Historic Rockville
Lincoln Park Community Preservation Committee

MINUTES
Meeting of Lincoln Park Community Preservation Committee
Lincoln Park Community Center

March 3, 2005
7:00 p.m.

Committee Present: Cindy Hall, Chair; Fran Hawkins, Anita Summerour, Terry Lachin, Peerless Rockville, James Wilburn, Wilma Bell, Joy Murorunkwere, Catina Morris and Bea McWilliams. City of Rockville staff members present: Jim Wasilak, Chief of Long Range Planning Division, Judy Christensen and Shelby Spillers, Planners.

I. Chair Cindy Hall called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m.  The minutes were approved as submitted.  Planner Judy Christensen summarized the February meeting saying that the group that attended found the standards proposed allowed too large a house, and that whatever the nomination was allowed would be what was built. Therefore, the standard for percent of lot coverage was reduced from 25% to 20% of 6,000 square feet, the minimum lot size. This would allow a footprint of 1200 square feet.  With an attic story or a full second story, it would allow up to 2400 feet and up to 3600 feet with a full basement. The front setback variation was amended from five feet to two-to-five feet to allow more flexibility. The base front setback continues to be a minimum of 25 feet. The Committee reviewed and approved the revised development standards.

Questions:

a. Who would review new building and additions for adverse impact to the streetscape or district? 

The Committee did not favor the HDC or Planning Commission as a reviewing body.  A three person reviewing body appointed by the Mayor was proposed.  Members should be qualified in a field such as architecture, history, or a profession such as required by the HDC for membership.  At least one member must be a Lincoln Park resident. It will function somewhat like a town architect review or an HOA architectural committee.  Only new buildings or additions would be reviewed. All other work must comply with current City of Rockville Code, but no further review would be required.

b. How will the neighbors be notified?

By postcards and through the Civic Association.

c. How will demolition be controlled?

The Committee members said that the neighborhood must make a strong statement opposing demolition of contributing structures. The topic will be addressed in more depth at the next meeting.

II. Shelby Spillers will be working on the best practices guidelines for review next month.  They will reflect typical size, materials, and design that is present and are elements of character in Lincoln Park today.  It will also present ways to retain character through use of appropriate windows, siding and other features.  It must be adopted as a package with the Preservation Plan and Development Standards.  The Best Practices Guidelines will not be mandatory, but residents will be encouraged to adhere to them.

III. The Public Realm Chapter was presented in draft.  It essentially calls for no review or approval on ordinary maintenance and replacement of public facilities such as curbs, gutters, street signs, and street furniture but require neighborhood review if a substantial change in the street system or design is proposed.  The Parks area was similar.  No review or approval would be required for any ordinary maintenance or replacement to park furniture or landscaping, or to public buildings unless a major change in use or design is proposed.  For both public utilities and parks, if a major change in use or design is proposed, the departments currently notify the neighborhood and hold a public information meeting. This would continue and be mandatory under the preservation plan.

As pressure is growing on Lincoln Park to develop vacant lots and redevelop some areas, speedy completion and adoption of the plan was a concern.  Planner Judy Christensen said that it would probably take about two more months to have the draft plan ready to take to the Mayor and Council and hold public hearings.  It was asked what form the plan would be, a historic district or conservation district. The answer was that it could be done either way. Jim Wasilak said that a text amendment could be written for a conservation plan.  The Committee thought that the term “conservation district” best expressed the goal for Lincoln Park.

Proposed LP Development Standards

• Height- 25 feet preferred, up to 29 actual feet may be acceptable if height is graduated from lowest to highest at a 45-degree angle from the curb elevation.
  
• Lot coverage – 20% maximum of smallest new lot permitted (6,000 sq. ft.)
  
• Garages should be in rear yard- side loaded attached or set back front loaded garages may be acceptable.
  
• Front setback must not be the same as an adjacent house. Variation would be two to five feet.
  
• Front, side and rear setbacks remain standard R-60 or R-60 undersize. 
  
• Additions and new construction must be reviewed for adverse impact to the streetscape and community character.

IV. Adjourned: The meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.

The next meeting is April 7, 2005.

Respectfully submitted,
Judy Christensen, City of Rockville Planner