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HomeMy WebLinkAbout4-1-09MINUTES HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY April 1, 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, April 1, 2009 at 7:03 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, Rob Bowman, and David Wiles. Also present were Staff members Stephen T. Goodrich and Debra Eckard. Sul 1J Mr. Stewart made a motion to approve the minutes of the March 4, 2009 meeting as presented. Seconded by Mr. Bowman. Unanimously approved. C. COMMUNICATIONS AND BILLS Mr. Goodrich provided, for information only, a letter from the State Highway Administration regarding the proposed safety and resurfacing work to MD 65 from 1-70 to 0.18 miles north of Fourth Street in Washington County. The SHA has determined there will be no negative impact on any historic structures within the APE (area of potential effects). D. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Mr. Goodrich provided a copy of the Draft Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) regarding the treatment of •the Brumbaugh-Kendle-Grove Farmstead at the Hagerstown Regional Airport. It was noted that the Historic District Commission was not asked to participate in the review of the Draft MOA. A meeting has been scheduled between all interested parties and Mr. Goodrich stated he will be in attendance at the meeting. Members requested that a letter be written by Mr. Goodrich to the Federal Aviation Administration stating that the HDC wants to be included in receiving all correspondence and information pertinent to the 106 Review and a resolution of all issues regarding the Brumbaugh-Kendle-Grove Farmstead. The letter should also state that the HDC should be a signatory to the Memorandum of Agreement when finalized. Ms. Stinson asked why Federal funding is not available for the restoration and rehabilitation of the Farmstead. Ms. Izer noted that Federal funding was previously requested and set aside when the Airport requested and received monies for their expansion projects. Therefore, credits will not be given for money already allotted for this structure. Ms. Stinson noted that documentation received from the FAA indicates there is funding available for demolition of the structures, however, there is no funding available for restoration or rehabilitation of the structures. Mr. Goodrich stated that the 106 Review is focused on not destroying heritage resources. Motion and Vote: Ms. Stinson made a motion to request Mr. Goodrich to prepare a letter stating: the HDC wants to participate as a concurring party pursuant to 36 CFR 800.2(c)(5)and as a concurring party to the MOA pursuant to 36 CFR 800.6(c)(3); the HDC wants to be included in all future discussions regarding the BKG Farmstead, including the meeting previously discussed on April 22; the HDC questions the use of Federal funds for demolition but not for preservation of the Farmstead; the timeline specified is unreasonable and unrealistic and if the structure is properly secured it can be held for a longer period of time, which would allow more time to accomplish a favorable outcome for the property; and, if at any time during the process, an adaptive reuse is proposed for the property, this option becomes the priority. Copies of the letter should be forwarded to the Maryland Historical Trust. Seconded by Mr. Bowman. Unanimously approved. E. BUDGET Mr. Goodrich stated that the County's Budget and Finance Department has recommended that the HDC's CLG funds should be eliminated from this year's budget, due to economic issues. Mr. Goodrich provided a brief explanation and options if the money is needed. He stated he would try to go before the County Commissioners to discuss the need for the money, but he cannot guarantee that the money would be put back into the budget this year.. F. NEW BUSINESS Permit #2009-00951 - 7910 Abbott Drive Mr. Goodrich presented for review and approval Permit #2009-00951 Permit #2009-00973-18005 Spielman Road Mr. Goodrich presented for review and approval Permit #2009-00973 for property located at 18005 Spielman Road in the Fairplay Rural Village zone; however, the structure is not located within the historic portion of the Rural Village. The applicant, Mr. Henry, is proposing to construct a 16 -foot by 20 -foot stick built shed with white vinyl siding to the rear of his dwelling. Motion and Vote: Ms. Izer made a motion to approve Permit #2009-00973 for property located at 18005 Spielman Road, which is not a contributing structure and is outside the historic portion of the Fairplay Rural Village, based on an inspection of proposed plans and if constructed in accordance with the proposed plans the mass, size and scale of the proposed structure will be compatible with the surrounding neighborhood. Seconded by Mr. Stewart. Unanimously approved. Sharpsburg Pharmacy Sign Preliminary Design Review Mr. Goodrich presented for review and comment a preliminary design review for a proposed sign for the Sharpsburg Pharmacy located at 17316 Shepherdstown Pike within the AO2 (Antietam Overlay) zone. Mr. Goodrich began with a review of all materials included within the Agenda packet and he distributed additional information provided by the owner, which included samples of signs located around the Sharpsburg area. Mr. Dean Martin of Sign Here and Brian Hose, property owner, were present at the meeting. Discussion: Mr. Bowman expressed his opinion that the design of the sign is compatible with the surrounding area. Ms. Stinson expressed her opinion that the proposed sign is too tall and obtrusive to the neighboring residence. Ms. Izer concurred with Ms. Stinson's comments. She also voiced her objection to the sign being lit. Mr. Hose stated that due to the curve in the road and trees in that area, there is only a brief time period for travelers to see the sign. He also noted that the neighboring art gallery has a fence that extends to the property line which would make it difficult for anyone to see a sign that would sit on the ground. Mr. Goodrich stated that the sight distance must be maintained for traffic exiting the site. Mr. Hose explained that the Pharmacy would like to use the sign to advertise flu clinics, community events, etc. There was a brief discussion regarding the height of the sign and what would be acceptable to the Commission. Ms. Izer expressed her opinion that the entire scale of the sign is too large. She cited two examples of well-proportioned, visually appealing signs. She believes that the AO2 overlay and the appearance at the entrance to the Town of Sharpsburg should be considerations when designing the sign. Ms. Izer expressed her opinion that the sign is "too modern" looking and reiterated her opposition to the sign being lit from the inside. However, she expressed her opinion that a handsomely crafted wooden sign lit by a spotlight would not be as objectionable. Mr. Hose stated that he does not intend to let the sign lit all night, but during several months of the year, it is dark during business hours. There was a brief exchange of suggestions, such as using a flat sign that would be lit using floodlights, reducing the size and scale of the sign, a design and use of materials that would be appropriate and in keeping with the rural character of the area, etc. Mr. Goodrich summarized the Commission's recommendations as follows: the height needs to be lower, the size of the display area should be reduced to 6 -feet, the sign should be lit from the outside, and the design needs to have a more rural character. No action required. Permit #2009-00951 - 7910 Abbott Drive Mr. Goodrich presented for review and approval Permit #2009-00951 for property located at 7910 Abbott Drive in Tilghmanton Rural Village zone. The owner is proposing to cover a portion of a 652 square foot open deck with a roof. Mr. Goodrich stated that the porch was approved by the HDC in September 2008. Motion and Vote: Mr. Stewart made a motion to approve Permit #2009-00951 for property located at 7910 Abbott Drive in the Tilghmanton Rural Village zone based on an inspection of the plans and if constructed in accordance with the plans would be compatible with the surrounding area because this is a non-contributing structure outside of the historic portion of the Rural Village. Seconded by Ms. Stinson. Unanimously approved. OTHER BUSINESS Ms. Stinson briefly discussed camp conferences currently being offered. She briefly discussed a representative from the Maryland Historical Trust leading a workshop for members of the HDC, which would meet member's requirements for training. Members discussed times that would be suitable for their schedules and the subject matter to be presented. ADJOURNMENT Ms. Izer made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:00 p.m. Seconded by Mr. Bowman. So ordered. Respectfully s _ mitted, Stephen T. Goodrich Chief Planner