Historic District Commission
Minutes
Meeting No. 01-2009
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Rockville City Hall
| PRESENT | |
| Craig Moloney (Chair Pro Temp) | |
| Janet Hunt McCool | Jeremy Tucker |
| Anita Neal-Powell | |
Staff present: Robin Ziek, Preservation Planner; Jim Wasilak, Chief of Planning
I. The Agenda Review began at 7:00 pm. The HDC and staff reviewed the upcoming agenda; no decisions were made.
The formal meeting began at 7:30 p.m. Chair Pro Temp Moloney opened the general meeting and introduced the commissioners and staff.
II. Committee / Organization Reports
A. Peerless Rockville – Mary van Balgooy, Executive Director of Peerless Rockville, presented the monthly update. Frieda’s Cottage is now available for a tenant. Nominations for their Annual Awards are due March 13th. They have participated in two successful Recent Past events: February 3rd: Premier of the Rockville Channel 11 video on the interviews with the “Two Jacks” – designers of Twinbrook; and the February 6-8 Design Charrette with the University of Maryland School of Architecture, focusing on reuse of the Suburban Trust Bank Buildings (255 N. Washington Street). For more information, contact Peerless Rockville at
301-762-0096 or www.peerlessrockville.org.
B. Lincoln Park Historical Foundation – Commissioner Powell presented the monthly update. The Foundation is celebrating its 32nd Anniversary on February 25th, to include a road trip in the morning, a self-guided tour of Rockville African-American heritage sites in the Rockville Town Center, and an evening performance with many groups. This will be held at Montgomery College, Rockville Campus, Theatre Arts Building. For more information, contact the Lincoln Park Historical Foundation or the Leroy E. Neal African American Research Center at Lincolnparkhist@aol.com or call 301-251-2747.
C. Public Comments/Open Forum: No comments.
D. Comments – Historic District Commissioners, Historic Preservation Staff: Chair Pro Temp Moloney participated in Preservation Lobby Day, an opportunity to talk with State legislators in Annapolis. He heard an update on proposed revisions to the Maryland Heritage State Rehabilitation Tax Credit program.
Staff Ziek provided the following updates: archaeological finds at the N. Adams Street brick sidewalk replacement project; an HDC assessment of staff is forthcoming; an applicants’ assessment of the process is also forthcoming; the [50% completion] drawings of the new Courthouse were distributed, as per the HDC request; a consultation with the MAHDC Circuit Rider is being offered but the City provides staff and training to the HDC, which many commissions statewide lack; staff will be working with the environmental staff to include historic preservation links to http://www.rockvillemd.gov/environment/index.html, the city’s web site on sustainability.
III. Consent Agenda: Certificates of Approval, Minutes
Commissioner Tucker pulled item III B from the Consent Agenda. Commissioner McCool pulled item III A from the Consent Agenda.
The Minutes for the HDC Meeting 10-08, November 20, 2008 were proposed for approval on the Consent Agenda, to be approved as submitted.
MOTION: Commissioner Tucker moved for approval; Commissioner Powell seconded.
VOTE: 4 - 0
III A. HDC2009-00451 - 19 Thomas Street (Frieda’s Cottage)
Applicant: Peerless Rockville (Eileen McGuckian, Agent)
Address: 19 Thomas Street/Chestnut Lodge
Request: Approve Landscape Concept Plan
Staff Ziek noted that she had been working with the applicant over the past two months on this project, and there have been some changes in that time. The proposed Condition reflects the fact that the applicant has approached this as a restoration project, rather than a more typical rehabilitation. Historic photographs show that the tall hedge in front of the house was not there during the period of significance and therefore could be removed. The historic photographs also show that the walkway had been informal and set into the lawn. Staff felt that the formal planting bed proposed on the north side of the walk didn’t match this informal historic character.
Commissioner McCool noted that the HDC typically will not review landscape alterations to this level but that it is appropriate at this site, given the restoration goals of the owner. Chair Pro Temp Moloney noted that he had employed the same landscape architect at his own home, but felt that would not effect his consideration. He asked about the reviews by the Maryland Historical Trust. Staff noted that if there are disagreements with the MHT review regarding things approved by the HDC, there will be no delays for the applicant in terms of being able to rent the site. The Chair Pro Temp also asked about the concrete landing at the front steps, which will be replaced in a slightly larger configuration. The applicant noted that alternate ideas are welcomed, but at this point it is a matter of keeping what is already there.
MOTION: Commissioner Tucker moved for approval, as per the staff report, with the added suggestion that the owner explore options for the concrete landing; Commissioner Powell seconded.
VOTE: 4 - 0
III B. HDC2009-00449 - Chestnut Lodge signage and sign-lighting
Applicant: Chestnut Lodge Properties (Rob Baker, Agent)
Address: 500 W. Montgomery Avenue/Bullard Circle/Thomas Street
Request: Approve signage and associated sign lighting
A brief staff report summarized the application. Staff noted that this had been amended, in response to comments from Chair van Balgooy, who could not be present but who is highly experienced with interpretive signage. Staff worked closely with the applicant to revise the signage proposal to make the text more engaging to the public.
The applicant’s attorney, Soo Li Cho, asked for questions. The Chair Pro Temp Moloney raised several points about the need for lighting at the front entrance, considering existing street lights? He also asked about the signal control box, which Rob Baker clarified will end up behind the entry wall and will not be part of the W. Montgomery Avenue streetscape. Chair Pro Temp Moloney thought the lighting for the “Chestnut Lodge” sign was fine, but questioned the proposed lighting of the piers flanking the pedestrian path. Issues raised include too much light, glare for pedestrians leaving the site, and general appropriateness of lighted signage in the historic district. The applicant described the fixture, low wattage (20 watts), ability to control the area of lighting, the need to provide lighting on both sides of the roadway, and compliance with City’s new Lighting Manual that will be assured through required inspections.
MOTION: Commissioner McCool moved for approval, as per the Amended staff report; Commissioner Powell seconded.
VOTE: 4 - 0
IV. Discussion
A. Draft agenda for meeting with the Environmental Commission
Staff Wasilak noted that they are advisory to the Mayor and Council, and focus on sustainability issues. Commissioner McCool said it would be good to talk with them to find out how the HDC could help them with their mission.
V. Adjourn
Commissioner McCool said that Jeff Winstal will be greatly missed by the HDC. They are all grateful for his work and for his sense of humor.
The HDC adjourned at 9:05 p.m.