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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-5-08MINUTES HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY November 5, 2008 A. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL In the absence of both the Chairman and the Vice -Chairman, Mr. Goodrich called the regular monthly meeting of the Historic District Commission to order on Wednesday, November 5, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. in Conference Room 1 of the Washington County Administrative Annex, 80 West Baltimore Street. Members present included: Sandy Izer, Chris Horst, Rob Bowman, Chip Stewart and David Wiles. Ms. Stinson arrived at 7:03 p.m. and Mr. Gehr arrived at 7:18 p.m. Also present were Staff members Stephen T. Goodrich and Debra Eckard. B. MINUTES Ms. Izer made a motion to approve the minutes of the September 3, 2008 meeting as presented Discussion: Ms. Stinson made an inquiry with regard to a discussion held during the last meeting referenced under OTHER BUSINESS. It was her recollection that the Commission discussed sending a letter to the BOCC or the Planning Director expressing the HDC's interest in having an amendment prepared dealing with the review of properties zoned RB-E (Rural Business Existing) within the Rural Villages. She believes that Ms. Izer and Mr. Goodrich were working together to prepare the letter. After a brief discussion at this evening's meeting, the Commission agreed, by consensus, that a letter should be prepared from the HDC to the Planning Director requesting revisions to have the HDC's review guidelines incorporated into the Rural Business zoning districts when the business is encompassed within a Rural Village district. Ms. Stinson asked that the minutes of September 3rd be amended to state that Staff would prepare a letter to the Planning Director making the request for the amendment to be initiated. Ms. Izer made a motion to approve the minutes of the September 3, 2008 meeting as amended. Seconded by Ms. Stinson. Unanimously approved. Changes to the Agenda Mr. Goodrich requested two items be added to this evening's agenda. The first is Permit Application #2008-05984 for James Cooper, Jr. for property located in the Cascade Rural Village. The second is a letter regarding the Hagerstown Gateway development. Motion and Vote: Mr. Wiles made a motion to add the two items as requested. Seconded by Mr. Stewart. Unanimously approved. C. COMMUNICATIONS AND BILLS Mr. Goodrich stated that he included in the agenda packets the Table of Contents of the Forum Journal, which is a publication sent to the Planning Department as part of the HDC's National Trust membership. If any member of the Commission is interested in reading the publication, they may contact Mr. Goodrich. D. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 13221 Marsh Pike — Emerald Pointe Development Mr. Goodrich provided an update regarding revised plans for historic inventory site WA -1-242 located in the Emerald Pointe development along Marsh Pike. The developer had recently applied for a demolition permit for the entire structure even though the PUD Development Plan indicated the structure would be retained. The plan has been revised and only the modern kitchen addition will be removed. The remainder of the building will be rehabilitated and reused. No action required. Summary for PC -08-007, AMS, LLC Mr. Goodrich provided a copy of the summary for a preliminary consultation (PC -08-007) for AMS, LLC that was held on Thursday, September 11, 2008. The concept plan was reviewed by the Commission at their September 3rd meeting and their comments were provided to the developer during the consultation. No action required. E. BUDGET None. F. NEW BUSINESS Permit #2008-05433-21520 Leitersburg-Smithsburg Road Mr. Goodrich presented for review and approval Permit Application #2008-05433 for property located at 21520 Leitersburg-Smithsburg Road in the Leitersburg Rural Village zone, which is also a National Register district. The applicant is proposing a 12' x 12' sunroom addition to the rear of the dwelling. Mr. Goodrich noted that a copy of the permit application, a map of the Leitersburg area showing the location of the dwelling, a copy of the National Register documentation describing the structure, a copy of the report which describes the architectural features of the Village, a copy of the plot plan showing the location of structure on the property and where the addition is proposed, a photograph provided by the applicant showing the back of the existing structure, several pages of the construction drawings, and wall elevations were provided in members' agenda packets. Discussion: There was a discussion to determine if an existing portion of the structure was being removed or if the sunroom would envelope the existing addition. After reviewing video footage and additional discussion, the Commission did not feel that the historic value of the structure was being lost with the proposed addition. The Commission expressed their concern that the applicant did not provide accurate information and requested verification if the existing addition was being removed or enveloped in the new sunroom. The Commission believes the County Permits Department should be notified of their concerns so they can determine if there will be any demolition on the existing structure. Motion and vote: Ms. Izer made a motion to approve Permit Application #2008-05433 for property located at 21520 Leitersburg-Smithsburg Road in the Rural Village of Leitersburg. The Commission approves the demolition and addition based on compatibility with the existing historic structures in the neighborhood. The HDC recommends that the County Permits Department review the application to determine if demolition of any of the existing structure will occur. Seconded by Mr. Bowman. Unanimously approved. Hagerstown Landmark Overlay, Case ZM-2008-02 — 239 North Locust Street Mr. Goodrich presented a copy of a rezoning application submitted to the City of Hagerstown requesting the Historic Landmark Overlay for property located at 239 North Locust Street (known as the Washington County Alms House). Ms. Stinson expressed her opinion that the structure is very significant to the history of Washington County and supports the request for the Landmark zoning designation. Mr. Wiles believes this is a good example of government leading the way to show citizens the benefits of historic preservation. Motion and Vote: Ms. Stinson made a motion to send a letter of support for the designation of the Historic Landmark Overlay zone for the property known as the Washington County Alms House. Seconded by Mr. Stewart. Unanimously approved. Mr. Goodrich will prepare the letter and send it on behalf of the HDC. Permit #2008-05984 — 5722 Tall Timber Lane, Cascade Mr. Goodrich presented for review and approval Permit Application #2008-05984 for property located at 5722 Tall Timber Lane in the Cascade Rural Village zone; however, it is not within the historic portion of the Village. The applicant, Mr. James Cooper, is proposing to construct a 24' x 26' one story pole building for storage. Mr. Goodrich distributed a copy of the permit application, a copy of the map showing the Cascade Rural Village and where the applicant's property is located, a plot plan showing the existing dwelling and the location of the proposed pole building, and several pages showing elevations of the property. Mr. Cooper was present at the meeting and provided an artist's rendering of the completed building, samples of the colors he is proposing to use and pictures of the barn doors to be used. Mr. Goodrich also provided video footage of Mr. Cooper's home and the area where the pole building will be located on the property. Discussion: Mr. Bowman asked what type of siding would be used. Mr. Cooper stated he would be using vinyl siding. Motion and Vote: Ms. Stinson made a motion to approve Permit Application #2008-05984 for property located at 5722 Tall Timber Lane based on a determination that the building design and appearance is compatible with the surrounding neighborhood and does not infringe on the historic portion of the Cascade Rural Village. Seconded by Mr. Stewart. Unanimously approved. G. OTHER BUSINESS Hagerstown Gatewa Mr. Goodrich distributed copies of a letter received from David Trostle of Frederick, Seibert & Associates regarding the proposed Hagerstown Gateway Retail and Entertainment Center. The developer, Faison, is requesting a formal review by the Washington County Historic District Commission of the historic structures on the site in light of the developer's intention to demolish them. An official review is not required at this time. Several members would like a site visit prior to making any comments or recommendations regarding the structure. Mr. Gehr previously visited the structure and stated that the interior of the structure has drastically been modified. He noted that the current owner of the structure has performed a lot of work on the exterior of the house himself. In Mr. Gehr's opinion, the numerous additions that have been added to the house over its lifetime has compromised the historic integrity of the structure. Mr. Gehr also noted there are several storage buildings and a barn built tightly around the house. Mr. Gehr stated that a site visit was made to the dwelling located on the Yaakov property. He believes this structure, which is "very much intact" should be saved even though there appears to be some moisture and deterioration inside. Mr. Goodrich noted that this property is not listed in the Washington County Historic Sites Inventory or the State's historic inventory. Mr. Goodrich will contact Mr. Trostle to arrange a site visit of both properties, preferably on a Wednesday afternoon at 2:00. 2009 Meeting Schedule Ms. Eckard distributed copies of the 2009 HDC Meeting Schedule. Brumbaugh-Kendle-Grove (BKG) Farmstead Mr. Gehr announced he has been contacted by Mr. Joe Kroboth, Director of the Washington County Public Works Department, requesting a cost estimate for rehabilitation and/or maintenance of the BKG Farmstead. He plans to present this estimate to the Board of County Commissioners in the near future. Ms. Izer stated that the FAA has contacted the Maryland Historical Trust to apprise them of their participation in the Section 106 Review. They will be investigating the possible rehabilitation and reuse of this property. Ms. Izer also stated that the Washington County Historical Trust has written a letter to the Maryland Historical Trust and the FAA with a request to be informed of all communication and activity involving the BKG Farmstead. Design Guidelines Mr. Gehr suggested that the Committee resume their work on the design guidelines. After a brief discussion, the Committee decided that Sunday mornings and/or Tuesday or Wednesday evenings would be preferable. Mr. Gehr will decide on a date and e-mail all members. H. EXECUTIVE SESSION None I. ADJOURNMENT Mr. Bowman made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:18 p.m. Seconded by Ms. Izer. So ordered Respectfull submitted, Stephen T. Goodrich Chief Planner