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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-2-09MINUTES HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY December 2, 2009 A. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Acting Chair Merry Stinson called the regular monthly meeting of the Historic District Commission to order on Wednesday, December 2, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. in Conference Room 1 of the Washington County Administrative Annex, 80 West Baltimore Street. Members present included: Merry Stinson, Sandy Izer, Chris Horst, Charles Stewart, Rob Bowman, and Gary Rohrer. Also present was Staff member Stephen Goodrich. B. MINUTES Mr. Stewart made a motion to approve the minutes of the November 4, 2009 meeting as presented. Seconded by Ms. Izer. Unanimously approved. C. COMMUNICATIONS AND BILLS None D. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None E. BUDGET None F. NEW BUSINESS Demolition Permit #2009-05046— 10605 Downsville Pike Mr. Goodrich presented for review and comment Demolition Permit # 2009-05046 for property located at 10605 Downsville Pike. Mr. George Hill, the applicant's representative, was present at the meeting. Discussion and Comments: Mr. Goodrich stated that at 4:00 p.m. this afternoon he visited the site and found that the structure had been demolished without a permit. Ms. Izer stated that she drove past the property in the morning and the structure had been standing. She noted that demolishing the structure without a permit is a violation of the County's Zoning Ordinance and is punishable with a $100 fine. Mr. Goodrich confirmed this statement. Mr. Hill stated that he was unaware that the structure had been demolished during the day and would not have any details until he returned to work the next morning. Mr. Goodrich noted that the structure and the farm that was originally associated with the house were determined not eligible for listing on the National Register by the Maryland Historical Trust. Mr. Bowman stated his opinion that some of the materials in the house, such as windows, hardwood floors, door knobs, etc. may have been salvageable and should have been offered for reuse. Mr. Hill stated that the house was in serious disrepair and there were no salvageable materials. He also stated that the house was an "eye sore" to the community. Mr. Rohrer stated that he did not object to the demolition; however, he expressed concern that the applicant did not follow the County's process. Ms. Izer expressed her opinion that the current owner neglected the property, which caused the house to deteriorate and become an "eye sore" to the community. There was a brief discussion regarding the contractor's and owner's responsibility for the demolition of the structure without a permit. Motion and Vote: Ms. Izer made a motion to recommend that the demolition permit not be issued pending an investigation of the property for possible rehabilitation, a secondary plan for reuse of the building or salvaging of the materials. Seconded by Mr. Bowman. Unanimously approved. Permit #2009.05141 — 7537 McClellan Avenue Mr. Goodrich presented for review and approval Permit # 2009-05141 for property located at 7537 McClellan Avenue in the Tilghmanton Rural Village zone; however, it is outside of the historic portion of the Rural Village. The owner is proposing to construct a 24 -foot by 26 -foot attached one car garage. Motion and Vote: Mr. Rohrer made a motion to approve Permit # 2009-05141 for property located at 7537 McClellan Avenue because this is a non-contributing structure outside of the Rural Village and if built in accordance with the plans as presented it will be compatible with the surrounding neighborhood. Seconded by Mr. Stewart. Unanimously approved. G. OTHER BUSINESS Election of Officers Ms. Izer made a motion to appoint Mr. Horst as Chairman and Mr. Stewart as Vice -Chairman of the HDC for the 2010 calendar year. Seconded by Mr. Rohrer. Unanimously approved. Mr. Horst began a discussion regarding the demolition permit process. Ms. Izer stated that the HDC can make recommendations to the BOCC regarding zoning and procedural changes. She expressed her opinion that the HDC should recommend to the BOCC that the Rural Villages that have been inventoried, but are not officially designated as rural villages should be designated as Rural Villages. She also believes that the HDC should address the issue of demolitions without permits with the BOCC. Mr. Goodrich briefly explained the process of having the rural villages inventoried and designated. Members discussed their design review authority in the rural village zones. There was a discussion with regard to the process that should be followed to have these items brought before the BOCC. Motion and Vote: Mr. Horst made a motion that Mr. Goodrich prepares a letter requesting the formal rezoning of the Downsville and Mt. Lena Rural Villages because their historic resources inventories have recently been completed by Paula Reed & Associates. Seconded by Mr. Stewart. Unanimously approved. Ms. Izer began a discussion regarding the demolition process. She briefly explained a process called "deferred demolition" that is currently being used by several counties. An "intent to demolish" sign is placed on the property to notify neighbors and gives anyone that is opposed to the demolition time to formulate a plan for rehabilitation or reuse of the property. Various processes used in other jurisdictions were also discussed. Members discussed educational training that would help the Commission to research and prepare documentation that could be presented to the BOCC regarding the demolition process. The training could also be used as the Commission's yearly training requirements. Mr. Goodrich will speak to a representative from the Maryland Historical Trust. Prior to the next meeting, Mr. Goodrich will also research the process that other jurisdictions are using with regard to demolition of historic structures. Ms. Izer stated she would forward several pieces of information that she has already gathered. H. EXECUTIVE SESSION None ADJOURNMENT Mr. Stewart made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:15 p.m. Seconded by Ms. Izer. So ordered. Respectfully submitted, Y StephTG≥ o&irich Ch Senior Chief Planner