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Home My WebLink About20201005 Tom Clemens Vernell Doyle Edith Wallace Ann Aldrich Gary Rohrer Jeffrey A. Cline, BOCC Rep HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION OF WASHINGTON COU NTY, MARYLAND WWW.WASHCO-MD.NET 100 West Washington Street, Suite 2600 | Hagerstown, MD 21740 | P: 240.313.2430 | F: 240.313.2431 | TDD: 7-1-1 AGENDA SPECIAL MEETING October 5, 2020, 2:00 p.m. VIRTUAL MEETING ONLY CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL MINUTES 1. Minutes of the September 14, 2020 meeting * OLD BUSINESS 1. Demolition Permit Process Update 2. Permit #2020-03241 – Demolition permit for a 2,396 square foot two-story farmhouse located at 17705 Millers Sawmill Road NEW BUSINESS 1. Permit #2020-03729 – Demolition permit for a 1,389 square foot single-family house, a barn, outhouse, cabin and 4 sheds located at 7007 Mariah Furnace Road, Lot 1 * OTHER BUSINESS 1. C&O Canal Headquarters Update 2. Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area Update 3. Website Update 4. Training Opportunities through MAHDC - https://mahdc.org/training-program/ ADJOURNMENT UPCOMING MEETING 1. Wednesday, November 4, 2020, 7:00 p.m. *attachments The Historic District Commission reserves the right to vary the order in which the cases are called. Individuals requiring special accommodations are requested to contact the Washington County Planning Department at 240- 313-2430 to make arrangements no later than ten (10) days prior to the meeting. Notice is given that the agenda may be amended at any time up to and including the meeting. MINUTES OF THE HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY September 14, 2020 CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Due to current social meeting restrictions put in place by the Governor of Maryland because of the COVID- 19 pandemic, the Washington County Historic District Commission held its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, September 14, 2020 at 1:15 p.m. virtually using Zoom software. No physical meeting took place. Commission members present were: Tom Clemens, Ann Aldrich, Vernell Doyle, Edie Wallace, Michael Lushbaugh, Greg Smith and Gary Rohrer (joined the meeting at 1:50 p.m.). Staff members present were: Washington County Department of Planning & Zoning: Jill Baker, Director; Meghan Jenkins, GIS Analyst; and Debra Eckard, Administrative Assistant. MINUTES Ms. Aldrich made a motion to approve the minutes of the August 5, 2020 meeting as presented. The motion was seconded by Ms. Wallace and unanimously approved. NEW BUSINESS Demolition Permit 2020-03241 – 17707 Miller’s Sawmill Road A demolition permit for a structure located at 17707 Miller’s Sawmill Road was presented for review and comment. As part of this application, members reviewed a deed of easement put on the property by the Maryland Environmental Trust (MET) which also included covenants for structures. These covenants included language for the demolition of certain structures and mitigation if those structures are demolished. Staff provided a timeline of events leading up to the application for demolition. In April, Mr. Stivers (property owner) contacted the Washington County Department of Plan Review & Permitting and asked for a service request for a structure located at 17707 Miller’s Sawmill Road (formerly a tenant house). The Permitting Department inspected the structure, which was deemed unsafe. Mr. Stivers then contacted the Maryland Environmental Trust (part of Maryland Department of Natural Resources) to request demolition of the structure at 17707 Miller’s Sawmill Road. A representative from MET contacted the Department of Planning & Zoning to inquire if this was listed as a landmark structure and what procedures the County would take. Ms. Baker informed MET that this was not a landmark structure but the HDC would review any applications for demolition. Our office received a notice from MET that they had approved the demolition with caveats. However, when the application was received by the County, the property owner was applying for demolition of a structure at 17705 Miller’s Sawmill Road (formerly a farmhouse). Staff is currently working with MET to clear up the confusion as to which structure they reviewed and approved for demolition. Staff presented photographs taken by the building inspector who visited the site showing the condition of the farmhouse as it stands today. There is a gaping hole in the roof, the interior is crumbing, and the property owner stated that the foundation is in great disrepair. Ms. Baker noted that the structure was built in the early 1800’s by the Chapline’s, the founders of Sharpsburg. Ms. Baker stated that Mr. Stivers is willing to allow two Commission members to visit the property and document it for historic purposes. Mr. Stivers is hesitant to allow anyone into the structure due to liability issues. Any members visiting the site will do so at their own risk. Discussion and Comments: Ms. Aldrich expressed her opinion that the property owner should be responsible for documenting the structure because there are conditions on the easements and structures on the property. Mr. Clemens expressed his opinion that the property owner should be required to return the money that he received for the easements put on the property since it included the structures. It is his belief that the money should have been used to repair and maintain the structures. He believes this is clearly a case of “demolition by neglect” and the property owner should be held accountable. Other members agreed with these comments. However, MET believes that the easements are only for the property, not the structures. There was a discussion regarding rehabilitation of the structure and if it would be financially feasible. Ms. Baker noted that documentation was submitted to MET saying that the foundation had been inspected by a third party and it was not feasible to salvage. She noted that even though the structure is uninhabitable this doesn’t mean it cannot be repaired and rehabilitated. Members agreed. There was a discussion regarding the timeline for review of this permit application. Ms. Baker stated that the Commission has 45 days from the date of application for review and approval/denial. The deadline in this case would be October 5th. Members expressed their opinions that there was not enough information available and would like clarification from MET as to which structure they reviewed and approved for demolition. Motion and Vote: Ms. Doyle made a motion to delay a decision on the demolition permit pending receipt of additional information from MET. The motion was seconded by Ms. Aldrich and unanimously approved. Ms. Baker asked if there was anyone that would like to visit the site. Mr. Lushbaugh and Mr. Rohrer have volunteered to visit and document the site. Following the vote, the Commission decided to hold a special meeting on October 5th in order to meet the review deadline for the demolition permit. WORKSHOP Demolition Permit Process Members of the HDC and staff were joined by Linda Irvin-Craig and Ralph Young from the Historical Advisory Committee to discuss the demolition permit process. Ms. Baker gave a brief summary of previous discussions regarding the demolition permit process. Two main items of discussion have been the levying of fines for demolition without a permit and adding additional time to the demolition permit process in order to document the structure(s) and talk with property owners about alternatives to demolition. This is not meant to delay or stop development, but rather to document the history of our county. She noted that Frederick County requires the applicant to submit written documentation and photographs at the time of application. Discussions have also been focused on requiring the documentation to be produced by a certified preservationist. Some members expressed their opinions that there is no political will among the County Commissioners to preserve historic resourced; they see preservation as a frivolous act of a specialized group. Emphasis was placed on the importance of heritage tourism to this County due to the many historic resources we have here. Ms. Baker noted that staff has been updating the County’s Certified Local Government (CLG) information in anticipation of applying for grant monies to start updating the historic inventory, which is extremely important. Staff has provided many informational updates on the County’s website, such as making the Historic Tax Credits brochure interactive, providing references for restoration and salvaging of historic resources, web trainings, etc. Staff is also working on other initiatives such as a targeted mailing of tax credit information in areas that qualify (Antietam Overlay and Historic Preservation zoning districts) and updates to the historic inventory. Members discussed the goals and policy changes they would like to present to the County Commissioners. • Require documentation including photographs of historic structures to be provided as part of the demolition permit application process. This requirement would be waived in some instances such as fires. Members like the idea of requiring the applicant, at his expense, to provide documentation of the historic structure when applying for a permit. Documentation should come from a certified preservationist. • Revise review period to 90 days. This additional review period would be used to discuss possible alternatives with the property owner. • Posting the property during the 90 days review period (if demolition is applied for and denied). This would give the opportunity to explore options such as salvaging materials or relocating the structure. • Establish a stiffer fine for demolition without a permit on historic structures. Monies collected should be set aside in an account to help with preservation efforts. Members discussed the levying of a fine on a sliding scale. • Establish a moratorium of any new construction on a demolished site within 1-3 years of demolition in cases where demolition without a permit occurs. They believe this would be a better deterrent than simply paying a fine. ADJOURNMENT The Chairman adjourned the meeting at 4:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, _______________________________________ Jill L. Baker, Director Washington County Department of Planning & Zoning × MARIAHFURNACERD 7007 MD iMAP, DoIT 7007 Mariah Furnace Road - Permit 2020-03729 0 50 100 Fe et WARN ING ! : This map was created by the Washington County Planning Department and isintended for the recipients use only. It is not for general distribution to the public, and shouldnot be scaled or copied. Any modifications or changes to this map are prohibited without theexpress prior written approval of the Planning Department GIS. Sources of the data containedhereon are from various public agencies which may have use restrictions or disclaimers. The parcel lines s hown on this map are derived from a variety of sources which have their ownaccuracy standards. T he parcel lines are approximate and for informational purposes ONLY. Theyare not guaranteed by Washington County Maryland or the Maryland Department ofAssessments and Taxations to be free of errors including errors of omission, commission,positional accuracy or any attributes associated with real property. They shall not be copied,reproduced or s caled in any way without the expres s prior written approval of WashingtonCounty Maryland Planning and Zoning Department. This data DOES NOT replace an accuratesurvey by a licensed professional and information shall be verified using the relevant deeds, platsand other recorded legal documents by the user. ¹ Building Footprint Data WA-II-254 Emmert Farm Architectural Survey File This is the architectural survey file for this MIHP record. The survey file is organized reverse- chronological (that is, with the latest material on top). It contains all MIHP inventory forms, National Register nomination forms, determinations of eligibility (DOE) forms, and accompanying documentation such as photographs and maps. Users should be aware that additional undigitized material about this property may be found in on-site architectural reports, copies of HABS/HAER or other documentation, drawings, and the “vertical files” at the MHT Library in Crownsville. The vertical files may include newspaper clippings, field notes, draft versions of forms and architectural reports, photographs, maps, and drawings. Researchers who need a thorough understanding of this property should plan to visit the MHT Library as part of their research project; look at the MHT web site (mht.maryland.gov) for details about how to make an appointment. All material is property of the Maryland Historical Trust. Last Updated: 03-12-2004 WA-II-254 District 6 MARYLAND HISTORICAL TRUST Map 74 Parcel 1 MAGI # 2208295535 INVENTORY FORM FOR STATE HISTORIC SITES SURVEY HISTORIC Ermnert Farm AND/OR COMMON IJLOCATION STREET & NUMBER End of Mousetown Road, southeast of Boonsboro CITY. TOWN CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT x_ v1c1N1TY oF Boonsboro 6 STATE COUNTY MarJrl and Washington DcLASSIFICA TION CATEGORY OWNERSHIP STATUS PRESENT USE _DISTRICT _PUBLIC XoccuPIED ~GRICULTURE _MUSEUM XBUILDING!Sl X_PRIVATE _UNOCCUPIED _COMMERCIAL __ PARK _STRUCTURE _BOTH _WORK IN PROGRESS _EDUCATIONAL X_PRIVATE RESIDENCE _SITE PUBLIC ACQUISITION ACCESSIBLE _ENTERTAINMENT _RELIGIOUS --_OBJECT _IN PROCESS _YES: RESTRICTED _GOVERNMENT _SCIENTIFIC _BEING CONSIDERED _YES· UNRESTRICTED _INDUSTRIAL _TRANSPORTATION *NO _MILITARY _QTHER DOWNER OF PROPERTY NAME J,eonard Emmert Telephone #: STREET & NUMBER Rt 3. Box 388 CITY. TOWN STATE I Zl.p code Bggp5horg _ VICINITY OF Maryland 21713 BLOCATION OF LEGAL DESCRIPTION Liber #: 270 Folio #: 097 Washington County Court House COURTHOUSE. REGISTRY OF DEEDS, ETC. STREET & NUMBER CITY. TOWN West Washington Street Hagerstown STATE Maryland Im REPRESENTATION IN EXISTING SURVEYS TITLE DATE ?' DEPOSITORY FOR SURVEY RECORDS CITY. TOWN _FEDERAL -STATE -COUNTY _LOCAL STATE 21740 B DESCRIPTION _EXCELLENT X....GooD _FAIR CONDITION _DETERIORATED _RUINS _ UNEXPOSED CHECK ONE _UNALTERED X-ALTERED <: 50% CHECK ONE K_oRIGINAL SITE _MOVED DATE __ _ DESCRIBE THE PRESENT AND ORIGINAL (IF KNOWN) PHYSICAL APPEARANCE This farm complex is located at the end of Mousetown Road, south- east of Boonsboro in Washington County, Maryland. Buildings in- clude a two story, three bay brick house resting on low stone founda- tions, a frame barn and various frame sheds and outbuildings. Along the lane approaching the complex is a log house sheathed with ver- tical siding. It was moved to this location from another place on the property. The main house is constructed of brick laid in cormnon bond at all elevations. Windows have six over six pane sashes under wide wooden lintels. It would appear to date from the third quarter of the 19th century. CONTINUE ON SEPARATE SHEET IF NECESSARY II SIGN~tICANCE PERIOD _PREHISTORIC _1400-1499 _1500-1599 _1600-1699 _1700-1799 x_ 1800-1899 _1900- AREAS OF SIGNIFICANCE --CHECK AND JUSTIFY BELOW --ARCHEOLOGY-PREHISTORIC --ARCHEOLOGY-HISTORIC XAGRICULTUR~ XARCHITECTURE -ART _COMMERCE _COMMUNICATIONS SPECIFIC DATES STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE _COMMUNITY PLANNING _CONSERVATION _ECONOMICS _EDUCATION _ENGINEERING _EXPLORATION/SETILEMENT _INDUSTRY _INVENTION _LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE _LAW _LITERATURE _MILITARY _MUSIC _PHILOSOPHY _POLITICS/GOVERNMENT BU I LDER/ ARCH ITEC. T _RELIGION _SCIENCE -SCULPTURE _SOCIAUHUMANITARIAN _THEATER _TRANSPORTATION _OTHER (SPECIFY) This complex is representative of construction in the third quarter of the 19th century as evidenced by the exterior treatment of the brick structure. According to the present D. Errnnert just after the Errnnert first built a log the present structures. Mousetown Road, the farm in a northerly direction owner, this farm was purchased by Leonard Battle of Antietam which occurred in 1862. house and barn later replacing them with Rather than being entered from what is now originally was reached by a road which led directly to Boonsboro at St. Paul Street. CONTINUE ON SEPARATE SHEET IF NECESSARY IJMAJOR BIBLIOGRAPHICAL REFERENCES CONTINUE ON SE~AR.ATE SHEET I~ NECESSARY IIi]GEOGRAPHICAL DATA ACREAGE OF NOMINATED PROPERTY __ 1_4_5_a_c_r_e_s __ VERBAL BOUNDARY DESCRIPTION LIST ALL STATES AND COUNTIES FOR PROPERTIES OVERLAPPING STATE OR COUNTY BOUNDARIES STATE COUNTY STATE COUNTY mFORM PREPARED BY NAME /TITLE Paula Stoner, Architectural Historian ORGANIZATION DATE Preservation Associates Tune 1 978 STREET & NUMBER TELEPHONE 109 West Main Street, Box 202 301-432-5466 CITY OR TOWN STATE Sharpsbure-21785 The Maryland Historic Sites Inventory was officially created by an Act of the Maryland Legislature, to be found in the Annotated Code of Maryland, Article 41, Section 181 KA, 1974 Supplement. The Survey and Inventory are being prepared for information and record purposes only and do not constitute any infringe- ment of individual property rights. RETURN TO: Maryland Historical Trust The Shaw House, 21 State Circle Annapolis, Maryland 21401 (301) 267-1438 PS· 1108 'ILLEI .'W .4 000 VAL 20 FEET SEA LEVEL ' 'Ir~,(· L- l r.' ~ ~~ l Tl'• ·.-~ -·1 ·.1 MAP ACCL•RACY SIANOARDS IRVE.Y. WASHINGTON, 0. C. 202/12 1NU SYMBOLS IS AV/lll/IBLE ON RfQU[ST z74ooom [ ROAD CLASS\ FICATION Heavy duty .; { /1tJ( I { ,• ', r Medium-duty--~-~ ~.it f, 1 /' U.S. Route St.ite Route FUNKSTOWN. MD. SW/4 HAGERSTOWN 15' QUADRANGLE N3gm-W77)7' // ':i 1953 AMS 5463 II SW SERIES VB33 ) I / I Emmert Farm EudBof Mousetown Rd., S.E. or oonsboro Boonsboro Vicinity PAULA STONER OICl\£Y CONSULTANT, WASlilNGTON CO HISTORICAL SITES SURVEY ' I I ,,.. . I Emmert Farm End of Mouse t own Rd., S.E. of Boonsboro Rf"lf"IT"H::hrvrn v; l"';n; t-~7 l"AULA STONER DICKEY C0 ~5 1lLTANT WASHINGTON CO HISTO RICAL SITES SURVEY I /._ I I Emmert Farm End of Mousetown Rd., S.E . of Boonsboro Boonsboro Vicinity rAliLA SlONER Df"K£Y ;J:)NSULTANT, WASH NGTON CO HISTORICAL SITES SURVEY Emmert Farm End of Mousetown Rd., S.E. of Boonsboro Boonsboro Vicinity PAUlA SIONtw DICKEY CONSULT ANJ. WASHINCTO'• CO HISTOR CAL S TES ~ JRVfY Emmert Farm End of Mousetown Rd., S. E. of Boonsboro Boonsboro Vicinity ,, .. ULA SlONER 01 KEY CONSULTANT. WASIH"IGTOt1 1..u HtSTOR ICAl StTFS "''RVEY