Laytonsville Historic District Commission

Meeting Minutes-March 20, 2006

The regular meeting of the Laytonsville Historic District Commission (HDC) was called to order by the Chair, Sheree Wenger at 7:30 p.m. Commission members Howes, Ruspi, and Sterling were present.

Commission member Ruspi made a motion to approve the minutes of the February 20, 2006, meeting. Second by Commission member Howes. The minutes were approved as presented.

The Chair opened the hearing for HDWP 02-06, submitted by William Harvey, for property located at 7120 Brink Rd.

· There were no conflicts or disclosures.

· The Chair called on the Secretary to present the facts of the application. The application calls for the demolition of a barn and construction of a new garage on same footprint.

· The Secretary entered into evidence the following exhibits: hearing notice, notice to contiguous property owners, photos and drawings, plat, and affidavit of sign posting. Also submitted paint color sample and shingle.

Comments of Applicant

Mr. Harvey stated his desire to demolish existing barn due to the extensive structural problems. He described damage to vertical support columns and provided photos of damage. He indicated his proposal for new construction would be a garage to house two vehicles and a tractor. The dimensions of the garage would be 39’ x 25’, somewhat smaller than the footprint of the existing barn. The plan calls for dormers and an outside stairway, two overhead garage doors in the front and one in the rear.. The paint color would match other outbuildings on the property

Public Comment

Charles Hendricks 7011 Brink Rd. Mr. Hendricks stated he likes the barn and is opposed to its demolition. He commented that the historic district has a mix of historic houses and outbuildings. He would like to see the barn preserved due to the Towns agricultural history. Although he feels the new plans are quite nice he is concerned about losing a barn and replacing it with a garage. He stated he is also concerned about precedence and homeowners responsibility to maintain their property.

Rebuttal by Applicant

Mr. Harvey stated he does not feel it is economically feasible to preserve the barn. He offered to allow others to inspect the structure.

Commission Members

A discussion of demolition by neglect ensued. Ms. Wenger and Ms. Sterling inspected the property. Ms. Wenger noted the barn has been in decline through previous owners. It is her feeling the Commission should look forward and the best solution is replacement. Ms. Ruspi commented that the majority of structures in the historic district are homes and feels the HDC must deal with each application on a case by case basis. Ms Sterling read the guideline requirements for stairs; risers must be closed and wood must be painted or stained. Ms Wenger asked the applicant to consider other overhead door designs and he agreed.

The Chair closed the hearing and called for a motion. Ms. Ruspi, having studied the plans, made a motion to approve the application for construction of garage, if constructed in accordance with plans presented and in compliance with design guidelines, and also allow for demolition of existing barn. Second by Ms. Sterling. Motion unanimously approved.

Ms. Wenger thanked the applicant and stated a Certificate of Approval would be provided within 7 days.

Old Business

The Chair called upon Chris Wilkinson to further discuss plans originally submitted December 19, 2005, for construction of carriage house at 7000 Brink Rd. Based on comments from previous meeting with the HDC the homeowner has changed original plans by removing some windows and one balcony. Ms. Wilkinson stated the overall size remains the same as originally presented. She also stated the footprint of the new construction has been staked to provide a sense of location on the lot. Ms. Wilkinson stated she believes National Historic Registry and Montgomery County Historic Commission would need to approve plans.

Ms Sterling provided a copy of email response (copy attached to these minutes) received from National Historic Registry regarding oversight of designated properties. It states the National Historic Registry does not require review of construction projects. Ms. Sterling commented that size, scope and scale of the project had been previously discussed and yet no changes to the size of the structure have been incorporated into the modified plan.

Ms. Wenger stated in order to continue the hearing process the HDC would need a set of working plans. She expressed her concern that the remaining balcony and railing design mimics the Layton House and should be avoided. She recommended the homeowner give consideration to the overall size of the structure and the design elements of the porch and return next month. Ms. Wilkinson agreed.

The next order of business was a consultation with Barbara Barber, who resides at 21529 Laytonsville Rd. She explained plans to construct a pergola and extend an existing patio.

The work to be performed would also include the removal of a child’s wooden fort. Ms. Barber’s application for work permit was accepted and will be scheduled for hearing in April.

New Business

Mike Bingley, Elm Street Development and Joel Winters, NV Homes were called to present further proposals for Rolling Ridge subdivision. Mr. Bingley described a stone monument with historical plaque to be placed at the entrance to the lane. The specific design and location to be submitted and approved by the HDC. Mr. Winters submitted proposals for fencing to be placed in front yards on Lots1,13,2,& 3. The proposed fencing is iron, 3 feet high, and reflects three different styles. Also submitted for review was light post and mail box designs. An artists rendering featuring landscaping and trees was discussed.

Ms. Sterling, following discussion of plans submitted and in accordance with established guidelines, made a motion to approve, tree landscaping, light post, fencing, and mailbox proposals. Second by Ms. Howes. Motion unanimously approved.

Mr. Winters provided an artists rendering of lots with models already approved by the HDC. He introduced a proposal for Lot 6 and Lot 12. NV Homes is recommending the Gibraltar model with detached garages. The proposal calls for two different elevations, subject to buyer selection. First elevation choice would not be repeated on the remaining lot.

Ms. Ruspi made a motion to approve the Gibraltar model for Lot 12, three sides brick, with option for detached garage, and morning room extension. Second by Ms. Howes.

Motion unanimously approved.

Ms. Howes made a motion to approve the Gibraltar model for Lot 6, with brick front, no morning room extension, optional detached garage, and landscape easement, with tree planting at rear of lot, to further buffer new development from Rolling Ridge home. Second by Ms. Ruspi. Motion unanimously approved.

The Town Council will conduct a hearing April 4, 2006, to consider home designs of those lots outside the Historic District in the Rolling Ridge subdivision. Ms. Ruspi made a motion that the chair present recommendations of the HDC during testimony at the hearing. Second by Ms. Howes. Motion unanimously approved.

There being no further business the meeting adjourned at approximately 10:15 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Phyllis Sterling, Secretary