Thursday, March 20, 2008
Rockville City Hall
PRESENT |
Max van Balgooy, Chair |
Craig Moloney
Anita Neal Powell | Janet Hunt McCool |
Staff present: Robin Ziek, Jeffrey Winstel, Preservation Planners
I. WORKSESSION (7:00– 7:30 p.m.): Agenda review and update.
Chair van Balgooy opened the general meeting at 7:38 p.m. and introduced the commissioners and staff. He stated that the worksession was limited to a review of the meeting agenda.
II. COMMITTEE / ORGANIZATION REPORTS
A. Peerless Rockville – Eileen McGuckian and Mary van Balgooy gave the report:
Eileen McGuckian introduced Mary van Balgooy as the new Executive Director of Peerless Rockville adding that Mary had worked for Peerless for the last 8 months as the Development Director. Eileen stated her understanding of the City Attorney’s opinion on apparent conflict of interest is that Mary should not testify to the HDC as her husband is a commissioner. Peerless member, Suzanne Fischer and Eileen will provide such testimony in the future. Mary will provide news and updates.
Eileen reported on the Planning Commission’s denial of a recommendation of Historic District overlay zoning for the 1971 Library to the Mayor and Council. Noting that Peerless has worked at realizing its mission of preserving Rockville’s historic structures and heritage for almost 34 years, Eileen stated that she is not aware of any action the organization has taken that was contrary to this mission. The Recent Past project has identified over 300 properties and the Rockville Library has been of special interest throughout the project. Peerless’ motives for proposing historic designation of the Library are not framed by the location of the courthouse. Their objective is not to block anything, but to perform the organization’s mission, which is consistent with noting the negative impact the proposed courthouse will have on the adjacent Courthouse Square/ Washington Street Historic District. Peerless will provide testimony at the Public Hearing on March 31.
Mary van Balgooy reported on the successful Open House for Frieda’s Cottage that took place on February 23rd, and included a window restoration workshop. Most of the exterior work is done and they hope to have the interior work completed by this summer. Upcoming events include the Underground Railroad tour on April 19 from 9 – 12pm (reservations are required), and the Homes Tour on May 10 from 4-8 pm, which will focus on homes in East Rockville. Peerless Preservation Awards will be presented on May 12, 2008.
B. Lincoln Park Historical Foundation - Commissioner Powell stated there was no report.
C. Staff Winstel attended a site visit with Montgomery Preservation Inc. Executive Director, Judy Christensen and Preservation Maryland’s Jessica Feldt, regarding Montgomery County’s application for hosting the 2009 Statewide Preservation Conference. Kathleen Moran, Supervisor of the Civic Center assisted with a tour of the Glenview Mansion, Cottage and F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre, which would be the main campus for the conference, scheduled for May 28 and 29th of 2009. They also met with Kelly Goeff of the Montgomery County Convention and Visitors’ Bureau, who assisted in preparing the nomination.
Chair van Balgooy asked about a presentation Staff Winstel is giving at Glenview Mansion on April 6, Sunday afternoon at 3:15 on the National Register listing of Glenview and the design and cultural significance of the site. Chair van Balgooy inquired about a possible relocation of the Historic Preservation staff away from the Planning Division. Staff Ziek and Winstel reported that they recently learned this had been decided and were concerned about coordination of demolition review and other zoning and planning matters with the rest of the planning department. The staff has recently focused on improving the coordination and review process and feels their relocation will hinder these efforts in the future. Chair van Balgooy and other commissioner share this concern and wish to look into the matter further.
Chair van Balgooy announced a change in the agenda order, placing the Consent Agenda items first and then reviewing the applications for Certificate of Approval. Commissioner Hunt-McCool requested that HDC2008-00418 be pulled from the Consent Agenda for individual consideration by the Commission.
V. Certificates of Approval [Consent Agenda]
A. HDC2008-00416 [Consent Agenda]
Applicant: Raymond J. Whalen
Address: 12 Wall Street
Request: Remove non-historic fence and install new fence
POSTPONED B. HDC2008-00420 [Consent Agenda]
Applicant: Alex and Rebecca Daskalakis
Address: 8 Thomas Street
Request: Pave gravel driveway
VI. Montgomery County Historic Preservation Tax Credit Applications [Consent Agenda]
Staff Ziek reminded the commission that HDC2008-420 was pulled from the agenda and rescheduled for next month’s meeting.
Chair van Balgooy asked for a motion to approve the 7 Consent Agenda items for consideration (HDC2008-00416, HDC2008-00417, HDC2008-00419, HDC2008-00422, HDC2008-00423, and HDC2008-00424) as presented by staff.
Commissioner Moloney moved for approval; Commissioner Hunt-McCool seconded the motion for approval
VOTE: 4-0
IV A. Courtesy Review
Applicant: Robert and Colleen Corbey
Address: 108 N. Adams Street
Request: Addition to house
Staff Winstel presented the Courtesy Review of the proposed massing and location of an addition to the house. He reviewed the MHT inventory form, which identifies two separate sections to the house: a rear late 19th century moved from the adjacent Peter/ Muth House in 1927; and, the front part of the house which was then added. The building was entirely faced with rough stucco, masking the separate sections behind a common facing. Staff Winstel noted 19th century fabric in the interior of both sections of the house; and that jig-sawn Victorian pattern rear porch balusters (mentioned in the MHT form), have been replaced. The current rear porch is constructed of modern dimensional lumber. The description of the different window trim that indicates the older section does not match the actual location of window being described in the inventory form. The house appears to not have two distinct sections, one clearly 19th century and the other 1927.
The requested addition would extend from the north side elevation out approximately 20’ and be 2 stories. This would violate the setback of this corner lot, which actually has two front setbacks. The allowable building area would be limited to 11 feet from the north elevation unless a variance was obtained. The second option would extend from the rear elevation and the side elevation. The rear setback would allow for an 18 feet depth and would not require a variance. Staff recommends consideration of this option noting that the Standards and Technical Guides need to be followed, all necessary City permits need to be obtained, and the addition should involve saving as much historic fabric and using existing openings. Additional considerations include the addition setting back from the façade wall plane and the height being less than that of the core historic structure.
Chair van Balgooy asked property owners Robert and Colleen Corbey to comment on the staff report’s accuracy.
Ms. Corbey stated the staff report was accurate and stated that they couldn’t build much without a variance. She asked what is involved with the variance application?
Mr. Corbey noted that the interior staircase would remain, which limits interior alterations along the north elevation. He added that he has to apply for a parking permit yearly and would like to have a garage as part of the addition. He added that the large window on the north elevation he believes is original, but not the smaller ones toward the rear of the house. He would like to have the option of considering both the proposed additions in the staff report.
Commissioner Hunt-McCool asked if they investigated the setback limitation of the lot when they purchased the property. The Corbey’s replied that they had not, in part, because they purchased this as a rental property.
Mr. Corbey stated that the house currently only has two bedrooms and 1 ½ baths. They want more space for children and family members who often visit. Commissioner Hunt-McCool sympathized with them noting that she too has space limitations in her old house when family visits and also has to apply for a parking permit.
Mr. Corbey stated the street is challenging when it snows due to the snowplow.
Ms. Corbey told the Commission they came for the courtesy review to see if they could do what they wanted before they spend the money on an architect.
Commission van Balgooy asked staff how hard it is to get a variance and should they have gone to the Board of Appeals before coming to the HDC.
Staff Winstel stated that he didn’t have experience with variance considerations but did think that coming to the HDC first was recommended to make sure the HDC would not deny approval of an addition that the property owner had received a variance to build.
Staff Ziek stated that the property owners should meet with the Board of Appeals staff to discuss applying for a variance.
Commissioner van Balgooy stated that he thinks the zoning code is clear on what is allowed and what is not.
Commissioner Moloney said that it was good to come to the HDC first before the Board of Appeals and recommended the second option asking if they were concerned about retaining their parking pad. Ms. Corbey stated their interest in digging under and building a lower level garage.
Commissioner Moloney commented that archeological resources would then be a consideration. He inquired if they would be happy with Option 2 if they couldn’t get the variance, stating that both scenarios are good but 20’ on the side elevation would have a greater impact on the historic character of the house. He presumes that this would be a 2-story addition and they would use different material and have a different foundation. The massing, proportion and window openings will need to be complementary with the historic character of the house. If you are seeking the tax credits the state preservation office will have to review and approve the addition.
Ms. Corbey said an addition will be subservient, but they need a bathroom and bedroom. Commissioner Moloney felt that there would be enough room for a study as well.
Mr. Corbey asked about moving the driveway to have a garage under a rear addition. The HDC thought that could work.
Commissioner Hunt McCool noted that a variance application will give their neighbors an opportunity to comment on the project.
Commissioner van Balgooy agreed with Commissioner Moloney that both could be approved and the devil would be in the details.
VI. B. Montgomery County Historic Preservation Tax Credit
Applicant: Adams Center Partnership/ John Dufief
Address: 25,27,29,31,33 Wood Lane
Request: Tax Credit Recommendation
Staff Ziek summarized the project, which had been previously approved by the HDC as affecting new construction within a Historic District.
The Owner, Mr. Dufief, testified that the new Anderson windows, true divided lights and double-glazed, provided a monthly savings in heating costs and he was happy with them.
Commissioner Hunt-McCool stated that she didn’t have a specific compliant but had concern about a policy that provides the same tax credit to non-contributing resources as contributing resources, which are held to a higher standard.
Staff Ziek responded that this is a County tax credit program, in which the City participates but does not regulate. The project involves new non-historic buildings for which the HDC approved new wood clad windows to replace existing new windows. This non-contributing resource is not eligible for the state or federal tax credits. The decision to provide county tax credits is linked to our ability to review alterations at non-contributing properties for their effect on the overall character of the district. .
Mr. Dufief stated that these new windows have better weather stripping and locks and cushioning and provide more comfort. He also stated that he couldn’t finish the project before 08/2008.
Staff Ziek stated that an extension could be granted at staff level.
Commissioner Hunt McCool stated that she is not going to vote against recommending approval of the tax credits, but wants to it to be known that historic home owners would not be able to use these windows and could have to spend more money on windows.
Staff Ziek noted that appropriate windows for a historic property might not be more expensive, and Mr. Dufief noted that his replacement windows were very expensive. Staff Ziek noted that the HDC is first and foremost a “preservation” commission, and that this entails retaining maximum historic fabric. The Commission aims for consistency, but their decisions are not strictly about design or appearance, but they have the task to preserve the Rockville historic sites that are the real thing. Work on historic resources may or may not be more expensive, but the Commission is consistent in following their Standards and Guidelines. They have approved the use of new materials with new additions, but are charged with protecting what’s original about Rockville Historic Districts.
Chair van Balgooy asked for a motion.
Commissioner Moloney moved approval of HDC2008-00418; Commissioner Hunt- McCool seconded
VOTE: 4-0
III. Discussion / Updates
A. Staff Winstel noted that the Explore Rockville interpretive plaques have been recently cleaned and repaired by City Building Services staff, and look wonderful.
B. Staff Winstel noted that there is a vacancy on the HDC, and applications are currently being sought. Please contact the City for more information at 240-314-8230.
C. Staff Winstel noted the upcoming Preservation Maryland/Maryland Historical Trust annual Preservation and Revitalization Conference May 29-30, University Systems of Maryland, Hagerstown, MD. He will be participating in a session.
D. Staff Winstel displayed the Preserve America sign. The City successfully met the criteria for this federal program and recently received this sign for posting.
E. Staff Winstel noted that the Montgomery County Historic Preservation Tax Credit application deadline is April 1, 2008, and coming up soon.
F. Historic designation review schedule for 99 Maryland Avenue, 1971 library, MAP2008-00103. Planning Commission recommendation 3/12/08.
Chair van Balgooy commented on the Planning Commission’s denial of the Library historic designation recommendation based on the Comprehensive Master Plan from 2002 and the 2001 Town Center Plan. He regards the reference to the Library being demolished and the courthouse being built on the site as merely a parenthetical reference.
Staff Ziek recalled that there was similar discussion about the proposed rezoning for 702 Maple Avenue, as incompatible with the East Rockville Neighborhood Plan, but it went forward on the basis that the Plan had not addressed demolitions per se.
Commissioner Hunt McCool noted that this is only part of the Mayor and Council consideration and that more interest in the Recent Past may be expressed and perhaps jurisdictional cooperation could be pursued. Staff Ziek stated that jurisdictional cooperation has occurred in the past.
Chair van Balgooy stated that the HDC’s decision has to do with the historic significance of the building, not the use; and, the historic significance of the building should not be the Planning Commission’s concern. Perhaps there is a blurring of the lines of authority.
G. Historic designation review schedule for Rockville Heights Historic District, 101, 103, 105, 107 Fleet Street and 150 Maryland Avenue, MAP2008-00104. Commissioner Moloney agreed to be the HDC Commissioner to participate in this designation, and attend review meetings.
VII. Minutes: Meeting No. 02-08, February 21, 2001
Chair van Balgooy asked for changes to the minutes. Commission Neal Powell asked that the website address for the Lincoln Park Historical Foundation be corrected to aapc-md.org. Staff agreed to make the correction.
Chair van Balgooy made a motion to approve the minutes, seconded by Commission Moloney.
No discussion, Chair votes Aye. Motion carried. Vote: 4-0
VIII. Adjourn
Announcing that the next meeting will be held on April 17, 2008, the Chair adjourned the meeting at 9:00 p.m.
