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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20230607MINUTES OF THE HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY June 7, 2023 The Washington County Historic District Commission held a public input meeting and its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, June 7, 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, Michael Lushbaugh, Kourtney Lowery, Ann Aldrich, and Brianna Candelaria. Staff members present were: Washington County Department of Planning & Zoning: Meghan Jenkins, CIS Coordinator and HDC Staff member and Debra Eckard, Administrative Assistant. PUBLIC INPUT MEETING Appalachian National Scenic Trail FANSTI Maryland Segment National Register Nomination Ms. Jenkins presented an application from the Maryland Historical Trust for the National Register Nomination of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail Maryland Segment. She noted there are approximately 41 miles of trail within Washington County. The majority of the approximately 270 tax parcels or 4,200 acres involved are State or Federal properties. The consultant identified less than 10 private property owners that were notified of the nomination; however, County staff notified 24 additional property owners that are directly adjacent to and intersecting the boundary. Ms. Jenkins stated the nomination includes 24 structures (the AT treadway, 20 AT side trails, and 3 AT bridges) and 25 sites (9 overnight use areas and 16 AT viewpoints). She explained that when the Trail goes through privately owned lands or is collocated on publicly owned rights -of -way, the boundary is 4 feet wide (2 feet on either side of the centerline). The 4 -foot wide boundary applies to portions of the AT side trails that extend beyond the 1,000 -foot boundary of the main Trail. Ms. Jenkins explained that the Appalachian National Scenic Trail Maryland Segment is being nominated for consideration under Criterion A, Consideration G. Criterion A relates to property associated with one or more events that made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history. The ANST is being nominated for its association with national recreation and conservation efforts as well as Maryland State social history for its association with the formation and activities of the various hiking clubs which maintain the ANST in Maryland. Consideration G considers the importance of the AT as an historic recreational resource of enduring national significance. There were no public comments. Motion and Vote: Ms. Aldrich made a motion to recommend, to the Board of County Commissioners and the State Historic Preservation Officer, the nomination of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail Maryland Segment as eligible for the National Register. The motion was seconded by Ms. Candelaria and unanimously approved. The public input meeting closed at 7:13 pm and the regular meeting was called to order, MINUTES Motion and Vote: Ms. Aldrich made a motion to approve the minutes of the May 3, 2023 meeting as presented. The motion was seconded by Mr. Lushbaugh and unanimously approved. NEW BUSINESS 2023-01727-21550 Leitersburg Smithsburg Road Ms. Jenkins presented a permit application for the construction of a 900 sq. ft. two-story two car detached garage located at 21550 Leitersburg Smithsburg Road in the Leitersburg Historic Rural Village. The Historic Rural Village contains 72 non-contributing resources including the subject property; however, there are contributing structures surrounding the property consisting of various construction types. The proposed garage will be located behind an existing in -ground pool with a fence that will partially block the garage from the road. Materials proposed for the construction are consistent with the existing house as well as neighboring structures. Discussion and Comments: Members believe the construction will not be intrusive to the viewshed and will have no negative impact on the Historic Rural Village. Motion and Vote: Mr. Lushbaugh made a motion to recommend approval of the permit application as presented. The motion was seconded by Ms. Candelaria and unanimously approved. 2023-00893-21431 Leiter Street Ms. Jenkins presented a permit application for the construction of a 576 sq. ft. one-story pole building located at 21431 Leiter Street in the Leitersburg Historic Rural Village. The project is located to the rear of the existing fire hall approximately 650 feet northeast of the main square of Leitersburg. The proposed building will be minimally visible from the contributing structures on the opposite side of Leiter Street; the properties directly adjacent contain non-contributing structures. Motion and Vote: Mr. Lushbaugh made a motion to recommend approval of the permit application as presented. The motion was seconded by Ms. Candelaria and unanimously approved. OTHER BUSINESS Staff Report • Staff Reviews - Ms. Jenkins provided a written summary. Social Media Historic Preservation Month Review Ms. Jenkins provided a written summary of the social media engagement for Historic Preservation Month. The Rural Villages were well received; however, the videos were not viewed often. Members discussed other social media that could be used to reach a broader audience. The John Frey awards map received some interaction. Archaeology Training • Ms. Jenkins announced that a virtual training for Archaeology is available through MAHDC. A poll of the members will be taken to schedule a date and time that is preferable for the majority of members. CLG NAPC CAMP Training • Ms. Jenkins announced that the CLG NAPC CAMP grant that she applied for in partnership with West Virginia was approved. CAMP training is tentatively scheduled for February 20-21, 2024. This will probably be a virtual training. BOCC Hearing for the Appalachian Trail National Register Nomination • Ms. Jenkins stated this hearing has been scheduled for Tuesday, June 13`h at 9:35 a.m. Members are invited to attend. State Preservation Plan Update • Ms. Jenkins attended an initial planning/workshop of preservation planners to discuss the State's Preservation Plan update. Topics that were discussed included demolition, cemeteries, and inventory updates. 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. Lu nt. Gre o pith, Chairman