project would be compatible with other structures in the surrounding area and the design guidelines. Seconded by Mr. Wiles. Unanimously approved. Permit #2007- 05419 — 14631 Roosevelt Avenue Mr. Goodrich presented for review and approval Building Permit #2007-05419 for property located at 14631 Roosevelt Avenue in the Pen Mar Rural Village zone. The property is within the historic district boundary; however, it is a non-contributing structure. The applicant is proposing a 12' x 16' kitchen addition to the rear of the existing dwelling. The applicants Steven and Heidi Heiston were not present at the meeting. The dwelling is a 1970's vintage ranch style house. The property is located adjacent to contributing structures within the historic portion of the Rural Village. Comments: Ms. Stinson expressed her opinion that the addition is compatible with the existing structure and she does not believe it will have any impact on the surrounding historic structures' Mr. Stewart and Mr. Gehr concurred with Ms. Stinson's comments. Motion and Vote: Ms. Stinson made a motion to approve building permit #2007-05419 for' property located at 14631 Roosevelt Avenue based on an inspection of the project plans and the property in question and if constructed in accordance with the plans, the project would be compatible with the existing structure and with other structures in the surrounding area and the design guidelines. Seconded by Mr. Bowman. Unanimously approved. Permit #2007-05812 —18421 Manor Church Road Mr. Goodrich presented for review and approval Building Permit #2007-05812 for property located at 18421 Manor Church Road in the Fairplay Rural Village zone; however, it is outside the historic portion of the Rural Village. This property was also the subject of a permit application to construct an addition to the rear of the building and was to be considered by the HDC at their July meeting. However, due to lack of a quorum, the meeting was canceled and the HDC delegated the authority to Mr. Goodrich to approve several permit applications. At the August 1, 2007 meeting, the HDC confirmed Mr. Goodrich's approval of the permit applications. The applicant is proposing to construct an 8' x 48' attached covered deck to the front of the dwelling. The owners,, Joyce and James Blaylock, were not present at the meeting. Motion and Vote: Mr. Wiles made a motion to approve building permit #2007-05812 for property, located at 18421 Manor Church Road based on an inspection of the project plans and the property in question and if constructed in accordance with the plans, the project would be compatible with the existing structure and with other structures in the surrounding area and the design guidelines. Seconded by Mr. Stewart. Unanimously approved. Member Reappointment Recommendations Mr. Goodrich stated that Ms. Stinson's, Ms. Viar's and Mr. Bowman's terms on the Historic District Commission are due to expire on October 31, 2007. Mr. Goodrich stated that Ms. Stinson and Ms. Viar have both served two terms on the HDC. Mr. Bowman is finishing Ms. Lakin's term due to her resignation. The BOCC's policy is usually limiting appointments to two terms; however, the policy has occasionally been waived. Ms. Stinson stated that she would be willing to continue to serve if the BOCC does not have other candidates waiting to serve. It should be noted that an historical architect is required to serve on the HDC and Ms. Stinson's qualifications serve to fill that requirement. Ms. Viar is a registered interior design professional and is a valued asset to the HDC. Mr. Bowman, who has a background in the rehabilitation of historic structures, is also• willing to be reappointed. H. OTHER BUSINESS The next Design Guidelines meeting will be held on Saturday, September 22, 2007 at 9:30 a.m. I. EXECUTIVE SESSION None. J. ADJOURNMENT Mr. Stewart made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:42 p.m. Seconded by Ms. Stinson. So ordered. Respectfully submitted, Steph n T. Goodrich Chief Planner