Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout3-5-25MINUTES OF THE HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY March 5, 2025 The Washington County Historic District Commission held its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, March 5, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. in the Washington County Administrative Complex, 100 W Washington Street, Room 2001, Hagerstown, MD. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL The Chairman called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Commission members present were: Greg Smith, Chairman; Lloyd Yavener, Vice -Chair; Ann Aldrich; Michael Lushbaugh, Brianna Candalaria and Tyler Milam. Staff members present were: Washington County Department of Planning & Zoning: Meghan Jenkins, GIS Coordinator and HDC Staff member. MINUTES Motion and Vote: Ms. Aldrich made a motion to approve the minutes of the November 6, 2024 meeting as presented. The motion was seconded by Mr. Yavener and unanimously approved. NEW BUSINESS RZ-25-001— 6821 Sharpsbure Pike Ms. Jenkins presented a rezoning application for property located at 6821 Sharpsburg Pike. The owners are requesting the application of the Rural Business (RB) floating zone over 1.68 acres of land in the Preservation zoning district with the Antietam 2 overlay. Ms. Jenkins noted there is currently a MET (Maryland Environmental Trust) easement on the property which was not referenced in the current deed. To date, there have been no comments from MET regarding this application. She stated that a new building was constructed on the property as an ag building; however, the owners have been running a business out of said building without permits which is not allowed without the proper zoning on the property. Discussion and Comments: Members discussed vegetative screening of the building from the road so it does not detract from the viewshed. They also discussed the outdoor storage of equipment and any signage that may be used. Ms. Jenkins stated that if/when the owners apply for a sign permit, the permit application would be reviewed by the HDC because the property is located within the Antietam 2 overlay zone. She will recommend in her comments to the Planning Commission, that the owners should follow the Design Guidelines for signage. Members believe the deed should be updated to include the MET easement. Members discussed the RB overlay being extinguished on properties within the AO1 and AO2 zoning districts when the property is sold. This issue would need to be discussed with the Zoning Administrator and would require a text amendment to the County's adopted Zoning Ordinance. Consensus: Ms. Jenkins will provide a letter to the Planning Commission with the following recommendations: • Owners should provide substantial vegetative screening to minimize visibility of the business building from the roadway. • The RB overlay should not applied any closer to the roadway than depicted on the application. • If/when signage is erected, the property owners should adhere to the County's adopted Design Guidelines. • To the extent feasible, all business -related storage should be kept to the rear of the building. • In response to N4 of the application, the MET easement and scenic value should be mentioned. • The owners should consider updating the property deed to include the MET easement. • The nearby RB overlay was in existence and is more appropriately buffered from the viewshed. OTHER BUSINESS HTC-24-002 — Williamson —1004 The Terrace Ms. Jenkins stated that Mr. Williamson provided equivalent documentation from the State of Maryland MHT Tax Credit application for additional tax credits on his property located at 1004 The Terrace. The project included the installation of gutter guards over the existing gutters that are minimally visible from the ground. Certified Local Government Annual Report Ms. Jenkins announced that the Annual Report has been submitted with updated information that was provided by the members. AP2024-053 — 21406 Mount Lena Road Ms. Jenkins stated that a letter was sent to the Board of Zoning Appeals with the Commission's comments regarding the special exception for a contractor storage yard at the above location. Members reviewed this request via e-mail and a consensus to comment was received from Mr. Bedard, Mr. Milam, Mr. Smith, Ms. Aldrich and Ms. Candalaria. Preservation Month 2025 Members discussed several ideas for Preservation Month including the following: • continue the Love Historic theme — challenge citizens to take photos of their favorite historic structures around the County and submit them on Facebook/Instagram to be posted to the County's website • have HDC members take a photo of themselves at their favorite historic structure • have an updated group photo of members at a historic structure • coordinate with the HAC project • have a Preservation Maryland presentation • have a photo scavenger hunt of historic structures • cross promote a geo-cash trail • host a Museum Trail in 2026 Grimes— 7661 Dam Number 4 Road Ms. Jenkins explained that the Grimes family purchased Woburn Manor late last year. The insurance company was concerned by the HP overlay and the implications of what would be required if a catastrophic event took place and the historic structure was lost. Would the structure have to be rebuilt exactly as it was? Ms. Jenkins provided a letter explaining review authority of the HDC, the use of modern materials, and that the HP overlay could be removed, if necessary. Staff Report • A written report of staff reviews for the past month was provided to members in the agenda packets. • 250`h Update: The historic subcommittee continues to meet and review historic dates of events. The County will be holding a July 4ch celebration at the County's Ag Center. There will be a drone show, live music and vendors. The Historic Subcommittee is also working on a publication with the help of the municipalities to obtain facts about historic places, people and events. • September 6`h there will be a celebration for the County's anniversary. Members suggested that the HDC should have a booth at this event. • Historic Structures Grant Update: The County Attorney 's Office has determined that State legislation will be required. This will be on hold until October 2025 when new priorities for legislation will be set. • The first draft of the MOU for Town permit reviews was sent to members. No Towns have been approached about the MOU. This will be on the agenda again for the April meeting. • Price's Bridge is listed in the County's CIP; however, it is listed for complete demolition. • Comprehensive Plan Update: The Planning Commission has recommended keeping the Preservation Policy Areas on the Land Use Map. They also recommended that the Environmental Conservation Policy Area should be 100' from the centerline of the stream. The Planning Commission voted to forward the draft document with the most recent changes as listed above to the Board of County Commissioners. • A letter has been submitted to the CLG Training Program signed by the County Commissioner President John Barr to have a successful application by Preservation Maryland to hold some workshops with the Campaign for Historic Trade Staff or other historic trades people in Washington County. • Financial Disclosures are due on April 30, 2025. Please submit them electronically or by mail to our offices. ELECTION OF OFFICERS Ms. Aldrich nominated Mr. Yavener as Chairman. Ms. Candalaria seconded the nomination. Mr. Yavener accepted the nomination and was unanimously voted to the position of Chairman. Mr. Smith nominated Mr. Bedard as Vice -Chairman. Mr. Yavener seconded the nomination. Mr. Bedard was asked prior to the meeting, that if nominated, would he accept the nomination and he stated that he would accept; therefore, the nomination was accepted and Mr. Bedard was unanimously voted to the position of Vice -Chairman. Ms. Aldrich made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:50 pm. The motion was seconded by Mr. Lushbaugh and so ordered by the Chairman. Be;spt£fully subMte ere", Chairman