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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20210707MINUTES OF THE HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY July 7, 2021 Due to current social meeting restrictions put in place by the Governor of Maryland because of the COVID- 19 pandemic, the Washington County Historic District Commission held its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, July 7, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. virtually using Zoom software. No physical meeting took place. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL The Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Commission members present were: Tom Clemens, Ann Aldrich, Vernell Doyle, Michael Lushbaugh, and Greg Smith. Staff members present were: Washington County Department of Planning & Zoning: Meghan Jenkins, GIS Coordinator and Debra Eckard, Administrative Assistant. MINUTES Motion and Vote: Ms. Aldrich made a motion to approve the minutes of the June 2, 2021 meeting as presented. The motion was seconded by Mr. Lushbaugh and unanimously approved. NEW BUSINESS Permit #2021-02166 — Lehman's Mill Road Ms. Jenkins presented for review a demolition permit application for the proposed demolition of a 535 sq. ft. wash house/outbuilding. Discussion/Comments: Mr. Lushbaugh asked the applicant, Mr. Myron Hege, why he wanted to demolish the structure, which appears to be solid and in good shape. Mr. Hege (Myron's father) stated that he has served on the Mennonite Safety Board for the past 10 years. He stated that this particular building obstructs the view from the house to the barn which he believes poses a threat to the safety and well- being of the children living on the farm. Mr. Hege also noted that there is a cistern containing water inside the building which is also a safety concern. Ms. Doyle expressed her opinion that the wash house is part of the historic farmstead, it is in good condition and could be re -purposed and re -used for many different reasons. Ms. Aldrich noted that the Maryland Historic Trust Inventory defines the house and wash building on this property key to defining and representing the Germanic heritage and history of the County. Mr. Myron Hege stated that the wash house is only 15 feet from the front of the house and half the length of the house, which obstructs the view from the surrounding area. He noted that he would be willing to donate the building if someone would like to remove itfrom the property. Ms. Aldrich asked if the building could be moved elsewhere on the property. Mr. Myron Hege believes it would be too costly to have the building moved because it is brick. Motion and Vote: Mr. Lushbaugh made a motion to recommend denial of the demolition permit application. The motion was seconded by Ms. Doyle and unanimously approved. 4425 Main Street, Rohrersville — Building Addition Ms. Jenkins presented a proposed 416 sq. ft. bathroom addition to the rear/side of the house located at 4425 Main Street in Rohrersville. Mr. Lloyd Yavener, the property owner, believes the proposed addition would enhance the livability of the house. He noted that the landing window presents a challenge due to its location which falls below the roof. Mr. Yavener explained that over the years, the windowsill as well as the brick and mortar have been replaced several times in order to prevent the intrusion of water and to maintain the structural integrity of the house. He is planning to keep the top half of the original window to allow natural light. Mr. Clemens expressed his opinion that the plans are well thought out and are sensitive to the historic nature of the structure. He asked if the proposed addition would be visible from Maryland Route 67. Mr. Yavener stated it would not be visible. Members agreed with Mr. Clemens comments and are not opposed to the treatment of the window. Motion and Vote: Mr. Lushbaugh made a motion to approve the proposed addition as presented. The motion was seconded by Mr. Smith and unanimously approved. Staff Report • Staff attended a Preliminary Consultation for the Dickinson property located at 16830 National Pike (Inventory #1-004). The developer is proposing 1.6 million square feet of warehouse space. Staff has encouraged the developer to explore demolition alternatives or to re -arrange the site in order to save the structures; however, the developer is currently planning to document the site and proceed with demolition of the structure. • A zoning certification for the Battle of Falling Waters parking area has been issued. The project is for a small parking lot to be located on property at 14906 Falling Waters Road. • Staff provided a brief update for the property located at 55 West Oak Ridge Drive. Two permit applications have been submitted for the demolition of the main buildings previously used by the Review & Herald. • Staff received two demolition permits for structures with the towns; however, the HDC has no review authority in the towns. • Fort Ritchie is now under private ownership. The Maryland Historic Trust has review authority for both interior and exterior areas. HDC will also have review authority in this area. • Staff reviewed a permit for property located at 13727 National Pike (Shady Bower). This structure was not considered as being constructed in a time of significance; staff had no comment. • The owners of the property known as the Maples property (Inventory #1-38) on Mapleville Road reached out to staff regarding some future projects. Ms. Aldrich has had contact with the owners and she was impressed with the proposed plans which she believes will save the integrity of the historic property. • Staff provided a summary of the Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area update. UPCOMING MEETING Our next meeting is scheduled for August 4, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. This will be an in -person meeting at the County Administrative Complex at 100 W. Washington Street, Hagerstown. MEMBER APPOINTMENTS/RE-APPOINTMENTS Ms. Jenkins announced that Mr. Rohrer has submitted his formal resignation to the Commission. Mr. Clemens is also planning to resign his position in August. Ms. Wallace's appointment expired on June 30, 2020; however, she has agreed to serve a third term if she is re -appointed. Ms. Alrich and Ms. Doyle's first -term appointments expire on August 31, 2021; therefore, both of these members are eligible to be re -appointed for a second term. Members reviewed four recent applications submitted to the County Clerk's office. They made their choices for three applicants, in order of preference as follows: Kourtney Lowery, Lloyd Yavener, and Kim Pruitt. Motion and Vote: Mr. Smith made a motion to recommend to the Board of County Commissioners the three applicants, in order of preference, as discussed. He also recommended that Ms. Alrich and Ms. Doyle be re -appointed for a second term and Ms. Wallace be appointed for a third term to the HDC. The motion was seconded by Mr. Clemens and unanimously approved. ADJOURNMENT Ms. Aldrich made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:40 p.m. The motion was seconded by Mr. Lushbaugh and so ordered by the Chairman. Respectfully submitted, Jill Baker, Director Washington County Department of Planning & Zoning