Laytonsville Historic District
Commission Meeting Minutes-May 17,2004
The regular meeting of the Laytonsville Historic District Commission (HDC) was called to order by Chair Sheree Wenger at 7:30 p.m. Commission members Ruspi, Sterling, and Techter were present. Commission member Howes was absent. Also attending was Mayor Willard Gland, Jody Kline, Attorney representing Elm St. Development, and Mike Bingley of Elm St. Development.
Commission member Techter made a motion to approve the minutes of the April 19, 2004, meeting. Second by Commission member Ruspi. The minutes were approved as presented.
Ms. Wenger has prepared a draft letter to accompany the information package that will be to residents of the Historic District. The commission members will review the letter.
New Business
The Chair introduced Mr. Kline, Attorney for Elm St. Development. He began the discussion by a background of the proposed development of approximately 25 acres,, known as the Jones Farm, This property includes the historic home known as Rolling Ridge. The Town is considering a proposal to this property. Mr. Kline expressed the desire to begin a dialogue with the HDC in regard to the historic home. He explained Roiling Ridge has given a designation as an historic resource, with an environmental setting of 25 acres by Montgomery County. Mr. Bingley, of Elm St. Development, explained a proposed plan for a subdivision. Rolling Ridge would be marketed for sale at the time of subdivision. If annexed. Elm St. would prefer a smaller environmental around the house. The developer would also consider conservation easements to protect views to the northwest of the house. The concept plan shows a guest house on the lot with the existing house. Mr., Bingley expressed a desire to have an option for a guest house. The concept plan also depicts 5 lots already in the Historic District of the Town. Construction of homes on lots would be subject to review by the HDC. Mr. Bingley stated that Elm St. Development does not desire re- zoning of the entire parcel to the historic district, only historic designation of Rolling Ridge. Mr. Kline expressed a desire of Elm St. Development to custody of the- historic designation of Rolling Ridge from Montgomery County to the Town of Laytonsville and its HDC.
Ms, Wenger asked about the existence of a cemetery at Rolling Ridge. Mr. Bingley stated he was not aware of any cemetery on the property. Ms, Ruspi asked about proposed changes to the pond on the property. Mr. Bingley - there are no plans to change the pond site at this time. Members of the HDC will visit the site, Mr. Bingley will provide to the inside of the house.
Discussion continued about objectives of the HOC for this property. Items mentioned were approach., landscaping, views, and setting.
Elm St. Development will meet with the Mayor and Council at their work session on May 18 to further discuss the annexation proposal and the concept plan.
Members of the HOC continued their discussion of creating additional guidelines. Landscaping and signs will be considered, A future Application for Work Permit may be forthcoming for property located at 21513 Laytonsville Rd. The project is an addition and requires a variance. A hearing for the variance will be held on June 7, 2004. Plans for this project are in the Town Hall and the HOC recessed to the upstairs to view the plan.
There being no further business the meeting adjourned at approximately 9:30 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted
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Phyllis Sterling