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HomeMy WebLinkAbout8-6-08MINUTES HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY August 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, August 6, 2008 at 7:05 p.m. in Conference Room 1 of the Washington County Administrative Annex, 80 West Baltimore Street. Members present included: Michael Gehr, Robert Bowman II, Merry Stinson, Sandy Izer, and David Wiles. Also present were Staff members Stephen T. Goodrich and Debra Eckard. C. MINUTES Ms. Izer made a motion to approve the minutes of the July 2, 2008 meeting as amended. Seconded by Ms. Stinson. Unanimously approved. D. COMMUNICATIONS & BILLS Mr. Goodrich provided a copy of the State Highway Administration's letter with regard to Project No. AT743A21, IS 070 Eisenhower Memorial Highway, Beaver Creek Thermal Impact Reduction. The project involves Red Line revisions to the previously coordinated drainage improvement project along 1-70 in Washington County. The SHA has determined that the proposed project will have no adverse effect on historic properties. Mr. Goodrich provided a copy of the State Highway Administration's letter with regard to Project No. AT829B27, IS 068 Eastbound at Sideling Hill Interpretive Center. The SHA has determined there are no historic properties within the Area of Potential Effects and, therefore, will have no adverse effect on historic properties. No action was required and no additional comments were made E. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Permit #2008-01556- 18518 Shepherdstown Pike Mr. Goodrich reminded members that Permit #2008-01556 was previously reviewed by the HDC during their May 7 and July 2, 2008 meetings. The applicant proposed to demolish an existing 15 x 19 -foot one- story addition and chimney, to construct a 15 x 19 -foot, 570 -square foot two-story addition, and to replace and enclose an existing covered porch. The HDC approved the demolition of the existing addition at the May 7'h meeting and continued their review of the proposed new construction. The HDC identified areas of concern regarding the windows on the front of the house on the first floor of the proposed addition and with the enclosed porch during the July 2nd meeting. Discussion: Mr. Goodrich presented revised plans submitted by the applicant, Mr. Kefauver. He noted that the porch is enclosed with several large windows. Mr. Kefauver stated that if the front windows on the addition are elongated as suggested during the July 2nd meeting, it will adversely offset the design of the proposed kitchen. He expressed his opinion that by enclosing the porch using large windows, he would be addressing the Commission's concerns regarding conformity and alignment by maintaining a porch -like appearance. Mr. Kefauver presented a drawing showing the porch as it would appear enclosed and open. Mr. Bowman expressed his opinion that the front windows on the proposed addition and the enclosed front porch are acceptable. Mr. Gehr asked if Mr. Kefauver would consider placing a window on the side of the porch rather than using a solid wall. Mr. Kefauver agreed. Ms. Izer expressed her opinion it would look like an enclosed Victorian style porch and suggested exposing the original logs on the inside of the porch if they are in good condition. Mr. Kefauver stated the front door would be an embossed wood fiberglass door stained a chestnut color. Motion and Vote: Mr. Bowman made a motion to approve Permit #2008-01556 for property located at 18518 Shepherdstown Pike as presented in the revised drawings during the July 2°' and August 6th meetings contingent upon the addition of a window on the side of the enclosed porch to be set at the same height and width as the windows on the front of the porch. Seconded by Ms. Izer. Unanimously approved. PC -08-005 — Hagerstown Towne Center Mr. Goodrich presented for review and information the summary for the preliminary consultation for the Hagerstown Towne Center located at the intersection of US Route 40 and the 1-70 interchange on the south side of Landis Road. Mr. Goodrich noted that he has retrieved information regarding a cemetery believed to be located on the site. He has provided this information to the developer. No action required. Update on the Brumbaugh-Kendle-Grove Farmstead (BKG) Mr. Goodrich provided a copy of a letter addressed to the FAA from the Maryland Historical Trust with regard to the above referenced property located at the Hagerstown Regional Airport. Mr. Gehr noted that Ms. Carolyn Motz of the Airport presented a recommendation for removal of the structures to the board of County Commissioners on Tuesday, August 5'h. Ms. Izer presented the Airport's recommendation that stated, "The Brumbaugh-Kendle-Grove Farmstead buildings be removed from airport property to a site appropriate for the future preservation, rehabilitation and reuse of the structures and that the FAA grant money eligible for demolition be used toward the relocation." Members briefly discussed other statements made by Ms. Motz during her presentation to the BOCC. Ms. Izer stated that she also gave a brief presentation before the BOCC with the following recommendations to be considered by the BOCC: 1) "The appropriation of $40,000 to begin immediate repairs for stabilization of the National Register historic eligible property (BKG) to halt further demolition by neglect. 2) To direct the Airport staff in conjunction with the FAA to complete their obligations mandated by Federal law Section 106. 3) To direct the Airport staff to incorporate a determination of Airport related uses for this farmstead as part of their $700,000, 20 -year Airport plan." Members also discussed a letter received from the Maryland Historical Trust that was sent to the County Attorney, John Martirano. The letter indicates that action to complete the Section 106 review must be taken or the responsible parties may be opened up for litigation. The letter recommends alternative uses of the property by the Airport or an Airport -related tenant or stabilization of the structures. Demolition by neglect is becoming a great concern by MHT. Members discussed several inconsistencies in Ms. Motz's comments made to the BOCC. Ms. Izer expressed her opinion that a rebuttal to several of Ms. Motz's comments should be written and sent to the BOCC. There was a brief discussion regarding grants and Federal funding that the County could lose if the Section 106 review is not completed. Ms. Stinson expressed her opinion that the HDC should prepare a letter to the County Commissioners requesting that the HDC be kept informed of the progress to resolve all outstanding issues regarding the Section 106 review and the disposition of the farmstead structures. She believes that the HDC should also reiterate the lack of the County's compliance with the Section 106 review and the consequences that the County could face in the future. Motion and Vote: Ms. Stinson made a motion that a letter should be prepared and sent to the BOCC reiterating the County's lack of compliance with the Section 106 review and request that the Section 106 review be completed and should include a proposal for an adaptive reuse and rehabilitation of the BKG structures. The HDC also requests that they are kept informed of the progress to resolve these issues. Seconded by Mr. Bowman. Unanimously approved. F. BUDGET None. G. NEW BUSINESS Permit #2008-03609 — 25437 Highfield Road Mr. Goodrich presented for review and approval Permit #2008-03609 for property located at 25437 Highfield Road in the Highfield Rural Village zone. The applicant, Ms. Smith, is proposing to construct a 12' x 16' porch with a roof to the rear of the existing dwelling and an 8' x 10' porch on the west side of the existing dwelling. The HDC previously approved plans for additions to the house. Comments: Ms. Stinson expressed her opinion that the proposed porches are compatible with the existing dwelling and in character with the surrounding neighborhood. Motion and Vote: Ms. Stinson made a motion to approve Permit #2008-03609 for property located at 25437 Highfield Road in the Highfield Rural Village zone as presented. Seconded by Mr. Wiles. Unanimously approved. Permit #2008-03675 — 3768 Harpers Ferry Road Mr. Goodrich presented for review and approval Permit #2008-03675 for property located at 3768 Harpers Ferry Road in the Antietam Village Rural Village zone. The applicant, Mr. McCrossin, is proposing to construct a 24' x 30' drive-thru detached carport. Mr. Goodrich noted there will be siding on the gable ends. Mr. McCrossin stated the siding will be old barn siding placed vertically on the gable ends. Mr. Goodrich stated that the Antietam Ironworks building located on this property is a contributing structure in the Antietam Village Rural Village zone. Discussion: Mr. Goodrich stated that access to the carport will be from Lime Kiln Road. Mr. Bowman and Ms. Izer expressed their opinions that using the old barn siding will make the carport look appropriate with the surrounding structures. Motion and Vote: Mr. Bowman made a motion to approve Permit #2008-03675 for property located at 3768 Harpers Ferry Road as presented. Seconded by Ms. Stinson. Unanimously approved. AP2008-037 — Proposed Cell Tower on Pen Mar Road Mr. Gehr recused himself from any discussion, comments and recommendations regarding this project Mr. Goodrich presented for review and recommendation AP2008.037 for property located on Pen Mar Road at the former Ft. Ritchie site. The applicant is requesting a special exception to erect a 160 -foot high monopole plus a 4 -foot lightning rod to service AT & T and a variance from the minimum 164 -foot west side setback to 50 -feet. Mr. Goodrich stated there are three historic properties located within the vicinity of the proposed tower. Discussion: Ms. Hillorie Morrison of Network Building & Consulting was present at the meeting and presented photographs and maps showing the location of the proposed cell tower location. She stated that the tower could accommodate six carriers. Mr. Hoffman of COPT (Corporate Office Properties Trust), the developers of the former Ft. Ritchie army base, was present at the meeting. He started by giving an overview of the project being developed by COPT on the former army base. COPT purchased the property (591 -acres) from Pen Mar Development Corporation in 2006 and 2007 (a two parcel transfer). Approximately 350 -acres of the property is developed, which includes approximately 126 -acres of historic district on the property. The developer is proposing to build 1.7 million square feet of office and retail space and 673 homes over the next 15 to 20 years. This will ultimately bring 4,500 jobs back to Washington County. The total cost of the development is approximately $256 million. Mr. Hoffman stated that three major components are needed for a successful development: power, water and communications. A cell tower is needed to attract clients to the site. The proposed cell tower site was chosen because it is a good site for coverage and it is located in an area with minimal impact to the historic district of Ft. Ritchie. Mr. Hoffman stated he has spoken to owners of Camp Louise, located in close proximity to the proposed cell tower site, and they have no objection to the installation of the cell tower at its proposed location. Mr. Bowman made an inquiry with regard to the signal towers currently located on the crest of the mountain at High Rock. Mr, Hoffman noted that these towers are owned by the government and can not be used anyone else. Ms. Izer expressed her opinion that the most significant impact would be to the historic district located on the former army base and minimal impact on other surrounding historic resources. Mr. Wiles expressed his opposition to the proposed cell tower due to its close proximity to Camp Louise and the historic resources at the former army base. Motion and Vote: Ms. Izer made a motion to recommend to the Board of Zoning Appeals that the HDC has no objection to the project. Seconded by Mr. Bowman. The motion did not pass with Ms. Izer and Mr. Bowman voting "Aye" and Mr. Wiles and Ms. Stinson voting "Nay'. After further consideration and discussion, no action was taken. RZ-08-003 —Ronald and Jean Dolan Mr. Bowman recused himself from any discussion, comments and recommendations regarding this request. Mr. Goodrich presented for review and recommendation RZ-08.003 for property located at 10914 Dam #5 Road, Clear Spring. The applicants, Ronald and Jean Dolan, are applying for the Historic Preservation Overlay on approximately 40,000 -square feet of property surrounding their house and the foundation of an old mill. The property is currently zoned EC — Environmental Conservation. Motion and Vote: Ms. Stinson made a motion to recommend approval of the Historic Preservation Overlay for property located at 10914 Dam #5 Road. Seconded by Ms. Izer. Unanimously approved. Potential Cell Tower — 9904 Old National Pike Mr. Goodrich presented for review and comment the proposal to locate a cell tower at 9004 Old National Pike in Boonsboro. Mr. Goodrich stated that he has responded to the letter from Triad Engineering, Inc. regarding historic sites located in the vicinity of the proposed site. The developer is proposing the installation of a collocated cellular communications antenna atop an existing 40 -feet tall concrete silo. This request does not require approval from the Board of Zoning Appeals since the structure holding the antenna is already in place. No action was taken. Potential Cell Tower —16411 Fairview Road Mr. Goodrich presented for review and comment the proposal to locate a cell tower at 16411 Fairview Road, Maugansville. The developer is proposing the installation of a 195 -foot tall lattice self-supporting cellular communications tower with a 4 -foot lightning rod. There is an historic inventoried site known as the Eby-Barnett-Nissley Farm (WA -I-115) located on this site. Discussion: Members believed that a balloon test should be performed since the proposed cell tower would be within the viewshed of several historic structures. They discussed using a different style tower such as a monopole rather than a lattice style tower, which is more noticeable. Motion and Vote: Ms. Stinson made a motion to recommend a balloon test with photographs showing the views from the historic properties surrounding the site, the use of a different style tower, and the use of a smaller tower that would not be as offensive. Seconded by Mr. Wiles. Unanimously approved. H. OTHER BUSINESS None. I. EXECUTIVE SESSION None. J. ADJOURNMENT Ms. Stinson made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:25 p.m. Seconded by Ms. Izer. So ordered. Respectfully submitted, Stephen T. Goodrich Chief Planner