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CITY OF ROCKVILLE
HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
MINUTES
Thursday,
March 20, 2002
Meeting No. 03-2003
The City of Rockville Historic District Commission convened in regular session
in the Mayor and Council Chambers,
Rockville City Hall, 111 Maryland Avenue, at 7:09 PM
PRESENT
Anita Neal-Powell, Chair
Andrea Hartranft, Acting Chair
Craig Moloney
Jeff Broadhurst
Elizabeth Rodgers
HDC Staff
present: Judy Christensen, Cindy Kebba, Robin Ziek
Commissioner Hartranft served as acting Chairman by the HDC in Ms. Neal-Powell’s
absence.
I. W. LAWSON
KING FARMSTEAD RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff announced
that this item was deferred to the April 17, 2003 meeting at the request of
the applicant.
II. APPLICATIONS FOR CERTIFICATE OF APPROVAL
A. HDC03-0234
Applicant: James Vitol
Address: 11 Wall Street
Request: Tree removal (2), install air conditioning compressor and concrete pad
Planner Kebba
used graphics to illustrate the location for a requested concrete air conditioning
pad and compressor and to show the trees that were to be removed. She noted
that the City Forester had recommended the dogwood tree be removed because it
was in poor health, and the magnolia should be removed because it was too large
a tree for the site and leaning. Staff recommended approval of the concrete
pad, air conditioning compressor and tree removals.
James Vitol, owner of 11 Wall Street, amended his application to add a second
concrete pad and compressor in the same location. He said that contractors had
recommended a split system, one in the attic and one in the basement, to reduce
the need to run ducts through the walls. Only one closet will be altered to
include a return air duct. Otherwise the air ducts will be installed under the
first floor and in the attic. On the trees, he said the dogwood was dead and
he planted the magnolia believing it was a dwarf variety, but it is not and
must be pruned back every year. Its root system is encroaching on the driveway
and foundation. He said the air conditioner units would be screened with evergreens
and shrubs.
Commissioner Moloney said that if he put in units rated 13 SEER rather than
the proposed 12 SEER units, that he would be eligible for a significant rebate
from Pepco and also a rebate of 5% from the State of Maryland for energy conservation.
In response to a question from Mr. Vitol, he said variable speed air conditioners
are effective but need annual maintenance, which are an additional cost and
concern. He also mentioned that planting shrubs too close could reduce the effectiveness
of the units and Mr.Vitol should be aware of the manufacturer’s recommendations
when planning the landscape screen. Mr. Vitol thanked Commissioner Moloney for
his helpful information.
There were no further comments from the Commission or citizens.
MOTION:
Commissioner Moloney moved that the HDC approve HDC03-0234 as amended for two
concrete air conditioner pads and compressors at the north side of the house
to be screened by evergreens and shrubs, removal of a leaning magnolia tree,
and removal and replacement of a dogwood tree. Commissioner Broadhurst seconded
the motion.
VOTE: 4-0 (Chairman Neal-Powell not present)
B. HDC03-0235
Applicant: Sandy Sonner
Address: 205 West Montgomery Avenue
Request: Replace stockade fence in-kind and extend approximately 18 feet; Enclose rear porch
Planner Kebba
presented photographs to illustrate the condition and location of the fence
to be replaced and extended. The stockade fence will be replaced in kind and
extended approximately an additional 18 feet to screen the garage. The rear
porch will be enclosed with stock Anderson windows, vinyl on the outside and
wood on the interior. Two pairs of windows will be on the east, three pairs
on the patio (rear) side, and a sliding glass door on the west side facing the
church. As the porch is not visible to the public and is not being enlarged,
staff recommended approval. Staff also recommended approval of the replacement
and extension of the fence.
Owner Sandy Sonner of 205 West Montgomery said that the stockade fence had been
put up behind an old chain link fence and deteriorated sections of the wood
fence had been replaced over the years. The chain link fence will be removed
entirely and the deteriorated wood stockade fence replaced in kind. The fence
will be extended approximately18 feet to screen the garage, trash cans, and
woodpile from the church. She asked to amend the application to install a gate
in the same style as the fence.
With regard to the porch, Ms. Sonner said her family enjoys the porch and uses
it a lot in nice weather, but it has a storm door and an exterior door that
must be propped open to carry items in and outside. She said that enclosure
would allow more extensive and easier use of the porch as additional eating
space.
Commissioner Broadhurst asked if the contractor had provided plans and drawings
of the project to help the Commission evaluate the proposal. Also, he said that
it would protect the applicant to have plans that showed exactly what would
be done and the materials to be used. Ms. Sonner said that the project was too
small to hire an architect and she has worked out the plans with the contractor.
She will be on the site to monitor the work. Staff asked if building permits
were needed to enclose the porch. Commissioner Moloney said both a building
permit and an electrical permit would be required, as the City wants to be sure
that the basic structure would support the increased weight of the windows and
walls. Also, the trim details were important to the success of the project.
He was also concerned about the placement of the sliding door and transom. He
asked when the project would begin. Mrs. Sonner said that she hoped to start
immediately. After some discussion, it was determined that staff would review
and approve the plans when presented for a building permit and would notify
the Commission if a problem needed resolution.
MOTION:
Commissioner Broadhurst moved that the HDC approve HDC03-0235 for a fence
extension and to enclose a rear porch as amended with the following conditions:
1. Construction drawings be submitted to staff for review and approval.
2. The gate will be in the same style and material as the fence.
Discussion: Commissioner Moloney asked staff to ensure that existing materials
which are narrow tongue and groove beadboard below the windows inside and out
be maintained, the sliding door centered on the wall, the trim be proportional
to the windows and wall, and the transom be handled well. Planner Christensen
noted that staff may approve plans as directed by the HDC. Any other issues
that require a judgment will be faxed to the Commission for a decision. Commissioner
Rodgers seconded the motion.
VOTE: 5-0
III. APPLICATIONS FOR MONTGOMERY COUNTY TAX CREDIT
A. TXC03-0233
Applicant: Robert and Judith Spalding
Address: 307 Great Falls Road
Request: Tax credit eligibility determination
MOTION:
Commissioner Moloney moved that the HDC recommend the application for TXC03-0233
for the amount of $2,801.07 be found eligible for the Montgomery County tax
credit. Final approval and disbursement will be sought from the County. Commissioner
Broadhurst seconded the motion.
VOTE: 4-0 (Chairman Neal-Powell not present)
B. TXC03-0236
Applicant: Julian E. Sante
Address: 541 Beall Avenue
Request: Tax credit eligibility determination
MOTION:
Commissioner Rodgers moved that the HDC recommend the application for TXC03-0236
for the amount of $28,915.00 be found eligible for the Montgomery County tax
credit. Final approval and disbursement will be sought from the County. Commissioner
Moloney seconded the motion.
VOTE: 4-0 (Chairman Neal-Powell not present)
IV. DISCUSSION/UPDATES
A. Dawson
Farm specifications for granary interpretation/picnic shelter:
Planner Kebba
said that current plans call for a timber frame replica of the mass of the granary
with a tin roof. The framing is proposed to use bolts with peg covers over the
bolts. It will have a concrete pad that extends beyond the structure and will
be scored to show the different sections of the building. She noted that gutters
had been discussed to reduce erosion. The HDC noted that gutters were not normally
utilized on agricultural buildings of this type, but if not used, the runoff
could splash on the planned concrete pad and deteriorate the timber framing.
Commissioner Moloney suggested reducing the pad and installing a gravel covered
French drain to handle the run off. It was noted that real timber framing would
be preferable to the simulated. Planner Kebba said she would relay the HDC’s
comments.
B. Detailed
Application Site Plan for Buckingham property (522 W. Montgomery Ave.):
Planner Scott
Parker distributed copies of the Resolution to approve, with conditions, the
exploratory application for Planned Residential Unit Application No. PRU2001-00020.
He explained the HDC role in reviewing the development plan as the northern
portion of the property will be within the West Montgomery Avenue Historic District
(pending Map Amendment Application MAP2002-00077) and the rear portion will
be adjacent to the district. The portion within the district will be subject
to review and approval by the HDC as to the architectural design for the residential
units, consistent with the development standards set forth by the Mayor and
Council. The part of the development not included as part of the historic district
will be subject to review and comment by the HDC as to the architectural design
for the dwelling units (i.e. Courtesy Review) and the HDC’s comments will
be provided to the Planning Commission for its consideration during the review
of the Detailed Application. Mr. Parker said that it is the Mayor and Council’s
intention that the three houses that will front West Montgomery Avenue maintain
consistency with the West Montgomery Avenue Historic District. The HDC will
conduct reviews of the development within the scale, massing, setbacks and lot
coverage standards that were established by the Mayor and Council. He said that
staff will be working with the applicant, Elm Street Development, on architectural
guidelines. No builder(s) have been selected yet. Commissioner Broadhurst suggested
that preliminary design drawings be submitted to the HDC as early as possible
for comments to avoid the potential for substantial re-design further along
in the process. Planner Ziek suggested that the commissioners and staff arrange
to visit the property to view first-hand the grading, trees, bio-retention area,
etc. and the visit was tentatively scheduled for April 14. Planner Kebba said
that she would make the arrangements with the owner/applicant.
C. MHT
CLG grant application:
The Historic
Preservation staff decided not to pursue a CLG grant for FFY 2003-04. Planner
Christensen said that it was discovered that stipends to interns were not eligible
for grant funding and other expenses that were eligible, such as photography
and printing, were not enough to justify the paperwork and reporting. She said
a note of explanation was sent to the Maryland Historical Trust with a request
for technical assistance if needed.
D. Update on designations in progress:
E. Nominations, Awards, Recognition:
1. Peerless Rockville and Montgomery Preservation, Inc.
HDC nominations for historic preservation awards are the City of Rockville for King Farm preservation, 10 S. Adams Street for commercial restoration and addition, 110 S. Adams Street for residential restoration and rehabilitation, and Rose Hill Farm Mansion for residential maintenance and rehabilitation.
2. School poster contest for National Preservation Week
Planner Christensen stated that participating 2nd grade classes will receive a framed copy of the 1803 Plan of Rockville at the April 28, 2003 Mayor and Council Meeting. The posters will be on display during the month of May at City Hall. Commissioners said they would encourage local schools to participate.
F. Planning Activities and Projects:
1. Rockville Cemetery design guidelines progress update:
Commissioner Rodgers said that Planner Brockett (not present) had met with the design guidelines committee of the Cemetery Board, which Rodgers attended, and the project is progressing well.
2. East Rockville Master Plan Preservation Chapter progress update:
Planner Ziek said the Historic Preservation staff put up a display showing the subdivision history of East Rockville with several old photographs, which drew interest and questions at the East Rockville draft plan presentation. At the present, the East Rockville Task Force is not receptive to district designation, but have stated that individual private home nominations would be supported. The initial survey of historic resources will begin in late March.
3. Lincoln Park Master Plan Preservation Chapter progress update:
Planner Christensen said a draft proposing a combination of several tools to preserve the architectural and cultural landscape of Lincoln Park has been circulated but has not been discussed. The initial survey of historic resources will also begin in the last weeks of March.
4. Chestnut Lodge/Rose Hill design guidelines progress update:
Planner Kebba reported that she has largely completed the Woodlawn Hotel and Chestnut Lodge part of the guidelines that deals with the front 8 acres, but there is uncertainty of how to approach the Activities/Dining Hall, which has been identified as a notable Modern structure by architect Chloethiel Smith.
V. COMMITTEE / ORGANIZATION REPORTS
A. Comments – Historic District Commissioners
Commissioner Rodgers noted that Craig Moloney presented a talk on Energy Conservation in Older Buildings at the first Montgomery Preservation Heritage Rap Session on March 12, 2003 at the Red Brick Courthouse.
Commissioner Neal-Powell asked if and when a plaque would be dedicated for Haiti Cemetery. Staff said the HDC needed to set a target date and get it on the work plan. It was suggested that the dedication could be part of the Montgomery County “Happy Birthday” celebration in September. The suggestion was adopted by the HDC and will be added to the work schedule.
Commissioner Hartranft said that a Chairman Pro Tem should be appointed to conduct the HDC meeting when the Chairman is unable to be present. The HDC unanimously appointed Commissioner Jeff Broadhurst as Chairman Pro Tem.
Commissioner Rodgers submitted her resignation to the City Clerk but is planning to serve on the HDC until a replacement is found.
B. Lincoln Park Historical Society - Anita Neal-Powell
Ms. Powell stated that the Lincoln Park Historical Society was very busy in February, Black History month. She and others appeared on three television programs and gave numerous talks. The revised and enlarged “African-Americans in Montgomery County” map and booklet will be available at the end of March. It will be introduced and sold at the Montgomery County Women’s Fair on March 29th. The LPHS-organized Statewide Conference on African-American Preservation date has changed to Friday, Saturday and Sunday, May 30 – June 1, 2003. The Conference will feature workshops, tours and other topics such as Rosenwald Schools.
C. Peerless Rockville - Peerless Rockville Staff
Beth Rodgers reported that Peerless Rockville will hold the Jeb Stuart Living History Encampment on June 14 and June 15, 2003. Campsites will be at the Courthouse, Richard Montgomery, and the Beall-Dawson Historical Park. Jeb Stuart’s capture of Rockville during the Civil War will be reenacted.
VI. ADJOURN
The HDC meeting of March 20, 2003 was adjourned at 9:20 p.m.