Planner Kebba identified the site and affected areas of the structure with
photographs and maps. She noted that Applicant requested removal of the existing
patterned tin shingles on the main house and replacement with a metal roofing
material. Two of the proposed materials are a patterned shingle similar to
the original and would fall under ordinary maintenance. Galvanized metal
shingles would be closest to the existing roof; coated copper shingles could
have a similar pattern. The third choice is standing seam copper roofing,
which is not identical in design to the existing roof material and would need
HDC approval. The porch and siding renovations are all ordinary maintenance
and do not require HDC approval.
Applicant
William Jacobs stated that he consulted three local roofing companies and
all said the present 100 year-old plus roof had reached the end of its serviceable
and repairable life. He has not decided which material to use and requested
advice from the Commission. He stated that the galvanized steel shingles
are available from the manufacturer with a colored coating. The copper can
be ordered with a factory applied patina color or in raw copper that will
change color with age. The Applicant stated that he preferred the raw color.
The copper roof material has less maintenance, although it is higher in initial
cost.
The
Applicant stated that the front porch roof was replaced several years ago
and that this roof is sound despite some water damage that is evident on the
porch ceiling. The roof on the modern rear addition presently has asphalt
roofing. He said that the pitch of the roof on the rear addition is at the
lowest threshold for using asphalt shingles and he would like to replace it
with a standing seam metal roof such as exists on the front porch.
The
Applicant stated that the existing aluminum storm windows were deteriorating
and no longer functional. The tracks were improperly installed without weep
holes and were collecting rain, which rotted the sills. He asked to remove
the present storm windows and install others which function better. He proposed
external invisible storm windows from Allied Window, Inc.
No
citizens spoke in favor of or in opposition to this application.
In
discussion, the HDC thanked Mr. Jacobs for his selection of materials that
meet the adopted guidelines and for his efforts to preserve the integrity
of the house. Commissioner Moloney said the patterned shingles would be the
best choice for the main roof as it is closest in design to the original.
As replacement with fishscale patterned metal shingles constitutes ordinary
maintenance, Mr. Jacobs and the HDC agreed that Mr. Jacobs would inform staff
of his final choice and request a staff approval.
Regarding
the storm windows, Commissioner Moloney said some styles of storm windows
hide the window details. He also inquired about egress requirements if the
windows are not operable. He asked that the storm window choice also be submitted
to staff for approval. Mr. Jacobs indicated that he would do so.
MOTION:
Commissioner
Moloney moved, seconded by Commissioner Neal-Powell, to approve HDC00-170,
finding the applicants choices for replacement roofing and storm windows
at 112 Forest Avenue are in compliance with the approved guidelines. The
following condition applies:
1. The applicants final product choices are subject to
approval by staff.
VOTE:
3-0
2. HDC00-0171 - Applicant: Rockville United Methodist
Church/New Day Preschool
For property leased at 107 West Jefferson Street
Request: Replace fence enclosing playground at rear of property and enlarge
enclosed area
Action: Approve or deny
Planner
Kebba stated that this application requested installation of either a dark
vinyl-coated chain link fence or white vinyl picket fence around the pre-school
playground which is located in the rear yard of 107 West Jefferson Street,
adjacent to the Rockville United Methodist Church. The church has amended
the application to expand the playground area 17 feet towards Jefferson Street.
Ms. Kebba identified the site and area affected with photographs and maps,
and noted that the site is not easily visible from any public ways. The present
fence is primarily wood picket but also is composed of steel post and chain
link fencing.
The
preschool selected two materials that would protect the children from alley
and parking lot traffic, splinters, and sharp edges. The applicants first
choice is coated chain link and second choice is a vinyl picket fence, both
of which would be 48 inches high or approximately the same height as the current
fence. Other fences in this block of the historic district are wrought iron,
wood picket, and steel post/chain link fence installed before district designation.
Ms. Kebba stated that staff must evaluate each application on a case by case
basis given the location, according to the guidelines. She cited an excerpt
from the Architectural Guidelines that states that chain link fences, when
visible from public spaces, are generally inappropriate to the character of
the Rockville districts. The child safety and visibility circumstances of
this application led to staffs recommendation of the white vinyl picket fence
as the most compatible with the district.
Preschool
representative Joyce Elliot stated that the school would prefer the chain
link option as being less obtrusive and $3,000 to $4,000 less expensive.
She noted that other chain link fences exist in the neighborhood and at the
Presbyterian Church on West Montgomery Avenue. Using photographs, she clarified the location of the
expanded playground area, the fencing to remain, and the landscaping in the
area.
Charles Karochis, owner
of the property at 107 West Jefferson, said the enlarged playground will project
further into his rear yard but will remain about 30 feet from the rear of
the structure. One stand of trees currently outside the fence perimeter will
be enclosed by the new fence, but several trees and shrubs will still be outside
the fence to partially block its view. Mr. Karochis also recommended the
chain link fence as less obtrusive.
Maggie Osgood, a member
of Rockville United Methodist Church facilities committee, concurred that
the white vinyl picket fence would be far more obtrusive than the dark coated
chain link fence. She noted that the playground and natural wood fence are
difficult to see in the exhibit photographs and the white vinyl will draw
attention to the area and alter the view of the property.
In discussion, the HDC
expressed concern about the precedent of installation of either chain link
fence or vinyl picket fence, neither of which had been previously approved
in historic districts. Chain link fencing is not permitted under the adopted
guidelines, as it was not in use in the Victorian era that defines the district
character. The vinyl picket fence resembles an approved type of fence but
the material is not traditional. The HDC concurred with the applicant that
the white color would draw attention to the playground area. The applicants
product information mentioned other colors for some fence styles but apparently
only white is available for the Contemporary picket fence style proposed.
Commissioner Moloney cautioned that dark colored vinyl could fade. The HDC
found that the traditional picket style fence was preferable to chain link.
Although vinyl has not been previously approved, the intended use as a preschool
playground enclosure creates a unique situation where the safety of small
children is an issue. Therefore, this non-conforming material was approved
for this use and this location alone and will not be applicable to other locations
in the historic districts. Commissioner Neal-Powell stated that she was not
in favor of either option and other materials could have been proposed as
well.
MOTION:
Commissioner
Moloney moved, seconded by Commissioner Neal-Powell, to approve the installation
of a 48-inch high white vinyl picket fence with two gates around the expanded
playground area at the rear of 107 West Jefferson Street as presented, with
the existing steel set in concrete fencing at the west side next to the church
parking lot to remain.
VOTE: 3-0-1 (Abstained: Neal-Powell)
III. COMMITTEE/ORGANIZATION
REPORTS
A. Lincoln Park Historical Society
Anita Neal-Powell reported
that she attended Governor Glendenings Task Force on Monday, September 18.
The Lincoln Park Historical Society (LPHS) plans another tour of 12 former
African-American heritage sites in November. Ms. Neal-Powell proposed a partnership
between The LPHS and the HDC to promote the LPHS. She suggested that the
HDC could assist in many ways including utilizing the HDC web site, doing
research, and obtaining maps and aerials.
B. Peerless Rockville Historic
Preservation
Mazie Cummings, Curator
of the Peerless Rockville Collection, represented Peerless Rockville. She
stated that the Peerless Rockville Collection has more than 3,500 historic
photographs, objects and research materials used for interpretation and Peerless
Rockvilles many programs and tours. She said that Peerless is delighted
with the publication of the Lost Rockville brochure and happy that its research
facilities were useful in its preparation.
Peerless is co-sponsoring
the F. Scott Fitzgerald Literary conference this weekend. It is also participating
with the Lincoln Park Historical Society, the Montgomery County Historic Society,
the Rockville Regional Library, the Montgomery County Archives and the United
Black Cultural Center on the Lincoln Park Partners Project. The goal of the
project is to identify historical resources important to the Lincoln Park
community, to prepare a guide and to host a web page. The Lincoln Park Partners
Project web site is hosted by the Rockville Regional Library and Peerless
will be linked to it. In addition, the Lincoln Park Partners Project has
begun a series of three workshops on capturing family and neighborhood history,
preserving heirlooms, and doing oral histories. A two-part oral history program
sponsored by the City of Rockville Parks and Recreation Department in October
will follow the workshops. Sima Osdoby and Pat Andersen will be presenting
the workshop.
On July 27, 2000, Peerless
co-hosted the 15th Anniversary of the Montgomery County Archives.
Presentations recognizing the contributions of the Archives were given by
Montgomery County Council Member Blair Ewing, and by State Senator Jennie
Forehand. Senator Forehand discussed her leadership role in the Saving Our
Stories Program, a national effort to gather the stories of important early
women legislators. Highlighting the program was the signing of a Deed of
Gift to the Archives by Mary Werner Rose, daughter and presenter of the personal
papers of Stella B. Werner. The Montgomery County Office Building is named
in Mrs. Werners honor.
Peerless is in the process
of repairing the fence at the Old Baptist Cemetery and is exploring an appropriate
response in what its role might be with regard to the Rockville Cemetery in
its role as a protector and monitor of Rockville's historic fabric.
IV. DISCUSSION/ UPDATES:
A. Demolition of 604
N. Horners Lane, Lincoln Park
Planner Kebba stated that
minutes of the Development Review Committee recorded that Mount Calvary Baptist
Church had been advised that HDC staff should do a preliminary review of the
historic and cultural significance of the structure and forward it to the
HDC if it met the criteria for historic designation. She spoke to church
representatives and project team members regarding this review at that time.
She stated that she called again before the agenda deadline for the September
HDC meeting requesting that the church submit any history and information
the church had available for staff and HDC review. The call was not returned.
It was later learned that the church applied for a demolition permit and it
was issued by an employee who was not informed of the correct procedures,
and the church demolished the building the same day.
Staff liaison Christensen
said that Rockvilles Environmental Guidelines require staff or HDC review
prior to demolition of any structure 50 years old or older. However, a written
procedure for demolition was not produced as the City had only one or two
demolitions per year and was handling them informally between departments.
The staff has since changed, and the new employees were not aware of the informal
procedures and requirements. She said that every demolition application in
the future would be routed through the preservation office for approval before
a permit is issued.
The members concurred
that a letter will be sent to the church from the HDC expressing disappointment
that the demolition occurred before an opportunity was made to relocate the
building, find an alternate use, or record the history of one of the 14 original
structures in Lincoln Park.
B.
Montgomery Cable TV pedestals
Planner Christensen stated
that the HDC does regulate placement of utility boxes such as Cable TV boxes
in the City right-of-way in historic districts. Upon investigation, it was
found that the boxes were replacing similar boxes previously installed with
HDC approval. In this case, the installation could be considered ordinary
maintenance, but the HDC or staff should have had an opportunity to review
the proposed boxes before installation to see if mitigation was in order or
possible. The new boxes are painted light green and are slightly larger than
the previous boxes, about 18 inches high. The cable company left an information
package at each location with the boxes offering landscaping around the boxes
to property owners who request it. However, a memo from the Department of
Public Works was circulated stating that it is illegal to plant or place anything
on the City right-of-way without the written approval of the Department of
Public Works. Staff has not received any landscape requests or complaints
so far. Three boxes were noted on West Montgomery Avenue. Commissioner Moloney
stated that several are placed in the triangle between West Montgomery and
West Jefferson and they are more obvious than those in private yards where
they blend with background plantings. Staff will photograph the boxes and
send a report to the HDC.
C. Replacement of street
lights on W. Jefferson from Great Falls Road to Maryland Avenue Planner
Kebba stated that the City was in process of replacing street light poles in
downtown Rockville and 30 remain to be replaced on West Jefferson Street, west
of Maryland Avenue in the historic district. The City has two approved light
poles to choose from and requested a selection from the HDC. Chairman Hartranft,
who is a lighting designer and engineer by profession, stated that both were
a common cobra head type of light fixture that is reasonably priced, but does
not protect from glare and provides little light for pedestrians. It was noted
that City Staff and the HDC are currently revising the Historic Preservation
chapter of the City of Rockville Master Plan which at present calls for a redesign
of the historic district streetscapes to highlight their age and character.
One element of this is a shorter globe type of streetlight that is now in use
in the Courthouse Square Historic District area. The HDC concurred that replacement
of the light poles is premature, as once installed, it would not be practical
to remove them for many years. Therefore, staff was directed to write a memo
to the Department of Public Works on behalf of the HDC explaining that the HDC
would prefer that the CIP project funds be encumbered until the Master Plan
is finalized.
V. ADJOURN
There
being no further business to come before the Historic District Commission,
the meeting was adjourned at 9:40 p.m.
Respectfully
submitted
Judy
Christensen/ Cindy Kebba
HDC
Staff Liaisons
