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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
August 27, 2002
The Westminster Historic District Commission (HDC or Commission) held a meeting on August 27th, 2002 at 7:00 pm. Chairman Camlin and members Walters, Smith, and Stevens were present, as well as Town Planner Siders, Technical Planner Fisher, and members of the public.
Chairman Camlin opened the meeting with a "Statement of Authority" for the HDC.
The minutes of the June 20, 2002 meeting were approved as amended on motion of Ms. Stevens, seconded by Ms. Walters.
No public hearings were scheduled.
Under new business, Mr. Fisher presented Historic Tax Credit Application No. 02-3 for Dutterer’s Flower Shop, Inc. Chairman Camlin introduced Ms. Eileen Gist, Ms. Johnna Brown, and Ms. Lori Graham with Dutterer’s Flower Shop. Chairman Camlin recused himself from all discussion regarding the application. Mr. Fisher stated that the project is planned for completion in March, 2003 and that the applicant has already received a grant from the City of Westminster Façade Improvement Program. Mr. Fisher stated that the proposal calls for the demolition of the existing storefront, built in 1981, and construction of a new storefront and an ADA-compliant entrance on the West and North sides. The project is awaiting approval from the state for compliance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation. Staff recommends approval based on the project’s status as contributing to the character of a National Register District, and the project’s consistency with the goals of the City of Westminster 1998 Comprehensive Plan and principles of Smart Growth. The project also represents significant investment in the Lower Pennsylvania Avenue Initiative Target Area. Mr. Siders stated that the state’s primary concern is that the project may superimpose a piece of history. Ms. Stevens stated that slight modifications to make the additions more distinct from the historic portion of the structure could convince the state to give approval. Mr. Siders stated that the property’s status as a converted use should also be factored into the state’s decision. On the motion of Ms. Walters, seconded by Ms. Stevens, Historic Tax Credit Application No. 02-3 was conditionally approved pending state recommendations.
Chairman Camlin initiated discussion regarding the election of officers. Mr. Siders stated that The Mayor and Common Council have approved additional terms for Ms. Walters and Chairman Camlin. Ms. Walters concurrently nominated Mr. Camlin for Chair and Ms. Smith for Vice Chair. On motion of Ms. Walters, seconded by Ms. Stevens, Mr. Camlin was reappointed Chairman and Ms. Smith was reappointed Vice Chair.
Under old business, the Commission discussed various aspects of the 2002 Holiday House Tour. Mr. Siders stated that Tom and Sandy Ferguson have generously offered to underwrite the Tour with a $1,500 donation to each charity. Kohn Creative Solutions has met the budget for printing of Tour materials and is working on preliminary designs at this time. The possibility of cooperating with the late-night downtown shopping event and the similar event at the Antique Mall was discussed. Mr. Fisher presented draft text and layouts for the 2002 Tour House Catalog.
Mr. Siders raised the issue of ticket prices for the 2002 Holiday House Tour. Ms. Walters expressed concern over an increase in ticket prices, citing the fewer number of houses on this year’s tour and current economic conditions. Ms. Walters stated that the Commission could save money by restricting the number of free tickets given out to individuals with little direct involvement with the Tour. The Commission agreed to reduce the number of free tickets given out for this year’s Tour.
The Commission also discussed parking, shuttle-bus, and pedestrian circulation issues with respect to the 2002 Holiday House Tour.
There was no report of the Chairperson.
Under report of the Director of Planning and Public Works Designee, Mr. Siders summarized various projects currently underway including the Lower Pennsylvania Avenue Initiative, the upcoming MD27 Gateway Urban Design Charrette, the visit from the Estonian delegation, the current water situation, and the design process of the new City of Westminster website.
There were no Citizen Comments.
The HDC scheduled the next meeting for Thursday, September 19th at 7:00pm.
Being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:44 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Erik Fisher
Secretary to the HDC
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