HomeMy WebLinkAbout4-6-24MINUTES OF THE
HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY
April 3, 2024
The Washington County Historic District Commission held its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday,
April 3, 2024 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, Ann Aldrich, and Justin Bedard. Staff members present were: Washington County Department of
Planning & Zoning: Meghan Jenkins, GIS Coordinator and HDC Staff member.
Also present at the meeting were: Paul Wade with Restoration Unlimited, and Jeffrey and Laura Lane-
Unsworth, property owners of 13215 Smithsburg Pike.
MINUTES
Motion and Vote: Mr. Yavener made a motion to approve the minutes of the March 6, 2024 meeting as
presented. The motion was seconded by Ms. Aldrich and unanimously approved.
NEW BUSINESS
2024-00996 —13215 Smithsburg Pike Addition/Alteration Permit
Ms. Jenkins presented for review and approval a permit application for the addition/alteration of an
existing 200 square foot covered porch which includes the railings and posts as well as replacement of the
flooring. She noted there will be a slight change in the grading that goes up to the porch. There are
currently five porch supports; the new plan shows three supports. Staff recommends approval of the
permit application for the following reasons: the proposed work is in accordance with the Secretary of
Interiors Standards for rehabilitation which includes repairs when necessary or replacement in kind; this
portion of the structure was not previously maintained and repairs will prevent further deterioration; the
proposed work follows the HDC Design Guidelines for porches, completing the necessary steps for
stabilization of the remaining viable portions of the porch; the proposed work is consistent with activity
in the HP zone; the proposed improvements will remedy the unsafe conditions of the porch; and the
proposed construction and materials are compatible with the existing structure.
Motion and Vote: Mr. Yavener made a motion to approve the permit application as presented. The
motion was seconded by Mr. Bedard and unanimously approved.
OTHER BUSINESS
Preservation Month 2024
Ms. Jenkins presented members with a spreadsheet showing a timeline of events and social media posts
that will be used during the month of May. The Public Relations office will put a photo submission form
on the website for people to submit photos of their favorite historic resource. There will be a Project
Spotlight that will include such topics as tax credits, National Register nominations, the Unsworth project,
and a collage of photos submitted. PR is working on a banner to be used during Preservation month. A
Proclamation will be presented during the County Commissioners' meeting on May 7th.
Staff Report
• Attended the Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area Grant review. Grant awards will be announced
on July 11`h. Several applications were received this year with good geographic distribution.
• The historic resources web map has been updated. This update was made to aid in the 2501h
celebration and the replacement of markers on historic resources.
• The County Attorney is currently reviewing the HDC By-laws. Staff has presented several
recommendations to be included in the update.
• The County Commissioners will hold a public hearing on April 29th for the changes to the Tax Credit
Ordinance.
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Lushbaugh made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:05 pm. The motion was seconded by Ms.
Aldrich and so ordered by the Chairman.
L /(Efr
Gr ith, Chairman