Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout5-6-09MINUTES HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSI' FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY May 6, 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, May 6, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. in Conference Room 1 of the Washington County Administrative Annex, 80 West Baltimore Street. Members present included: Michael Gehr, Merry Stinson, Sandy Izer (arrived at 7:35 p.m.), Rob Bowman, Chris Horst and David Wiles. Also present were Staff members Stephen T. Goodrich and Debra Eckard. B. MINUTES Mr. Wiles made a motion to approve the minutes of the April 1, 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 deck replacement of SHA Bridge No. 2105700 located on MD 63. The SHA has determined there are no standing historic structures within the APE (area of potential effects) and therefore no negative effect. No action was required. Mr. Goodrich provided, for information only, a letter from the State Highway Administration regarding the proposed traffic signal design and construction at the north access serving the Pilot Travel Center at MD 63. The SHA has determined there are no standing historic structures within the APE (area of potential effects) and therefore no negative effect. No action was required. Mr. Goodrich provided, for information only, a copy of the Forum News. Mr. Goodrich provided, for information only, a copy of The Abell Report, which included an article regarding heritage tax credits provided by the State for the preservation of historic properties. D. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Update on the Brumbauah-Kendle-Grove Farmstead Mr. Gehr stated that Mr. Goodrich, Ms. Izer and he attended a meeting with representatives from the FAA, the Maryland Historic Trust, Preservation Maryland, Commissioner James Kercheval, and the Hagerstown Regional Airport. Discussions focused on the Memorandum of Agreement regarding the Brumbaugh-Kendle-Grove Farmstead located on Airport property. The Maryland Historic Trust (MHT) is encouraging the rehabilitation or reuse of the Farmstead as the first and main goal of the MOA. MHT informed Commissioner Kercheval of tax credits available for rehabilitation of the structure. Mr. Goodrich stated that the meeting concluded with all parties agreeing that the MOA would be rewritten by the FAA with the first goal being an active marketing program to find someone to reuse or rehabilitate the buildings. The timeframe for the marketing program would be two (2) years. The HDC will now be a concurring party to the MOA. Ms. Izer noted that Commissioner Kercheval will be discussing the selection of a task force with the County Commissioners. The task force will be in charge of implementing the marketing program. G. OTHER BUSINESS Ms. Stinson stated she made a site visit to the Sharpsburg Pharmacy. She believes that there is sufficient sight distance that would accommodate a shorter, smaller sign. Ms. Stinson brought photographs to share of signs she observed around the area that would be appropriate and more compatible with the Sharpsburg area. H. EXECUTIVE SESSION None I. ADJOURNMENT Ms. Stinson made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:55. So ordered. Respectfully sub itted, Stepheich Chief Planner