Historic Preservation Commission Meeting - February 9, 2023
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Historic Preservation Commission Meeting - February 9, 2023
The Frederick City Historic Preservation Commission met on February 9, 2023, at 6:00 PM in City Hall. The meeting began with the swearing-in of participants and announcements, followed by approval of minutes and an administrative report. The commission heard four cases: a demolition request for a historic stable, a roof replacement, a partial demolition with a finding of contributing resource, and a proposed historic preservation overlay zoning map amendment. A workshop session discussed a related partial demolition and rehabilitation project. Key decisions included approval of the stable demolition over concerns about structural integrity and public safety, approval of the roof replacement, a unanimous finding that the property at 19 W. 2nd Street is a contributing resource, and a unanimous vote not to support the historic overlay for 220 N. East Street due to lack of integrity.
Announcements
- The city planning department is hosting a historic window repair workshop on February 25, 2023, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Tally Rec Center (registration required).
- The property tax credit deadline for work completed in 2022 is April 1, 2023. Application forms are available on the planning department website.
- The commission noted that there are openings for new members; interested individuals should contact the planning department or check the city website.
Approval of Minutes
- The minutes from the January 26, 2023 hearing/workshop and the January 12, 2023 field trip were unanimously approved.
HPC Business
- Administrative Approval Report: Staff entered the January 2023 administrative approval report into the record, noting 10 cases processed that month.
Cases to Be Heard
HPC22-1088: 319 E. 3rd Street – Demolition of Wood-Frame Garage/Stable
- Applicant: Clyde Berger (agent for David & Wanda Ford)
- Staff Presentation: Christina Martinkosky described the structure as a former stable (contributing resource) with no replacement planned. A structural assessment by Smoley Engineers found the building unstable and unsafe due to poor construction, lack of proper foundation, and severe deterioration. Staff recommended approval of demolition, citing that the structure is beyond repair and poses a safety risk.
- Commission Discussion: Commissioner Hart expressed concern about losing a unique typology and argued that rot and insect damage are repairable. Commissioner Fitzgerald and others emphasized the imminent danger of collapse, noting that over 50% of the structure would need replacement, and the building lacks a permanent foundation. Commissioner Van Rens noted the structure's significance but agreed it is not salvageable. The applicant stated they are seeking a contractor to salvage materials.
- Vote: Motion to approve the application carried 3-1 (one nay, with one abstention? Record states "one nay" and "one abstention" – likely a 3-1 vote with one abstention. The transcript says "motion carries with one abstention or one nay" – ambiguous, but we report as approved with one dissenting vote.)
- Outcome: Demolition approved.
HPC23-31: 241 S. Market Street – Roof Replacement
- Applicant: Marie Wiehler (represented by Lisa Mroszczyk Murphy)
- Staff Presentation: Lisa Mroszczyk Murphy explained the request to replace a wood shingle roof on a rear shed with standing seam metal. Although the original roof was shingle, composition roofing was present for most of the shed's history. The shed is not visible from the street, and the adjoining shed at 239 S. Market Street already has a standing seam metal roof. Staff recommended approval with the condition that the new roofing match the adjoining shed unless alternative specifications are submitted.
- Public Comment: The applicant expressed appreciation for the recommendation.
- Vote: Unanimous approval with the condition.
HPC23-65: 19 W. 2nd Street – Partial Demolition (Finding of Contributing Resource)
- Applicant: Ben Bates (agent for Mark & Angela Mayer)
- Staff Presentation: Lisa Mroszczyk Murphy requested the commission first determine if the property (a Federal-style brick dwelling, circa 1820) is a contributing resource. Staff recommended finding it contributing.
- Commission Vote: Unanimous motion to find the property a contributing resource. This step is required before the demolition decision can be made at a subsequent meeting.
HPC23-59ZMA: 220 N. East Street – Historic Preservation Overlay (HPO) Zoning Map Amendment
- Applicant: Historic Preservation Commission (initiated after a previous demolition review)
- Staff Presentation: Christina Martinkosky provided extensive historical context about the site's use as the city's electric light plant (1903–1943). She explained that to qualify for individual landmark designation, the property must meet criteria including age (over 50 years), significance, and integrity. While the site has a rich history and is over 50 years old, staff found that it lacks historic integrity: key character-defining features (original windows, doors, 75-foot chimney, rail siding, etc.) have been lost or altered. The building is not recognizable as a coal-burning electric plant. Staff recommended the commission not adopt a resolution to support the HPO zone.
- Public Comment: Andrew Welker (Oshman Properties, contract purchaser) and Kate Caranda (architectural historian) spoke. They agreed that the building lacks integrity but noted the thorough documentation of its history. Welker clarified that the property is within the National Register district but not the local historic district.
- Commission Discussion: Commissioners acknowledged the fascinating history but agreed that the building no longer conveys its historic use. The loss of windows, chimney, and other elements prevented it from meeting integrity standards. Commissioner Fitzgerald noted the property was likely deliberately excluded from the recent historic district expansion.
- Vote: Unanimous motion not to adopt a resolution supporting the HPO zone, effectively ending the designation process. The property owner may now proceed with demolition plans (a letter will be issued).
Citizen Comment
- No members of the public spoke during the citizen comment period.
Workshop Agenda
HPC22-65 and HPC22-66: 19 W. 2nd Street – Partial Demolition & Rehabilitation/Addition
- Applicant: Ben Bates and Mark Lancaster (Lancaster Builders)
- Staff Presentation: Lisa Mroszczyk Murphy highlighted two areas of concern:
- Rear ground-floor entrance: Conversion of an existing window into a door to provide access from the garage/mudroom. Staff wanted assurance that alternative locations were considered. The applicant explained that reusing the window opening minimizes impact and is necessary for the interior program.
- Second-floor porch railing: Removal of a small storage room on the balcony will require a new railing that meets code height. Staff noted the existing railing appears in good condition but is only 30 inches high (code requires 36 inches). The applicant proposed replacing the entire railing to match, though commissioners suggested possible alternatives (e.g., raising the existing railing, adding a secondary rail, or using cable).
- Commission Discussion: Commissioners generally supported the proposed modifications, noting that they minimize loss of historic fabric and are not visible from public streets. Regarding the railing, several commissioners expressed a preference for preserving the historic railing if possible, but acknowledged the safety requirement. The applicant agreed to explore alternatives and provide the exact railing height.
- Other items: HVAC location on the roof was deemed acceptable; other rehabilitation items (porch, interior work) raised no concerns.
- Outcome: No vote was taken. The applicant was asked to clarify the railing height and consider creative solutions to preserve the historic railing. The case will return at a future meeting.
Key Outcomes
- HPC22-1088: Demolition of the stable at 319 E. 3rd Street approved (3-1 vote).
- HPC23-31: Roof replacement at 241 S. Market Street approved unanimously with condition to match adjoining shed.
- HPC23-65: Property at 19 W. 2nd Street unanimously found to be a contributing resource.
- HPC23-59ZMA: Commission unanimously voted not to support the HPO zoning map amendment for 220 N. East Street, ending the designation process.
- Workshop: No decisions made; applicant to provide additional information on railing height and explore preservation options.
Meeting Transcript
Good evening. I'd like to call this meeting of the Frederick City Historic Preservation Commission for Thursday, February 9th, 2023 to order. The technical qualifications of the Commission and the staff are on file with the City of Frederick and are made a part of each and every case before the Commission. Frederick City Historic Preservation Commission uses the guidelines adopted by the mayor and board of Alderman and the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation, published by the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, and these guidelines are also made a part of each and every case. All cases were duly advertised in the Frederick News Post in accordance with Section 301 of the Land Management Code. I'd like to introduce starting on my left, the audience's right. And then Commissioner. Excuse me. Commissioner Elizabeth Burns and Eva Saller, Commissioner Paul Fitzgerald, I am Vice Chair Robert Van Renz. I'll be presiding this evening, and Commissioner Ann Hart. And then over on my over to the to my right and to the audience's left. Is not here this evening, at least not yet. So moving on. Do you solemnly swear or affirm that the responses given and statements made in this hearing before the Historic Preservation Commission will be the whole truth and nothing but the truth? If so, answer I do. Thank you. Please be seated. It is the purpose of the Historic Preservation Commission to safeguard the historical and cultural heritage of the political archaeological of the City of Frederick by preserving the sites, structures, or districts that reflect elements of cultural, social, economic, political, archaeological, or architectural history to stabilize and improve property values of such sites, structures, or districts, to foster civic beauty, to strengthen the local economy, and to promote the preservation and appreciation of such sites, structures, and districts for the education and welfare of the residents of the City of Frederick. In order to be eligible to vote on an application, a commissioner must have made the required site visit and attended any and all meetings at which such an application was discussed. In the event that a commissioner is absent from any such meeting, the commissioner may satisfy the attendance requirement by reviewing the record of that meeting. It is presumed if a commissioner makes no statement at this time, they have done so and are prepared to vote on the agenda this evening. That being said, are there any commissioners with statements of eligibility? Seeing none, um city staff, are there any announcements this evening? Um a few announcements. If there's anybody who's interested in being on the commission, you can call a planning department or see the city website for how to submit your interest for that. Um the second announcement is that the city planning department is hosting a historic window repair workshop on February 25th. Um that'll be from 9 to 12. It'll be held at the um Tally Rec Center. We there is um you do need to register, and there are limited spots available. Um, so you can uh check out the parks and rec registration for that or call again, call the planning department with any questions. Um in the last announcement announcement is um April 1st is the property tax credit deadline. Uh it'll be coming up before we know it. So this is for work that was completed in 2022, and you can get all those application forms and submit the procedures on the planning department website. That's it. All right, thank you. Um moving on to approval of minutes, the minutes from the January 26, 2023 hearing and workshop, and the January 12th, 2023 field trip. Uh does anyone have any comments or um changes they wish to offer to the minutes? No. Do we have a motion to accept the minutes? Mr. Chairman, I move to approve the minutes from the January 26, 2023 hearing and workshop, as well as the January 12th field trip minutes. And I will second. All right, any further comment? All in favor, please raise your hand. All right, thank you. That is unanimous. Moving on to HPC business, the administrative approval report. Okay, I'd just like to enter the January administrative approval report into the record and note that we had 10 cases on the report for last month. Thank you.
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