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HomeMy WebLinkAbout8-7-24 WorkshopMINUTES OF THE HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY August 7, 2024 WORKSHOP The Washington County Historic District Commission held a workshop meeting on Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at 5:30 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 5:30 p.m. Commission members present were: Greg Smith, Chairman, Vernell Doyle, Ann Aldrich, Lloyd Yavener, Michael Lushbaugh and Brianna Candelaria. Staff members present were: Washington County Department of Planning & Zoning: Meghan Jenkins, GIS Coordinator and HDC Staff member; Washington County Division of Public Works: Andrew Eshelman, Director; and Washington County Division of Engineering: Scott Hobbs, Director. WORKSHOP —Stone Arch Bridges in Washington County Mr. Hobbs began the presentation stating there are 13 major stone arch bridges (defined by the State as a bridge with more than a 20 foot span), 1 hybrid bridge, and 12 minor stone arch bridges (a bridge with a 6 to 20 foot span), for a total of 26 stone arch bridges owned and maintained by Washington County. NBIS (National Bridge Inspection Standards) requires major structures to be inspected every 2 years. The County relies on consultants for these inspections, who record and report any deficiencies; Washington County inspects its minor bridges every 4 years. The County receives a little more than $1 million each year from the Federal Highway Bridge Program (HBP) to cover the cost of the inspection program, construction and design for major bridges. Local funding provides approximately $150,000 for the 4-year cycle inspection program. Mr. Hobbs briefly reviewed data which is used and recorded on the bridge inspection reports and how the structure is inventoried and appraised. Mr. Hobbs explained the repair categories, repair recommendations, and costs involved. A bridge is considered structurally deficient if the deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert is rated a "4" or less. Some of the County's stone arch bridges are functionally obsolete which means the bridge is not designed to current standards; not necessarily an indication of the structural condition of the bridge. He discussed bridge sufficiency rates (BSR) and funding for maintenance, repairs, rehabilitation, etc. Mr. Hobbs noted that since 2000, 11 stone arch bridges, which all carry vehicles and were eligible for Federal aid funding, have been rehabilitated in the County. He explained how the bridges are ranked for rehabilitation and restoration priorities. He also described techniques the County has used to strengthen the bridges without altering the visual appearance. Photos were shared showing damage of several bridges, various repairs that have been undertaken, and how they were accomplished. Mr. Eshelman gave a brief history of Price's Mill Bridge, a five arch bridge built in 1832 at a cost of $5,500. The Bridge was damaged by Hurricane Agnes in 1972 and was closed in 1979 when a bypass bridge was completed. When the Bridge was closed, no plans were made for its removal or rehabilitation. He noted that stone arch bridges are more susceptible to debris blockages, weathering and storm damage than bridges with piers that clear span the waterway. Debris has accumulated around Price's Mill Bridge, blocking the stream flow and impacting waterway recreation and surrounding property owners. Mr. Eshelman explained that in 2022, the County retained a consultant to complete an updated Determination of Eligibility Review for listing on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). The consultant indicated that the bridge retains integrity of location but not materials and workmanship, which have deteriorated and been modified over the years. Therefore, the consultant recommended that the bridge does not meet the criteria to remain eligible for listing on NRHP. The Maryland Historic Trust (MHT) agreed that the structure's character defining elements are in fair to poor condition, however, the bridge retains sufficient integrity to remain eligible for the NRHP. Mr. Eshelman described several challenges for restoration or rehabilitation of Price's Bridge including limited access on either side of the bridge for debris removal, overhead power and utility lines on the upstream side of the bridge, and unsafe conditions on the bridge for heavy equipment and access to the debris. He then discussed costs associated with removal of the debris including dump fees and permitting fees for a total cost of approximately $500,000. Rehabilitation of the bridge could be $5 million or more with a majority of the costs being locally funded because the bridge is no longer in service. Discussions focused on challenges, options, and solutions regarding the disposition of the bridge. One option discussed was partial demolition of the bridge saving one or two arches along the western bank. This would open the main channel for flow and allow easier access for equipment to make repairs and maintain the bridge. One citizen expressed concern regarding safety of the public using the Conococheague Creek. He also questioned the County's responsibility if the bridge falls into the Creek, the costs associated with the clean-up, etc. Another citizen expressed her concern that private citizens are now taking it upon themselves to clear the debris from around the bridge and the liability to the County. Mr. Hobbs noted that a lot of the bridges were built in the late 1800s or early 1900s with a life span of 75 to 100 years. There are several bridges that will need to be repaired or replaced in the next 5 to 10 years. Money has been allocated in the Capital Improvements Program (CIP) for Price's Mill bridge and the County is actively working with MHT to find a solution that will be acceptable to everyone involved. ADJOURNMENT Mr. Smith adjourned the workshop at 7:20 p.m. h ,fjm-lw, d Grego Smit , Chairman