Thursday, September 27, 2007
Rockville City Hall PRESENT | Con Hitchcock, Chairman | Max van Balgooy
Craig Moloney | Janet Hunt-McCool | ABSENT | | Anita Neal Powell |
Staff present: Robin Ziek, Jeff Winstel, Preservation Planners I. WORKSESSION (7 – 7:30 p.m.): This included an agenda review and update. The business meeting was convened at 7:35 p.m. Chairman Hitchcock opened the meeting and introduced the Commissioners and staff. He noted that the worksession was limited to agenda review and discussion of administrative issues with staff. II. COMMITTEE / ORGANIZATION REPORTS A. Peerless Rockville – Board Member Suzanne Fischer presented the report for Peerless Rockville. She reported that Peerless Rockville is holding a Public Open House at Frieda’s Cottage, 19 Thomas Street, Saturday September 29 from 8:30 a.m. to noon. A Restoration Workshop will start at 8:30 and be conducted by Oak Grove Restoration’s Hank Handler. An Open House and Worksession will be from 9-12 noon. Volunteers are invited to help with the worksession and asked to bring lawn tools. High school students can earn community service credits for the worksession. The Rockville Rotary is sponsoring this Open House/ Worksession event. Work on the house to date includes the installation of new dormer flashing, repair of carport roof and flashing, siding repair, scraping and painting the house and landscaping, including the planting of a Patriot Elm. On October 5th, Peerless will be conducting a tour for visitors from Rockville’s sister city, Pinneberg, Germany, featuring 200 years of Rockville history, Chestnut Lodge and Frieda’s Cottage. On October 23, 2007, Peerless Rockville will be hosting the first Recent Past advisory board meeting in the Red Brick Courthouse. The board will consist of historians, architects and other advocates for historic resources from our recent past. For more information on projects and activities call Peerless Rockville @ 301-762-0096 or see: www.peerlessrockville.org. B. Comments – Historic District Commissioners, Historic Preservation Staff
Commissioner Max van Balgooy noted that the National Trust for Historic Preservation Conference is being held in Minneapolis/ St. Paul next week. He will be attending along with Chair Con Hitchcock and Staff Robin Ziek. III. Evaluations for Historical Architectural or Cultural Significance A. HBS2004-00152
Applicant: Maria C. Allende and Edward Dean
Address: 503 Baltimore Road
Request: Evaluate for significance [Owner nominated] The applicants received the Mayor and Council’s letter inviting them to consider historic designation of their house, as part of this 2006 initiative. After a staff assessment of interested homeowners’ properties, the owners were contacted to confirm interest. Staff began research, which tied into ongoing research on Rockville Park. Staff Ziek presented the nomination noting the house was subdivided into 4 apartments prior to the previous owners (Joe and Susan Dulaney) returning the property to single family occupancy. The work on the house included the installation of new wood windows but the original frames were retained. An addition was built onto the rear elevation and the property owners worked hard to design the addition to be appropriate to the Prairie Style, including the low, wide eave lines. The house is Pebbledash stucco, which is an upscale finish meant to simulate stone. The addition is covered with artificial clapboard siding but is not so large that it encompasses the entire rear elevation of the house. Many alterations were done on the interior, such as relocating the original stairs, but all the alterations were done with an attention to the historic details. The Thompsons built other houses along Baltimore Road including other Foursquares at 300 and 304 Baltimore Road. These buildings will be a part of ongoing research on East Rockville. The property is significant to the cultural, economic, political and social heritage of the county and illustrates the development history of the city and the immigration of farmers into the city. Architecturally, the building embodies the elements of the American Foursquare and balloon frame construction and pebbledash stucco finish. The owners were in attendance. Commissioner van Balgooy asked about the construction date of the garage. Staff Ziek stated she did not have an exact date, but the Sanborn Maps show an earlier garage on the other side of the driveway in 1960, so the garage postdates the Ray family. Commissioner van Balgooy asked how many Foursquares are designated in Rockville. The Steinberg House is a Foursquare, designated as an individual site in 2003. Regarding an overall count for Foursquare houses in the City, Staff Ziek reported that survey data is not complete and we are working on it. The common nature of the style was discussed along with how it fit into the city’s history and the context of catalogue houses. The other houses on Baltimore are not designated but would be eligible. Edward Dean, the property owner, addressed the commission stating his appreciation of having the chance to have the house designated and acknowledging the hard work that the previous owners did on the house. Mr. Dean expressed concern over the teardowns and new construction in the neighborhood that don’t fit in with the historic continuity of the area. Commissioner van Balgooy asked Mr. Dean if he had concerns regarding the neighborhood and Mr. Dean stated that the neighborhood has a nice feel to it. He’s concerned that the teardowns down the street and new houses don’t seem to show any attempt to fit in with the other houses. Commissioner Hunt-McCool stated that she applauds his concern about the neighborhood and noted that the neighborhood is eligible for national register designation. Property owner Maria Allende wanted to thank Robin for her work and enjoyed the process of learning about the history of the area. Chair Hitchcock moved to open discussion. Commissioner van Balgooy stated that the American Foursquare is a common but important part of the landscape and neighborhoods are special because of houses like this one. The Period of Significance for this house should be 1914 – 1960 and the relationship between the two families is significant. He encouraged others in the neighborhood with similar houses to consider historic designation. MOTION: Commission van Balgooy moved to recommend the house to the Mayor and Council for historic designation and filing of a sectional Map Amendment per the staff report. Commissioner Hunt-McCool seconded the motion VOTE: 4-0
B. HBS2007-00780
Applicant: Zion Avissar
Address: 8305 Hectic Hill Lane
Request: Evaluate for significance [Demolition – DEM2008-00104] The house at 8305 Hectic Hill Lane is being evaluated as part of a demolition request. The owner wishes to demolish the house and construct a new house in its place. The owner opposes historic designation for the property. Staff Winstel presented his report describing the house as a brick and stone1½ story Colonial Revival ranch house. It was built by David and Maud Betts in 1951 on 20 acres of land that they purchased and subdivided by deed with restrictive covenants. These covenants maintain a minimum lot size of 2 acres, limit development to single-family residential use and include height restrictions. The covenants also stipulate that David E. and Maude Betts, or their descendents and/or other residents of Hectic Hill Lane, must approve the design for any new construction. Hectic Hill Lane is a private road and the houses along it are not visible to the public. The current residents of Hectic Hill are descendents of David and Maud Betts and have approved Mr. Avissar’s new house plans and also oppose historic designation of the existing house. The house represents a later version of Colonial Revival style, which is evidenced by the Classical front entry door surrounds, the molded cornice and the cornice returns. The brick is American common bond and random ashlar stone facing is applied to the garage, the bay window apron and the chimneystack. The windows are original and feature true divided light muntins. Maud Betts had a great deal to do with the design of the house. Most architectural historians regard the hallmark of Colonial Revival residential design to be from 1900- 1930, when great care was taken to replicate the dimensions and decorative proportions of the houses that were built during the Colonial era. This house reflects the Colonial Revival style with applied decorative elements, but does embody the distinctive characteristics of an architectural type.
David E. Betts, who built the house and lived there until his death, was a prominent lawyer in the community. Mr. Betts was President of the Montgomery County Bar Association, the Maryland State Bar Association and was a Fellow of American Law Institute, City Counsel for the City of Rockville, Counsel for the Rockville Volunteer Fire Department, and was involved with a variety of civic and church activities. The house at 8305 Hectic Hill Lane is identified with Mr. Betts and he is considered to have played an influential role in the local community. The Jefferson Building, located at 22 West Jefferson, is also associated with Mr. Betts. He was the developer of the property and his law firm had their offices in the building. The Jefferson Building is a large, prominent Georgian Revival building in downtown Rockville, now owned and used by the Christ Episcopal Church School. Commissioner van Balgooy asked if the architect for the house was known and what the future plans were for the parcel. Staff stated that Mr. James Cromwell, Sr., stated that his mother-in-law, Maud Betts, was responsible for the design of the house. Plans for the parcel were to demolish the house and build a new house, the design of which has been approved by the neighbors, who are also the descendents of David and Maud Betts. Chair Hitchcock invited the people in attendance to address the commission. The owner’s lawyer, Rebecca Willins from the firm of Miles and Stockbridge, stated that the owner opposes the designation. There is extensive floor damage throughout the house and Mr. Avissar has no intention of residing in this house. Hectic Hill is not visible from the road and there would be no public benefit that would result from this designation. The building only meets 2 out of the 12 criteria for designation and, according to the staff report; there is not a strong case to be made for the property meeting these criteria. The architectural style is compromised by a large addition on the rear of the building and changes to the interior, although the interior is not relevant to this discussion. The city’s comprehensive plan states that properties built after 1945 are not a high priority for historic designation. David E. Betts did not significantly influence society although he was a popular and well-respected attorney. Commissioner van Balgooy stated that the fact that the property is not visible from a public right-of-way does not mean there is no public benefit. Additionally, meeting only 2 of the 12 criteria is not a problem; only one criterion needs to be met. He asked how the property came to suffer flood damage. The applicant responded that pipes had burst and water rose up in the basement. Mr. James Cromwell, Sr., resident of 8301 Hectic Hill Lane addressed the commission. David and Maud Betts were his “in-laws”. His son lives next door to him and his other son lives on the other side of the Betts House. Mr. Cromwell and Mr. Betts practiced law in the same building and they were friends and colleagues in addition to being related by marriage. Mr. Betts did not influence society. Although president of the local and state bar, he did not set any legal precedents. David and Maude Betts previously lived on Upton Street. Maud had heart trouble so she wanted a ranch house with no stairs. The entire family is opposed to this designation. Commissioner van Balgooy asked how the house got in such bad condition. Mr. Cromwell explained that his daughter owned it and sold it to someone as an investment and they resold it to new owners. The house was unoccupied for a long period of time. Tim Davis might have been the builder for the house. He built the Jefferson Building. Commissioner van Balgooy questioned how someone with the credentials and accomplishments of those of Mr. Betts could be regarding as not having influence on society. Mr. Cromwell noted that every year there is a new President of the Bar and all of them practice in Rockville because it’s the county seat. The other professional affiliations, such as being a Fellow of the Law Institute, only reflect that he belonged to the charity portion of the profession that helps sponsor scholarships to law school. Mr. Steve Orr, Attorney from Miles & Stockbridge, speaking for himself, made the following points: 1. The architectural elements of the house do not rise to the level of designation, 2. Being President of the Montgomery County Bar Association is not significant; many lawyers were and are president of the local bar association and that does not mean they influence society, 3. Historic designation is an honor and it should not be imposed unless it absolutely and definitely meets the criteria, instead of considering such borderline cases, 4. Bar Foundations are the charitable/educational arm of the bar association.
Discussion: Commissioner Maloney disclosed that he has worked with the Cromwells several times with their construction business, but he thinks he can be objective and would like to participate in the discussion. He looked at the house two years ago and doesn’t think it is a significant example of Colonial Revival style. Commissioner Hunt-McCool stated that ideally designation should not be imposed, but there may be times when this is appropriate. For this property it is less clear – the architectural significance is muddy and she agrees with the owner and does not support the designation. Commissioner van Balgooy finds the house an interesting mid 20th century house. It’s more a modern ranch house (not only Colonial Revival), and is representative of the period. People wanted modern conveniences in the house, but they wanted them in traditional clothing – not modern architecture. This is quite common on the West Coast. Regarding David and Maude Betts, he is puzzled that they are not considered significant. He doesn’t agree with the lack of visibility argument and public purpose. The property only needs to meet one criterion. He prefers to have owner support for designation considerations, but can go against the owner’s wishes if it is appropriate. He has difficulty with the family’s assessment of David Betts influence, noting that it is not uncommon for family members to underestimate their own family’s significance because of the close relation. Chair Hitchcock commented that he agrees with Commissioner McCool. Looking at the Jefferson Building, he is leaning toward not recommending designation of the Hectic Hill house. Commissioner van Balgooy thinks more research on the type of architecture could expand our understanding of the house. Staff Winstel noted that the Certified Local Government grant application that was submitted last year for survey and context development was not funded and would have provided that level of information. Commissioner van Balgooy is concerned because this is calling for complete demolition, and he would like documentation of the property by a professional photographer. The applicant should pay the costs, and the photographs will become property of the city and must include the landscape, setting and the building. Staff Ziek mentioned that photographs were taken of 255 North Washington Street prior to demolition as a good example of documentation. MOTION: Commissioner van Balgooy proposed that the property does not meet Criterion B or A and moved to not recommend the house for designation, with the condition that it be photo-documented to HABS standards prior to demolition. Commission Moloney seconded the motion. VOTE: 4-0
C. HBS2007-00779
Applicant: Petroleum Marketing Group
Address: 801 Hungerford Drive
Request: Evaluate for significance [Demolition – DEM2008-00106] Staff Winstel began his report noting that the subject property is located at 801 Hungerford Drive at the corner of Frederick Avenue, which is no longer a through street. The parcel backs up to the train tracks for MARC and METRO and a large pedestrian overhead bridge is adjacent to the site. The gas station was built in 1963 but is a 1950s Phillips 66 prototype station. Photographs from the Phillips Conoco corporate archives show the same basic form with the two service bays grouped together as opposed to one on each end as with the subject property. An identical gas station, constructed in 1965, is located in the Montgomery County town of Laytonsville. The architectural significance of the building is as an intact example of franchise or product brand architecture associated with the car culture of the 1950s and early 1960s, as represented by its prototype form and aerodynamic styling. It is less than 50 years old, but roadside architecture is recognized by the National Register as potentially significant. The National Register Bulletin #22 also notes that roadside architecture may be fragile and short-lived due to rapid removal and quickly changing trends in this group of buildings. The owners/ lessee of the station are opposed to the designation and have gone through a substantial amount of planning and permitting toward building a new gas station on the site. Commission van Balgooy asked if there were any other gas stations designated in the city. Staff reported there are none. Commissioner van Balgooy noted that there are two (2) in the county, and asked if there are any earlier ones in Rockville. Staff reported that there is an earlier one just outside the city on Rockville Pike, but, to their knowledge, there is no earlier gas station in Rockville. Commission and staff discussed future use of site and staff noted that the parcel is a problem building site; the existing building is nonconforming and the proposed redevelopment has required numerous variances for building plans to be approved. Chair Hitchcock invited property owners to address the commission. Bob Ackerly from Petroleum Marketing Group, identified his organization and the operator and G.D. Armstrong as the owner. Mr. Ackerly stated they have been working with CPDS for almost 3 years now on variances, use permits, and building permits, noting that staff has been very supportive. Everyone thought they were doing something good for the community by cleaning up an eyesore. The existing building is not competitive as a modern service station. They have spent over $100,000 on planning and permitting, and done environmental upgrades to the existing tanks. Chair Hitchcock asked if they would be comfortable with the thirty-day period, as recommended by staff, to allow for the removal of the gas station from the property. Mr. Ackerley said they would be okay with that, but they want to get to work before winter and their final permits should be issued within a month. The new building will be 2,736 square feet and have a further setback and the gas pumps will be moved. Commissioner van Balgooy asked if they have considered reusing the existing building instead of demolition and building a new structure. Mr. Ackerly stated they have not considered it because the location of the lot is a problem and the existing station would not function adequately as a modern gas station. The existing building is too close to the road and they have to make adjustments for access to accommodate existing traffic patterns. Commissioner van Balgooy stated that he would like to see a site plan and expressed concern about being left with an empty lot. Mr. Ackerly stated that they have every intention to build as soon as possible because right now they can’t even rent the existing building for enough to cover the costs of carrying the property. He has no objection to linking the demolition permit to building permit. Bruce McNaughton, Treasurer of G.D. Armstrong, had many questions as to why this designation was being considered. He pointed out that the staff report states that the building is concrete, the property has received numerous citations and they would be making an improvement to the property. He questioned why anybody would want to relocate this building and how would they advertise this and if the staff has any idea how the building would be relocated. He does not think these recommendations make sense. His company, G.D. Armstrong built the Laytonsville station and he has the plans for anyone who wants to see this type of gas station. Commissioner van Balgooy stated that the Laytonsville station is a nice building, but Mr. McNaughton only considered it marginally better. Hugh McNaughton, President of GD Armstrong, addressed the commission. He stated that they have had to donate considerable land over time to expand SR 355, and when metro came through the gas station was denied access to Lincoln Park. As these changes have occurred the current gas station has become less commercially viable. This is a service station and a service station needs space to store the cars after they are serviced. There is no longer any space for this. The economic value of the location has diminished so it has been impossible to get good tenants for the property who would take care of the property, which was always receiving citations. Good tenants have been now been found, and he stated that preserving this would be preserving an eyesore. Terry Lachin, Programs Manager, Peerless Rockville spoke in support of the designation. She stated that the building was identified 3 years earlier in their Recent Past survey and the building has been featured several times in publications and in their recent Symposium on the Recent Past. Peerless supports the designation for reasons outlined in the staff report – it is unique to Rockville. The gas station evokes the early 1960s car culture in Rockville, the development of Hungerford Drive and Montgomery College. It also reflects the move of car dealers from the central business district in Rockville to the Pike, which was followed by a similar move by other businesses. Architect John Sullivan designed the Humboldt Car Care Center, which was demolished by the construction of Metro. Amoco Fuels, located at 360 Hungerford, was an oblong Colonial Revival style station, and was demolished in 2004-05 for the Town Center parking garage. The station at 801 Hungerford embodies the 1950s period of gas station design and has the same aerodynamic feel as Saarinen’s design for Dulles Airport. Because something may be considered an eyesore now doesn’t mean that it couldn’t be considered a landmark in the future. Bruce McNaughten asked if the building met the Criteria for designation since it is not over 50 years old and is not in a Historic District. Ms. Lachin replied that the age criterion is a guideline not a rule and the building doesn’t have to be in an existing historic district to qualify. Chair Hitchcock asked if Peerless had any thoughts about moving the building. Ms. Lachin stated that a building and its environment are tied together and she thinks moving the building would sacrifice the setting, but it is sometimes successful. Commissioner van Balgooy asked if the recent past survey found any earlier gas stations. Ms. Lachin stated none to date, but they were more focused on other building types, such as churches and schools. Property owner McNaughten stated that the staff report described the architectural style as garish and he did not know if it is the last one of its type on the Pike. He came from the area and graduated from Gaithersburg High School in 1962. Many things have changed since then and no longer exist. Why should he be penalized because he happens to have the last one of some type of building? Commissioner Hunt-McCool asked what the plans are for the Laytonsville gas station. Mr. McNaughten said the town would love for them to tear it down but it was re-zoned as residential historic. If anyone wants to preserve something like this, they are welcome to the blueprints they used for the Laytonsville station. Commissioner van Balgooy asked if this gas station could be expanded. Mr. McNaughton stated that a 2-bay station cuts off access. A service station needs to store cars and that would block access. GD Armstrong bought the strip of land behind the parcel from Metro to allow them further setback needed to allow gas trucks to get in and out. Commissioner van Balgooy asked if they could abandon the service function and reuse the existing structure. McNaughton said the interior bearing walls would need to be demolished as the office has no view of the bays and the service were constructed so only the employees could get into the bays – not retail customers. Chair Hitchcock closed the comment period and asked for discussion. Commissioner van Balgooy asked if the building could be moved. Commissioner Moloney stated that it could be relocated but it would be difficult and expensive adding that, in his opinion, it would have to meet a very high threshold of significance to justify the effort. He liked the building and would like to see it reused. Chair Hitchcock stated he was leaning toward recommending relocation. Commissioner Hunt-McCool asked about the potential for reuse, adding her concern for environmental issues involving the tanks and suggested discussion of the option for good documentation as with the last case.
Chair Hitchcock stated that he did not consider 30-days a significant delay and is keeping with the review process. He asked if there was a motion. Commissioner van Balgooy stated that this was one of the tougher decisions but emphasized that the primary decision to be made is whether or not they feel the gas station is historically significant. He wished that the city would make the approval of the demolition permit conditional to first obtaining a building permit. He also wished that the city had a clear policy for reusing and recycling buildings instead of continually filling up dumps. Part of the difficulty of the significance decision is the type of building. Should gas stations even be considered significant architecture worthy of preservation? He had concern for the applicant’s sense that it was his bad luck that this property was considered as the last remaining example of its type; especially, as historic evaluation is happening after most of the permitting approvals have been given. He feels the building is a distinctive style and if the owner were supporting its designation, he would easily agree. Chairman Hitchcock thinks there is some significance to the building as a reflection of a time in the auto industry, and notes that gas stations have been designated elsewhere, but is sympathetic to the owners and is leaning toward the relocation suggestion. Commissioner Hunt-McCool expressed a request for more documentation to be added to any motion. Chair Hitchcock added the building be retained for 30 days and Commission van Balgooy requests that the building permit be linked to the demolition permit. Commissioner Hunt-McCool requested the building permit stipulation be a separate motion not linked to the other suggested courses of action. The Chair asked for a vote to withdraw the condition that issuance of the building permit be linked to the issuance of a demolition permit. AYE – Commission Hunt-McCool
NO –Commissioners van Balgooy, Maloney, and Chair Hitchcock MOTION: Commissioner van Balgooy finds the property does not meet Criterion B and moved to recommend the property not be designated or recommended for designation on the condition that it be photo-documented to HABS standards prior to demolition, a 30-day period be granted to provide an interested party to relocate or salvage parts of the building prior to demolition, and this issuance of the demolition permit is conditioned upon the approval of a building permit for new construction on the site. Commissioner Moloney seconded the motion VOTE: 4-0
IV. Courtesy Review
A. HBS2007-00782 and DEM2008-00107
Applicant: Kimberly & Stephen Heifetz
Gina Darne, Agent (Stanley Martin Custom Homes)
Address: 539 Beall Avenue
Request: Comment on Proposed New Construction
(Adjacent to 541 Beall Avenue: The Allnutt House) Chair Hitchcock excused himself asking Vice Chair van Balgooy to act as Chair. Commissioner Hunt-McCool stated she would have to leave by 10:00 pm. Staff Ziek gave the staff report, noting that the Allnutt House, at 541 Beall Avenue, is from the Victorian period and the environmental setting originally would have reflected this period. The applicant is not in attendance. Staff Ziek stated the proposed new construction at 539 Beall Avenue, adjacent to the Allnutt House, is compatible and in compliance with the Secretary of Interior Standards #9, and recommended Conditions for approval. As the cherry tree on the Allnutt House property will be made hazardous by the new construction, the owner of the Allnutt House must be notified of this. The owner of the Allnutt House shall inform the city of their desire to keep the tree at their own expense or permission for the applicant to remove the tree at the applicant’s expense. The applicant would also work with the city to install two 2.5” caliper Purple Ash Trees in the public right of way in front of the house. Commissioner Hunt-McCool stated her concern regarding the environmental setting of the house and the historic setting. She disagreed with the limited options given the homeowner and would like to have seen the options staff recommended expanded. This is not a minor tree, especially as two other trees are being taken down as well. Mr. Sante is losing an asset and should be compensated. She recommended that money be put in an escrow account in case the tree needs to be removed in the future, the new house be moved to better protect the tree, and the site and house be redesigned to protect the existing environment. Commissioner Maloney stated that this is the existing niche for the historic house and asked if the existing house has a basement. Staff noted that the existing house has a basement and the City Forester is concerned about supporting roots that will cut during demolition and new construction, which will all have a negative impact on the tree. Commissioner van Balgooy agreed with the suggestion of an escrow account being put in place in case of damage to the Allnutt house. He wondered whether the new building could be built with the existing west basement wall left in place to prevent damage to the tree’s root system. Commissioner Moloney thought the design for the new house to be appropriate for the area but would have liked side-by-side drawings to estimate the impact. The new house will have a visual affect on the streetscape, and this should be evaluated as a streetscape. He liked the fact that they put the garage behind the house. Commissioner van Balgooy noted demolition of the 1964 house has already been approved and this is a courtesy review so no motion is needed. V. Discussion/ Updates A. HDC Accomplishments FY07; Goals for FY 08 Staff Winstel reported that the list of HDC accomplishments for last fiscal year (FY 07) and goals for next fiscal year FY 08) that the HDC reviewed and approved at the August retreat meeting have been forwarded to the City Clerk. B. August HDC Retreat/ Work Session, August 16, 2007 The retreat took place at the Civic Center’s Cottage and the commission requested that a procedure be developed to notify the HDC of all proposed demolitions. See item E. C. Happy Birthday Montgomery County participation, September 9 Staff member Kebba represented the City’s historic preservation program at this event held at the Beall Dawson grounds. Attendance was high, and included County Executive Isiah Leggett. D. 2008 Heritage Tourism Grant, Rockville Cemetery brochure Staff Winstel reported the award of a $1,500 grant from Heritage Montgomery for a Rockville Cemetery Visitor Brochure. E. Demolition Review Procedures Memo Staff Winstel reported that a demolition procedures memo was in the commission’s packet and the procedure has received a trial run during the past few weeks. He asked that the HDC forward comments to staff, as we continue to evaluate the best way to do this. Commissioner van Balgooy was surprised by the number of demolitions occurring and questioned if this was typical. He wondered if the city had any policy on sustainable practices. Staff responded that a Sustainable Practices Policy statement is in draft and Staff Ziek noted that it draws on LEED principles. Staff Winstel will forward a copy to the HDC. F. State Tax Credit Analysis 2000-2007 Staff Kebba prepared the spreadsheet on state tax credit data in HDC packets and staff announced a public workshop for Rockville residents providing assistance with filling out the forms for tax credits. The workshop is tentatively scheduled for January 12, Saturday morning with a snow date set for January 26, 2007. Commissioner van Balgooy noted that the numbers on the spreadsheet are fairly high and provided a great deal of savings to people. G. National Trust Conference; October 2-5 in Minneapolis Previously mentioned at start of meeting H. Pioneer America Society paper presentation Staff Winstel was selected to present a paper on the changing landscape of Glenview at this year’s Pioneer America Society National Conference being held in Hagerstown, October 11-12. Approval of minutes was tabled due to a lack of a quorum. Meeting adjourned at 10:20 pm. | 
