Laytonsville

Historic District Commission Meeting Minutes- March 15,2004

The meeting of the Laytonsville Historic District Commission (HOC) was called to order by the Chair Sheree Wenger at 7:30 p.m. Commission members Howes, Ruspi, Sterling and Techter were present. There were approximately nine residents in attendance and three guests.

Commission member Techter made a motion to approve the minutes of the February 16, 2004, meeting. Second by Commission member Howes. The minutes were approved as presented.

The Chair read a preliminary statement to review the purpose and intent of the HOC. She then opened the hearing on Application for Work Permit HOC 1-04, submitted by Sidra and Martin Berman, for property located at 7115 Brink Rd.

• There were no conflicts of interest or disclosures.

• The Secretary was called upon to present the facts of the application. The application states the work is for restoration of older home, to include back yard deck, addition of two car garage, replace windows and siding, demolish one car garage and modify roof.

• The Secretary also entered into evidence the following exhibits: prints, plat, notice of hearing, notice to property owners, samples of shingles, colors, siding, and photographs.

Comments of Applicant:

• Mr. Berman, Applicant Discussed briefly the project, which includes modernize and rehabilitation of home, add two story garage, remove roof and change roof line, second story of garage will include a master suite.

• Mr. McGee, Architect Stated back yard shed to be removed, east chimney to be removed, color of roof shingles will match shutters.

Public Comment

• Douglas Prasher 7120 Brink Rd. Using a Field Guide to American Homes as a reference stated his belief the house style to be a two story / house; opposed attached garage as it is not usual to the homes in the historic district; feels detached would be more appropriate; feels renovation will be improvement; commented on colors chosen.

• Barbara Dewitt 7200 Brink Rd. Stated no objections to the proposal

• Richard Dewitt 7200 Brink Rd. Commented on the function of shed dormers

Commission Members

• Ms Sterling stated her belief that the house had undergone extensive renovation after a fire in the 1950s; believes the historical significance of the house lies in its relationship to the district; architecturally does not stand out and is therefore prepared to treat the project leniently.

• Ms. Wenger questioned the re-alignment of the driveway; stated the use of louvered shutters; 6 over 6 windows; gable front needs architectural break; windows on first floor need to be aligned in height; porch rail with painted pickets; storm door least obstructive to main door; porch roof shingles to be same color as shutters.

Rebuttal by Applicant

• Ms. Bemoan Stated her belief the colors chosen would compliment the house along with
planned landscaping.

There being no other discussion the Chair closed the record and called for the motion. Ms. Sterling moved to approve the application based on review of the plans and subject to the above mentioned conditions. Mr. Techter seconded. Motion unanimously approved.

The Chair thanked those attending and stated a Certificate of Approval would be sent by certified mail within 7 days and would reflect the modifications.

Old Business

The Commission members discussed additions and corrections to guidelines adopted at last meeting. It was recommended to add that enclosed front porches not be permitted.

New Business

The members discussed adding guidelines to include lighting, foundations, fences, and ordinary

maintenance. The members considered and compared the guidelines of the cities of Gaithersburg

and Oxford. The following motions were made:

Ms, Sterling made a motion to adopt guidelines for fences. Mr. Techter seconded. Motion

approved.

Ms. Sterling made a motion to adopt guidelines for ordinary maintenance, as excerpted and

modified from the Town of Oxford. Ms. Ruspi seconded. Motion approved.

Mr. Techter made a motion to adjourn. Ms. Ruspi seconded. Motion approved and the meeting adjourned at approximately 9:15 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Phyllis Sterling, Secretary