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HomeMy WebLinkAbout9-1-10 MinsMINUTES HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY September 1, 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, September 1, 2010 at 7:03 p.m. in Conference Room 1 of the Washington County Administrative Annex, 80 West Baltimore Street. Members present included: Chris Horst, Charles Stewart, Merry Stinson, Sandra Izer, Tom Clemens, and Rob Bowman. Also present were Staff members Stephen Goodrich and Debra Eckard. B. MINUTES Mr. Stewart made a motion to approve the minutes of the August 4, 2010 meeting as presented. Seconded by Mr. Clemens. Unanimously approved. C. COMMUNICATIONS AND BILLS Mr. Goodrich stated that a letter was included in the agenda packets from the State Highway Administration regarding Project No. AX770B21 for intersection improvements in the vicinity of Maryland 494 at Fairview Church Road. The SHA has determined there will not be any negative effect on any historic resources due to this project. No action is required. D. UNFINISHED BUSINESS -SP-1 0-030 Mr. Goodrich presented for review a site plan for a proposed cell tower to be located at 3907 Trego Mountain Road. The Commission previously reviewed this project in April 2010 and provided comments to the Board of Zoning Appeals. The Commission determined that the proposed cell tower would not have any negative impact to any historic resources. No action is required. E. BUDGET None F. NEW BUSINESS - AP2010-031 - Special Exception for 150 -foot monopole cell tower at 11850 Indian Lane Mr. Goodrich presented for review and comment an application for a proposed cell tower to be located at 11850 Indian Lane. The Commission previously reviewed this proposed tower in January 2008. At that time, the HDC determined that the proposed cell tower site would have a negative effect on several historic resources in the area. The agenda packet included photographs simulating the appearance of the cell tower from several locations around the proposed site. Discussion and Comments: Using video footage and maps of the area, Mr. Goodrich showed Commission members the approximate location of the proposed cell tower. The applicant included two maps, one showing the current area of coverage and one showing the proposed area of coverage. Members commented that there was not a significant increase in the amount of coverage if the proposed cell tower is built. Members discussed the height and the design of the proposed tower, which they believe is too tall and the proposed tree -like structure is too visually obtrusive. The applicant's attempts to camouflage the proposed tower actually increase the visual impact. Mr. Horst noted that the photographs accompanying the application were not taken from any of the designated historic sites. Motion and Vote: Mr. Bowman made a motion to recommend that photographs providing a simulation of the proposed cell tower from the historic sites should be provided because these are national register eligible properties. The HDC recommends that the applicant consider a monopole tower without the fake foliage because their attempts to camouflage attract more attention. Seconded by Ms. Izer. Unanimously approved. G. OTHER BUSINESS Ms. Stinson made a motion to add a discussion regarding the Design Guidelines to this evening's agenda. Seconded by Ms. Izer. Unanimously approved. - Design Guidelines Members discussed photographs that should be included in the Guidelines. Ms. Izer stated that she has found photos on the MHT website that are appropriate examples of architectural styles that can be utilized by the HDC. There was a brief discussion regarding members whose terms will be expiring and continued work on the Guidelines. Members discussed review and possible changes to the text. The Commission decided that each member should read the design guidelines chapter before the next meeting and time will be set aside on the next meeting agenda to discuss this chapter. The Commission decided to begin their next regular meeting at 6:00 p.m. H. CLOSED SESSION None I. ADJOURNMENT Mr. Stewart made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:00 p.m. Seconded by Mr. Clemens. So ordered Respectfully submitted, Stephen T. Goodrich Chief Planner