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HomeMy WebLinkAbout5-6-26MINUTES OF THE HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY May 6, 2026 The Washington County Historic District Commission held its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 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; Justin Bedard, Ann Aldrich, Michael Lushbaugh, Greg Smith, and Ex-officio County Commissioner Randy Leatherman. Staff member present was: Washington County Department of Planning & Zoning: Meghan Jenkins, GIS Coordinator and HDC Staff member. MINUTES Motion and Vote: Mr. Bedard made a motion to approve the minutes of the April 1, 2026 regular meeting as presented. The motion was seconded by Ms. Aldrich and unanimously approved with Mr. Lushbaugh abstaining from the vote. NEW BUSINESS Residential Demolition Permit (2026-91126) —13034 Little Antietam Road Ms. Jenkins presented a demolition permit application fora 2,500 sq. ft. single-family dwelling on property located at 13034 Little Antietam Road. The dwelling is not visible from the roadway and is constructed of varying materials. There is wood siding with failing asphalt paper and shingle siding. The summer kitchen is connected to the main house with cinder blocks. Only one window remains intact in the attic. The roof is corrugated metal on the front facade and asphalt shingles on the rear facade. The doors into the structure were visible; however, they were warped and unable to be opened during Ms. Jenkins site visit. Staff recommends support of the demolition permit due to unsafe conditions and health hazards observed during the site visit. Discussion and Comments: Mr. Shannon, the property owner, was present at the meeting and also during the site visit. He stated that the structure has not been used for at least 40 years. He has many safety concerns regarding the structure and cisterns that are located on the property. Members asked Mr. Shannon if pictures could be taken inside of the structure as it is being torn down. Motion and Vote: Mr. Smith made a motion to support approval of the demolition permit as presented. The motion was seconded by Mr. Lushbaugh and unanimously approved. HTC-26-002 — 205 E. Main Street, Sharpsburg Ms. Jenkins presented Parts 1 and 2 of a tax credit application for property located at 205 E. Main Street in Sharpsburg. This application applies only to the sloped part of the roof. This will be a replacement in - kind (standing seam metal roof). The Town of Sharpsburg has been notified of this tax credit application. OTHER BUSINESS Correspondence • MAHDC Newsletter — A copy of the newsletter was included in the agenda packets for members' information only. Request for Comment AP2026, 10944 White Hall Road Telecommunications Tower —The Board of Appeals granted approval of this cell tower; formal opinion pending. Ms. Jenkins stated she has reached out to Trileaf on several occasions requesting additional information. MHT may only request sites that have been evaluated for National Register listing outside of the immediate property within the %: mile radius. If a historic property exists but has not been evaluated for National Register listing, the telecommunications company does not have to include these properties in its report. Staff has requested additional information regarding the viewshed from historic properties. No response has been received from the applicant. Request for Comment, 3417/3413 Rohrersville Road — Staff attended the consulting parties meeting on 4/23/26. The National Park Service has released guidance documents related to review criteria and items to consider when reviewing cell towers. There are now plans for public engagement for this proposed tower and no final decision has been made. Staff Report • Staff Reviews - A written report was provided to members in the agenda packet. At Landis Road there is a spring house, farmhouse, tenant house, smoke house and barn where a residential development is proposed. However, these structures will be subdivided onto their own 65-acre parcel. • Rural Village Letter Draft— Members had no comments on the draft letter. • Survey Funding Update — RK&K Consulting will be performing two individual MIHP surveys over the next two months. Both properties will be photographed; however, only one will have the MIHP form completed during this fiscal year. • Preservation Month 2026 Updates o The Board of County Commissioners will be presenting a Preservation Proclamation to Staff on May 51h o Preservation Maryland will be hosting a workshop on May 141h at 6:00 p.m. at the Hagerstown Library o John Frye Preservation Awards will be held at Hub City Vinyl on May 21" at 5:30 p.m. o Campaign for Historic Trades Window Workshop will be held on May 301h at the Saylor House o Greg Cartrette, Director of Permits & Inspections will present a Workshop regarding building code regulations as they relate to the preservation of historic ruins. Ms. Jenkins will coordinate a date and time for the workshop. ADJOURNMENT Mr. Bedard made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:10 pm. The mot' n was seconded by Ms. Aldrich, unanimously approved and so ordered by the Chairman. �O I I Lloyd Yavener,