Frederick Historic Preservation Commission Meeting - July 13, 2023

The Frederick Historic Preservation Commission met on Thursday, July 13, 2023, at 6:00 PM in City Hall. The meeting included a public hearing, consent items, continuances, cases, citizen comment, and a workshop. Key actions included approving minutes, electing officers, ruling on a demolition review, approving a new building at 210 East 2nd Street, denying vinyl window replacements at 402 North Bentz Street, and discussing several workshop items including the Oddfellows Home redevelopment and porch/deck proposals.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The June 22, 2023 hearing and workshop minutes were approved unanimously.
• Administrative Approval Report: Staff reported 20 administrative approvals for June 2023; the report was entered into the record.
• Election of Officers: Commissioner Robert Van Rens was re-elected as Chair, and Commissioner Elizabeth Burns was elected as Vice Chair, both unanimously.
• HPC23-650DR – 810 E. South Street (Demolition Review): The commission unanimously voted NOT to initiate an application for historic preservation overlay, agreeing with staff that the property does not meet criteria for designation.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Douglas Kirk (Faversham Place resident): Expressed objections to the proposed building F at the Oddfellows Home site (1730 N. Market Street), arguing it is too close (approximately 40-45 feet) to existing homes, inappropriate for a suburban setting, and would block views. He urged rejection.
• Jacob Fenkelsein (neighbor): Asked if buildings H and D could have underground garages to better match historic character and suggested more green space.
• Nikki Charles (West Fifth Street resident): Questioned what the commission is doing to ensure homeowners are informed about historic district restrictions at closing, noting she received disclosure when buying in the district.

Discussion Items

• HPC23-547 – 210 E. 2nd Street (Level 2 New Construction): Applicant Lance Jaccard and architect Jack Radowich presented a five-story condominium building on the Visitation Academy site. The design includes brick facade, double-hung windows, and a canopy. Concern was raised about vents on the street-facing north elevation. Staff found vents are flush and color-matched. The project had been workshopped on June 22. After discussion, the commission approved the application (5-1, Commissioner Fitzgerald dissenting) noting compatibility and minimal impact of vents.
• HPC23-460 – 607 N. Market Street (Porch Replacement): Applicant Cory Gilman sought to replace rear porch decking with composite (TREX) and railing with vinyl, citing rot and structural danger. Staff recommended denial because materials violate guidelines (vinyl and composite not allowed on porches visible from public right-of-way). The applicant accepted a continuance to work with staff on a wood solution; commission unanimously continued to July 27.
• HPC23-542 – 402 N. Bentz Street (Window Replacement – Post-work): Owner Christina Childs explained she replaced three front windows with vinyl without knowledge of historic district restrictions, relying on inaccurate information from the seller and an outdated map. Staff noted original two-over-two wood windows with bullnose frames and rosettes were lost. Despite her financial hardship, the commission unanimously denied the application, finding vinyl windows incompatible per guidelines. The denial includes the loss of character-defining trim.
• HPC23-446 – 43 E. South Street (Continuance): GRANTED to July 27.
• HPC23-543 – 179 W. All Saints Street (Continuance): GRANTED to July 27.

Workshop Items

• HPC23-242 – 1730 N. Market Street (Oddfellows Home – Level 1 New Construction): Applicant Tim Kamas presented Concept 10, which moves buildings E and F farther from historic cottages to preserve prominence. Staff and commissioners generally supported the layout, massing, and design, though some felt building F's proximity to suburban homes could loom. Debate on materials: staff recommended less brick; several commissioners preferred more brick. The farmers market building design was praised. No vote taken; level one review will continue.
• HPC23-569 – 191 W. All Saints Street (Rehabilitation): Applicant Sam Oztan proposed extensive work: window/door replacements, porch replacement with pressure-treated deck, painting unpainted brick masonry, and trim work. Staff detailed numerous inconsistencies with guidelines. Commissioners provided feedback: replace windows in-kind (wood) after expert assessment; do not widen openings; porch should be replaced in-kind (4-5 ft deep) as a wood porch, not a deck; do not paint masonry; repair rather than replace doors and trim. The applicant agreed to revise and continue coordination.
• HPC23-627 – 127 S. Carroll Street (Amendment to Previous Approval – Roof Parapet): Agent Marty Bates proposed raising the stepped parapet by one 8-inch CMU course to allow proper flashing, addressing long-standing water infiltration. Commissioners generally supported the design as a necessary structural correction with minimal visual impact (only corner changes slightly). Suggestion to raise the sign to rebalance proportions. The applicant will bring to hearing on July 27 for a decision (likely consent).

Key Outcomes

• Motion to approve HPC23-547 (210 E. 2nd Street) carried 5-1 (Fitzgerald opposed).
• Motion to deny HPC23-542 (402 N. Bentz Street) carried unanimously.
• Motion to continue HPC23-460 to July 27 carried unanimously.
• Motion to continue HPC23-446 and HPC23-543 to July 27 carried unanimously.
• No vote on HPC23-242, HPC23-569, HPC23-627 (workshop items); applicants will return with revisions or for formal hearing.
• All decisions are subject to the commission's design guidelines and may be appealed to circuit court.