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HomeMy WebLinkAbout6-3-09MINUTES HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY June 3, 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, June 3, 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 lzer, Rob Bowman, Chris Horst, Charles Stewart and David Wiles. Also present was Staff member Stephen T. Goodrich. B. MINUTES Ms. Izer made a motion to approve the minutes of the May 6, 2009 meeting as presented. Seconded by Mr. Bowman. Unanimously approved. C. COMMUNICATIONS AND BILLS Mr. Goodrich provided letters, for information only, from the State Highway Administration for three proposed projects in Washington County. The projects are as follows: Project No. 2380221-B041000 - U.S. 340 over Potomac River, Bridge No. 2104100; Project No. WA343A21 — US 40 from Big Pool Road to Clear Spring, roadway resurfacing, upgrading of existing traffic barrier and minor curb repairs; Project No. 2380221-B07200 — MD 67 over Little Antietam Creek, Bridge No. 2107200. 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 information on publications that he has received, which are available for the member's perusal. The publications are as follows: Common Ground Forum Journal, and Preservation. D. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None E. BUDGET None F. NEW BUSINESS Permit #2009-02021. 7704 Fairplay Road Mr. Goodrich presented for review and approval permit application # 2009-02021 for property located at 7704 Fairplay Road in the Fairplay Rural Village zone; however, the structure is not located within the historic portion of the rural village. The applicant, Robert E. (Jr.) and Sherry M. Shaffer, were present at the meeting. The applicant is proposing to enclose an existing 14 -foot by 16 -foot covered patio to be used as additional living space (224 square feet). Ms. Stinson expressed her opinion that permit applications for modern homes that are not located within the historic portion of a rural village are not objectionable and she did not feel that further information was needed. Other members shared her opinion. Motion and Vote: Ms. Stinson made a motion to approve permit application # 2009-02021 for property located at 7704 Fairplay Road in the Fairplay Rural Village zone based on a review of the submitted plans and if constructed in accordance with the plans the addition would be compatible with the existing structure and the surrounding neighborhood. Seconded by Mr. Stewart. Unanimously approved. Permit#2009-02153, 2009-02153, 7706 McClellan Avenue Mr. Goodrich presented for review and approval permit application # 2009-02153 for property located at 7706 McClellan Avenue in the Tilghmanton Rural Village zone; however, the structure is not located within the historic portion of the rural village. The applicant, Mr. Randy Cline the contractor for the property owner, was present at the meeting. The applicant is proposing to construction a 460 square foot deck addition to an existing deck at the rear of the dwelling. Motion and Vote: Mr. Stewart made a motion to approve permit application # 2009-02153 for property located at 7706 McClellan Avenue in the Tilghmanton Rural Village zone based on a review of the submitted plans and if constructed in accordance with the plans the addition would be compatible with the existing structure and the surrounding neighborhood. Seconded by Mr. Bowman. Unanimously approved. Preliminary Design Review of 7606 McClellan Avenue Mr. Goodrich presented for review preliminary design plans for property located at 7606 McClellan Avenue in the Tilghmanton Rural Village zone; however, the structure is not located within the historic portion of the rural village. The applicant is proposing to enclose an existing 14 foot by 22 foot deck. Motion and Vote: Mr. Bowman made a motion to approve the preliminary design plans for property located at 7606 McClellan Avenue in the Tilghmanton Rural Village zone based on a review of the submitted plans and if constructed in accordance with the plans the addition would be compatible with the existing structure and the surrounding neighborhood. Seconded by Mr. Wiles. Unanimously approved. Permit # 2009-02125 and AP2009-028, 17316 Shepherdstown Pike Mr. Goodrich presented for review and approval permit application # 2009-02125 and a recommendation for AP2009-028 for property located at 17316 Shepherdstown Pike in the Antietam Overlay AO -2 zone. The applicant is proposing to construct a 4 -foot by 6 -foot free-standing double faced illuminated identification sign for the Sharpsburg Pharmacy. Mr. Dean Martin of Sign Here and Brian Hose, property owner, were present at the meeting. HDC members reviewed preliminary design plans at its April 1, 2009 meeting. Several recommendations for changes were suggested by the members at that meeting. Changes to the plans since the April meeting include the height of the sign, the overall area of the sign, and the background color of the sign. A variance from the Board of Zoning Appeals will be required for the location of the sign. The required setback is 50 -feet from the center of the road and the owner is proposing a setback of 36 -feet from the center of the road. Comments: Ms. Stinson expressed her opinion that the location for the sign is appropriate. Mr. Bowman concurred. All members concurred that the location is appropriate. Motion and Vote: Ms Stinson made a motion to recommend approval of the variance (AP2009-028) to the Board of Zoning Appeals based on an inspection of the location of the proposed sign, which would not be detrimental to the AO -2 zone. Seconded by Mr. Stewart. Unanimously approved. Discussion and Comments: Ms. Izer expressed her objection to the illumination of the sign because it is not compatible with the historic nature of the area. She also objects to the height of the sign. Members discussed the use of "goose -neck lighting". Mr. Martin explained that "goose -neck lighting" would encourage birds to perch there and create a mess which would need to be cleaned each time the lettering is changed on the sign. Members discussed ground source, up -lift lighting that would be concentrated on the sign and would not distract or interfere with motorists. Mr. Wiles expressed his opinion that the sign is "totally inappropriate" due to its location in a historic area with a historic road beside it. Members discussed the size of the sign. Ms. Stinson expressed her opinion that the sign should be no more than 4 -feet off of the ground and should be smaller in overall area. The owner and his consultant expressed their concern regarding visibility because the Pharmacy is competing with another large pharmacy in Shepherdstown. Members discussed examples of signs they believe would be appropriate in this area. Ms. Stinson expressed her opinion that the sign should be made of wood, which would be compatible with the surrounding area. Mr. Martin stated that a nearby church has a sign made of metal, similar to the sign that is proposed for the Pharmacy. There was a brief discussion regarding the Church's sign and whether it is located in the AO -2 zone. Mr. Goodrich will check on this sign. Mr. Martin suggested that the Pharmacy sign could have a bronze finish. Ms. Izer stated that the HDC must follow strict guidelines on the appropriateness of a sign. She cited scale and compatibility with the surrounding area as two of the guidelines she believes are not evident in the design of the proposed sign. Mr. Wiles expressed his opinion that the removable letters are not appropriate. Mr. Hose briefly explained some of the events that would be advertised on the sign and stated it would be used for the community's benefit as well. There was a brief discussion regarding the height of the sign and visibility issues. Ms. Stinson stated that she has visited the site and does not believe that a lower sign would cause any obstruction to sight distance. Members discussed revisions they believe would be appropriate for the proposed sign. Suggestions included lowering the sign to approximately 4 feet from the ground to the bottom of the sign, reduce the size of the sign to 3 -feet by 4 -feet, and ground -mounted lighting. Mr. Gehr briefly described materials that are recommended by the City of Hagerstown for use on signs. Mr. Bowman suggested "goose -neck" lighting from the bottom of the sign. Mr. Horst expressed his opinion that the sign should be placed at ground level in keeping with other signs in the area. Ms. Izer suggested a double -posted low ground lit sign of the same size (4 -feet by 6 -feet). Members suggested a cap or finial on top of the posts or place the posts inside the sign. Motion and Vote: Ms. Izer made a motion to approve permit application # 2009-02125 for property located at 17316 Shepherdstown Pike with the following conditions: the sign may not be internally illuminated, but it may be externally illuminated using up -lift lighting fixtures; the proposed size and overall design (including changeable acrylic letters and the Sharpsburg Pharmacy logo) is approved contingent upon using non -acrylic materials; the base of the sign shall not exceed 4 -feet from the ground; the sign shall have two posts, which may be encapsulated in the sign or attached to the sides with appropriate cap and finials; and the sign shall not exceed 6 feet by 4 feet The approval is based on guidelines provided by the Washington County Zoning Ordinance in Section 20.A.6, specifically Sections 20.A.6., items a, b, c, and d. Seconded by Ms. Stinson. Unanimously approved. Discussion: There was a discussion regarding the variance with the revisions proposed to the sign. It was noted that the change to two posts would move the sign closer to the center of the road and would require a change in the variance request. Mr. Goodrich stated that the plans should be revised for the sign and the consultant should contact the Board of Zoning Appeals secretary. Motion and Vote: Ms. Stinson made a motion to recommend approval of the variance (AP2009-028), which may need to be revised to 33 -feet from the center of the road to address changes to the sign. Seconded by Mr. Bowman. Unanimously approved. OTHER BUSINESS Ms. tzar noted that the FAA is continuing to work on a revised Memorandum of Agreement for the Brumbaugh-Kendle-Grove Farmstead. Mr. Gehr briefly explained revised meeting procedures that are being proposed by the City of Hagerstown. He will share more information at the next meeting. Mr. Stewart has agreed to accept reappointment to the Historic District Commission if appointed by the Board of County Commissioners. None ADJOURNMENT Mr. Stewart made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:30 p.m. Seconded by Mr. Bowman. So ordered. Respectfully submitted, Stephen T. Goodrich Chief Planner