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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20220907MINUTES OF THE HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSII FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY September 7, 2022 The Washington County Historic District Commission held its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, September 7, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. in the Washington County Administration Complex, 100 W Washington Street, Room 2001, Hagerstown, MD. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL The Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Commission members present were: Greg Smith, Chairman, Vernell Doyle, Michael Lushbaugh, Kourtney Lowery, Brianna Candalaria, and Ann Aldrich. Staff members present were: Washington County Department of Planning & Zoning: Meghan Jenkins, GIS Coordinator and HDC Staff member and Debra Eckard, Administrative Assistant. MINUTES Motion and Vote: Ms. Aldrich a motion to approve the minutes of the July 6, 2022 meeting as presented. The motion was seconded by Mr. Lushbaugh and unanimously approved. NEW BUSINESS Permit 2022-04324 — Old Georgetown Road Ms. Jenkins presented a new construction permit for an 852 square foot rear addition on crawlspace which will include a new stairway to the second floor, a family room and a full bath on the first floor, two bedrooms and a full bath on the second floor, and replacement of the 120 square foot covered front porch. The property is located at 22335 Old Georgetown Road in the Cavetown Rural Village. Ms. Jenkins noted the following points of interest for the proposed project: • Existing roof has flat asphalt shingles; proposed replacement using fiberglass shingles • Existing guttering is k style with front porch having half -round; proposed replacement using k style all around the structure • Front porch has tapered columns and a balustrade with wood steps existing to the right; replacements are straight columns, base of porch will be elevated concrete construction with concrete steps, no balustrade • Most windows are double sashed wood construction and contain 4 vertical panes on top over one pane on the bottom; replacement of most windows for energy efficiency • Shutters are a variety of wood and vinyl and do not appear to have any functioning hardware; no shutters are proposed • Vinyl siding is proposed for the entire structure • Front door matches the style of the windows; proposing to replace the front door Discussion: There was a brief discussion regarding the windows and shutters and if they are original to the house. Members believe the shutters are probably not original to the house because they don't have any functioning hardware and they appear not to have been installed properly for their intended use. Ms. Jenkins stated that the property owners intend to use in -stock materials for this project. The owners are not intending to re -use or rehab any of the original materials. Motion and Vote: Mr. Lushbaugh made a motion to recommend approval of the permit. Ms. Aldrich asked for the following comments to be added to the motion for approval: 1. To the extent practicable, this project should retain the existing wood windows on the primary facade including the flat top trim. If energy efficiency is a concern, the HDC recommends exterior storm windows. 2. To the extent practicable, the existing front door with matching 4 glass panels should be retained to keep continuity with the retention of windows on the primary facade and because it is architecturally significant on its own. If energy efficiency is a concern, the use of an updated storm door is recommended. 3. During removal of asbestos siding, care should be given to minimize the impact to any wood siding underneath. If drop siding is found and can be preserved under the proposed siding, this should be undertaken in case future owners wish to restore the structure. This will also limit landfill waste. 4. Landscaping is recommended along the base of the front porch in order to minimize the change in material from wood to concrete as proposed. 5. If the existing tapered column wraps can be reused, this is preferred, or use of a similar new construction tapered column. 6. If available, the chosen vinyl siding should have a similar profile to drop siding which is more consistent with the original siding and the rural village character. An example of a drop siding profile is available in the Design Guidelines for Historic Structures. Motion and Vote: Mr. Lushbaugh amended his motion to include the comments above. The motion for approval was seconded by Ms. Aldrich and unanimously approved. Request for Section 106 Participation Ms. Jenkins presented an "Invitation to Comment" letter from EBI Consulting. The developer is proposing to construct a 152 foot telecommunication tower facility at 19224 Longmeadow Road. The area surrounding this property consists of many commercial and industrial uses. There are no historic structures next to this property and none in the area that are listed on the Historic Inventory that would be affected by the project. Consensus: The Historic District Commission does not wish to participate in the Section 106 review. OLD BUSINESS Historic Tax Credit Ordinance Updates Ms. Jenkins reported that a meeting was held with the County Attorney's office and they believe that most of the changes that are being proposed can be completed without legislative approval. She has drafted a new ordinance which is currently being reviewed by staff. The following changes to the Ordinance are being proposed: • The 25% real property tax credit and the 5% credit for compatible new construction attached to an existing structure cannot be changed without legislative approval • Extend the qualifying areas to include Rural Villages • Allow municipalities to participate in tax credits (an MOU will be needed) • Add language for historic preservation areas (areas for yearly tax credit for historic structures) (stipulation for a 10 year period and a recorded easement) • 100% tax credit if in a perpetual easement (MHT or HP) and 50% in another preservation area • Add language to ensure ordinary maintenance • Establishment of a grant program (minimum $150,000 per year total; $50,000 maximum per individual) OTHER BUSINESS Staff Report Ms. Jenkins provided a written report of staff reviews for the previous month. Ms. Jenkins reported the following: • There was a demolition permit that was applied for; however, upon a visit to the site, the historic structures were previously demolished under a different permit and the structures for which the demolition permit was applied for was not on the inventory. • There are several events scheduled at the Saylor House on September 18th at 2 pm • There will be an open house at the visitor center at the Newcomer House from 10 to 4 on September 18th • On September 17th from 10 to noon there will be a preservation workshop at the Tolson Chapel cemetery. ADJOURNMENT Mr. Lushbaugh made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:10 p.m. The motion was seconded by Ms. Aldrich and so ordered by the Chairman. UPCOMING MEETING The next meeting is scheduled for October 5, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, y Jill L. baker, Director Washington County Dept. of Planning & Zoning