HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, MARYLAND
AGENDA
May 7, 2025
WORKSHOP – 5:30 p.m.
Preservation Maryland – Researching Your Historic Property
Washington County Free Library, Community Room 308/309, 100 S. Potomac Street, Hagerstown, MD 21740
Regular Meeting – 6:30 p.m.
Washington County Free Library, Community Room 308/309, 100 S. Potomac Street, Hagerstown, MD 21740
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
MINUTES
1. Minutes of the April 2, 2025, meeting * NEW BUSINESS
1. Non-Residential New Construction Permit (2025-01173) – 21431 Leiter Street (vacant lot adjacent) (WA-I-174) – (Discussion/Approval) - 2,046 sq. ft. pavilion on concrete slab with enclosed heated storage area and fundraising storage area for Leitersburg Volunteer Fire Department Lot 5 (see also SP-25-012, corresponding record) *
2. Residential Demolition Permit (2025-01407) – 19133 Geeting Road (WA-II-314)(Discussion/Support) - Demolition of 1,224 sq. ft. single family dwelling including foundation and demolition of out building *
OTHER BUSINESS
1. Town Invitation to Tax Credits
a. Invitation Letter – Members should review the letter for invitation to the Towns and also have suggested dates/times available for a meeting. *
2. Preservation Month 2025
a. Reminder of activities
i. Proclamation for Preservation Month – May 6th
ii. Historic Scavenger Hunt Brochure *
iii. Preservation Maryland Presentation – May 7th (Workshop)
iv. John Frye Awards – May 15th
v. Social Media #WashcoLoveHistoric
3. Correspondence
a. Invitation to Participate in the Environmental Review Process, Proposed Sheetz Store - Smithsburg, MD (Mapleville Road)* - (Discussion/comment)
4. Staff Report
a. Staff Reviews *
ADJOURNMENT
UPCOMING MEETING
1. Wednesday, June 4, 2025, 6:00 p.m.
*attachments
MINUTES OF THE HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY
April 2, 2025
The Washington County Historic District Commission held its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. in the Washington County Administrative Complex, 100 W Washington Street, Room 2001, Hagerstown, MD.
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, Michael Lushbaugh, Justin Bedard, Tyler Milam, and Greg Smith (arrived at 6:42 pm). Staff members present were: Washington County Department of Planning & Zoning: Meghan Jenkins, GIS Coordinator and HDC Staff member and Debra Eckard, Office Manager.
MINUTES
Motion and Vote: Ms. Aldrich made a motion to approve the minutes of the March 5, 2025 meeting as amended. The motion was seconded by Mr. Bedard and unanimously approved.
Ms. Jenkins presented a residential addition-alteration permit application for property located at 13215 Smithsburg Pike. The majority of the renovations will be to the interior of the structure; however, the permit also includes a few exterior renovations, which includes rebuilding of the front stoop, replacement of the roofing material, and reconstruction of the previous dormer on the cottage. The proposed materials are consistent with the existing house. The dormer windows will be of similar scale and design of the existing windows in the house. Staff recommends approval of the permit application as presented.
Motion and Vote: Mr. Lushbaugh made a motion to recommend approval of the permit application as presented. The motion was seconded by Mr. Bedard and unanimously approved.
22420 Old Georgetown Road [2025-00909] Permit Application
Ms. Jenkins presented a residential addition-alteration permit application for property located at 22420 Old Georgetown Road. Staff believes the application is consistent with the applicable Secretary of Interior Standards for new construction as well as the County’s Design Guidelines and the design criteria listed in the County’s Zoning Ordinance. The environment will be unimpaired by the structure’s removal. There will be no impact on contributing structures in the Rural Village and the design is compatible in form, scale and proportion with existing structures in the neighborhood. The building setbacks are consistent with the previous structure. Staff recommends approval of the permit application as presented.
Motion and Vote: Ms. Aldrich made a motion to recommend approval of the permit application as presented. The motion was seconded by Mr. Lushbaugh and unanimously approved.
1230 Mount Aetna Road [2025-01080] Demolition
Ms. Jenkins presented a demolition permit application for property located at 1230 Mount Aetna Road. The applicant stated in his application that there is a squatter on the property and he wishes to remove the structure. The property includes a smaller house and several other outbuildings that are not proposed for demolition at this time. Ms. Jenkins noted there is a preliminary consultation on file for the property. She asked the property owner, Mr. Wieland, if there is any intent to pursue the development of the property. Mr. Wieland stated it would be possible to have a small house on the property, but it is doubtful. Ms. Jenkins noted that the demolition contractor, Mr. Merrbaugh, has indicated that he has spoken to his regular sources regarding re-use of materials in the structure; however, no one has expressed any interest.
Ms. Jenkins explained she has not received any information from the property owner or from any of her research that this property has any historic significance with any person or event. In 1978, the property owner at the time indicated that the structure was of the pre-Civil War era; however, there are no records to confirm this claim. The current property owner believes that the structure was built sometime between 1910 and 1920. Ms. Jenkins noted there are some materials that could be salvaged and reused such as the windows, slate from the roof, and possibly some of the pillars. Mr. Wieland stated that he explored the option of having the house dismantled prior to demolition; however, the cost would be $45,000 which he cannot afford. It is his intent to remove the sashes, doors, and other smaller items prior to demolition.
Mr. Bedard asked if the inventory could be updated so there is a more complete history of the structures Ms. Jenkins suggested she could contact MHT to see if she can submit updated photos for the record. Mr. Wieland expressed his willingness to also contribute photos.
Motion and Vote: Mr. Bedard made a motion to support the demolition permit with the updated photos being supplied for the inventory. The motion was seconded by Ms. Aldrich and unanimously approved.
[Mr. Smith arrived at 6:42 p.m.]
Draft of Town MOU for Historic Structures Review
Ms. Jenkins presented the draft MOU for historic structure review for municipalities. This would allow the HDC to review tax credit applications for citizens within the municipalities. Mr. Bedard noted one typographical error in the introduction paragraph.
There was a brief discussion how to implement the MOU after its approval by the BOCC. Members suggested inviting the municipalities to attend a meeting to introduce the program, discuss the benefits to homeowners within the municipalities, and how the program would be implemented It was also suggested that we follow-up with a letter to all the municipalities.
Consensus: It is the consensus of the members to forward the draft MOU to the Board of County Commissioners with the one change as noted by Mr. Bedard.
OTHER BUSINESS
Preservation Month 2025
· Christiana from Preservation Maryland has agreed to provide a presentation entitled “Researching Your Historic Property”. This presentation will be held at the Hagerstown Public Library at 5:30 p.m. on May 7th in room 304. The presentation will be promoted on the County’s website. Ms. Jenkins suggested moving the regular meeting of May 7th to the Library to be held immediately following the presentation.
Consensus: Hold the regular meeting of the HDC on May 7th at the Library following the presentation, which begin at 5:30 p.m.
· The County Commissioners will present a proclamation on May 6th for Historic Preservation Month.
· The Public Relations Department will help to create a historic scavenger hunt. Members discussed different locations to be included in the hunt. Recommendations included: Bowles House at Lock 52; the bell at the Smithsburg Historical Society; Himes Country Store; the portico at Plumb Grove; Wilson’s Store sign, train station in Sharpsburg or Tolson’s Chapel; Roses Mill Park, Fort Frederick, and Fort Ritchie Members also discussed prizes
· Photos of members at a historic structure are due by April 18th to Ms. Jenkins.
Correspondence
Ms. Jenkins reminded members there have been two initial tax credit applications received. She has contacted the applicants regarding their applications and the deadline for submission in order to receive tax credits in the coming fiscal year. The applicants stated they are not ready to file their final applications.
The Lehman’s Mill cell tower project is moving forward. A site plan has been submitted to the Department of Planning & Zoning. This project was previously reviewed by the HDC.
Staff Report
· A written report of staff reviews for the past month was provided to members in the agenda packets.
ADJOURNMENT
Ms. Aldrich made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:15 pm. The motion was seconded by Mr. Bedard and so ordered by the Chairman.
Respectfully submitted,
Lloyd Yavener, Chairman
MEMORANDUM
HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
To: Washington County Historic District Commission
Subj: Non-Residential New Construction Permit/Commercial, 2025-01173
Staff Report and Analysis
Property Owner: FIRE CO LEITERSBURG VOLUNTEER INC,
Applicant: GRC General Contractors
Location: LOR Leiter Street, Lot 5
Tax Account ID: 09004319
Map/Grid/Parcel/Lot: 0026/0014/0144/5
Legal Description: LOT 5 60X240 .33 ALEITER STS/S LEITERSBURG PIKE
Zoning: Rural Village
Rural Village: Leitersburg (MHT-C) Historic Rural Village
Project Description: 2,046 sq. ft. pavilion on concrete slab with enclosed heated storage area and fundraising storage area for Leitersburg Volunteer Fire Department Lot 5
Applicable Law and Review Criteria:
The HDC is enabled through Article 20 of the Zoning Ordinance for Washington County, MD. Specifically Section 20.3.a states: "The Commission shall act upon all applications as required by Section 20.6, Historic Preservation district, Section 5D.4, Rural Village District and Article 20A, Antietam Overlay District of this Ordinance."
The HDC shall consider only exterior features of a structure that would affect the historic, archeological, or architectural significance of the site or structure, any portion of which is visible or intended to be visible from a public way. It does not consider any interior arrangements, although interior changes may still be subject to building permit procedures.
1. The application shall be approved by the HDC if it is consistent with the following criteria:
A. The proposal does not substantially alter the exterior features of the structure.
B. The proposal is compatible in character and nature with the historical, cultural, architectural, or archeological features of the site, structure, or district and would not be detrimental to achievement of the purposes of Article 20 of the County Zoning Ordinance.
C. The proposal would enhance or aid in the protection, preservation and public or private utilization
HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
of the site or structure, in a manner compatible with its historical, archeological, architectural, or cultural value.
D. The proposal is necessary so that unsafe conditions or health hazards are remedied.
E. The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation and Guidelines for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings and subsequent revisions are to be used as guidance only and are not to be considered mandatory.
2. In reviewing the plans for any such construction or change, the HDC shall give consideration to and not disapprove an application except with respect to the factors specified below.
A. The historic or architectural value and significance of the site or structure and its relationship to the historic or architectural value and significance of the surrounding area.
B. The relationship of the exterior architectural features of the structure to the remainder of the structure and to the surrounding area.
C. The general compatibility of exterior design, scale, proportion, arrangement, texture, and materials proposed to be used.
D. Any other factors, including aesthetic factors, that the Commission deems to be pertinent.
3. The HDC shall be strict in its judgment of plans for those structures, sites, or districts deemed to be valuable according to studies performed for districts of historic or architectural value. The HDC shall be lenient in its judgment of plans involving new construction, unless such plans would seriously impair the historic or architectural value of surrounding structures.
For Rural Villages, additional review criteria for applications are listed in Section 5D.5 Architectural Review of the Zoning Ordinance and include:
1. The exterior appearance of existing structures in the Rural Village, including materials, style, arrangement of doors and windows, mass, height and number of stories, roof style and pitch, proportion.
2. Building Size and Orientation
3. Landscaping
4. Signage
5. Lighting
6. Setbacks
7. Accessory structures
Secretary of Interior Standards for Rehabilitation
9. New additions, exterior alterations, or related new construction will not destroy historic materials, features, and spatial relationships that characterize the property. The new work will be differentiated from the old and will be compatible with the historic materials, features, size, scale and proportion, and massing to protect the integrity of the property and its environment.
10. New additions and adjacent or related new construction will be undertaken in such a manner that, if removed in the future, the essential form and integrity of the historic property and its environment would be unimpaired.
Guidelines for New Construction and Accessory Buildings
1. New construction should be sited to avoid demolition of contributing structures.
2. The design of new construction or new accessory buildings should be compatible with the form, height,
HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
scale, proportions, materials and details of the adjacent contributing structures or landscapes.
3. Consideration of the ratio of built versus open space of the site or the adjacent landscape should be given.
4. Existing setbacks, landscaping or site grading of adjacent historic resources should be preserved when siting new construction if those characteristics contribute to the historic site or its landscape. This includes circulation routes, fences, walls, and yards, etc.
5. Locate new construction and new accessory buildings so that the existing significant visual and special characteristics of the property are maintained.
6. Locate new construction and new accessory buildings so that significant viewsheds are maintained or enhanced.
7. See also Key Themes. (p. 57)
Staff Report:
This project is in the Leitersburg Historic Rural Village which is located primarily at the intersection of Leiter Street and Leitersburg Smithsburg Road. Leitersburg is on the National Register of Historic Places and Washington County Historic Sites/Maryland Inventory of Historic Properties and was last surveyed in 2003 (WA-I-174) The survey includes 147 contributing buildings, 5 sites and 3 structures for a total of 155 historic resources. There are 72 non-contributing resources The district construction characteristics include brick, stone, wood and concrete exteriors with roofing of asphalt, metal or slate. The architectural styles include vernacular, federal, Greek revival and more. The period of significance is 1815-1926 and its qualifying criteria for the National Register are Criteria A (association with events) and Criteria C (Distinctive construction).
The project is located along Leiter Street approximately 545 feet northeast of the main square of Leitersburg. As you face the fire hall building there is a vacant lot to the right of the fire hall owned by the fire company which is the proposed location of this pavilion and to the right of that is another non-contributing structure at 21423 Leiter Street.
The proposed pavilion is to be located approximately 152 feet from Leiter Street, nearly in line with the rear of the existing firehall building to its northeast. The pavilion is proposed at 33 feet by 62 feet with a majority of its area enclosed for storage and approximately 15 feet by 30 feet proposed to remain open pavilion space. The proposed materials are metal siding and metal roofing. There are proposed windows in the enclosed spaces.
Staff Analysis:
The project is setback from the streetscape significantly and will minimize its visibility except to those structures directly across the street. The properties directly adjacent are non-contributing and therefore would have minimal impact as is preferred by both the SOI Guidelines and local Design Guidelines. The building size and scale are consistent with adjacent structures in the district. The application appears consistent with the applicable criteria in the Zoning Ordinance as well. As there is a minor site plan associated with this permit, there is a potential for native vegetative screening requirements, however, the
HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
consideration of site distance for apparatus leaving the firehall and general traffic from the adjacent park may make this problematic. Exterior lighting should be restricted to the side facing the existing firehall/alleyway and avoid illuminating the building on the Leiter Street side and the adjacent residential structure to the West. Exterior lighting should be low, shielded and downward facing to the extent practicable meeting the site plan and zoning ordinance requirements.
Staff Recommendation:
Recommend approval of the Non-Residential New Construction Permit/Commercial, 2025-01173, for pavilion on concrete slab with the consideration that the following be addressed with SP-25-012: that native vegetative screening be considered on the property facing Leiter Street while being sympathetic to the site distance requirements at the nearby entrance; and also that exterior lighting on the building be mounted low, shielded and downward facing to the extent practicable meeting site plan and zoning ordinance requirements; illuminating only the side facing the existing fire company building.
Project Description: Demolition of 1,224 sq. ft. single family dwelling including foundation and demolition of out building
Applicable Law and Review Criteria:
The Historic District Commission shall review demolition permits using the Review Procedures adopted by the Board of County Commissioners as amended on July 17, 1990. “The policy does not provide for approval or disapproval of the demolition permit. These permits are issued solely on the basis of meeting technical requirements of applicable code.”
The review criteria for demolition permit are the same as the evaluation criteria in the Washington County Design Guidelines for Historic Structures.
1) The application shall be approved by the HDC if it is consistent with the following criteria:
a) The proposal does not substantially alter the exterior features of the structure.
b) The proposal is compatible in character and nature with the historical, cultural, architectural, or archeological features of the site, structure, or district and would not be detrimental to achievement of the purposes of Article 20 of the County Zoning Ordinance
c) The proposal would enhance or aid in the protection, preservation and public or private utilization of the site or structure, in a manner compatible with its historical, archeological, architectural, or cultural value.
d) The proposal is necessary so that unsafe conditions or health hazards are remedied.
e) The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation and Guidelines for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings and subsequent revisions are to be used as guidance only and are not to be considered mandatory.
HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
2) In reviewing the plans for any such construction or change, the HDC shall give consideration to and not disapprove an application except with respect to the factors specified below.
a) The historic or architectural value and significance of the site or structure and its relationship to the historic or architectural value and significance of the surrounding area.
b) The relationship of the exterior architectural features of the structure to the remainder of the structure and to the surrounding area.
c) The general compatibility of exterior design, scale, proportion, arrangement, texture, and materials proposed to be used.
d) Any other factors, including aesthetic factors, that the Commission deems to be pertinent. The HDC shall be strict in its judgment of plans for those structures, sites, or districts deemed to be valuable according to studies performed for districts of historic or architectural value. The HDC shall be lenient in its judgment of plans involving new construction, unless such plans would seriously impair the historic or architectural value of surrounding structures.
County Design Guidelines for Historic Structures
Demolition Permit Application Requirements
1. Written description and history of the building or structure to be demolished.
2. Detail drawings, such as construction or trim details.
3. Floor plan for each floor level, drawn to approximate scale or fully dimensioned.
4. Applicant’s plan for the recycling of waste generated
5. A report or narrative analyzing the following alternatives (listed in descending order of preference) as to the feasibility. The report shall consist of thorough, deliberative analyses of each of the alternatives, explaining why each alternative is or is not feasible and additional photographs should be provided in support of the analysis. In cases where a permit may involve multiple structures, each structure must have its alternatives documented.
(a) Redesigning the project to avoid any impact to the structure or its setting;
(b) Incorporating the structures into the overall design of the project;
(c) Converting the structure into another use (adaptive reuse);
(d) Relocating the structure on the property;
(e) Relocating the structure to another property;
(f) Salvaging from the structure historically significant architectural features and building materials;
(g) Documenting the structure as a whole and its individual architectural features in photographs, drawings, and/or text
6. A site plan illustrating any proposed development or introduction of plantings following demolition (if applicable)
Staff Report:
This structure is on the Washington County Historic Sites Inventory/MIHP as a stuccoed log cabin complex. The description notes there is a 3 bay brick surfaced house, possibly a veneered log structure with unknown dates. The houses are not visible from Geeting Road and are back an approximately 900 ft. long driveway. The land has been subdivided up over several decades with only one dwelling on the subject parcel. The buildings subject to this
HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
demolition permit are on an approximately 2.4 acre piece of land. The dwelling is described in the inventory as a brick encased log, however, when staff visited the site, it is wood sided with a metal roof and only one of the chimneys pictured in the inventory photo remains with evidence of the others being removed due to variations in the metal roofing. There is a portion that is log based on the owner provided photos but there is no evidence of brick. The structure has been added to both in height and in width based on the integration of framing and log visible on interior photos. The porches have also been removed and there are very few remaining windows. The foundation is fieldstone and there is a basement. The outbuilding subject to this permit is a small 2-story barn with vertical wood siding and a corrugated metal roof. This structure has a significant lean to it. Not subject to the permit, there is a small building covering the well for the property to the rear of the house. All of these buildings appear to have been in disuse for several years with exposure to elements. The new property owner did provide photos, a rough floor plan of the interior and a narrative discussing conversion, relocation and ultimately the plans for demolition of the structure.
Staff Analysis:
The structures subject to this permit lack integrity of the exterior design elements such as windows, porches, and doors as the majority have been removed previously or have significant deterioration. The owner has indicated their intent to reuse any viable materials for other purposes on the property including log, metal roofing, dimensional lumber and fieldstone. The owner has also provided a brief narrative outlining the lack of feasibility for relocation or conversion and the intent to use this property for a single-family home. The structures also appear to be unsafe as evidenced by lean and deterioration due to exposure.
Staff Recommendation:
Recommend support of the residential demolition permit 2025-01407 for the reasons stated in the staff analysis.
Respectfully Submitted,
Meghan Jenkins, GISP
Historic District Commission Staff
Attachments:
· Photos provided by Staff
· Permit Submission Packet
· Customer Supplied documents
Northeast side/entrance to property
Front of the structure (northwest facing)
Southwest side of the structure
HISTORIC
Rear of the structure (southeast side)
HISTORIC
“wellhouse” (not subject to permit) to rear of the house
Barn (west side)
Barn (north side)
HISTORIC
Barn (portion east side and north side)
Lloyd Yavener, Chair
Justin Bedard, Vice Chair
Ann Aldrich
Brianna Candelaria
Michael Lushbaugh
Tyler Milam
Gregory Smith
Wayne K. Keefer, BOCC Rep
HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, MARYLAND
TO: Municipality HEO
FROM: Lloyd Yavener, Chair, Historic District Commission
747 Northern Avenue
Hagerstown, MD 21742
240.313.2430
askplanning@washco-md.net
DATE: April 11, 2025
SUBJ: Invitation for Workshop and Review of Memorandum of Agreement
To Whom It May Concern:
In April of 2024, the Board of County Commissioners (the “BOCC”) repealed the “Ordinance to Provide Property Tax Credits for Improvements to Specified Historic Structures in Washington County, Maryland,” the (“Original Ordinance”), and reenacted it with amendments as the “Washington County Historic Properties Tax Credit Ordinance,” (the “Revised Ordinance”) The Original Ordinance did not contain language allowing municipalities to participate in this tax credit program. The Revised Ordinance allows for such participation under certain circumstances. Section 1.04 of the Revised Ordinance establishes and defines how municipalities can qualify. In order for a municipality to qualify under the Revised Ordinance, Section 1.04 requires the municipality to employ exterior design review requirements that are equivalent to those in place by the Washington County Historic District Commission (the “Commission”) The Revised Ordinance also allows a municipality to qualify by passing an ordinance or by delegating permit review authority to the Commission through a recorded Memorandum of Agreement (“MOA”)
This tax credit program is voluntary for the property owner. However, a citizen is only eligible for the tax credit as long as the property is located in a “Qualified Municipality” under Section 1.04 of the Revised Ordinance
County staff has received numerous requests from property owners within your municipal limits to participate in these tax credits and would like to discuss executing an MOA between the municipality and the BOCC in accordance with Section 1.04 of the Revised Ordinance Attached is a draft MOA for your review. If the MOA is not acceptable, the HDC would note that there is an additional way to qualify by amending your local ordinance
The Commission would like to meet with municipal representatives on <DATE> to discuss any questions regarding the Revised Ordinance or the proposed MOA and receive feedback before presenting a final MOA to the BOCC and municipalities for signature.
We hope you will join us for this workshop to provide your municipality’s feedback and we look forward to offering these voluntary property tax credits within your municipal limits with the qualifying method that best supports your goals for historic preservation. If you are unable to attend the workshop, you may provide comments or ask questions via mail to <ADDRESSEE> 747 Northern Avenue, Hagerstown, MD 21742 or email at askplanning@washco-md.net
Sincerely,
Lloyd Yavener HDC Chair
Encl: 2
Historic Properties Tax Credit Ordinance
Draft Memorandum of Agreement
Washington County Historic Scavenger Hunt
Thankyou for participating in the Historic Scavenger Hunt. Spaces for answers are located on the back on the brochure.
1.What's the name of this house and VisitorCenter that overlooks Lock 52 and theTonoloway Aqueduct?
2. Now a home to this Historical Society, this stone building was a house, jail and a library among its many former uses.
3. What's the name of this establishment, one of the last Country Stores of its era remaining in the County?
4. One of the "homes" of the Clear Spring District Historical Association, this brick Greek Revival home sits right outside the Town of Clear Spring.
8. One of only three National Historic Landmarks in the County, this stone structure is the only stone fort built by a British Colony during the French and Indian War.
5. This "Old Country Store" included a post office for the Rural Village of the same name and continues it's retail history today.
6. This former stop on the Norfolk and Western Railroad now holds a train museum. Its name also reflects an alternate name for the nearby Town.
7. Also known as Pleasant Grove Mill, this mill site is now a county park and offers access to the Antietam Creek Water Trail.
9. Distinct stone buildings, sometimes called "finger buildings", provided indoor eating areas for troops using this site.
10. Traveling down this road, you can cross a stone race and a stone arch bridge and see a National Register of Historic Places site named "Valentia" atop a nearby hill.
Sheetz, Inc. (Sheetz) is seeking federal financial assistance under the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development’s Rural Business Service. The purpose of this project is to construct a new Sheetz convenience store and fuel dispensing station to provide access to both traditional vehicle fuel options and ethanol fuel options to consumers.
Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 as amended and 7 CFR 1970 Rural Development Environmental Policy and Procedures, an Environmental Assessment has been prepared to evaluate the environmental impacts potentially associated with the development of one parcel (Washington County Parcel# 07004230) and a portion of a larger parcel (Washington County Parcel# 07017154). Sheetz intends to develop approximately 3.4 acres located to the southwest of the intersection of Jefferson Boulevard and Mapleville Road in Smithsburg, Maryland, for the review of USDA Rural Development Rural Business Service The proposed development Site (latitude/longitude (39.642060°, -77.587368°)) is approximately 3.4 acres total and currently consists of two two-story residential houses and two detached garages, grass lawns, asphalt driveways, wooded areas in the north, and a vacant grass field in the south The Site is located southwest of the intersection of Jefferson Boulevard and Mapleville Road in the City of Smithsburg, Washington County, Maryland.
The existing Site is composed of two two-story residential houses and two detached garages, grass lawns, asphalt driveways, wooded areas in the north, and a vacant grass field in the south Initial installation of some utilities needs to be completed. Sheetz is proposing to construct a Sheetz retail convenience store and vehicle fueling station. A one-story, 6,139 square-foot commercial building is proposed for the westcentral area of the Site to serve as a convenience store. Total ground disturbance for the building will be approximately 24,556 cubic-feet to four feet below ground surface (bgs) One (1) approximately 2,300 square-foot proposed underground storage tank (UST) field with two (2) 36,000-gallon fuel USTs is to be located in the eastern portion of the Site Total ground disturbance for the tank field will be approximately 34,500 cubic-feet to 15 feet bgs. One (1) approximately 4,500 square-foot proposed dispenser canopy is to be located east of the proposed convenience store and west of the proposed UST field and will house a total of six (6) dispensers that include four (4) ethanol blend dispensers. Total ground disturbance for the dispensers will be approximately 18,000 cubic-feet to four feet bgs. The installation of product piping and utilities will disturb approximately 12,000 cubic-feet to five feet bgs. Ingress and egress to the Site is provided by proposed driveway entrances located from Mapleville Road to the northeast and southeast and Paden Avenue to the northwest The remaining portions of the developed Site will consist of paved parking spaces, paved driving lanes, any required stormwater management facilities (i.e. swales, ponds, etc.) and landscaped areas.
DRAFTED
PHOTO 1
Direction: Northeast
Date: 4/4/2024
Description:
View of intersection of Jefferson Boulevard and Mapleville Road (right) from northeast corner of Subject Property.
PHOTOGRAPHIC LOG
Proposed Project Site 11844 Mapleville Road Smithsburg, Maryland 21783
PHOTO 2
Direction: East
Date: 4/4/2024
Description: View of Exxon gas station to the east of the Subject Property beyond Mapleville Road.
PHOTO 3
Direction: West
Date: 4/4/2024
Description:
View of front of northern house within boundaries of Subject Property.
PHOTOGRAPHIC LOG
Proposed Project Site 11844 Mapleville Road Smithsburg, Maryland 21783
PHOTO 4
Direction: West
Date: 4/4/2024
Description: Two-stall detached garage and driveway associated with northern house.
PHOTO 5
Direction: South
Date: 4/4/2024
Description:
Northern side of garage as viewed from backyard of northern house.
PHOTOGRAPHIC LOG
Proposed Project Site 11844 Mapleville Road Smithsburg, Maryland 21783
6
Direction: East
Date: 4/4/2024
Description: Rear of northern house and fenced in yard.
PHOTO
PHOTO 7
Direction: Northwest
Date: 4/4/2024
Description:
Possible burn area to rear of northern house. Jefferson Boulevard is visible in the background.
PHOTOGRAPHIC LOG
Proposed Project Site 11844 Mapleville Road Smithsburg, Maryland 21783
8
Direction: Southwest
Date: 4/4/2024
Description: Heating oil AST located along the northern exterior wall of the northern house.
PHOTO
PHOTO 9
Direction: Unknown
Date: 4/4/2024
Description:
first floor of northern house.
PHOTOGRAPHIC LOG
Proposed Project Site
11844 Mapleville Road Smithsburg, Maryland 21783
PHOTO 10
Direction: Unknown
Date: 4/4/2024
Description: Basement of northern house.
Interior
PHOTO 11
Direction: West
Date: 4/4/2024
Description:
View of front of southernmost house within the boundary of the Subject Property.
PHOTOGRAPHIC LOG
Proposed Project Site 11844 Mapleville Road Smithsburg, Maryland 21783
PHOTO 12
Direction: North
Date: 4/4/2024
Description: View of southern side of southern house and asphalt driveway.
PHOTO 13
Direction: West
Date: 4/4/2024
Description:
Detached two-stall garage and driveway associated with southern house. Note staining on concrete pad in front of door.
PHOTOGRAPHIC LOG
Proposed Project Site 11844 Mapleville Road Smithsburg, Maryland 21783
PHOTO 14
Direction: North
Date: 4/4/2024
Description: Gravel parking area to the west of the detached garage and southern house.
PHOTO 15
Direction: East
Date: 4/4/2024
Description:
View of rear of southern house as viewed from backyard.
PHOTOGRAPHIC LOG
Proposed Project Site 11844 Mapleville Road Smithsburg, Maryland 21783
PHOTO 16
Direction: North
Date: 4/4/2024
Description: Burn area in backyard of southern house.
PHOTO 17
Direction: Unknown
Date: 4/4/2024
Description:
Interior first floor of southern house.
PHOTOGRAPHIC LOG
Proposed Project Site 11844 Mapleville Road Smithsburg, Maryland 21783
PHOTO 18
Direction: Unknown
Date: 4/4/2024
Description: Heating Oil AST located in basement of southern house.
PHOTO 19
Direction: Unknown
Date: 4/4/2024
Description:
Basement of southern house.
PHOTO 20
Direction: Southwest
Date: 4/4/2024
Description: View of Mapleville Road from southeastern corner of Subject Property. Apple orchard on opposite side of road.
PHOTOGRAPHIC LOG
Proposed Project Site 11844 Mapleville Road Smithsburg, Maryland 21783
PHOTO 21
Direction: East
Date: 4/4/2024
Description: View of apple orchard beyond Mapleville Road.
PHOTO 22
Direction: West
Date: 4/4/2024
Description: View of vacant field area in southern portion of Subject Property towards Paden Avenue.
PHOTOGRAPHIC LOG
Proposed Project Site
11844 Mapleville Road Smithsburg, Maryland 21783
PHOTO 23
Direction: North
Date: 4/4/2024
Description:
View towards houses/Jefferson Boulevard from vacant field.
PHOTO 24
Direction: South
Date: 4/4/2024
Description: Paden Avenue viewed from southwest corner of Subject Property.
PHOTOGRAPHIC LOG
Proposed Project Site 11844 Mapleville Road Smithsburg, Maryland 21783
PHOTO 25
Direction: North
Date: 4/4/2024
Description:
View of Paden Avenue towards Jefferson Boulevard.
PHOTOGRAPHIC LOG
Proposed Project Site 11844 Mapleville Road Smithsburg, Maryland 21783
PHOTO 26
Direction: East
Date: 4/4/2024
Description: View of northern house and garage through wooded area in rear.
MHT Response: Thank you for providing the Maryland Historical Trust the opportunity to comment on the abovereferenced undertaking using the MHT e106 system. The Maryland Historical Trust has reviewed the submitted project for its effects on historic and archeological resources, pursuant to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and/or the Maryland Historical Trust Act of 1985. We offer the following comments and/or concurrence with the agency’s findings:
No historic properties will be affected by the proposed undertaking. Additional consultation with our office may be required if there are any significant changes in project scope or location.
Thank you for your cooperation in this review process. Since the MHT response is now complete, this response will appear in the Completed section of your project dashboard. No hard copy of this response or attachments will be sent. If you have questions, please contact the following MHT project reviewers:
Becky Roman becky.roman@maryland.gov
Maryland Historical Trust Project Review and Compliance 100 Community Place Crownsville, MD 21032 mht.section106@maryland.gov
MHT.Maryland.gov Planning.Maryland.gov
April 14, 2025
Ms Meghan Jenkins
Washington County Historic District Commission County Planning Office
100 West Washington Street, Suite 2600
Hagerstown, Maryland 21740
RE: Request to Initiate Consultation on State and Federal Undertakings
Proposed Sheetz USDA Project
Smithsburg, MD (Mapleville Road)
Southwest Corner of Jefferson Boulevard and Mapleville Road
Smithsburg, Maryland 21783
To Ms. Jenkins:
On behalf of Sheetz, Inc. (Sheetz), EnviroTrac Ltd. (EnviroTrac) is initiating the preparation of an Environmental Report (ER) for the proposed Sheetz USDA Project – Smithsburg, Maryland (Mapleville Road) (Project). Sheetz is seeking federal financial assistance (grant funding) under the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development’s Rural Business Service, Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP). Conditional to the grant, EnviroTrac is preparing an ER to submit to the USDA that evaluates the potential historical, cultural, and environmental impacts potentially associated with the development of one parcel (Washington County Parcel# 07004230) and a portion of a larger parcel (Washington County Parcel# 07017154) in Smithsburg, Maryland. Sheetz intends to develop approximately 3.4 acres located to the southwest of the intersection of Jefferson Boulevard and Mapleville Road in Smithsburg, Washington County, Maryland.
Included in the ER process, EnviroTrac is currently conducting an investigation and interagency consultation in accordance with the USDA’s Environmental Resource Directory and Outline for Categorical Exclusions with and without Environmental Report, version 1.0 (Issued October 15, 2019). As part of the environmental review process the Washington County Historic District Commission’s consultation has been identified as one that may have an interest in this Project. Accordingly, EnviroTrac has prepared the enclosed information Package for the above referenced site on behalf of Sheetz for your review and comment The application package has the following documents enclosed:
• Standard Project Description
• Quad Map
• Site Plan
• Photolog
• Photographic Key
• MD SHPO Finding of No Effect
176 Thorn Hill Road, Warrendale, PA 15086 (724) 591-5958 Fax: (724) 591-5826
www.envirotrac.com
Offices in NY, NJ, FL, MA, MD, OH, PA, GA, NC, WV, VA
If you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact me directly at 724591-5958 or via email at smontag@envirotrac.com
Sincerely,
EnviroTrac, Ltd.
Sarah Montag Staff Scientist
cc: Liz Taccone, Sheetz, Inc. Paul Yesconis, EnviroTrac, Ltd. Project File
Attachments
13-Mar-25 13-Mar-25 SI-99-024 1230 MOUNT AETNA ROAD
4,216 SQ. FT. INTERIOR RENOVATION OF ENTIRE DWELLING AND ATTACHED COTTAGE TO INCLUDE FINISH ATTIC TO CREATE A BEDROOM AND FULL BATHROOM, ADD TWO FULL BATHROOMS IN COTTAGE, (1) IN COTTAGE ATTIC, AND (1) ON COTTAGE FIRST FLOOR,
2,094 SQ. FT. FINISHED SPACE TWO STORY SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING ON CRAWL SPACE, COVERED FRONT PORCH, REAR OPEN ATTACHED DECK, FRAME CONSTRUCTION, PREENGINEERED ROOF TRUSSES, CONCRETE
DEMOLITION OF 2,500 SQ. FT. ABANDONED DWELLING, THERE IS ANOTHER EXISTING DWELLING AND GARAGES/SHEDS THAT WILL REMAIN JONE ELIZABETH THURMOND
S-21-014 MOSER
BE USED AS SITTING ROOM,
BATHROOM, GAS FIREPLACE IN GREAT ROOM, INTEGRAL TWO CAR GARAGE, COVERED FRONT PORCH AND REAR PORCHES ROY M. OSWALD AND CAROL A. ROUSH
Comments
Updated by Script from EPR.
Comments
HDC reviewed this as part of Sec 106 for FCC permitting. I attached the memo from the HDC to the documents. HDC members at their 4/2/25 meeting indicated they were fine with staff reviewing based on previous documentation as long as its in the same location from their other review and not a design change. Staff is entering their review.
Staff did notice a slight change in height by 5' for the Tower. Reached out MHT and they did not have any additional comment to provide through this process on the height. The company may submit a modification for the height if required by FCC permitting processes. Location is unchanged. No site work or staging is proposed outside of previously identified lease area.
Updated by Script from EPR.
Comments
Resent comment letter today. Still needs standard comment added.
Updated by Script from EPR.
Updated by Script from EPR.
Updated by Script from EPR.
Comments
Structures previously demo'd and site work done since. HDC review not required as its not a review area for them either.
Comments
reviewed at April 2nd HDC. Attached staff report and approval letter. HDC agreed with staff analysis of project.
Updated by Script from EPR.
Comments
HDC Reviewed at the April 2 meeting. Staff report and approval letter attached. Updated by Script from EPR.
Comments
HDC Reviewed at their 4/2 meeting. Support demo permit with staff providing photo addendum to MIHP. Letter and documents uploaded. see note
2025-01480 Residential New Construction Permit Revisions Required 03-Apr-25
01-Apr-25 LOR 19133 GEETING ROAD
DEMOLITION OF 1,224 SQ. FT. SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING INCLUDING FOUNDATION AND DEMOLITION OF OUT BUILDING
15-Apr-25 S-00-071 13818 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE, LOT C
1,300 SQ. FT. LIVING SPACE TWO STORY STRUCTURE WITH DECK ABOVE SIX BAY GARAGE WITH (2) HALF BATHS AND STORAGE, FRAME CONSTRUCTION, PRE-ENGINEERED ROOF TRUSSES GHATTAS ENTERPRISES MAUGANS AVENUE, LOTS A-C
in
09-Apr-25 11009 SASHA BOULEV HAGERSTOWN, MD 21742 91 SINGLE FAMILY AND 100 DUPLEX LOTS WITH ASSOCIATED INFRASTRUCTURE
2025-01563
Residential AdditionAlteration Permit Review 09-Apr-25 10-Apr-25 LOR 18642 AMANDA LANE 224 SQ. FT. FREESTANDING COVERED LEFT SIDE DECK WITH STEPS TO GRADE, PRESSURE TREATED DECKING/RAILING, METAL ROOF
132 SQ. FT. TWO STORY ADDITION ON EXISTING UPPER AND LOWER PORCHES TO BE USED AS A MUD ROOM AND SUN ROOM, 46 SQ. FT. INTERIOR RENOVATIONS TO CREATE A UTILITY ROOM IN BASEMENT AND HALF BATHROOM
Sent initial letter and added for May agenda.
Comments
Comments
Updated by Script from EPR.
new construction is not reviewable in this area. no hdc review required. Updated by Script from EPR.
Comments
HDC Review will note be required for this property as resources are in extremely deteriorated status. The salvage of any viable materials from remaining structures is highly encouraged.
Add Note: The subject property contains historic resources documented on the Washington County Historic Sites Inventory (WA-I-063, WA-I-075). The Design Guidelines for Historic Properties should be referenced prior to exterior work or property grading to ensure disturbance to the resources included in the inventory is limited.
Updated by Script from EPR.
Not a review area for new construction for HDC.
Comments
Updated by Script from EPR.
Comments
Not in a review area for the HDC. Also minimal documentation on the MIHP. Updated by Script from EPR.
SP-25-012 Site Plan In Review 15-Apr-25 17-Apr-25 21425 LEITER STREET HAGERSTOWN, MD 21742
LEITERSBURG VOLUNTEER FIRE CO. IS PROPOSING TO BUILD A 33'X62' PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION BUILDING WITH STORAGE SPACE.
BE USED FOR STORAGE, PRE-ENGINEERED ROOF TRUSSES STOUFFER'S PERFORMANCE EXPANSION
BATH, WOOD BURNING FIRE PLACE IN FAMILY ROOM, ATTACHED
Comments
Related permit is scheduled for HDC on May 7 meeting. Will update review after meeting.
Comments
Inventory point placed approximately, no structure visible, no review here for new construction for hdc.
Updated by Script from EPR.
Comments
Not in an area for new construction review by the HDC. Updated by Script from EPR.
Comments
Updated by
from EPR.
Not in a review area for construction, only has an inventory point.
