Westminster Historic District Commission
Agenda for Next Meeting  |  Minutes of Previous Meetings

Historic District Zoning
Tax Credits for Historic Rehabilitation
Other Financial and Educational Resources for Historic Preservation Projects
Holiday House Tour

MINUTES

March 1, 2004

On the evening of March 1, 2004 at 7:00 p.m., Chairman Camlin called to order the meeting of the Westminster Historic District Commission (HDC or Commission).  Chairman Camlin; Members Walters, Goodell, Thomas, and Stevens; Technical Planner Fisher; and members of the public were present.  The Chairman opened the meeting with a "Statement of Authority" for the HDC. 

The minutes of the February 2, 2004 meeting were approved as presented on Motion of Mrs. Walters, seconded by Mr. Goodell.

Under new business, Mr. Fisher presented Preliminary Historic Tax Credit Application No. 04 – 2 for 195 Willis Street.  The applicant proposes the renovation of the kitchen, including installation of heating/ventilation/air conditioning, new cabinets, counters, appliances, and a new floor.  The application also includes demolition costs.  The applicant, Mr. James Peterson, clarified that the HVAC work would be limited to the kitchen area.  Mr. Peterson noted that the house was constructed in 1893.  Mrs. Walters asked if the radiator would be removed.  Mr. Peterson stated that the radiator occupies valuable wall space and, along with the existing counters, partially blocks an original window.  Mr. Peterson stated that the window would be restored and the layout of the kitchen would be changed to increase efficiency.  Ms. Stevens stated her belief that the existing kitchen is not original to the house, and that the proposed changes would not have a negative impact on the historic structure.  Ms. Stevens stated that the project should qualify for the credits as the project represents significant investment in a historic structure.  Chairman Camlin added that an original window would be uncovered and restored.  On Motion of Ms. Stevens, seconded by Mrs. Walters, Preliminary Historic Tax Credit Application No. 04 – 2 for 195 Willis Street was approved.

Under old business, Mr. Fisher presented Preliminary Historic Tax Credit Application No. 04 – 1 for 156 Willis Street.  Mr. Fisher stated that the applicant had provided a floor plan for the third floor renovation as well as a revised cost estimate for wood replacement windows in accordance with the Commission’s request.  Chairman Camlin noted that the window replacement estimate did not specify replacement in-size.  Mr. Goodell stated that the windows should be wood windows.  Chairman Camlin stated that the Maryland Historical Trust approved metal-clad wood windows for the West End School project.  Mrs. Walters stated that the school project was evaluated as a different use.  Chairman Camlin clarified that removal of the lead paint would have destroyed the windows.  Mrs. Thomas asked if the windows would be double pane windows.  Chairman Camlin responded that wood-clad wood windows are available in double pane, although the application does not specify.  By consensus, the Commission found that the third floor renovation, as shown on the submitted floor plan, qualifies for the credits as a sensitive interior rehabilitation.  On Motion of Mrs. Stevens, seconded by Mr. Goodell, Preliminary Historic Tax Credit No. 04 – 1 for 156 Willis Street was conditionally approved, provided that the applicant install wood-clad wood windows in-size with the existing windows, and that the applicant submit a revised cost estimate to the City for the approved projects.

The Commission then discussed the draft form for an inventory of the historic structures in the City.  The HDC briefly discussed the definitions of some terms on the inventory form.  Chairman Camlin and Mr. Goodell reported that their houses were not included in the original survey.  Ms. Stevens stated that the Register District should contain a list of addresses and that the survey is an opportunity to append the list.  Ms. Stevens suggested that members bring blank survey forms to inventory valuable properties omitted from the original survey.  Mr. Goodell stated that the Commission should determine the period of significance of the City’s Register District.  Ms. Stevens added that subthemes could be identified, such as architectural elements or battlefield significance.  Ms. Stevens suggested that the HDC fill out the forms for the houses of Chairman Camlin and Mr. Goodell as a group.

The Commission debated the use of a local funeral home in the upcoming Holiday House Tour.  Mrs. Thomas then reported that all florists from prior years are interested in participating in the ’04 Tour.

There was no Report of the Chairman.

Under Report of the Director of Planning and Public Works, Mr. Fisher announced that the City would release the draft 2004 Comprehensive Plan Update on March 5, 2004.  The Commission is invited to comment on the Plan before the public hearing with the Planning and Zoning Commission on May 6.

Being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m. by consensus of the Commission.