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HomeMy WebLinkAbout190116 - Minutes, Historic District CommMINUTES HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY January 16, 2019 A. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL The regular monthly meeting of the Historic District Commission was called to order on Wednesday, January 16, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. in Room 2001 of the Washington County Administration Building, 100 West Washington Street, Hagerstown, Maryland. Members present included: Tom Clemens, Edie Wallace, Ann Aldrich, Gary Rohrer, Vernell Doyle and Ex -Officio Jeff Cline, Also present was Staff member Stephen Goodrich, Director, Washington County Department of Planning & Zoning. B. MINUTES Motion and Vote: Mr. Clemens made a motion to approve the minutes of the March 3, 2018 meeting as presented. The motion was seconded by Ms. Doyle and unanimously approved. C. COMMUNICATIONS AND BILLS None D, UNFINISHED BUSINESS None E. BUDGET None F. NEW BUSINESS Demolition Permit #2018-05724 —18461 Manor Church Road Mr. Goodrich presented for review and recommendation a demolition permit application for 18461 Manor Church Road, Washington County Historic Inventory Site #WA -II -183. It was noted that the property is not listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it is not in an historic district, and it does not have the County's historic preservation floating zone. Mr. Robert Householder, the owner of the property, was present at the meeting and addressed the Commission. He noted the basement had a great deal of water sitting in it a few weeks ago, which was not there at the time he purchased the property. He believes this is due to a spring that is located in the basement. This has caused the mortar joints to erode severely. He stated that many of the beams are rotted on the first floor, the floors are buckling and there is a great deal of mold. He showed members pictures of the interior of the house. It is the owner's intent to demolish the house and several outbuildings and construct a new home on the property in a different location. Mr. Householder stated that he had representatives from the National Park Service look at the stone on the house because he was planning to donate it for re -use; however, he was told that the stone has deteriorated and could not be reused. Discussion and Comments: Mr. Rohrer believes that the structure can be restored and rehabilitated; however, it will be costly. He explained that several stone arch bridges have been saved around the County and the Court House in downtown Hagerstown was restored to preserve the County's heritage. Ms. Doyle asked the owner if he would consider keeping the house on the property if other groups interested in historic preservation would help to restore the structure. Mr. Goodrich explained that generally only one principal residence is permitted on a property; however, there are alternatives that could be used such as creating a separate parcel for the house or filing an appeal to allow more than one principal structure. Mr. Goodrich also noted there are County tax credits available for exterior restoration and personal income tax credits for both interior and exterior restoration from the State. Easements for land preservation are also available, which would pay the owner for an easement. Ms. Wallace expressed her opinion that Manor Church Road has some of the best examples of historic structures that shows how Washington County was settled and why is was settled. She believes that this house is an integral part of the area and to Washington County as a whole. Public Comment: Paula Reed, writer of the Historic Sites Survey form, was present at the meeting. She stated that many of the homes in that area were built over springs. To her knowledge, the information contained in the survey is still accurate. Douglas Reed briefly discussed the tax credits available and the benefits of using these credits. He expressed his opinion that building a new house is not less expensive than restoring an old structure citing the foundation and frame work are already there. He recommended that a recorded drawing be professionally prepared of the property if it is demolished. Leslie Owing encouraged the owner to seek an alternative to demolition of the structure. Brad Wyand gave a brief history of the property and expressed his opinion that the structure should be saved as part of the County's history. Becky Conrad also encouraged the owner to save this historic house. Motion and Vote: Ms. Wallace made a motion to oppose the demolition of the dwelling at 18461 Manor Church Road because it is a significant building that is part of a collection of significant historic structures in Washington County. The building is intact and can be repaired. The motion was seconded by Ms. Doyle and unanimously approved. Mr. Goodrich stated that because the Historic District Commission is opposed to the demolition, the application must be presented to the Planning Commission at its February meeting for its input. Discussion and Comment: Mr. Rohrer expressed his opinion that the County should have a provision to deter and/or deny the demolition of historic structures. Other members agree that there should be an Ordinance or a public process in place for preservation policies. Consulting Party Invitation — C & 0 Canal Headquarters in Williamsport Mr. Goodrich presented an invitation from the National Park Service requesting the HDC to be a consulting party on the proposed C & 0 Canal Headquarters at the former Miller Lumber property in Williamsport. A reply was sent to NPS affirming the HDC's interest in being a consulting party; therefore, the Commission will be notified of future meetings. Comments will be solicited. There was a brief discussion regarding the historic aspects of the property. G. OTHER BUSINESS Election of Officers Motion and Vote: Mr. Rohrer made nominated Mr. Clemens to serve as Chairperson for the HDC. The motion was seconded by Ms. Doyle and unanimously approved. H. CLOSED SESSION None I. ADJOURNMENT Mr. Clemens made a motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded by Mr. Rohrer and so ordered. Respectfully submitted, Stephen T. Goodrich, Director