HomeMy WebLinkAbout20230503MINUTES OF THE
HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY
May 3, 2023
The Washington County Historic District Commission held its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday,
May 3, 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, Kourtney Lowery, 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 and Debra Eckard, Administrative Assistant.
MINUTES
Motion and Vote: Mr. Lushbaugh made a motion to approve the minutes of the April 5, 2023 meeting as
presented. The motion was seconded by Mr. Yavener and unanimously approved.
NEW BUSINESS
SP -23-004 - 2003 Mason Dixon LLC
Ms. Jenkins presented for review and comment a site plan for two proposed commercial warehouses to
be located at 17939 Mason Dixon Road, which is on the edge of the Urban Growth Area. The developer is
proposing to construct a 1 million square foot warehouse and 600,000 square foot warehouse. The
historic structures remaining on the property are a barn and several outbuildings. These structures were
not recommended for the National Register of Historic Places during the last evaluation.
Discussion and Comments: Ms. Jenkins explained that the Commission is only offering comments at this
phase of development. If the site plan is approved, and the development moves forward, the HDC would
review the demolition permits for the historic structures when they are applied for. MIHP commented
there is lack of integrity on the structures that remain. Members asked if an archaeological study was
provided for the site. Ms. Jenkins stated there was not an archaeological assessment provided and there
are no Mason Dixon markers located on the site.
Consensus: Members recommended that a Phase I archaeological study should be completed for the
entire site per the adopted County Design Guidelines.
SP -23-011 — Downsville Solar II
Ms. Jenkins presented for review and comment a site plan for a proposed solar energy generating system
located at 17137 Black Stallion Lane. She noted there will be very minimal impact to the closest historic
resource because it will be buffered by existing landscaping.
Consensus: The Commission had no comments because there will be no impact on any historic resource.
Section 106 Consultation — Project No. WA488C21
Ms. Jenkins presented a request for concurrence from the Maryland Department of Transportation State
Highway Administration that the proposed project no. WA488C21, 1-70 bridges 2112003 and 2112004
over the Antietam Creek south of Funkstown will have no negative impact to historic resources.
Motion and Vote: Ms. Aldrich made a motion to concur with MDOT SHA there will be no negative impact
to any historic resources on this project. The motion was seconded by Mr. Lushbaugh and unanimously
approved.
OTHER BUSINESS
Staff Report
• East Water Street Streetscape Improvements — Town of Smithsburg
Ms. Jenkins reported that the Town of Smithsburg is planning updates to its streetscapes and
sidewalks. The Town has submitted the initial proposal to MHT; a more detailed description of
the plans will be required.
• Historic Properties Incentive Ordinance
Ms. Jenkins reported that staff met with the departments of Budget & Finance, Grants
Management, and the County Attorney to discuss the proposed changes to the Ordinance. The
proposal was received positively by all departments. The order of operations will be as follows:
1) Update what we already have in place
2) A grant has been successfully implemented in Frederick County; staff will try to
replicate that process as closely as possible for Washington County
3) The proposal will be presented to the County Commissioners following additional
research and refinement
• Staff Reviews
Ms. Jenkins provided a written summary.
Ms. Aldrich made a motion to enter into Closed Session at 7:38 p.m. The motion was seconded
by Mr. Lushbaugh, unanimously approved and so ordered by the Chairman.
CLOSED SESSION
To discuss potential candidates to be recommended to the Board of County Commissioners for
appointment to the Historic District Commission to fill an upcoming vacancy.
Mr. Lushbaugh made a motion to re-enter Open Session at 7:51 p.m. The motion was seconded
by Ms. Aldrich, unanimously approved and so ordered by the Chairman
Motion and Vote: Ms. Doyle made a motion to recommend to the Board of County
Commissioners the appointment of the candidates as discussed during Closed Session. The
motion was seconded by Ms. Aldrich and unanimously approved.
Motion and Vote: Ms. Aldrich made a motion to recommend to the Board of County
Commissioners the re -appointment of Mr. Gregory Smith and Mr. Michael Lushbaugh to a second
term on the Historic District Commission. The motion was seconded by Mr. Yavener and
unanimously approved with Mr. Lushbaugh and Mr. Smith abstaining from the vote.
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Yavener made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:05 pm. The motion was seconded by Ms. Aldrich
and so ordered by the Chairman.
re ry 5 ith, Chairman