Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout9-3-25MINUTES OF THE HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY September 3, 2025 The Washington County Historic District Commission held its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, September 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 Chairman called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Commission members present were: Lloyd Yavener, Chairman; Ann Aldrich, Justin Bedard, Tyler Milam, Greg Smith, Brianna Candelaria and Ex-officio County Commissioner Randal Leatherman. Staff members present were: Washington County Department of Planning & Zoning: Meghan Jenkins, GIS Coordinator and HDC Staff member. NEW BUSINESS Residential Addition -Alteration (2025-03697) —17827 Spielman Road Ms. Jenkins presented a permit application for property located at 17827 Spielman Road (WA-11-277, Fairplay Rural Village). The applicant is proposing to install 33 — 13.20 kW roof mounted solar panels on the dwelling. The majority of the panels would be installed on the side of the roof that does not face the right-of-way. The panels facing the right-of-way would be on a portion of the dwelling that was added to the original structure. Staff recommends approval of the application. Motion and Vote: Ms. Aldrich made a motion to approve the permit application as presented. The motion was seconded by Mr. Smith and unanimously approved. HTC-25-002 — 817 The Terrace. WA-HAG-146 (Oak Hill Historic District) Ms. Jenkins presented a tax credit application for several proposed projects on property located at 817 The Terrace. Ms. Jenkins presented pictures of the property as well as a description of each proposed project with a cost estimation. The first project is the colonnade (work already in progress). Phase 2 includes the replacement of windows, storm windows, scraping, painting, etc. at an approximate cost of $60,000. Phase 3 will include the dismantling of existing stairs and walkway, pouring of concrete, replacement of flagstone, etc. at an estimated cost of $85,000. No formal action is required at this time. OLD BUSINESS HTC-25-001— 32 E Baltimore Street. Funkstown — WA-1-639 Ms. Jenkins reminded members that this property was reviewed during the August meeting. Staff visited the site on August 21, 2025 to discuss details of the project at the request of the owner. The property owner would like the Commission's advice on replacing the basement glass windows with a vertical wood grille backed by a solid backing and making the opening slightly smaller to bring the sill above -grade. He also would like the Commission to comment on the stoop he is proposing at the back of the attached kitchen. The proposed stoop would be similar in construction to the one on Chance Regained as found in the "Washington County Historic Treasures" book but adjusted for the scale of the building. This includes a shed -style roof, no guttering, with simple wood columns. There was a discussion that the door opening on the kitchen was likely added later and the previously attached shed sheltered the opening. Adding the shed roof stoop would protect the opening. Members noted these changes would improve the longevity of both the windows in the basement and the door on the kitchen. They had no additional comments on the updates to the project. OTHER BUSINESS Correspondence • Section 106 Consultation: 1-70 Bridge Nos. 2111503 and 2111504 over MD 632 — A letter was received from MDOT regarding the replacement of these dual bridges over MD 632. MDOT has determined that no historic properties will be affected by the project. No formal action is required. • HTC-24-002 — Williamson Status Update to Withdrawn — Ms. Jenkins reminded members that Mr. Williamson proposed a gutter project for his home and was proposing to apply for State and County tax credits. Mr. Williamson has withdrawn his application due to issues with the contractor. • Rohrersville Cell Tower— Ms. Jenkins stated that a letter was received asking if the HDC would like to be a consulting party in the review process. She stated that a 199-foot monopole is proposed on MD 67 next to the Boonsboro Ambulance facility. In preliminary research, it appears the proposed tower would be visible from the Appalachian Trail and Crampton's Gap which are both on the National Register of Historic Places. There are several other National Register eligible resources that would be affected by the placement of this cell tower. Ms. Jenkins responded that the HDC would like to be a consulting party for this proposed project. Staff Report • A written report was provided to members in the agenda packet. • Legislative Priorities Update — Last year the HDC set three priorities: update the tax credits, begin a grant program (County Attorney believes language in State Law is required to enact such a program) and begin a yearly credit program similar to the ag district program. The grant program and yearly credit program are potential candidates for this year's legislative session. Priorities are determined by the Board of County Commissioners. City of Hagerstown Outreach, Tax Credits — Ms. Jenkins reported that she received a phone call from someone who wanted to apply for a tax credit, however, the project was already fully completed. Unfortunately, the City did not instruct the property owner to apply for the tax credit prior to work beginning. Ms. Jenkins has reached out to City staff to make sure they inform people if they are interested in the tax credits they must apply prior to work starting. She also sent them copies of the tax credit brochure. • Comprehensive Plan Status — Ms. Jenkins announced that the Comprehensive Plan Update has been adopted by the Board of County Commissioners. A few revisions are required and then the document will be available on our website. ADJOURNMENT Mr. Bedard made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:00 pm. The mot on was seconded by Ms. Candelaria and so ordered by the Chairman. , I Respectfully su Lloyd Yavener, Chai