LaytonsvilleHistoric District Commission Meeting Minutes-December 15, 2003
The regular meeting of the Laytonsville
Historic District Commission (HDC) was called to order by Chair Sheree Wenger
at 7:35 p.m. Commission members Joann Howes and Phyllis Sterling were
also present. Commission members Merritt Techter and Jill Ruspi were absent.
Also present was Stan Benning, land planner for the Town of
Laytonsville.
Commission member Howes made a motion to
approve the minutes of the November 17, 2003, meeting. Commission
member Sterling seconded. The minutes were approved as presented.
Ms. Wenger then introduced Mr. Benning and
explained that the HDC is seeking comment in regard to
procedures and expectations of development in the historic district by Natelli Communities.
She then turned the floor over to Mr. Benning. He stated that the HDC needs guidelines
for development to maintain the character of the town. He suggested the members
of the commission walk around the historic district and study
photos. This would help the members define what they like and
dislike about the existing historic district. He stated that the development of
guidelines will enable the commission to follow through with their objectives
and should be given a lot of serious thought. In setting goals the commission
should accent the positives and reduce the negatives. It
is felt by Mr. Benning that extremes in the process will cause a lot of stress
for the applicants and the commission. Mr. Benning gave his opinion that anyone
entering the town from any route should have a sense of arriving.
In order to accomplish this goal there is a need to create something
distinctive and something that fits into the existing character of the town. He
also felt any new homes built on Brink Rd. should face the road. He suggested
the HDC may want to consider public comment in developing guidelines. Mr.
Benning stated the commission should remain flexible and be willing
to see errors when errors exist, and collect as much information
as possible from applicants. He also reviewed and commented on submission requirements
the HDC has developed. Natelli Communities has submitted a preliminary plan to
the town. This plan has been submitted to county agencies for comment.
Montgomery County Well and Septic division has forwarded
numerous comments on the plan. It is Mr. Benning" s opinion
that the plan will change significantly. He felt Natelli Communities should
submit a site plan for all houses planned in the historic
district. They can submit a preliminary concept plan at which
time the HDC can review and begin a dialogue with the developer. Mr. Benning
feels that development should be a partnership. Mr. Benning added that he would
be pleased to spend time with the commission as it progresses. The members of
the commission thanked Mr. Benning for attending.
Old Business
• The Chair distributed copies of the
updated application and hearing/meeting procedures. After some
review and discussion Ms. Sterling made a motion to adopt the application and hearing/meeting
procedures. Ms. Howes seconded. Motion approved. Ms. Wenger will present
these to the Mayor and Council as formally adopted by the HDC.
• Copies of the Commission Member Procedures
was also distributed. More input is needed from commission members
and discussion was deferred until the January meeting.
• The issue of the satellite
dish at 21412 Laytonsville Rd. has not been resolved. This matter has been referred to the Mayor. Ms. Wenger will draft a letter
formally referring this to the Mayor,.
• The Town has approved the
membership dues to join the Maryland Association of Historic District Commissions. Ms. Wenger stated the MAHDC will send more
information and a schedule of their work
sessions when the dues are received.
•
Ms. Wenger has been in touch with the Maryland Historical Trust (MHT).
They have forwarded a video and booklets
designed to help establish guidelines and procedures for making defensible decisions.
Included in the booklet are sample forms of cheat sheets used for motions and
decision letters. The commission will review these documents for possible use.
Ms. Sterling stated that after reading the
booklet and viewing the video she feels the HDC is making good progress in
following recommendations given by
the MHT.
Ms. Sterling distributed copies of the walking tour that was
developed in the 1980's. It gives a brief history of most of the homes in the
historic district. She also informed the members she has begun the process of photographing the homes in the
historic district.
There being no further business the meeting
adjourned at approximately 9:15 p.m. Respectfully submitted,
Phyllis Sterling,
Secretary