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

April 5, 2004

On the evening of April 5, 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 Goodell, Thomas, and Stevens; Technical Planner Fisher; and a member of the public was present.  The Chairman opened the meeting with a "Statement of Authority" for the HDC. 

The minutes of the March 1, 2004 meeting were approved as amended on Motion of Ms. Stevens, seconded by Mr. Goodell.

Under new business, the Commission considered Final Historic Tax Credit No. 03 – 1 for 79 West Main Street, also known as Rosser’s Choice.  Chairman Camlin stated that the Commission had reviewed the memo from Mr. Fisher outlining the application’s conformance to the preliminary tax credit application.  Mr. Dan Hoff, a representative for the applicant, presented a series of color photos depicting the structure before and after the renovation.  Mr. Goodell praised the practices utilized in the renovation.  Chairman Camlin noted that the documentation shows that vinyl windows had been installed.  Ms. Stevens stated that vinyl windows are not an in-kind replacement for wood windows.  Mr. Fisher clarified that the windows were not part of the tax credit application.  Mr. Hoff reviewed the compromise with the Carroll County Permits Office regarding the replacement of the iron stairs.  On Motion of Ms. Stevens, seconded by Mrs. Thomas, Final Historic Tax Credit Application No. 03 – 1 for 79 West Main Street was approved.

Under old business, Mrs. Thomas reported that several musical groups had committed to the 2004 Holiday House Tour.

Under report of the Director of Planning designee, Mr. Fisher reviewed the Historic Resources chapter of the draft 2004 update to the City of Westminster Comprehensive Plan.  The Commission discussed revisions to the recommended actions regarding a re-survey of the National Register District and the inclusion of additional properties in various registries.  Mr. Goodell suggested that City owned properties with historic value be added to the City’s Historic District zone, stating that the action could generate renewed interest in the zone without restricting the City.  Ms. Stevens added that the zone would protect the historic character of the buildings if they were ever sold to a private party.  Chairman Camlin requested that the McDaniel College National Register District be included on the “City of Westminster National Register District” map.  Ms. Stevens suggested that a goal be added to develop historical themes for the City.  These themes could include Early Settlement, the Civil War, and Post-Railroad Development, among others.  Ms. Stevens stated that the Commission should have a working definition of what makes structures historically significant in Westminster.  Mr. Goodell stated that a redefinition of the National Register District might be in order to encourage a particular interpretation of the City’s historic fabric.  Mr. Fisher suggested that the Commission could recommend the development of a preservation plan for the City.  Such a plan would provide for a more thorough review and development of recommendations than would the City’s Comprehensive Plan.  The Commission directed Mr. Fisher to draft a letter relating the HDC’s comments on the draft plan to the Westminster Planning and Zoning Commission.

Under report of the Chairman, Chairman Camlin summarized recent negotiations between the Historical Society of Carroll County and a potential buyer of the Judge Bond House.  Chairman Camlin stated that the HSCC desires to place some form of regulatory control on the property to ensure that no changes detrimental to the historic character could be made.  Mr. Fisher stated that he had provided the HSCC with information regarding the Historic District zone and the ability of the HDC to hold architectural easements.  He stated that Ms. Barbara Lilly, President of the CCHS, had inquired about the permanence of local historic district zoning.  Mr. Fisher advised that the procedure for removing a property from the Historic District zone is much more involved than a standard request for a change in zoning, requiring a comprehensive review of the entire district.

Chairman Camlin then reported that Ms. Lilly had offered the Historical Society as an additional location for the storage of the City’s historical files.  Mr. Goodell expressed some concern regarding the integrity of public access.  The Commission directed Mr. Fisher to discuss the issue with the City Attorney.

Being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:43 p.m. by consensus of the Commission.