HomeMy WebLinkAbout20231101MINUTES OF THE
HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY
November 1, 2023
The Washington County Historic District Commission held its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday,
November 1, 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, Vernell
Doyle and Justin Bedard. Staff members present were: Washington County Department of Planning &
Zoning: Meghan Jenkins, GIS Coordinator and HDC Staff member.
MINUTES
Motion and Vote: Mr. Yavener made a motion to approve the minutes of the October 4, 2023 meeting
as presented. The motion was seconded by Mr. Lushbaugh and unanimously approved.
NEW BUSINESS
11609 Kieffer Funk Road [SP -23-037]
Ms. Jenkins presented a site plan for a proposed solar generating system on property located at 11609
Kieffer Funk Road. The solar array will contain 26,416 panels and 47 inverters as well as a 7 foot fence.
This property is split with zoning designations of RT (Residential Transition) and A(R) (Agricultural Rural).
The solar array is proposed on the portion of property zoned A(R) which is outside the Growth Area. There
are no historic resources adjacent to the proposed solar array; however, there are a few historic resources
close by. None of these sites are eligible for the National Register. There is a family cemetery on the parcel
which contains the dwelling; however, it is not close to the proposed solar arrays.
Discussion and Comments: Mr. Bedard asked if an archeological survey was required by MHT. Ms. Jenkins
said there were no comments regarding an archeological survey included in MHT's comments but she will
follow up on this question.
Mr. Smith noted there has been a lot of controversary surrounding this project in the past. Ms. Jenkins
stated neighbors were concerned about the visual impacts to their properties. Members noted that most
of the historic structures are surrounded by significant tree cover. The standard note on the plan that the
property contains historic resources is sufficient.
12440 Burkholder Lane Lot 1 for Martin Property [S-23-058]
Ms. Jenkins presented a subdivision plat for the Martin property located at 12440 Burkholder Lane. A
warehouse and connecting road to Northpoint Development is proposed on Lot 1 (123+/- acres) with the
remaining lands containing the Kershner-Burkholder Farm (MIHP 1336).
Discussion and Comments: Ms. Jenkins noted that the County may require the developer to allow space
on the site for future connections to other roads. There was a brief discussion regarding the HP overlay
on the dwelling. Ms. Jenkins stated that was suggested during the preliminary consultation and a letter
was sent to the property owner. Ms. Jenkins noted that during the Dickinson Farm site visit there was a
cemetery mentioned on one corner of the subject property. She will check if an archeological survey will
be completed. Mr. Bedard suggested that an evaluation for National Register eligibility should also be
conducted. The standard note indicating historic resources on the remaining lands should be included on
the subdivision plat.
OTHER BUSINESS
Staff Report
• Staff Reviews - Ms. Jenkins provided a written summary.
• 2024 Meeting calendar — Ms. Jenkins presented a draft calendar for the 2024 HDC meetings. The
only date of concern was the July 3r° meeting. Members stated they were fine with that date.
• The election of officers will be held during the December meeting. Mr. Yavener will not be in
attendance at that meeting; however, he is willing to continue to serve as the Vice -Chairman, if
nominated and elected.
• The draft CLG Annual Report will be available sometime in December. Ms. Jenkins asked members
to please send any training certifications received during the past year and any updated resumes
to her.
• Ms. Jenkins is trying to organize a historic subcommittee to participate in the 250`h celebration
committee. She has reached out to the Washington County Historic Society for their participation.
To date, she has two participants from the HAC, Rachel Nichols from HCWHA, Rebecca Conrad
from the Conococheage DAR, Dennis Frey, Kathryn Mackey from the Western Maryland Room at
the Library, and David Wiles with Clear Spring Historic Society. She has also contacted a
representative of the Antietam DAR.
• Historic Resource Tax Credit Ordinance Update — Ms. Jenkins stated the County Attorney is
planning to have his questions and comments back to her next week.
• CAMP Training — Ms. Jenkins announced that CAMP training for next year is scheduled on
February 20`h and 21" from 5 to 8:45 pm both evenings. Topics will include: Legal Basics Meeting
Procedures, Standards and Guidelines for Design Review, Community Outreach Alternative
Materials, and Commissions and Local Building Code. This will be a virtual training with other
participants from Maryland and West Virginia.
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Lushbaugh made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:00 pm. The motion was seconded by Mr.
Yavener and so ordered by the Chairman.
GregoX, Chairman