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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20231004MINUTES OF THE HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY October 4, 2023 The Washington County Historic District Commission held its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, October 4, 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, Michael Lushbaugh, Ann Aldrich, Vernell Doyle and Brianna Candelaria. 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: Mr. Yavener made a motion to approve the minutes of the June 7, 2023 meeting as presented. The motion was seconded by Mr. Lushbaugh and unanimously approved. NEW BUSINESS RZ-23-007 —13215 Smithsburg Pike Ms. Jenkins reported that the consensus of the HDC to support the rezoning request for the application of the Historic Preservation overlay for property located at 13215 Smithsburg Pike was forwarded to the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission held its public input meeting on Monday, October 2 at which time the Commission recommended approval of the request to the Board of County Commissioners. A public hearing is scheduled with the BOCC on Tuesday, November 7cn • Ms. Jenkins noted that Ms. Aldrich was present at the Planning Commission's public input meeting as well as Mr. Jefferson Boyer, President of the Smithsburg Historical Society. Both spoke in favor of the proposed request. Ms. Jenkins explained that the urgency for this request is because the front wall of the dwelling has sunk. This issue needs to be addressed immediately. She further explained that the dwelling sits within a flood plain and once repairs begin, the structure must be brought up to current Flood Plain Ordinance standards. However, if the HP overlay is in place before repairs begin, the Flood Plain Ordinance requirements will not be required. Modern flood plain requirements would greatly jeopardize the historic integrity of the dwelling. Ms. Aldrich stated a portion of this structure dates back to the 1700s. Section 106 Consultation: Project No. WA489C21 — 1-70 Bridge Nos. 2111003 and 2111004 over CSX Ms. Jenkins presented a letter from MDOT SHA stating the above referenced project will have no effect on historic properties. Motion and Vote: Ms. Aldrich made a motion to concur with MDOT SHA's finding that there will be no effect on historic properties for the above referenced project. The motion was seconded by Mr. Lushbaugh and unanimously approved. 2040 Comprehensive Plan Ms. Jenkins introduced the 2040 Comprehensive Plan for discussion and comments on the Historic Element. The following comments were provided by members of the Commission. • Update the Washington County Historical Trust section. Ms. Jenkins will work with Ms. Aldrich on this section. • Building Codes section (page 54) needs clarification as to the structure's listing with the State or local body as historic. Does this mean the structure must be on the MIHP or will the HP overlay also qualifty? Ms. Jenkins will clarify this requirement with someone from the Building Codes department. • The comprehensive plan needs to be more explicit with the Rural Villages being adopted (which Villages still need surveys completed). • Make sure that incentives are explained clearly to allow for the use of more than one applicable program. Ms. Jenkins stated that comments are being accepted until the end of October. An interactive site is available on the web where you can also make comments. She gave a brief overview of the comprehensive plan information meetings that have been held across the County and invited members to attend the final two meetings that will be held on October 10th at Smithsburg Town Hall and October 25 at the Williamsport Fire Company Banquet Hall. Staff Report • Staff Reviews - Ms. Jenkins provided a written summary. • The Architectural Fieldwork Symposium will be held on March 28, 2024 (instead of October). • An invitation to the Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area Year in Review was included in the agenda packet. This event will be held on November 1st at the Weinberg Center in Frederick. • A copy of "The Field Guide for the Semiquincentennial Making History at 250" was distributed to members. Ms. Jenkins will be serving on this committee and asked members to think about ways to participate in this event or any significant information that should be considered to the Committee. • CLG 4 Year Evaluation Results — Ms. Jenkins provided a copy of the evaluation sheet. Members questioned how the scores were calculated and where improvements could be made. Ms. Jenkins will follow-up with MHT. • Historic Resource Tax Credit Ordinance Update - Ms. Jenkins reported the County Attorney's office has the final draft and is checking it for legal sufficiency. Some clarification is need on the Rural Village. ADJOURNMENT Mr. Lushbaugh made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:55 pm. The motion was seconded by Ms. Candelaria and so ordered by the Chairman. it �• Gr o ith, Chairman