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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
October 1, 2002
The Westminster Historic District Commission (HDC or Commission) held a meeting on October 1, 2002 at 7:00 pm. Chairman Camlin and members Walters, Smith, Thomas, and Stevens were present, as well as Town Planner Siders, Technical Planner Fisher, and City Attorney Walsh.
Chairman Camlin opened the meeting with a "Statement of Authority" for the HDC.
The minutes of the September 19, 2002 meeting were approved as presented on motion of Ms. Smith, seconded by Ms. Thomas.
No public hearings were scheduled.
Under new business, Chairman Camlin opened discussion of Ordinance No. 687. Mr. Siders reviewed suggestions that had been gathered from the previous Commission meeting and the City Council meeting of September 23. Ms. Stevens asked if the ordinance could apply to the entire corporate limits of Westminster, rather than simply the Historic District. Mr. Siders stated that the ordinance could be amended to include the State-listed properties, such as Roop’s Mill. Ms. Stevens suggested that the ordinance include properties currently in nomination for the National Register, as the process can take up to three years to complete.
Ms. Walters asked why alterations to properties in the District were no longer covered under the proposed ordinance. Mr. Walsh stated that the Commission was not losing authority because the original ordinance ceased to be effective when the Historic District Zone was created. He stated that the intent of Ordinance 687 at that time was to temporarily freeze demolitions until the issue of Historic District Zoning was resolved, and referred the Commission to an opinion he issued in 1995. Ms. Stevens noted that alterations can damage the historic qualities of a property as much as demolition and can remove the property from the National Register. Ms. Walters stated that the ordinance should cover all actions that could affect the historic fabric of Westminster and the City’s listing on the National Register. Ms. Stevens stated that she would like alterations explicitly included in the ordinance. Ms. Smith stated that any alterations major enough to require a building permit should be subject to Ordinance No. 687.
The Commission briefly discussed several other aspects of the proposed Ordinance No. 687. Ms. Stevens expressed concern that the review period would be too short to seek a recommendation from the Maryland Historical Trust. Ms. Walters asked if the HDC could be added to the pre-approval checklist. Ms. Stevens suggested that the 30-day review period should begin upon HDC notification. Mr. Siders stated that the suggestions resulting from the discussion will be incorporated into a memo from the HDC to The Mayor and Common Council for the public hearing on October 14, 2002. Ms. Smith agreed to testify on behalf of the HDC.
Chairman Camlin opened discussion regarding public support for historic preservation. The Commission discussed various aspects of a Civil War reenactment proposed by a private citizen group. Ms. Walters stated that she would like more information before committing the HDC to any particular action. The Commission decided to hear a presentation from the group before determining whether HDC support would be appropriate.
Under old business, the Commission discussed various aspects of the 2002 Holiday House Tour. Ms. Smith stated that the music schedule has been set. She suggested that a meeting with the homeowners be scheduled for early November. The Commission also discussed shuttle circulation during the tour.
Under report of the Director of Planning and Public Works Designee, Mr. Fisher distributed a new member handbook to the Commission.
There was no report of the Chairperson.
There were no citizen comments.
The HDC scheduled the next meeting for Thursday, October 24th at 7:00pm.
Being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Erik Fisher
Secretary to the HDC
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