Minutes Thursday, May 26, 2005
Meeting No. 5-2005
Rockville City Hall PRESENT
Anita Neal Powell, Chair
Max van Balgooy
Craig Moloney
Andrea Hartranft Staff present: Judy Christensen and Cindy Kebba, Preservation Planners. The scheduled HDC meeting of May 19, 2005 was postponed to May 26, 2005 because of the lack of a required quorum on the scheduled date. I. WORKSESSION: The work session discussion was held in the Mayor and Council Chambers due to the unavailability of the City Manager’s Conference Room. It was a general discussion on Mansionization in Rockville and a white paper in preparation on the subject, and the role of the HDC, City Manager’s Office, and the Mayor and Council in the designation process. The business meeting was convened at 7:36 P.M. II. COMMITTEE / ORGANIZATION REPORTS A. Peerless Rockville – Eileen McGuckian, Peerless Rockville Executive Director.
The Homes and Hospitality Tour on May 21 included six homes in East Rockville, the oldest dating to 1893, and six new homes in King Farm. This year Peerless will celebrate the 250th anniversary of General Braddock’s march through Rockville to the French and Indian Wars at Hometown Holidays over Memorial Day weekend with tours, exhibits, and activities for children. The “Groaning Board” potluck will be held on Monday, Memorial Day for parade viewing. A similar program will be held on Heritage Days on June 25. The last program in the “The Way We Were” series will be on Rockville during WWII on June 14. See the Peerless Rockville web page at www.peerlessrockville.org for further information.
B. Lincoln Park Historical Society - Anita Neal Powell
Lincoln Park Historical Foundation will celebrate the 114th anniversary of Lincoln Park at the Lincoln Park Community Center on June 25th, from 10 a.m. until dusk. The program, “The Community and You.” will feature a parade, games, activities, and other events. For more information consult the Lincoln Park Historical Foundation Web site at: www.lincolnparkhist.org C. Comments – Historic District Commissioners
Commissioner Hartranft suggested that the HDC contact its Council liaison, Council Member Hoffmann, to discuss the procedures and policies of designation and the role of the HDC, City Manager’s Office, and the Mayor and Council. Staff stated that the staff works for the City Manager, but the HDC is appointed and answerable to the Mayor and Council and it is appropriate for them to discuss issues of policy with them.
III. APPLICATIONS FOR CERTIFICATE OF APPROVAL A. HDC2005-00329 Applicant: Mr. Daniel Maddox
Address: 217 West Montgomery Avenue
Request: Pave gravel driveway with asphalt
Planner Kebba presented a short summary of the application requesting that the present gravel driveway at 217 West Montgomery Avenue be paved with asphalt. Staff recommended approval with conditions on runoff control and tree root protection. She noted that the City requires four inches of compacted gravel with two inches of asphalt, or 6 inches of concrete or asphalt. Because the area to be paved exceeds 2,000 square feet, the Maddoxes will be required to pay a storm water management fee that is estimated to be around $3,100. The driveway and parking area is mostly gravel with a brick apron and sidewalk in the right-of-way and approximately 8 feet of paving material above the apron. Ms. Kebba said that the proposal is in compliance with Secretary of Interior Standards 9 and 10 and Rockville Technical Brief #8, off street parking. Evelyn Maddox, speaking for the applicants, stated that the additional expense of 6 inches of asphalt (rather than the 4 inches they had intended to use) and the storm water management fee made this a far more expensive project than anticipated. She stated that they would still like to have approval for the project, but may pave only a part of the area. The Commission offered several suggestions on how to cut the size from 2,600 square feet to less than 2,000 (the minimum square footage for storm water management fees to apply) such as utilizing a “T” for turning and reducing the width. Mrs. Maddox said that the original size estimate is probably smaller than the actual size and that they were happy with the size as it exists. She asked if there would be any problem with paving only part of it. Staff said there should be no problem. Commissioner van Balgooy stated that although the pad is large by the garage, he did not view it as an adverse impact to the historic resource if not reduced in size. He suggested making the jogs more curved to make it a more picturesque landscape and possibly save some square footage. Commissioner Moloney said he concurred that less paving would be better, but had no problem with the proposal considering the runoff and tree mitigation. Commissioner Hartranft concurred. MOTION: Commissioner Moloney, seconded by Commissioner Hartranft, that Application HDC2005-00329 for paving a gravel driveway at 217 West Montgomery Avenue with asphalt be approved, finding that the proposal is in compliance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards # 9 and 10, and City of Rockville Technical Brief #8, subject to the following conditions:
1. Runoff shall be minimized and directed away from the historic property and neighboring properties.
2. Applicable storm water management fees must be paid.
3. Trees and tree roots must be protected from potential damage.
This approval may be modified to allow partial pavement of the driveway, if the applicant chooses to keep a portion of it gravel.
VOTE: 4-0 B. HDC2005-00331 Applicant: Rockville Cemetery Association
Address: 1350 Baltimore Road
Request: Free standing sign (Rockville Cemetery)
Planner Kebba presented a short summary of the application which is requesting that a four foot by four foot freestanding sign with text on both faces be installed on property owned by the Rockville Cemetery Association near the intersection of Baltimore Road and Avery Road to alert travelers of the turnoff to the Cemetery and to publicize that it is still in operation. The text has the date established and a telephone number to call for information. The material is wood, painted brown, with text in white. A few bushes may need to be removed to view the sign, but the sign is outside the boundaries of the burial grounds and will have no impact upon it. Staff recommended approval with the condition that a City sign permit be obtained, finding it in compliance with Secretary of Interior Standards #9 and the City Technical Brief on signage. She noted that if the sign is to be placed in the City right of way, the City Manager would need to approve its placement, but that is to be determined. Beth Rodgers represented the Rockville Cemetery Association. She stated that the sign was designed to be easily read from both directions and yet not a distraction. The Board needs people not only to be able to find the Cemetery, but to know that it is accepting business. Commissioner Moloney said he found the sign appropriate. Commissioner van Balgooy asked if the sign was based on historical designs. Ms. Rodgers responded that it was not, but it was not modern, it seemed compatible with the surroundings and would be readable but not conspicuous or a hazard. She noted that she had not been involved in the design and was filling in for another board member tonight. Commissioner van Balgooy said that he had no problem with the size of the sign or the wording but he believed the Board could do better if they found an appropriate designer who would consider the historical nature and attractions of the cemetery and work with the colors and shape to suggest a cemetery use. He asked if the cemetery had a historical period and said the current entry signage was more appropriate. Ms. Rodgers said the cemetery development periods were colonial and Victorian and the fencing that remained was wrought iron. The current monument signs at the entrance would not be changed. She asked for suggestions to take to the Cemetery Board. Commissioner Moloney said the brown background with white letters is universally thought of as National Park Service. He suggested gray, green, or another darker color with white letters or else a white sign with dark letters and referred Ms. Rodgers to the sign at the Old Baptist Cemetery as an example. Staff noted that if the HDC wanted to see another design, a time extension would be necessary as the 45-day time limit would expire before the June 16 meeting. Ms. Rodgers verbally agreed to a time extension to the next meeting on June 16. She said that the Board has a limited budget for the signage. Commissioner van Balgooy said that he would be happy to assist with the design if the Board wanted suggestions. MOTION: Commissioner Hartranft moved, seconded by Commissioner van Balgooy, that Application HDC2005-00331 for a directional sign at Rockville Cemetery be continued to the next meeting to consider a redesign and change of color.
VOTE: 4-0 C. HDC2005-00332 Applicant: Thomas & Andrea Dickerson
Address: 12 Wall Street
Request: Replace German siding on additions with fiber-cement or vinyl siding.
Planner Kebba presented a short summary of the application to this contributing resource. She stated that the applicants are requesting replacement of the existing wood siding on the additions to the house, which were built from 1984 to the 1990s. The additions have to be painted every two years and will not hold paint. The applicants made a similar request to replace the siding with vinyl in 1999 and were denied. At that time the HDC was evaluating use of modern siding material. Since then, the Hardie cementitious sidings have been used for additions and the Technical Brief for Exterior Siding has emphasized retention of original materials and siding on the historic resource and allowed Hardie Board and other modern sidings on new additions and accessory buildings. Since then, the applicants repainted the house and have had specialists look at the problems and no causes or resolution have been found. The paint is peeling in sheets again, particularly on the east and south facades. The owners are willing to use vinyl siding or Hardie Plank siding, whichever the HDC finds preferable. Ms. Kebba noted that Staff recommended approval with conditions to preserve the molding profile and details and also to ventilate any accumulation of moisture under the siding. The applicant, Andrea Dickerson, said that they take great pride in their home and yard and want to resolve the peeling paint. The have not found any evidence of water in the interior of the house and McCormick Paints sent out one of their experts who was unable to find a cause for the peeling. She said that the construction of the additions was professionally done and they have always used good paint and good painters. She said she understood that the Hardie Plank siding requires that the old material be removed and it is not made in a German style siding design. The vinyl can be put over the old siding and is obtainable in a German style of siding. Evelyn Maddox, 217 West Montgomery Avenue, noted that she had found a CertainTeed brand of cementitious siding in a German design. Commissioner Moloney stated that the cementitious siding would be a better choice as it reproduces the look of wood siding, is impervious to insect infestation and rot, and if factory primed material is installed correctly with the sawn ends primed, that it should last. Commissioner van Balgooy asked why the siding had to be a German-style when it was not an original element of the house. Staff clarified that it was not necessary to retain the original siding under the new layer or to faithfully reproduce the design on a modern addition. These guidelines were for original materials on the historic resource. The concern is retention of the shadow line between trim and siding and that the profiles of the trim boards not be flattened MOTION: Commissioner van Balgooy moved, seconded by Commissioner Hartranft, that Application HDC2005-00332 for replacement of wood siding on modern additions with fiber-cement material. be approved, finding that the proposal is in compliance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standard #9, and City of Rockville Technical Guide #1, Exterior Siding; subject to the following conditions:
1. The applicant should attempt to determine the source of the peeling paint problem because moisture accumulation is a serious concern that could affect the structural integrity of the affected areas.
2. The texture, width and lap of the original siding should be matched to the extent possible. Wood grained textures that replicate weathered and deteriorated wood siding should be avoided.
3. Shadow lines should be retained and all trim, vergeboards, cornerboards, etc. should be replaced with the same fiber cement material and in the same depth and configuration as presently exists. The HDC also strongly suggested that the fiber-cement siding be factory primed and noted that any cut edges require priming before installation. In addition, a moisture barrier should be installed. Commissioner Moloney offered an amendment that conditions 2, 5 and 6 in the staff report would not apply since the applicant was replacing the siding and trim with cementitious siding and boards. The amendment was accepted by Commissioner van Balgooy and by Commissioner Harftranft as second. VOTE: 4-0 for the amendment.
VOTE: 4-0 in favor of the amended motion of approval. IV. EVALUATION FOR HISTORICAL, ARCHITECTURAL OR CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE - 403 N. Van Buren Street Planner Judy Christensen stated that this evaluation was initiated by an application for demolition of a house built about 1937 by William Procton Jr. as a rental house and occupied as a rental property by Clarence and Grace Johnson shortly after its construction, and purchased by them in 1945. The property at 403 North Van Buren was inventoried on a Maryland Historical Trust Inventory form (M:26/16/6) in 1988 by Eileen McGuckian as part of the study of the history and development of the Haiti/Martins Lane community. It was updated by Ms.Christensen for this evaluation. The Johnsons owned the property until their deaths and the property was subsequently sold by their estate. It was purchased and resubdivided into three building lots by the present owner. The current house occupies the center lot and is proposed for demolition. Mrs. Christensen briefly reviewed the history of the land and the architectural features of the building. She noted that although the Johnsons were contributing members to the community, they were not considered to be significant as leaders or outstanding contributors to the community. Staff therefore found and recommended to the HDC that the property not be found eligible for designation as a Rockville single site landmark historic district. Staff found that the property would have been a contributing site in a Haiti/Martin’s Lane historic district, should one have been created. The HDC stated its frustration with the one by one elimination of sites that would be contributing in a district but were not eligible as a landmark site. They asked if a district had been established in Haiti. Mrs. Christensen said that there was some support for a historic district but it had not been done. Other residents are interested in selling for demolition and re-construction in a strong real estate market. A number of new houses have been built and lots are being subdivided. The owner of the adjacent house at 101 North Street, said the Johnson House had been rented for a while but has been vacant recently. She said that she and her fiancé support new houses in the neighborhood and believe the three lots are adequate for three houses. The HDC concurred with staff’s findings and recommendations but went through the checklist. They found that 403 North Van Buren did not meet the criteria for historical and cultural significance or architectural and design significance. Therefore, the property was not recommended to the Mayor and Council as eligible for designation as a single site (Landmark) historic district. VOTE: 4-0 V. SUMMARY OF ROCKVILLE CEMETERY GUIDELINES FOR PLOT OWNERS Beth Rodgers presented her summary of the applicable cemetery guidelines for distribution to plot owners that wish to put in plants or shrubs on their family or individual plots. She noted that the list of invasive and acceptable plants had been submitted separately but would be appended to this document. The HDC asked what action they were to take on the issue. Staff said that it was incorrectly termed an “amendment” on the agenda, as it was only a summary of the approved guidelines for a particular audience. It did not require adoption, just verbal approval. The HDC congratulated Ms. Rodgers on her work and said it should be a great help to owners. VI. DISCUSSION / UPDATES A. Lincoln Park Preservation report – Judy Christensen
Planner Christensen said that recent applications for demolition in Lincoln Park and the length of the process to adopt Conservation Districts in Rockville have caused staff to rethink the plan. Staff will meet with representatives the Lincoln Park Community Preservation Committee and the nominators and the CPDS Director Art Chambers to discuss other methods in the second week of June. The briefing to the Mayor and Council is postponed to July 25. B. Summaries of Rockville Preservation Conference presentations and round table discussions were distributed to the Commission for comments. C. Discussion of National Main Streets/Maryland Preservation & Revitalization Conference- postponed. D. The draft of Pump House nomination (401 S. Horners Lane) was distributed for discussion at the June HDC meeting. Comments are also requested before the June meeting for staff revisions, additions or corrections.
VII. MINUTES Commissioner Hartranft said that the discussion on page two of the minutes did not adequately convey the concerns of the Commission regarding the procedural problems with the Campbell House recommendation. Language was crafted to express the HDC’s intentions and issues. MOTION: Commissioner van Balgooy moved, seconded by Commissioner Hartranft, to approve the minutes of April 21, 2005, as amended.
VOTE: 4-0 VIII. ADJOURN: The HDC adjourned at 10:17 p.m. Respectfully submitted: Judy Christensen and Cindy Kebba, Historic Preservation Planners. | 
