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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2-6-08MINUTES HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY February 6, 2008 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, February 6, 2008 at 7:03 p.m. in Conference Room 1 of the Washington County Administrative Annex, 80 West Baltimore Street. Members present included: Michael Gehr, David Wiles, Robert Bowman II, Sandy Izer, Chris Horst and Merry Stinson. Also present was County Commissioner Kristen Aleshire and Staff members Stephen T. Goodrich and Debra Eckard. C. MINUTES Minutes were not available. D. COMMUNICATIONS & BILLS None. E. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Mr. Gehr announced that the next meeting to work on the State preservation conference presentation is scheduled for Sunday, February 10`h F. BUDGET None. G. NEW BUSINESS Demolition Permit #2008-00325 —19931 Toms Road Mr. Goodrich presented for review and recommendation Demolition Permit #2008-00325 for property located at 19931 Toms Road. The applicants, Mr. Jason Gress and Ms. Barbara Boeklen-Hubert were present at the meeting. Mr. Goodrich noted that the Agenda packet included the following information: the demolition permit application, a map showing the location of the property, a copy of the letter sent to the applicant, and a copy of the Maryland Historical Trust Inventory form (WA -II -204). Discussion and Comments: Ms. Boeklen-Hubert stated that the house is not currently occupied and it does not have a functioning septic system, water system or heating system. She stated they are proposing to demolish the existing house and construction a farm -style house on the site. Mr. Gress stated that they had a builder (Mr. Tytus Martin of Tri-State Builders) inspect the property. Mr. Martin expressed his opinion that the building is irreparable. Ms. Stinson asked if Mr. Martin performs historic restoration and Mr. Gress responded that he constructs new structures as well as historic restoration. Mr. Gehr asked if the house were to be demolished, have the applicant's considered salvaging parts. Mr. Gress stated that there has been expressed interest in salvaging parts. Mr. Gehr asked if the foundation or other parts of the structures are going to be reused. Ms. Hubert stated that if the existing stone foundation is in good condition, it is their intent to use the same footprint for the new house. Ms. Stinson stated that the structure appears to be from the mid to late 19th century despite some 20th century exterior materials. She believes there are other structures in Washington County from this time period that are similar. Mr. Bowman expressed his opinion that the money spent for demolition and a new structure could be used to rehabilitate the existing structure. Mr. Wiles also believes the structure could be rehabilitated. Motion and Vote: Ms. Stinson made a motion to recommend renovation of the existing structure located at 19931 Toms Road, rather than demolition citing the Secretary of Interior's Standards preference for rehabilitation rather than new construction and that the existing structure is a representative example of Washington County heritage and architecture from the mid 19th century. Seconded by Mr. Bowman. Comment before the Vote: Commissioner Aleshire expressed his opposition to the HDC's recommendation because the owners have prepared plans for a new structure and the HDC's recommendation will not prevent the demolition. Vote: Ms. Stinson's motion to recommend renovation of the existing structure passed unanimously. Permit #2008-00444 - 7627 Sharpsburg Pike Mr. Goodrich presented for review and approval Permit #2008-00444 for property located at 7627 Sharpsburg Pike in the Tilghmanton Rural Village zone; however, it is not located within the historic portion of the village. Mr. Goodrich noted that the Agenda packet included the following: a copy of the permit application, a location map, a copy of the plat showing the parcel and the house location of the house on the parcel, the plat showing the elevations of the building, the rural village design review guidelines, and a copy of the Tilghmanton Rural Village survey with the architectural features of the village highlighted. The applicant's representative, Ms. Noell of Oliver Homes, and the contract purchaser were present at the meeting. The applicant is proposing to construct a split -foyer single-family dwelling. Discussion: Ms. Stinson expressed her opinion that the proposed dwelling is compatible with the surrounding structures. Motion and Vote: Ms. Izer made a motion to approve Permit #2008-00444 for property located at 7627 Sharpsburg Pike in the Tilghmanton Rural Village zone. If constructed in accordance with the submitted plans, the dwelling would be compatible with the other non-contributing structures south of the historic portion of the district of Tilghmanton. Seconded by Ms. Stinson. Unanimously approved. Proposed Cell Tower Mr. Goodrich presented for review and comment a proposed cell tower to be located at the end of Raylock Drive in Hancock. The parcel is also the site of the Town of Hancock's municipal water supply tank. Included in the Agenda packet was a map showing the proposed location of the cell tower and a copy of the Maryland Historical Trust Sites Survey (Site WA -VI -012). The house described on the inventory form no longer exists. Mr. Goodrich noted that the C & O Canal, which is a National Register site is in relatively close proximity to the site. The Town of Hancock has been inventoried and has been determined to be register eligible, but has not been listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The site is within the limits of the town of Hancock; however, it is well removed from the historic portion of the town. Discussion and Comments: Ms. Stinson expressed her opinion that the area is surrounded by the interstate and already appears more modern. Mr. Gehr expressed his opinion that there would not be a significant impact to the historic area of Hancock and the C & O Canal viewshed. Members also discussed the surrounding area that is forested and would help disguise the proposed tower. Motion and Vote: Mr. Wiles made a motion to recommend that the proposed cell tower location is a logical location and recommends that other telecommunication companies should be encouraged to co - locate on this site. Seconded by Ms. Izer. Unanimously approved. Brumbaugh-Kendle-Grove Farmstead Mr. Goodrich presented for review and comment a letter from the FAA to the Planning Commission inviting participation in the official Section 106 review that is being performed on the potential demolition of the Brumbaugh-Kendle-Grove Farmstead. The farmstead is located on 84.6 -acres of property owned by the Hagerstown Regional Airport. The farmhouse and outbuildings are near the runway extension, but located outside of the airport's security fence. The Farmstead includes a brick farmhouse, family cemetery, barn and approximately 7 other outbuildings. Discussion and Comments: Ms. Stinson noted that the farmstead has been determined by the Maryland Historical Trust to be National Register eligible. Ms. Izer stated that the Maryland Historical Trust Sites Survey from 1977 states, "the buildings and structures remain little altered and in fair to good condition". Mr. Bowman expressed his opinion that the FAA is concerned with safety issues for the Airport and vandalism of the property. Ms. Izer expressed her opinion that Washington County has allowed the property to deteriorate due to neglect and the County should take steps to rehabilitate the property. Ms. Stinson made an inquiry with regard to the Federal government's involvement in deciding what happens to the property. Mr. Goodrich stated that the property was purchased with Federal government funds and many of the improvements at the Airport have been made with Federal funds. Ms. Izer believes that the farmstead could be subdivided onto its own lot and an HP (Historic Preservation) overlay zone should be placed on the property. Mr. Goodrich stated there is a clear zone over the property with height restrictions; however, he does not believe that the property infringes on any of these restrictions. The FAA and Transportation Security Administration have concerns over the location of the farmstead because it is unoccupied and the Airport does not have security of law enforcement staff that could monitor or protect the property from vandals. The County also has issues with regard to maintenance and the cost of maintenance for the buildings. Several HDC members have recently visited the site. Ms. Stinson expressed her opinion that the farmhouse is built on the foundation of a much older structure from the early 19th century. Mr. Bowman stated there are other materials from the original house inside the existing structure that can be clearly seen. Members discussed several options that the County could explore to save the house such as a lease agreement with a curatorship or subdivide and sell the farmstead with a small piece of property around it. Ms. Stinson expressed her opinion that the County represents the citizens of Washington County and they (the County) have an obligation to maintain heritage sites for citizens of the County. Mr. Goodrich stated that the 106 review's objective is "not to use citizen's money to destroy citizen's heritage". Mr. Bowman expressed his opinion that the structures are salvageable. Motion and Vote: Ms. Stinson made a motion that the HDC should be notified of all correspondence from anyone involved in the Section 106 Review. Ms. Stinson also made a motion to recommend retention and reuse of the farmstead because it is National Register eligible and represents several periods of history by the reuse of parts of the buildings dating from the early 19`h century through the late 19th to early 20th centuries. Considering the great historical value and that the County owns the property, the farmstead should be preserved and offered for curatorship or purchase. The Secretary of Interior Standards encourages the renovation first and foremost for important historical structures. Seconded by Mr. Bowman. Unanimously approved. H. OTHER BUSINESS Mr. Goodrich stated that the Planning Staff is beginning to work on the update for the Comprehensive Plan. He distributed copies of Chapter 10 of the Plan titled "Historic and Cultural Resources" and requested that members review it and be prepared to offer recommendations for update, if needed, at the next meeting. EXECUTIVE SESSION None. J. ADJOURNMENT Mr. Horst made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:22 p.m. Seconded by Ms. Izer. So ordered. Respectfully submitted, Stephen T. Goodrich Chief Planner