HomeMy WebLinkAbout20230405MINUTES OF THE
HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY
April 5, 2023
The Washington County Historic District Commission held its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday,
April 5, 2023 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, Ann Aldrich and ex -officio Commissioner Wayne Keefer. Staff members present were:
Washington County Department of Planning & Zoning: Meghan Jenkins, GIS Coordinator and HDC Staff
member.
MINUTES
Motion: Ms. Aldrich made a motion to approve the minutes of the March 1, 2023 meeting as presented.
The motion was seconded by Mr. Yavener and unanimously approved.
NEW BUSINESS
Demo Permit 2023-01360 — Building 160. 14336 Banfill Avenue
Ms. Jenkins presented a demolition permit application to demolish a 5,800 square foot stick built addition
on Building 160 located on the historic Fort Ritchie Military Base. The building is located in the
southeastern corner of the overall base property and can be seen from Banfill Avenue and Ritchie Road;
however, it is not visible from the core historic area mentioned in the MIHP. The addition has significant
infiltration of water due to a complete roof failure and collapse. The large brick stack that is attached to
the addition is proposed to remain. The original structure constructed of green granite stone will be
retained and renovated for reuse. Staff recommends support of the demolition permit for the portion of
Building 160.
Motion and Vote: Ms. Aldrich made a motion to support Demolition Permit 2023-01360 for Building 160,
14336 Banfill Avenue as presented. The motion was seconded by Mr. Yavener and unanimously approved.
Demo Permit 2023-01460-22416 Goose Street
Ms. Jenkins presented a demolition permit application for the demolition of a 300 square foot rear portion
of the dwelling and a 35 square foot rear porch located at 22416 Goose Street in the Cavetown Historic
Rural Village. The original structure is a two-story vernacular brick residence with laterally -oriented gable
roof, flat topped 2/2 with jack -arched lintels and a four -bay facade. The brick portion of the house has
been painted and the condition of the brick varies. The rear addition is a mixture of vinyl siding, drop
siding and corrugated metal in varying degrees of disrepair and deterioration. Staff recommends support
of the demolition permit.
Discussion and Comment: Ms. Aldrich asked if the windows are original to the structure. Mr. Misael
Javier, the property owner, was present and stated that most of the windows have been replaced.
Ms. Aldrich expressed her concern regarding stability of the exterior brick when the interior walls and
supports are being replaced. The customer stated that this work would be phased, and stability of the
exterior shell should not be affected.
Mr. Smith asked if the siding covering the brick will be removed as part of the renovation of the property.
Mr. Javier stated that the rear portion where there is existing siding doesn't appear to have brick
underneath but has framing. That framing will be modified as stated in the new construction permit
application. Any exterior that isn't brick will be matched to vinyl siding shown on the proposed addition
on a separate permit.
Motion and Vote: Mr. Lushbaugh made a motion to support Demolition Permit 2023-01460 for 22416
Goose Street as presented. The motion was seconded by Ms. Doyle and unanimously approved.
Building Permit 2023-01763-22416 Goose Street
Ms. Jenkins presented a permit application for the remodeling of a 513 square foot house and new
construction of a 954 square foot rear addition. The proposed addition to the rear of the dwelling will
have a 13 x 13 foot passthrough between the existing house and the main portion of the addition. The
addition will extend to the east of the existing house with approximately 25 feet of new construction
visible from Goose Street. All new construction will have vinyl siding with asphalt shingles. There is a
proposed brick veneer along the foundation approximately 3 feet from ground level. The addition as well
as the updates to the porch will not change the existing mass or scale and will be compatible with
neighboring properties within the Rural Village.
Motion and Vote: Mr. Lushbaugh recommended approval of the building permit as presented. The
motion was seconded by Ms. Aldrich and unanimously approved.
OTHER BUSINESS
National Preservation Month (May)
Ms. Jenkins announced that she has scheduled time on the County Commissioners agenda on April 251h
for the proclamation presentation for National Preservation Month.
Ms. Jenkins provided an overview of various post ideas to be used on Facebook during National
Preservation Month. Themes that will be spotlighted will include the Rural Villages (Sandy Hook, Pen Mar,
Rohrersville and Antietam), topics from the Design Guidelines, areas where demolition permits fall under
the HDC's review and the appropriate process to apply for a demo permit, the Antietam and Historic
Preservation overlays, examples of architectural styles and various accessory structures throughout the
County, and discussion of historic cemeteries.
Staff Report
Ms. Jenkins provided a written report of staff reviews for the previous month.
Ms. Jenkins reported that a concept plan including a cultural resource site assessment has been submitted
for property located at 12440 Burkholder Lane (behind the Dickinson property). A preliminary
consultation will be held on April 26`h. The developer is proposing to retain the existing farmstead
including the stone dwelling on the site. Staff will be recommending forest to be retained on the site to
screen the existing farmstead from the proposed development.
Ms. Jenkins stated that an old cemetery near the intersection of Kieffer Funk Road and Bovey Lane was
disturbed during the clearing of trees. The property owner was not aware of the cemetery and has been
contacted. He intends to repair the damaged concrete wall around the site. She noted that anytime an
historic cemetery is disturbed, this is a criminal offense and would be handled by the Sherriff's
Department.
Ms. Jenkins reported that remains buried in an old cemetery on Blooming Meadows Court were moved
by the current property owner. The Maryland Coalition for Burial Sites, the Sherriff's Department and the
State's Attorney's Office have all been contacted.
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.
The next meeting is scheduled for May 3, 2023 at 7:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Gr ith, Chairman