Westminster Historic District Commission
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MINUTES

March 4, 2003

On the evening of March 4, 2003 at 7:00 p.m., Chairman Camlin called to order the meeting of the Westminster Historic District Commission (HDC or Commission).  The Chairman opened the meeting with a "Statement of Authority" for the HDC.  Chairman Camlin; Members Stevens and Walters; Town Planner Siders; and members of the public were present.

The minutes of the January 23, 2003 meeting were approved as presented.

No public hearings were scheduled.

Under new business Mr. Siders presented the Rules of Order and Procedure for the Archival of Historic Properties.  Ms. Stevens indicated that the Rules would be more aptly titled ­Rules of Procedure for the Documentation of Historic Structures Located in the City of Westminster Historic District. The Commission reviewed the document with Mr. Siders and instructed staff to make certain changes and present the updated Rules to the Commission for final adoption at its meeting of April 3, 2003. 

Mr. Siders presented Demolition Permit Application Nos. 03-0293 and 03-0292 for review by the Commission.  Mr. Siders introduced Mr. James Reck with St. Paul’s United Church of Christ to discuss the demolition of the structure at 15 Bond Street and two (2) garages located behind 34 West Green Street.  Mr. Siders indicated that Mr. Reck had met with City staff, which advised him of various financial incentives available to property owners to restore historic properties rather than demolish the structure.  Mr. Reck indicated that the Church has considered placing a parking lot where 15 Bond Street currently stands.  Mrs. Walters inquired how many parking spaces are currently available to the Church.  Mr. Reck indicated the church currently has 26 privately held parking spaces as well as on street parking when available.  The Commission stated it was their view that adequate parking exists in the area.  In that regard, the Commission reminded Mr. Reck that the Westminster Square Parking Garage will soon be open and free to patrons on the weekends.  The Commission stated that it was quite concerned with additional demolitions occurring within Westminster’s Historic District.  Mrs. Walters indicated that her primary concern is the adverse impacts this demolition will have on the surrounding neighborhood as well as the overall historic fabric of Westminster.  Ms. Stevens reiterated the statement by Mrs. Walters and added these properties are of particular importance due to their significance to local history.  Mr. Reck indicated that Ms. Martha Holland presented the history of the properties in question to the church and that the church had not taken this decision to demolish these structures lightly.  The Commission asked Mr. Reck if the church would be amenable to selling the property.  Mr. Reck indicated the church purchased the property to serve as a buffer and will not consider selling the property.       

Due to the resignation of Ms. Tracey Smith, the position of Vice-Chairperson was vacated.  On motion of Mrs. Walters, seconded by Mr. Camlin, Ms. Stevens was appointed to Vice-Chairperson of the Commission.  The Commission also discussed possible replacements to fill Ms. Smith’s vacated appointment to the Commission.  The Commission directed staff to initiate contact with potential candidates to serve on the Commission. 

There was no old business scheduled to be discussed.

Under report of the Director of Planning and Public Works designee, Mr. Siders distributed Member Handbooks Amendments.  Mr. Siders indicated that the City’s website is complete; however, because of the snow emergency training had to be rescheduled.  Once that occurs, the website would be activated and he and Mr. Fisher would work together to place the Member Handbook online.  Mr. Siders also updated the Commission on the status of the Westminster Town Center Plan.  Mr. Siders indicated that the Plan had been completed and there are a series of recommendations that could be utilized to clearly define the MD Route 27 Corridor as the primary “Gateway” to downtown Westminster.   

Under report of the Chairperson, Mr. Camlin stated that Thomas Bennett and Hunter had applied to the Maryland Historic Trust to construct a storage facility to the rear of a property that has a historic easement.  Mr. Camlin stated that the Easement Committee as well as the Board of Directors of the Maryland Historic Trust had denied the application.   

There were no Citizen Comments.

Being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:05 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Shawn Siders

Acting Secretary to the HDC