Gregory Smith, Chair
Vernell Doyle
Lloyd Yavener, Vice Chair Michael Lushbaugh
Ann Aldrich Justin Bedard
Brianna Candelaria
Wayne K. Keefer, BOCC Rep
HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, MARYLAND
AGENDA
April 3, 2024
The HDC will be meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the Saylor House 371 Dynasty Drive, Hagerstown, MD for a group photo in preparation for Preservation Month.
Regular Meeting at 7:00 p.m.
Washington County Administration Complex, 100 West Washington Street, Room 2001, Hagerstown, MD 21740
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
MINUTES
1. Minutes of the March 6, 2024 meeting *
NEW BUSINESS
1. 2024-00996, 13215 Smithsburg Pike, Addition/Alteration Permit (Discussion/Approval)
Repairs to existing 200 sq.ft. covered porch to include replacing flooring, railings, and posts as needed *
OTHER BUSINESS
1. Preservation Month 2024
a. Review general outline of proposed social media
2. Staff Report
a. Staff Reviews *
b. 250th Update
c. By-Laws Update
d. Historic Resource Tax Credit Ordinance Public Hearing April 23 9:30 am
ADJOURNMENT
UPCOMING MEETING
1. Wednesday, May 1, 2024, 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 240313-2430 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
March 6, 2024
The Washington County Historic District Commission held its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, March 6, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. in the Washington County Administration Complex, 100 W Washington Street, Room 2001, Hagerstown, MD.
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Commission members present were: Greg Smith, Chairman, Lloyd Yavener, Michael Lushbaugh, Vernell Doyle, Ann Aldrich, Brianna Candelaria, and Justin Bedard. Staff members present were: Washington County Department of Planning & Zoning: Meghan Jenkins, GIS Coordinator and HDC Staff member and Debra Eckard, Administrative Assistant
MINUTES
Motion and Vote: Mr. Lushbaugh made a motion to approve the minutes of the November 1, 2023 meeting as presented. The motion was seconded by Mr. Yavener and unanimously approved.
NEW BUSINESS
HTC – 1004 The Terrace (John Williamson)
Ms. Jenkins presented for review and approval a tax credit application for property located at 1004 The Terrace, which is in the Hagerstown Oak Hill Historic District. The project included: window refurbishment (seals, ropes, sills), replacement of exterior molding, repair and replacement of patio tiles, and repair of the slate roof, etc. Ms. Jenkins noted that the applicant has applied for MHT tax credits as well. The total qualified rehabilitation expenses for MHT were $47,970 which was approved on February 1, 2024.
Discussion and Comments: Members commended Mr. Williamson for undertaking this project and rehabilitating this historic structure.
Mr. Williamson stated that the property tax credit program is very important to incentivize homeowners to rehabilitate and maintain historic structures He believes more work needs to be done to educate and make the public aware of the program. There was a brief discussion on ways to make the public more aware.
Motion and Vote: Ms. Aldrich made a motion to accept the MHT qualified rehabilitation expenses in the amount of $47,970 for the County tax credit program The motion was seconded by Mr. Yavener and unanimously approved.
2024-00586 – 1244 Frederick Street Demolition Permit
Ms. Jenkins presented a demolition permit application for property located at 1244 Frederick Street, which is in the Ravenswood Heights Rural Village district. The applicant is proposing the demolition of a 1,288 sq. ft. dwelling and associated outbuildings, to fill in the basement and to remove the driveway pavement and sidewalks. The property was purchased by the County as part of property acquisitions associated with Phase I of the Southern Boulevard roadway project. There is no direct access to this property; adjoining property owners would not give access across their property at the time of purchase. The structures have been vacant since the completion of Southern Boulevard; however, there are several
architectural features which could be salvaged. The County’s Engineering Department (the applicant) have had discussions with Ms. Jenkins regarding the salvaging of materials During review of this project, an inventory of the County’s historic property holdings was also discussed. Ms. Jenkins provided the Engineering Department with information on “mothballing” structures. This information will be passed along to the Department of Public Works which is in charge of securing County properties. Ms. Jenkins noted that Ravenswood Heights is not listed on the National Register of Historic Places. She recommends that this issue should be further explored.
Ms. Jenkins explained that demolition of the property would fall into Phase II of the Southern Boulevard extension. Phase II would be a project completed by the City of Hagerstown, not the County. The County would like to proceed with demolition of the property due to liability issues, vandalism and vagrancy.
Discussion and Comments: Ms. Aldrich expressed her opinion that the County should approach the neighbors again to see if they are willing to grant a right-of-way to this property so the house could be sold. Other members don’t believe anyone would want to purchase the property knowing that it would need to be sold and demolished in order to construct Phase II of the proposed roadway. Another concern is the property would be sold cheap and left to deteriorate or be vandalized further until sold and demolished for construction of the proposed road
Mr. Bedard recommended requesting that an individual Maryland Inventory of Historic Properties form be completed for this specific property.
Members discussed a list of materials they would like to see salvaged from the structure, as follows: bricks, paneling, wood flooring, interior and exterior doors, front porch components, interior and exterior trim and moldings; light fixtures, stair components, railings, and radiators.
Motion and Vote: Ms. Aldrich made a motion to support the demolition application for 1244 Frederick Street with the following conditions:
1. The County will bid services for the selected demolition of salvageable materials that include the following: exterior brick, wood flooring, interior and exterior doors, railings, radiators, stair components, front porch components, interior and exterior trim and moldings, and light fixtures.
2. Request an individual Maryland Inventory of Historic Properties form to be completed for this specific property prior to demolition. It is recommended that this work be performed by a professional.
3. The County will follow the recommended guidelines for “mothballing” of all County owned historic structures listed on the MIHP or have the potential for inclusion on the National Register.
4. Request MHT to consider Ravenswood Heights Rural Village district for listing on the National Register.
The motion was seconded by Mr. Yavener and unanimously approved.
OTHER BUSINESS
Preservation Month 2024
Ms. Jenkins reminded members that May is Preservation Month. She noted that Preservation Maryland has reached out to discuss a Preservation 101 workshop sometime during the week of May 20th. This workshop will be held at the Washington County Library in downtown Hagerstown.
During Preservation month last year, posts were made three times a week on social media and Ms. Jenkins provided members with a list of topics that were covered. Members discussed topics to be incorporated this year, such as before and after photos of Mr. Williamson’s rehabilitation project on The Terrace and how important tax credits are to homeowners; have people in County government or HDC members to take a picture of themselves at their favorite historic structure; a group picture of HDC members in front of the Saylor House with a short phrase telling why they are interested in historic preservation or why
they joined the HDC and their credentials; have PR create a specialized graphic for the theme “This Place Matters”; choose a favorite project from 2023; etc
Staff Report
• Staff Reviews - Ms. Jenkins provided a written summary.
• CAMP training was held and a follow-up e-mail with the meeting recordings were provided to all attendees. Recordings are available for a limited time. The training was paid for by a CLG grant received in partnership with West Virginia. There were approximately 20 participants each day.
• Correspondence was received from MHT regarding a culvert and sidewalk projects proposed in Smithsburg.
• Correspondence was received from MDOT regarding a proposed sidewalk project in the City of Hagerstown. Members agreed they will let the City HDC comment on this project.
• The MAHDC Symposium invitation was included in the agenda packet.
• There are two house bills currently being considered: Confederate Naming Prohibiition (at referral to committee status) and Cemetery Acquisition (at referral to committee status).
• Updates for the 250th anniversary were included in the agenda packet. The 250th committee meets on the last Monday of each month at the Public Safety Training Center along Sharpsburg Pike at 11 am.
• The Historic Resource Tax Credit Ordinance has been approved by the County Administrator and will go to the Board of County Commissioners for a public hearing. Members decided that April 23rd would be the best date for the public hearing with April 16th as their second choice.
Ms. Jenkins reviewed members’ term expirations for the upcoming year. Ms. Doyle has served two full terms on the Commission and has decided not to seek re-appointment in August. Ms. Aldrich has completed two full terms; however, she would be willing to serve another term or partial term if reappointed. Mr. Yavener has served one full term and is willing to serve another term. Ms. Candelaria and Mr. Bedard have both served a partial term and would be willing to serve for a full term. Members discussed the need for staggering the appointments so we do not have a majority of the Commission with terms expiring at the same time. Ms. Jenkins will contact the County Clerk’s office to see how we can handle this issue appropriately. There was also a brief discussion regarding an update of the By-laws to lengthen appointment terms because the HDC is required to have specific qualified professionals. It can be difficult to find individuals to fill these positions.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS
Nomination for Chairman: Mr. Yavener nominated Mr. Smith to serve as Chairman. The nomination was seconded by Ms. Aldrich and unanimously approved.
Nomination for Vice Chairman: Ms. Doyle nominated Mr. Yavener to serve as Vice Chairman. The nomination was seconded by Mr. Lushbaugh and unanimously approved.
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Lushbaugh made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:45 pm. The motion was seconded by Mr. Yavener and so ordered by the Chairman.
Gregory Smith, Chairman
Historic Review Activity 02/24/2024 thru 03/21/2024 Open Date
14304 CASTLE DRIVE
MD 21719 MINOR SITE PLAN FOR A CHURCH IN AN
Folder Status
Status Date
Days in Review: 0 SP-24-002
2,541 SQ. FT. FINISHED SPACE TWO STORY SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING ON 1,077 SQ. FT. UNFINISHED WELLED EXIT BASEMENT AND 344
27-Feb-24
IV262 Revisions Required 08-Feb-24
2024-00586
20-Mar-24
Review 09-Feb-24
12-Feb-24
S-23-038 20734 TROVINGER MILL ROAD, LOT 3
SP-07-052.R01 14340 BANFILL AVENUE "MYSTICAL PAWS"
LOR 1244 FREDERICK STREET
SQ. FT. CRAWL SPACE, ATTACHED THREE CAR GARAGE WITH 1077 SQ. FT. UNFINISHED BONUS ROOM ABOVE, GAS FIRE PLACE IN FAMILY ROOM COVERED FRONT PORCH OPEN Folder Status
CHANGE OF USE FROM MILITARY OFFICE TO PET GROOMING BUSINESS, ZONING CERTIFICATION FOR "MYSTICAL PAWS" TO TAKE OVER 1,368 SQ. FT. TO BE USED AS PET GROOMING BUSINESS, HOURS OF OPERATION:
Passed - Info 01-Mar-24
Days in Review: 3
Folder Status
Status Date
No Comments Received 21-Mar-24
Days in Review: 0
DEMOLITION OF 1,288 SQ. FT. DWELLING AND ANY ASSOCIATED OUTBUILDINGS, FILL IN BASEMENT, REMOVE DRIVEWAY PAVEMENT AND SIDEWALKS Folder Status Status Date Note 07-Mar-24
Task Name Comments
Historic District Commission Updated by Script from EPR.
Task Name Comments
Historical Review Property was associated with parent at initialization. No Historic Resources or Chewsville connection to this piece and therefore no HDC review required.
Historical Review Updated by Script from EPR.
Task Name Comments
Historical Review Updated by Script from EPR.
Task Name Comments
Historical Review This was reviewed at the March 6 HDC Meeting. A follow up letter was sent to the applicant regarding the HDC's support of the permit with conditions.
2024-00644
S-21-022 18651 KEEDYSVILLE ROAD, LOT 1
560 SQ. FT. FINISHED SPACE ONE STORY POOL HOUSE TO REAR OF EXISTING SWIMMING POOL TO INCLUDE FULL BATHROOM, BAR/LOUNGE AREA, REC ROOM, GYM AND CLOSET, 405 SQ. FT. PAVILION TO RIGHT OF POOL HOUSE,100 SQ. FT. CONCRETE SLAB ON GRADE FOR FUTURE HOT TUB HOLLYDAY FARM LLC LOT 1
2024-00873
29-Feb-24
SI-93-3 12706 LITTLE ANTIETAM ROAD
INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR RENOVATIONS DUE TO VEHICLE DAMAGE TO INCLUDE REPLACING DAMAGED FRAMING, DRYWALL, INSULATION, WINDOWS, AND EXTERIOR WALLS AND BRICK, GEORGE I HORN, JR.
S-24-004
200903353.R01
Preliminary-Final Plat I261 In Review 27-Feb-24
28-Feb-24
17811 REIFF CHURCH ROAD HAGERSTOWN, MD 21740
CREATE A 10 ACRE LOT AROUND EXISTING FARM COMPLEX WITH 82.68 ACRES IN THE REMAINING LANDS
Revision Approved 29-Feb-24
29-Feb-24
S-84-83 16834 LAPPANS ROAD
REVISION TO ADD 100 SQ. FT. ATTACHED OPEN DECK
Days in Review: 24 Status Date
Folder Status
Note 01-Mar-24
Passed - Info 01-Mar-24
Days in Review: 1
Folder Status Status Date
Note 01-Mar-24
Passed - Info 01-Mar-24
Task Name Comments
Historical Review Property in on MIHP and NR but this is not in an HDC review area. Previously sent no review contact letter to contractor and customer for changes to rear addition at 2021-05464 and no changes in contacts for this permit so not resending at this time.
Historical Review Updated by Script from EPR.
Task Name Comments
Historical Review
Based on MIHP photos this property is either fully encompassed by new exterior brick/additions or the structure was previously demolished prior to the AA system records. Not in an HDC review area and do to lack of integrity/comparison with MIHP not sending any outreach materials.
Historical Review Updated by Script from EPR.
Days in Review: 1 Status Date
Folder Status
Revisions Required 01-Mar-24
Days in Review: 1
Task Name Comments
Historic District Commission Updated by Script from EPR.
Task Name Comments
Historical Review Property is on MIHP but is not in a review area for HDC. No HDC review required. Sent no review contact letter.
Task Name Comments
Historic District Commission
Plat has associated variance that was applied for to reduce setback requirements in order to place barn on separate parcel. Associated farm buildings should be kept as a complete complex on the same parcel. Requesting standard note regarding MIHP on the property and also providing the comment separately about the farm buildings.
Historic District Commission Updated by Script from EPR.
Task Name Comments
Historical Review Added to agenda for the April HDC Meeting 4/3
Task Name Comments
Historic District Commission Request addition of standard note regarding presence of MIHP number on property.