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

May 1, 2003

On the evening of May 1, 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, Walters, and Thomas; Manager of Housing and Community Development Blandford; Technical Planner Fisher; and members of the public were present.

The minutes of the March 4, 2003 and April 14, 2003 meetings were approved as presented on Motion of Ms. Stevens, seconded by Mrs. Walters.

No public hearings were scheduled.

Under new business Mr. Fisher presented Historic Tax Credit Application No. 03-1 Rosser’s Choice.  Mr. Fisher introduced Mr. Dan Hoff of Maggie’s Gift LLC, the owner of the property.  Mr. Hoff summarized the owners’ long-term plans for the structure and indicated that the painting, mold remediation, and stairway replacement as listed on the tax credit application is the first phase of those plans.  Chairman Camlin asked for clarification on what portions of the stairway would be replaced.  Mr. Hoff responded that the existing balconies are in good shape and would remain, with the stairs and accompanying rails to be replaced with in-kind materials.  Ms. Stevens asked if the detailing of the existing stairs would be installed on the new stairs.  Mr. Hoff stated that the new detailing would match the old.  Chairman Camlin asked what type of mortar would be used to re-point the brick.  Mr. Hoff responded that the existing brick and mortar would be tested and a compatible mortar would be used.  Ms. Thomas asked if shutters would be added to the windows on the East façade.  Mr. Hoff stated his intention to replace the vinyl shutters on the North façade with the original shutters, and stated that any extra shutters could be used for the East façade.  Mrs. Walters asked if the doors used to access the balconies would be replaced.  Mr. Hoff replied that the doors would remain at this point as they are in good condition and not visible from the front of the structure.  Mrs. Walters noted the quality effort of the applicant in filling out the application form.  Chairman Camlin suggested that the applicant consider Historic District Zoning for the property.  The Commission briefly discussed the benefits and challenges of zoning a property into the Historic District.  Mr. Hoff suggested the City could offer a matching fund for historic rehabilitation, with the requirement that the property be zoned into the Historic District upon disbursement of the funds.  On Motion of Ms. Stevens, seconded by Ms. Thomas, Historic Tax Credit Application No. 03-1 Rosser’s Choice was approved with the condition that the tax credits would apply only to the eight tax accounts listed as occupying the historic portion of the structure.

Mr. Fisher introduced Ms. Karen Blandford with the City’s Housing office to give a presentation for HDC review on the proposed Union Street Community Center.  Ms. Blandford stated that the project, located at 25 Union Street, would involve the demolition of the existing structure and subsequent construction of the community center.  Ms. Blandford noted that the existing structure is extremely deteriorated and displayed several photographs of damage.  Ms. Blandford then recounted the evolution of the community center project and its relationship to 25 Union Street.  A $450,000 Community Development Block Grant backs the project.  Ms. Blandford stated that a requirement of the grant is a review of the proposed demolition by the Maryland Historical Trust.  The existing structure is not feasible for renovation as a community center, and the next step is a structural analysis.  Ms. Stevens suggested that the Trust may ask for an intermediary solution, such as the retention of the front of the structure.  Ms. Blandford stated that the Trust is not asking for alternatives to a community center, but rather examining the adaptability of the structure to the proposed use.  Ms. Blandford then displayed the plans for the community center.  In response to a question from Ms. Thomas, Ms. Blandford summarized the ownership and operating arrangements for the property.  Ms. Walters suggested that for the front façade the windows be made larger and that two windows should be added to the first floor to ensure compatibility with the neighborhood.  Ms. Stevens expressed her belief that the proposed demolition and new construction would be adverse to the historic district.  Ms. Blandford stated her position that the historic value of the property has already been lost as many of the original features have been replaced or otherwise destroyed.  Ms. Stevens stated that she wishes to avoid encouraging demolition by neglect.  Ms. Stevens then proposed that the Commission defer to the recommendation of the Maryland Historical Trust.  Ms. Stevens asked if the community center could expand to additional properties along Union St.  Ms. Blandford stated that HOPE IV housing exists on both sides of the property and that there is little chance of expansion.  Chairman Camlin explained that the surrounding area has lost much of its historic character through insensitive renovations and neglect.  Ms. Stevens suggested that the City might need to re-survey the historic district.  Ms. Blandford stated that she would forward the Trust’s comments to the HDC.

Ms. Blandford then presented a brochure designed to spark buyer interest in older City neighborhoods.  The brochure advertises that buyers within the designated revitalization area are eligible for $2,000 towards closing costs.  Ms. Walters suggested that a packet containing information on the City’s historic district and historic tax credits be sent to buyers in the program.  The Commission decided to pursue the creation of such a packet.

Ms. Blandford then presented a request for the HDC to co-sponsor the City’s annual housing conference.  Ms. Blandford stated that the theme of next year’s conference will be homeownership in older and historic neighborhoods.  Ms. Walters inquired about the target audience of the conference.   Ms. Blandford stated that realtors are always targeted, and that other targets vary with the theme.  Ms. Stevens suggested that the marketing of historic homes should be addressed at the conference.  In response to a question from Ms. Walters, Ms. Blandford stated that the demands of co-sponsorship include financial support, assistance with publicity, and ideas for the conference.  On Motion of Ms. Stevens, seconded by Ms. Walters, the Commission voted to support the City’s housing conference in 2004.

There was no old business scheduled to be discussed.

Under report of the Director of Planning and Public Works designee, Mr. Fisher reported on the status of the City’s new website.  The site is scheduled to go live in May, at which time the process of publishing links to rehabilitation and renovation programs may begin.

Under report of the Chairperson, Mr. Camlin stated that he will not be attending this year’s Preservation and Revitalization Conference.

There were no Citizen Comments.

Being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:20 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Erik Fisher

Secretary to the HDC