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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2-4-09MINUTES HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY February 4, 2009 A. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Chairman Michael Gehr called the regular monthly meeting of the Historic District Commission to order on Wednesday, February 4, 2009 at 7:05 p.m. in Conference Room 1 of the Washington County Administrative Annex, 80 West Baltimore Street. Members present included: Michael Gehr, Sandy Izer, Charles Stewart, Merry Stinson and David Wiles. Also present were Staff members Stephen T. Goodrich and Debra Eckard. B. MINUTES Ms. Izer made a motion to approve the minutes of the January 7, 2009 meeting as presented. Seconded by Ms. Stinson. Unanimously approved. C. COMMUNICATIONS AND BILLS None D. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Review of Permit Applications in RB-E zoning districts Mr. Goodrich informed Commission members that he has spoken to the Planning Director Michael Thompson regarding the HDC's request for an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance for the HDC's review of permit applications within the RB-E zoning districts within a Rural Village zone. Mr. Thompson has spoken to Mr. Greg Murray the County Administrator. Mr. Murray stated that he does not believe that the Board of County Commissioners would give the HDC the authority to review the appearance of structures in the RB-E zoning districts. HDC members discussed their options regarding this issue, which includes preparing a rezoning application to be submitted to the Planning Department. Ms. Izer stated she has already prepared the text for the RB-E zoning district. Design Guidelines There was a brief discussion regarding the design guidelines. Ms. Izer informed the Commission that she has completed the first chapter and will be sending them to everyone for their review. Brumbaugh-Kendle-Grove Farmstead Ms. Izer gave a brief update on the Brumbaugh-Kendle-Grove Farmstead. She stated that the FAA has agreed to investigate adaptive reuses for the property. Ms. Izer noted that the FAA should advertise their intent in the newspaper and asked other members to watch the local newspapers. E. BUDGET None. F. NEW BUSINESS Design Review for property located at 21524 Leitersburg-Smithsburg Road Mr. Goodrich presented for review and comment design plans for property located at 21524 Leitersburg- Smithsburg Road in the Leitersburg Rural Village zone. The HDC reviewed a demolition permit for a historic dwelling on this property during their December 3, 2008 meeting. The HDC was opposed to the demolition; therefore, the demolition permit was reviewed by the Planning Commission at their January 5, 2009 meeting. The Planning Commission was not opposed to the demolition and the permit was subsequently issued. Mr. and Mrs. Harry Gouff, owners of the property, have submitted design plans for a new dwelling to be constructed on the site. Mr. Gehr recused himself from any discussion and/or approval of the design plans. Discussion: Mr. Goodrich stated that the house will be brick with siding on the gables. Mr. Wiles expressed his opinion that the proposed dwelling is not compatible with the surrounding homes. Ms. Stinson noted that even though there are no bungalow style dwellings on this particular street, there are bungalow style homes within the historic district of Leitersburg. Motion and Vote: Ms. Izer made a motion to approve the design plans as presented based on compatibility with the surrounding village of Leitersburg in scale, mass and overall design (citing specifically the bungalow style structure and historical type materials). Seconded by Mr. Stewart. The motion passed with Ms. Izer, Ms. Stinson and Mr. Stewart voting "Aye" and Mr. Wiles voting "Nay". Mr. Gehr abstained. Note: If there are any changes to the plans when they are submitted to the Washington County Permits and Inspections Department for a building permit, Mr. Goodrich will present the plans to the HDC for their approval. Demolition Permit #2009-00154 -12408 Licking Creek Road Mr. Goodrich presented for review and recommendation Demolition Permit #2009-00154 for property located at 12408 Licking Creek Road. The structure is listed on the Washington County Historic Sites Inventory as WA -V-045. Mr. Godlove, the owner, was present at the meeting. Discussion: Mr. Godlove stated that he will not be placing another structure on this site. Mr. Wiles made an inquiry regarding the last time the house was occupied. Mr. Godlove believes that the structure has been vacant for at least 50 years. Mr. Gehr expressed his opinion that the structure appears to be unsafe. Ms. Stinson stated she would like to photograph the structure before it is demolished. Motion and Vote: Ms. Izer made a motion to recommend approval of Demolition Permit #2009-0015 for property located at 12408 Licking Creek Road. Seconded by Mr. Wiles. The motion passed with Ms. Izer, Mr. Wiles and Mr. Stewart voting "Aye". Ms. Stinson abstained. G. OTHER BUSINESS None H. EXECUTIVE SESSION None 1. AJOURNMENT Mr. Stewart made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:40 p.m. Seconded by Ms. Stinson. So ordered. Respectfully submitted, Step en T. Goodrich Chief Planner