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HomeMy WebLinkAbout8-6-26MINUTES OF THE HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY August 6, 2026 The Washington County Historic District Commission held its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, August 5, 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; Ann Aldrich, Tom Freeman, Alexa Vetter, Michael Lushbaugh, Justin Bedard, Brianna Candaleria, Jean (Nicki) Banzhoff, and Tyler Milam. Staff member present was: 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 July 1, 2026 regular meeting as presented. The motion was seconded by Mr. Bedard and unanimously approved. NEW BUSINESS HTC-26-003 — 335 North Potomac Street, Hagerstown Ms. Jenkins presented Parts 1 and 2 documentation for tax credits at 335 North Potomac Street (also known as part of 337 North Potomac Street) (WA -HAG -158 and WA -HAG -159, Hagerstown Historic District and Potomac Broadway). The property owner is proposing some exterior updates and will be applying for State tax credits as well. OTHER BUSINESS Correspondence • Update on Request for Comment - Proposed Telecommunications Tower — 3417/3413 Rohrersville Road As of July 17th, the Section 106 review has been completed. MHT has responded there is no adverse effect on historic resources. Mr. Bedard explained that if the proposed regulation changes for Section 106 review are approved, visual effects as well as viewsheds and cultural landscapes will no longer be a consideration for adverse effecta on historic resources. The new regulations will also change the definition of historic resources. The HDC will no longer be considered as a consulting party. A written report will be submitted to and reviewed by the State's Historic Preservation Office that may then provide written comments; public comment meetings will no longer be held. More discussion will be held at the next meeting. Staff Report • Staff Reviews - A written report was provided to members in the agenda packet. • Town Tax Credit MOU Updates — The Towns of Smithsburg and Funkstown MOUs have been received; however, a signature block is needed for the County Attorney's signature. • Land Preservation Parks and Recreation Plan Initial Survey — The online survey has been left open in order to receive additional public comment. Ms. Jenkins gave a brief overview of the responsibilities of the Department of Planning & Zoning. She encouraged members to participate in the public survey process. • Preservation Maryland meeting summary/update on Price's Mill Bridge — Representatives of Preservation Maryland met with County staff on July 29`h to discuss Price's Mill Bridge. This is a five -arch bridge dating back to 1832 and is owned by the County. The bridge is currently in significant disrepair and is slated for demolition per County's Capital Improvements Plan. The property owner adjacent to the bridge has been amenable to the County accessing the riverbed for clean up purposes. It has been suggested that the bridge be used as a gateway for a water trail park with the bridge being restored. However, the property owner is not amenable to giving land for a park at this time. Ms. Jenkins explained that grants for bridges without vehicular traffic are very limited. Preservation Maryland will continue to keep in contact with staff and try to assist in working with the property owner for access. If demolition does occur, Preservation Maryland could possibly assist in reaching a broader audience for reuse of the materials. • Certified Destination Ambassador Program —Ms. Jenkins gave a brief overview of a new program to help museum staff learn about new destinations, hospitality, and tourism assets within the County. • MHT Non -Capital Grant — The grant was submitted to assist in the update of the County's Eakle Mill Rural Village. • Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area — Mini -grants are currently open through October 30t°. These are also non -capital grants with a maximum funding of $5,000. ADJOURNMENT Mr. Lushbaugh made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:55 pm. The motion was seconded by Mr. Milam, unanimously approved and so ordered by the Chairman. UPCOMING MEETINGS 1. Wednesday, September 2, 2026, 6:00 p.m.