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HomeMy WebLinkAbout5-1-24MINUTES OF THE HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY May 1, 2024 The Washington County Historic District Commission held its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, May 1, 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, Ann Aldrich, and Brianna Candelaria. Staff members present were: Washington County Department of Planning & Zoning: Meghan Jenkins, GIS Coordinator and HOC Staff member. Mr. Dennis Frye and Mr. Gary Candelaria were also present at the meeting. MINUTES Motion and Vote: Mr. Yavener made a motion to approve the minutes of the April 3, 2024 meeting as presented. The motion was seconded by Mr. Lushbaugh and unanimously approved. NEW BUSINESS Antietam Farm (Gum Tree Farm) WA -11-371 National Register of Historic Places CLG Review Ms. Jenkins explained that a notification was received from MHT regarding the National Register nomination of Antietam Farm located along Mills Road. The nomination is being submitted under National Register Criterion A and C. Ms. Jenkins noted that the property is eligible under Criterion A for its association with the evolution of the agricultural industry highlighting the change of ownership, property size, and workforce (enslaved). Its history ties it to the Civil War and its broad influences on properties not directly associated with the Battle of Antietam but greatly affected by troop movements. Under Criterion C, the structure is a blend of vernacular architecture transitioning from Federal to Greek Revival trends with windows, sidelights, interior moldings and transoms around door openings depicting these architectural styles. The Pennsylvania bank barn is one of the largest in South County with the two out sheds and wagon barn being unique among its comparable neighbors already on the National Register. Staff is recommending the nomination as eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. Discussion and Comments: Ms. Candelaria stated that Antietam Farm was the subject of her Master's degree thesis and she shared several points of interest relative to the property. Mr. Frye (the property owner) gave a brief history of the property and how he obtained it. Members viewed before and after photos showing the restoration and rehabilitation that has been completed by the property owner since the time of purchase. Ms. Jenkins noted the property is preserved by a Rural Legacy easement. Motion and Vote: Ms. Aldrich made a motion to accept Ms. Jenkin's justification statement for eligibility of this property for the National Register of Historic Places. The justification statement is as follows: "Antietam Farm is eligible under Criterion A for its association with evolution of the agricultural industry highlighting the changes in ownership, property size and workforce (including enslaved). It also ties to the Civil War and its broad influences on properties not directly associated with the Battle of Antietam but affected greatly by troop movements and military occupation as documented. The property is also eligible under Criterion C for its blend of vernacular architecture with the Federal and Greek Revival period trends. These characteristics are evident in windows, sidelights and transoms around door openings as well as interior moldings. The bank barn and wagon shed are both examples of vernacular functional architecture with the bank barn being unique in its size compared to others in the area. The resources and the events associated are sufficiently documented to illustrate their significance, integrity, and features adequately." The motion was seconded by Mr. Yavener and unanimously approved with Ms. Candelaria abstaining from the vote. OTHER BUSINESS Price's Bridge, WA -1-291 Ms. Jenkins explained that as the GIS Coordinator for the Department of Planning and Zoning, she is involved in preparing maps that are included in the County's Capital Improvements Plan. One project that she noticed this year is improvements on Price's Bridge. Ms. Jenkins made an inquiry regarding this project and was informed that there have been discussions between the County, its consultant and MHT regarding eligibility for the National Register. There has been a difference of opinion on this matter. MHT would like to see the bridge restored in its entirety; however, the Director of Public Works is exploring other options due to funding issues. Ms. Jenkins presented the idea that she would act as liaison between MHT, the County Engineering Department, County Public Works Department and the HDC on this project. There was a brief discussion regarding the proposed repairs and maintenance being considered for the bridge. Ms. Jenkins suggested inviting the Directors from the two County departments working on this project to attend a HDC meeting and give more detailed information regarding the proposed work and funds needed. Consensus: Members agreed that a meeting would be beneficial. Preservation Month 2024 Ms. Jenkins announced that a Proclamation for Historic Preservation Month will be presented on May 7th at the County Commissioners' meeting. Members are welcome to attend. May 22 at 6:00 p.m. is the Preservation Basics that is being co -sponsored by MHT at the Hagerstown Library. Staff Report • Staff Reviews - Ms. Jenkins provided a written summary. • Notification was received from MHT that new number has been assigned for the structure in Ravenswood on Frederick Street. The demolition contractor has provided the documentation as recommended by the HDC. • The 250th subcommittee recently met. Minutes of that meeting will be provided to HDC members in the near future. Mr. Frye is working on the enslaved and enslavers database for the public library. • The County Attorney's Office has sent a draft of the updated HDC By-laws. The updated document will be distributed with the June agenda. • The Historic Tax Credit Ordinance was adopted by the County Commissioners. A copy of the current brochure was distributed and needs to be updated. We will be discussing changes and ideas at the June meeting. • The Heritage 31 — Maryland Statewide Preservation Plan was sent to members under separate cover. ADJOURNMENT Mr. Lushbaugh made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:25 pm. The motion was seconded by Mr. Yavener and so ordered by the Chairman. Greg6J4 Ithith, Chairman