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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-3-10 MinsMINUTES HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY November 3, 2010 A. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Chairman Chris Horst called the regular monthly meeting of the Historic District Commission to order on Wednesday, November 3, 2010 at 6:10 p.m. in Conference Room 1 of the Washington County Administrative Annex, 80 West Baltimore Street. Members present included: Chris Horst, Merry Stinson, Sandra Izer, Tom Clemens, and Gary Rohrer. Also present were Staff members Stephen Goodrich and Debra Eckard. B. MINUTES The minutes of the October meeting were unavailable for this meeting. C. COMMUNICATIONS AND BILLS Mr. Goodrich presented for review a letter from the State Highway Administration regarding the Historic Highway Bridge Inventory. Ms. Izer expressed her concern with regard to the MD 62 bridge over Little Antietam Creek being listed as a lower priority for restoration. Mr. Goodrich briefly explained the content of the letter and stated that the bridge would still be eligible for a National Register listing; however, the restoration of this bridge is lower in priority. D. UNFINISHED BUSINESS - Desian Guidelines Ms. Izer stated that she has taken photographs during the past month for inclusion in the Design Guidelines. Mr. Horst distributed copies of his draft paragraph that would be used as an introduction to the Design Guidelines section. Members reviewed the draft, made corrections and suggestions, and discussed the purpose of the Design Guidelines. The following corrections and/or suggestions were made: • Second paragraph, sentence that begins "While we encourage you" — add the word to "read the..." • First paragraph, first sentence, change to read "The Design Guidelines are made available to assist owners....." • Move the first two sentences of the second paragraph to the beginning of the first paragraph Mr. Horst will make the revisions and e-mail a draft to the Commission members prior to the next meeting. Mr. Horst began a discussion with regard to an applicant's ability to pay for certain types of rehabilitation or renovation. During the previous meeting, the Commission had a brief discussion and decided to contact the Maryland Historical Trust. Ms. Izer believes that there are two different sets of standards — one is for individuals who do not receive financial benefits or tax credits. There was a brief discussion regarding requirements and/or restrictions dictated by zoning and the authority of the HDC with regard to the appearance within specific zoning districts. Ms. Izer indicated a house previously reviewed in an AO1 district by the HDC has not been finished per the HDC's review and approval. There was a brief discussion regarding final inspections on plans that have been reviewed by the HDC. Members discussed having a different set of standards for the Rural Village district and the HP district. Mr. Horst believes that if there are not two sets of standards, it will be very challenging to make recommendations. Members discussed the criteria used in making recommendations for structures, such as appearance, scale, mass, etc. Mr. Horst questioned if the Secretary of Interior Standards ["Standards"} are needed to help applicants inside the Rural Village zone with their design. He noted that the "Standards" do not influence the form of a Rural Village. Mr. Goodrich stated that there are "Standards" and Guidelines. He noted there are a different set of "Standards" for each of the four treatments. Mr. Goodrich believes that the Standards encourage judging each application based on its own merits. Consideration should be given to the importance in the value and the design value of each particular building and whether the structure has significance on its own, significance in the Rural Village (is it one of kind or one of many in the Rural Village), the current condition of the structure, and the plans for the structure. The design review is a compilation of many factors including the background of the structure being affected, the impact the changes will have on the structure, and how the structure will impact the district (a Rural Village). The Historic Preservation zone is usually placed on one structure or one property and more detail or history of the structure(s) can be obtained. Ms. Stinson questioned the review of a National Register district within the historic section of a Rural Village [Leitersburg]. There was a brief discussion regarding the SHA's current review of the historic bridges throughout the State and the criteria used for determining eligibility and prioritizing rehabilitation. Members briefly reviewed the inventory sheets used by the SHA for bridge inventories. Ms. Izer expressed her opinion that the questions used on these inventory sheets would be useful when reviewing structures in a Rural Village. Members discussed the creation of an application to be submitted along with plans. Mr. Goodrich suggested that the judgment of the members as well as good documentation will be key in sustaining decisions. Ms. Stinson believes it would be helpful to have someone from the Trust to review the guidelines and give comments. Commission members agree that a copy should be sent to the Trust for its review. Before the next meeting, Mr. Horst will revise the introduction paragraph and Ms. Izer will create a template to be used in the Design Guidelines and a draft application. Masonry facades will be the focus for the next Workshop meeting. The Commission will meet at 6:00 p.m. for its Workshop meeting. E. BUDGET None F. NEW BUSINESS - Potential Cell Tower (2367 Harper's Ferry Road) Mr. Goodrich presented for review and comment a potential cell tower to be located at 2367 Harper's Ferry Road. He noted there are two Maryland Historic Inventory Sites (11-1163 and 11-0374) located in close proximity to the proposed cell tower site. Discussion: Ms. Izer expressed her concern with regard to the proposed site being in close proximity to the National Register listed C & O Canal. There was a brief discussion regarding the location and topography in the general area of the site. Motion and Vote: Ms. lzer made a motion to request that a balloon test from the actual tower site and the C & O Canal National Park be performed because the HDC believes that the prominent historic sites in Washington County should be preserved. Seconded by Mr. Clemens. Unanimously approved. G. OTHER BUSINESS Mr. Goodrich stated that he has submitted the names of individuals to be considered for vacancies on the HDC. He noted that Mr. Bowman is eligible for reappointment. Mr. Goodrich stated that the HDC's recommendation requested that the outgoing members should be considered for reappointment due to the continuing work on the Design Guidelines. Ms. Stinson noted that a foundation is being dug in Leitersburg on property that previously had a log house located on it. The demolition of the log house was reviewed by the HDC more than a year ago and plans for a new house were preliminarily reviewed by the Commission. A building permit was not visible and Ms. Stinson asked Mr. Goodrich to check the status of the permit. H. CLOSED SESSION None I. ADJOURNMENT Mr. Rohrer made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:40 p.m. Seconded by Ms. Stinson. So ordered. Respectfully submitted, Stephen T. Goodrich Chief Planner