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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-3-25MINUTES OF THE HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY December 3, 2025 The Washington County Historic District Commission held its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. in the Washington County Administrative Complex, 100 W. Washington Street, Room 2001, Hagerstown, Maryland CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL The Vice -Chairman called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Commission members present were: Justin Bedard, Vice -Chairman, Ann Aldrich, Tyler Milam, Greg Smith, and Brianna Candelaria. Staff members present were: Washington County Department of Planning & Zoning: Meghan Jenkins, GIS Coordinator and HDC Staff member. Also in attendance were Theodore and Sharon Lapkoff (20313 Locust Grove Road). MINUTES Motion and Vote: Ms. Aldrich made a motion to approve the minutes of the November 5, 2025 regular meeting as presented. The motion was seconded by Mr. Milam and unanimously approved. NEW BUSINESS Residential Demo Permit (2025-05388)— 20313 Locust Grove Road Ms. Jenkins presented a demolition permit application for the deconstruction of a 3,900 sq. ft. single- family dwelling and a detached garage. She noted there are several exterior elements that have contributed to the deterioration of the structure. The configuration of the structure is generally intact with a log front and frame structure to the rear. The property owners have tried to rehabilitate the dwelling over the years. Ms. Jenkins noted that due to topographic constraints on this property such as the location of the septic system and the forest conservation easement area, the owners would like to demolish the existing structure and use the same site to construct their new home. Deconstruction of the existing structure will be performed by Second Chances and the applicants intend to reuse some of the stone and timbers, if possible. Ms. Jenkins explained that the applicants intend to keep the bank barn (which has been restored) as well as the summer kitchen and the well house located on the property. Staff recommends support of the demolition application in consideration of the alternative analysis provided by the applicants and details of the staff report and photographs provided. Motion and Vote: Mr. Smith made a motion to support the demolition permit in accordance with Staffs recommendation. The motion was seconded by Ms. Aldrich and unanimously approved. OLD BUSINESS Residential Demo Permit (2025-04522) —11416 Hanging Rock Road, Clear Spring Ms. Jenkins reminded members that this demolition permit application was tabled at the November 51h meeting pending staff working with other reviewing agencies to determine if the structure could be reused. Following the meeting, the applicant withdrew the demolition application because they intend to save the structure and remove whatever elements are required by the Health Department in order to use the space either for storage or as a workshop. OTHER BUSINESS Correspondence a. Smithsburg High School Tower Update — Ms. Jenkins provided comments on this project that included information that the proposed cell tower site is located in a forest conservation area. The Board of Education intends to replant any trees that are cleared for the project. Members would like the consultant to provide an archaeological report, a historic structures assessment of the viewshed area, and visualizations (GIS viewshed and photo simulations) of the proposed tower, b. Rohrersville Telecommunications Tower— Mr. Bedard explained that the report covered the standard level of effort; however, the effects of the historic properties in Rohrersville is insufficient. The summary provided does not address key elements or issues to determine if location of this cell tower would have any adverse effects on the historic properties. The assessment does not address any of the following concerns: a) if the proposed cell tower is visible from the historic resources; b) the extent or magnitude of the visibility and its effect on the setting of the resources; or c) an adequate assessment of whether or not the proposed cell tower will alter the characteristics of these historic properties that qualify them for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. The summary does not state under which criteria the properties are eligible nor does it discuss if the location of the tower would diminish the integrity of each property's location, sign, setting, materials, workmanship feeling or association. Members recommended that Mr. Bedard's comments be sent directly to the consultant. Staff Report • A written report was provided to members in the agenda packet. • Legislative Priorities Update — The County Attorney's Office has reviewed the grant and to their knowledge the grant program can be enacted without further legislation. The implementation information has been updated by the County Attorney's Office and will be brought back to the Commission for review. We are trying to get the funding source added to the upcoming fiscal year's budget. • Update of Town adoption of MOUs for Tax Credits o The MOUs for the Towns of Boonsboro and Sharpsburg will be presented to the County Commissioners on December 91h for their approval and signature. o Ms. Jenkins will be attending the Funkstown Town Council meeting on December 8'h to make a presentation. • Discussion of Demolition Resources — Members discussed the visibility of the HDC's demolition resources that are currently on the County's website. Discussions were focused on becoming part of the Permitting Department's outreach, including information in the County's Solid Waste Management Plan regarding deconstruction and reuse, and discuss ordinary maintenance of historic resources during Preservation month. • Discussion of ruins and their rehabilitation/reuse — Ms. Jenkins noted she was having difficulty finding any information on this subject. Members believe this could be a cultural issue. Motion and Vote: Mr. Smith made a motion to adjourn to Closed Session. The motion was seconded by Ms. Aldrich and unanimously approved. CLOSED SESSION To discuss the appointment, re -appointment, employment, assignment, promotion, discipline, demotion, compensation, removal, resignation, or performance evaluation of appointees, employees, or officials over whom this public body has jurisdiction; or any other personnel matter that affects one or more specific individuals. The Vice -Chairman reconvened the meeting in Open Session at 7:15 pm. ELECTION OF OFFICERS Motion and Vote: Mr. Smith made a motion to elect Lloyd Yavener as the Chairman for a second term. The motion was seconded by Ms. Aldrich and unanimously approved. Motion and Vote: Ms. Candelaria made a motion to elect Justin Bedard as the Vice -Chairman for a second term. The motion was seconded by Mr. Milam and unanimously approved. UPCOMING MEETING The next meeting of the Historic District Commission is scheduled for Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. ADJOURNMENT Ms. Aldrich made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:20 pm. The motion was seconded by Mr. Smith, unanimously approved and so ordered by the Vice -Chairman. ReAectfully Wbmitted, RKtin Bedard, Vice -Chairman