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HomeMy WebLinkAbout4-2-25MINUTES OF THE HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY April 2, 2026 The Washington County Historic District Commission held its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, April 2, 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: Lloyd Yavener, Chairman; Ann Aldrich, Michael Lushbaugh, Justin Bedard, Tyler Milam, and Greg Smith (arrived at 6:42 pm). Staff members present were: Washington County Department of Planning & Zoning: Meghan Jenkins, GIS Coordinator and HDC Staff member and Debra Eckard, Office Manager. MINUTES Motion and Vote: Ms. Aldrich made a motion to approve the minutes of the March 5, 2025 meeting as amended. The motion was seconded by Mr. Bedard and unanimously approved. NEW BUSINESS 13215 Smithsburg Pike f2025-006321 Permit Application Ms. Jenkins presented a residential addition -alteration permit application for property located at 13215 Smithsburg Pike. The majority of the renovations will be to the interior of the structure; however, the permit also includes a few exterior renovations, which includes rebuilding of the front stoop, replacement of the roofing material, and reconstruction of the previous dormer on the cottage. The proposed materials are consistent with the existing house. The dormer windows will be of similar scale and design of the existing windows in the house. Staff recommends approval of the permit application as presented. Motion and Vote: Mr. Lushbaugh made a motion to recommend approval of the permit application as presented. The motion was seconded by Mr. Bedard and unanimously approved. 22420 Old Georgetown Road (2025-009091 Permit Application Ms. Jenkins presented a residential addition -alteration permit application for property located at 22420 Old Georgetown Road. Staff believes the application is consistent with the applicable Secretary of Interior Standards for new construction as well as the County's Design Guidelines and the design criteria listed in the County's Zoning Ordinance. The environment will be unimpaired by the structure's removal. There will be no impact on contributing structures in the Rural Village and the design is compatible in form, scale and proportion with existing structures in the neighborhood. The building setbacks are consistent with the previous structure. Staff recommends approval of the permit application as presented. Motion and Vote: Ms. Aldrich made a motion to recommend approval of the permit application as presented. The motion was seconded by Mr. Lushbaugh and unanimously approved. 1230 Mount Aetna Road [2025-010801 Demolition Ms. Jenkins presented a demolition permit application for property located at 1230 Mount Aetna Road. The applicant stated in his application that there is a squatter on the property and he wishes to remove the structure. The property includes a smaller house and several other outbuildings that are not proposed for demolition at this time. Ms. Jenkins noted there is a preliminary consultation on file for the property. She asked the property owner, Mr. Wieland, if there is any intent to pursue the development of the property. Mr. Wieland stated it would be possible to have a small house on the property, but it is doubtful, Ms. Jenkins noted that the demolition contractor, Mr. Merrbaugh, has indicated that he has spoken to his regular sources regarding re -use of materials in the structure; however, no one has expressed any interest. Ms. Jenkins explained she has not received any information from the property owner or from any of her research that this property has any historic significance with any person or event. In 1978, the property owner at the time indicated that the structure was of the pre -Civil War era; however, there are no records to confirm this claim. The current property owner believes that the structure was built sometime between 1910 and 1920. Ms. Jenkins noted there are some materials that could be salvaged and reused such as the windows, slate from the roof, and possibly some of the pillars. Mr. Wieland stated that he explored the option of having the house dismantled prior to demolition; however, the cost would be $45,000 which he cannot afford. It is his intent to remove the sashes, doors, and other smaller items prior to demolition. Mr. Bedard asked if the inventory could be updated so there is a more complete history of the structures. Ms. Jenkins suggested she could contact MHT to see if she can submit updated photos for the record. Mr. Wieland expressed his willingness to also contribute photos. Motion and Vote: Mr. Bedard made a motion to support the demolition permit with the updated photos being supplied for the inventory. The motion was seconded by Ms. Aldrich and unanimously approved. [Mr. Smith arrived at 6:42 p.m.] Draft of Town MOU for Historic Structures Review Ms. Jenkins presented the draft MOU for historic structure review for municipalities. This would allow the HDC to review tax credit applications for citizens within the municipalities. Mr. Bedard noted one typographical error in the introduction paragraph. There was a brief discussion how to implement the MOU after its approval by the BOCC. Members suggested inviting the municipalities to attend a meeting to introduce the program, discuss the benefits to homeowners within the municipalities, and how the program would be implemented. It was also suggested that we follow-up with a letter to all the municipalities. Consensus: It is the consensus of the members to forward the draft MOU to the Board of County Commissioners with the one change as noted by Mr. Bedard. OTHER BUSINESS Preservation Month 2025 • Christiana from Preservation Maryland has agreed to provide a presentation entitled "Researching Your Historic Property". This presentation will be held at the Hagerstown Public Library at 5:30 p.m. on May 7`h in room 304. The presentation will be promoted on the County's website. Ms. Jenkins suggested moving the regular meeting of May 7'h to the Library to be held immediately following the presentation. Consensus: Hold the regular meeting of the HDC on May 7`h at the Library following the presentation, which begin at 5:30 p.m. • The County Commissioners will present a proclamation on May 61h for Historic Preservation Month. • The Public Relations Department will help to create a historic scavenger hunt. Members discussed different locations to be included in the hunt. Recommendations included: Bowles House at Lock 52; the bell at the Smithsburg Historical Society; Himes Country Store; the portico at Plumb Grove; Wilson's Store sign, train station in Sharpsburg or Tolson's Chapel; Roses Mill Park, Fort Frederick, and Fort Ritchie. Members also discussed prizes. • Photos of members at a historic structure are due by April 181h to Ms. Jenkins. Correspondence Ms. Jenkins reminded members there have been two initial tax credit applications received. She has contacted the applicants regarding their applications and the deadline for submission in order to receive tax credits in the coming fiscal year. The applicants stated they are not ready to file theirfinal applications. The Lehman's Mill cell tower project is moving forward. A site plan has been submitted to the Department of Planning & Zoning. This project was previously reviewed by the HDC. Staff Report • A written report of staff reviews for the past month was provided to members in the agenda packets. ADJOURNMENT Ms. Aldrich made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:15 pm. The motion was seconded by Mr. Bedard and so ordered by the Chairman.