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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20221005MINUTES OF THE HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY October 5, 2022 The Washington County Historic District Commission held its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, October 5, 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, Lloyd Yavener, Vernell Doyle, Michael Lushbaugh, Brianna Candalaria, and Ann Aldrich. Staff members present were: Washington County Department of Planning & Zoning: Jill Baker, Director; Meghan Jenkins, GIS Coordinator and HDC Staff member; and Debra Eckard, Administrative Assistant. MINUTES Motion: Ms. Aldrich made a motion to approve the minutes of the September 7, 2022 meeting. The motion was seconded by Mr. Lushbaugh. Discussion: Before the vote, Ms. Aldrich asked for clarification on the second item under the Staff Report portion of the minutes. Following a brief discussion, it was agreed that the minutes would be amended. Motion and Vote: Ms. Aldrich amended her motion to approve the minutes of the September 7, 2022 meeting as amended. The motion was seconded by Mr. Lushbaugh and unanimously approved. NEW BUSINESS Permit 2022-04976-4265 Main Street Rohrersville Ms. Jenkins presented a new construction permit application to replace a rear two-story covered porch at property located at 4265 Main Street in the Rohrersville Rural Village. Currently, the second floor porch is enclosed with vinyl and has several points of failure leading to the infiltration of insects and birds (according to the owner). The owner is proposing to remove the enclosure on the second floor and convert it to an open balcony with railing. They are also proposing to replace the support columns on the first floor and leave the existing concrete slab. Materials are proposed to be a combination of wood and vinyl clad in order to reduce maintenance and pests. The stone and brick exterior walls will remain as well as the recently replaced roof with half round gutters. Discussion: There was a brief discussion regarding materials to be used and other improvements to the structure. Members commended the owners for their efforts in maintaining and rehabilitating this historic property. Motion and Vote: Mr. Yavener made a motion to recommend approval of the permit. The motion was seconded by Mr. Lushbaugh and unanimously approved. Demo Permit 2022-04877 —18614 Burnside Bridge Road Ms. Jenkins presented a demolition permit application of a 2,776 square foot, 2 -story single family dwelling and foundation for property located at 18614 Burnside Bridge Road. The owners intend to build a new one-story, handicapped accessible dwelling on this site. Ms. Jenkins stated the structure is lacking integrity due to multiple additions that have been placed on the structure over time. She noted there are numerous structural issues to both the structure and its foundation. Discussion and Comments: Mr. Light, representing the property owners, stated that all salvageable materials will be repurposed. Motion and Vote: Mr. Lushbaugh made a motion to support approval of the demolition permit. The motion was seconded by Mr. Yavener and unanimously approved. Demo Permit 2022-04701-3833 Harpers Ferry Road Ms. Jenkins presented a demolition permit application of a 968 square foot two-story, two bedroom, one bath single-family dwelling at 3833 Harpers Ferry Road in the Antietam Rural Village. This property is directly across from property owned by the USA National Park Service as part of the C&O Canal. Ms. Jenkins noted there is significant overgrowth which limits the visibility of the front of the house and the entire rear of the property is overgrown with dense bamboo. The main house has significant deterioration and water infiltration with multiple points of siding, fascia and roof failure visible. Surrounding vegetation has grown into and damaged the main building. The outbuilding also shows significant deterioration. The property owners have contacted several contractors regarding the clearing of the land and remodeling the house. They have been advised that the extensive water damage and mold would make this cost - prohibitive and a health hazard. Motion and Vote: Mr. Lushbaugh made a motion to support approval of the demolition permit. The motion was seconded by Ms. Doyle and unanimously approved. Staff Report Ms. Jenkins provided a written report of staff reviews for the previous month. Ms. Jenkins reported the following: • The Historic Tax Credit Ordinance updates draft has been finalized and is being sent to the County Treasurer's office for their review and comment. After we receive comments from the Treasurer's office, the document will be sent to Budget & Financial and Grants Management for review and comment as well. Discussion: There was a discussion regarding the demolition a historic structure (dated 1811) on Rowe Road. These property owners were contacted in July of 2022 regarding historic tax credits to help in the preservation of the structure. Unfortunately, the owners proceeded with demolition without the appropriate permits. Historic Tax Credits Update Ms. Baker stated that in addition to the existing tax credits, staff is proposing two new programs which will be presented to, and hopefully adopted, by the County Commissioners. She briefly described these two programs to members. One program would be an Historic Easement where the owner agrees to perform ordinary maintenance for 10 years in exchange for a 100% property tax credit. If the owner opts out of the program before the 10 year expiration, all taxes would have to be repaid to the County. Inspections for ordinary maintenance would be performed by County staff. The second program would be the establishment of a grant program. Funding and tracking needs to be discussed with Budget & Finance and Grants Management as well as a maximum yearly limit. Discussion and Comments: Ms. Aldrich suggested that the HDC invite other historic district commissions and municipalities to a meeting on a yearly basis to discuss historic preservation efforts. Ms. Jenkins noted that the CLG program hosts an event similar to this. Ms. Aldrich suggested that it would be on a County level instead of a state level. Ms. Jenkins announced that the draft will be presented to the Commission members at the next meeting including MOUs with the Towns. ADJOURNMENT Mr. Lushbaugh made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:20 p.m. The motion was seconded by Ms. Aldrich and so ordered by the Chairman. UPCOMING MEETING The next meeting is scheduled for November 2, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Jill L.jBaker, Director Washington County Dept. of Planning & Zoning