HomeMy WebLinkAbout6-3-26MINUTES OF THE
HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY
June 3, 2026
The Washington County Historic District Commission held its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday,
June 3, 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 (arrived at 6:06 pm), Ann
Aldrich, Michael Lushbaugh, Greg Smith, Brianna Candelaria, 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.
Also present was Heather Holman from the Historic Advisory Committee.
MINUTES
Motion and Vote: Ms. Aldrich made a motion to approve the minutes of the May 6, 2026 regular meeting
as presented. The motion was seconded by Mr. Lushbaugh and unanimously approved.
NEW BUSINESS
Historic Advisory Committee Merger
Mr. Yavener expressed the Commission's desire to continue enthusiasm and energy for historic
preservation. He also acknowledged the importance of the continuation of the John Frye awards. There
was a brief discussion regarding subcommittees for special events such as the Frye awards. There was a
discussion regarding membership, attendance of meetings, length of meetings, etc. Members discussed
the duties and responsibilities of each group.
OTHER BUSINESS
Staff Report
• Staff Reviews - A written report was provided to members in the agenda packet.
• Preservation Month 2026 Recap:
o Asocial media summary was provided. Ms. Aldrich's photo was the most viewed photo
this year.
o Media post topics this year included: the Bikle tax credits, ordinary maintenance, and
deconstruction of historic buildings
o "Where is It" Wednesdays did not go as well as anticipated.
o The Preservation Maryland workshop for discussion of architectural styles went well.
Ms. Jenkins would like to research ways to cross -promote this event to boost
attendance.
o Ms. Aldrich stated that the windows workshop went well also.
• Ms. Jenkins shared the draft inventory for 2353 Harpers Ferry Road prepared by RK&K.
• Ms. Jenkins announced that the HDC budget has been given $15,000 for FY2027. We are exploring
the possibility of applying for a grant and using these funds for other inventories.
• The Ditto Farm located near Regional Park is currently owned by the County and was recently sold
to a private individual. Ms. Jenkins requested that the Historic Preservation zoning overlay be
applied to the property prior to transfer from the County's ownership. This application will be
brought before the HDC as well as the Planning Commission in the near future. This would allow
the new owners to apply for County tax credits.
• A GIS Viewshed was received today for the proposed cell tower on White Hall Road that the
applicant claimed was unable to be seen from historic resources. The viewshed analysis revealed
that the tower will be seen. Ms. Jenkins will submit comments that there are historic resources
that will be impacted by the cell tower. Mr. Bedard asked that comments be included regarding
the continued poor assessment of the adverse effects on historic resources by this applicant.
Mr. Bedard made a motion to adjourn to Closed Session at 6:55 p.m. and so ordered by the Chairman.
To discuss potential candidates to be recommended to the Board of County Commissioners for
appointment to the Historic District Commission to fill an upcoming vacancy.
Mr. Bedard made a motion to adjourn to Open Session at 7:05 p.m. and so ordered by the Chairman.
Motion and Vote: Ms. Aldrich made a motion to forward the recommended candidate to the Board of
County Commissioners for appointment to the HDC. The motion was seconded by Mr. Bedard and
unanimously approved.
1. Monday, June 8, 2026, 11:00 a.m. (Workshop for Building Codes/Historic Resources)
2. Wednesday, July 1, 2026, 6:00 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
Ms. Candelaria made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:10 pm.
I�he I I motion was seconded by Ms.
Aldrich, unanimously approved and so ordered by the Chairman.
Respectfully
Lloyd Yavenefth�irman