Laytonsville Historic District Commission

Meeting-Minutes-September 18, 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 Ruspi, Shortley, and Sterling were present. Commission member Howes was absent.

Commission member Ruspi made a motion to approve the minutes of the August 21, 2006, meeting. Second by Commission member Shortley. The minutes were approved as presented.

The Chair read the Preliminary Statement reviewing the purpose and intent of the HDC.

Old Business

The Chair called on Mike Bingley, Elm Street Development, for further review of entrance signs to Rolling Ridge subdivision. Mr. Bingley submitted a design concept based on recommendations of the HDC. The proposal includes two signs, one naming the subdivision and the other a historical marker, to be placed on either side of lane entrance. The signs proposed would be mounted on 12 foot black poles with factory installed brackets. Commission members reviewed the drawings and discussed various options of shape and additional wording to include a reference to Laytonsville. Ms. Wenger indicated she did not find value in having the historical marker at a height of seven feet. HDC members reconsidered an earlier concept that had placed the historical marker on a stone monument. This discussion included materials and location for the marker. Final concepts submitted were entered into the record as exhibits and dated September 18, 2006.

Ms. Sterling made a motion to approve two signs, based on inspection of plans presented, and according to guidelines. The subdivision sign naming Rolling Ridge, in concept drawing dated 09/18/06, would be placed on pole with bracket, at entrance to lane, on opposite side from street light, with fencing depicted in drawing, and incorporate a reference to Laytonsville. The historical marker would be a stone monument with bronze marker including a history of Rolling Ridge, consisting of approximately 16 lines. This marker to be placed in front of Lot 13 in the subdivision and inside the Brink Rd. right of way. Examples of wording and stone will submitted to the HDC for final approval. Second by Ms. Shortley. Motion unanimously approved.

Mr. Bingley was asked to provide an updated inventory of trees at Rolling Ridge and a copy of the reforestation plan for the subdivision. He stated they are continuing to clear the lot at Rolling Ridge, including trees and fences. Ms. Sterling reminded Mr. Bingley that changes to the environmental setting come under the authority of the HDC and a permit is required for grading, excavating, and landscaping.

The Chair opened the hearing on HDWP 06-06, submitted by Fiber Tower Network Building, for property of Laytonsville District Volunteer Fire Department (LDVFD) at 21400 Laytonsville Rd.

· The Chair called on the Secretary to present the facts of the application. The application calls for the addition of a satellite dish to the existing monopole and installation of equipment on a 4x4 pad inside the existing compound.

· The Secretary entered into evidence the following exhibits: hearing notice, notice to contiguous property owners, photos, drawings, plat, and sign affidavit.

Comments of Applicant

Clark Beall, LDVFD President, and Fiber Tower representative described the work and location of equipment.

Commission Members

In response to question from Ms. Wenger the applicant indicated the size of the dish is 3 ft. and indicated its approximate location on the monopole.

Public Comment

Kate Pomeroy, 21404 Laytonsville Rd., asked about noise and radiation levels. Applicant responded there would be little impact from this equipment.

There being no other discussion the Chair closed the hearing and called for a motion. Commission member Sterling stated she had inspected the project plans and property and made a motion to approve the application, if constructed in accordance with the plans presented. Second by Ms. Ruspi. Motion unanimously approved. Ms. Wenger thanked the applicant and stated a Certificate of Approval would be issued within seven days.

The Chair opened the hearing on HDWP 07-06A, submitted Susan Phillips and Neal Battaler for property located at 21513 Laytonsville Rd.

· The Chair called on the Secretary to present the facts of the application. The application calls for the demolition of a shed attached to the garage.

· The Secretary entered into evidence the following exhibits: photos, notice of hearing, notice to contiguous property owners, sign affidavit, plat, drawings, sample materials, and a written description of work provided by the property owner.

Comments of Applicant

The applicant is requesting demolition of a shed attached to the garage due to its deteriorating condition. There are no plans for work on the garage at this time.

There was no public comment.

Commission Members

Ms. Shortley inquired about what was being planned for restoring lawn area following demolition. Mr. Battaler responded the area would be seeded. Ms. Sterling reminded applicant of requirements for proper disposal of material. Mr. Battaler stated a dumpster would be on site.

The Chair closed the record and called for a motion. Ms. Sterling made a motion to approve the demolition of the shed, based on inspection of the property and after reviewing the plans. Second by Commission member Shortley. Motion unanimously approved.

The Chair opened the hearing for HDWP 07-06B. This application also submitted by Susan Phillips and Neal Battaler for property located at 21513 Laytonsville Rd.

· The application calls for the restoration of the front porch, replacement of 5 windows, eliminating one window on first floor and creating a new entry doorway.

· The exhibits were entered into evidence under previous hearing for HDWP 07-06.

Comments of Applicant

Mr. Battaler explained the scope of the work. He stated, based on the recommendation of a contractor, the front porch should be restored. Plans are to recreate the porch columns, fascia, soffit, and replace damaged wood in floor and ceiling. A new foundation would be constructed and existing concrete step would be re-set. Further plans include removing storm door and painting of exterior wood door and replacing shingle porch roof. Mr. Bataller also indicated that he is requesting the replacement of 5 windows. It is his opinion that due to extensive rot the windows are beyond restoration. The application also requests the removal of one window on the first floor south elevation. The window opening will be changed to add a doorway and stoop.

There was no public comment.

Commission Members

Commission members reviewed each element of the application and asked for details regarding construction methods, materials to be used, plans for painting, and location of walkway.

The Chair closed the record and called for the motion. Ms. Ruspi, having inspected the plans and property, moved to approve the application, if constructed in accordance with guidelines as follows: Porch restoration to include 4 porch columns replaced as exact replicas in fir, porch ceiling and floor boards to be replaced as needed and painted, fascia to be replaced and existing cement step be reset, porch metal roof shingles to be replaced in size, detail and color of original porch, storm door to be removed and not replaced, front door to be re-furbished, five windows replaced with double hung vinyl true divided light, removal of window to be replaced by a doorway, adding wooden door and a plain glass storm door, construction of landing covered in brick, and addition of exterior lighting. A stipulation was added to require a wooden step with closed risers for front porch in the event existing cement step cannot be reset. Second to motion by Ms. Sterling. Motion unanimously approved.

The Chair thanked the applicant and stated a Certificate of Approval would be issued within seven days.

The Chair opened the hearing for HDWP 08-06, submitted by Raymond Varkalis for property located at 21520 Laytonsville Rd.

· The Chair called on the Secretary to read the facts of the application. The application calls for rebuilding rear additions, add siding, build new detached garage, and replace fencing.

· The Secretary entered the following exhibits into evidence: hearing notice, notice to contiguous property owners, sign affidavit, plat, drawings, photos, photo example of garage door, windows, and samples of vinyl siding and roof shingles.

The Chair called upon Mr. and Mrs. Varkalis to explain their project. The applicant is requesting the planting of 13 Leland Cypress along the south property line. Mr. Varkalis stated his proposal includes the construction of a new detached garage, 24x20 ft, with vinyl siding and a shingle roof. Also being requested is the removal of rear additions to the original house and the construction of a new two story addition, squaring to the back of the house and otherwise not to exceed original footprint of additions being removed. Original windows are being restored and plan calls for vinyl siding to be added.

Commission members

Ms. Wenger explained the need to identify the new construction from the original structure of the house. Discussion ensued regarding changing the roofline and using shingles on the addition, rather than continuing a tin roof. She requested the trim details of the windows be retained and scallop details on front elevation be maintained. Applicant was asked to explain plans for front porch renovation. Ms. Sterling asked if all soffit and fascia would be vinyl covered.

Response of Applicant

Mr. Varkalis indicated he could change the roofline to comply with the need to define the new construction. He stated the scallop detail would be painted and all fascia and soffit would be vinyl covered. Gutters would be installed on the house and front porch would be restored. The existing columns would be restored, or replaced as exact replicas. He plans to repair the concrete walkway. This will require removing the brick step, repairing concrete walkway and reinstalling the brick step. He plans to re-use the wooden front door, remove current storm door and replace with a full view storm door. He indicated the ceiling porch light would be replaced. Mr. Varkalis further requested the elimination of a window on the west elevation of the kitchen bump out, change the double window to a single window on the north elevation and change the size of the window on east elevation. Mr. Varkalis indicated this change would allow more functionality to the kitchen design. He stated the floor plan does not support keeping the existing windows.

Commission members

Discussion ensued regarding changing the window on the front elevation of the house. Ms. Wenger stated she would like to keep the existing window on the front. Ms. Shortley asked if lowering the kitchen counter height would accommodate the functionality desired. Mr. Varkalis responded that it would not. Ms. Ruspi asked that action on window be continued due to the late hour. Ms. Wenger proposed to continue the matter until a site visit could be arranged in an effort to better understand the design problems.

Public Comment

The Chair read a letter submitted by Larry and Michele Halvorson, 21521 Laytonsville Rd. They wrote to indicate their support of the rehabilitation of the house and construction of the garage. They indicated the improvements being proposed would be welcomed.

The Chair closed the hearing and called for the motion. Having inspected the plans and if constructed in accordance with the plans, Ms. Ruspi made a motion to approve the removal of rear additions and construction of a new 2 story addition, modification of roof pitch to identify new construction, add vinyl siding on entire house, restore and repaint existing windows, and paint existing roof, build new 24x20 detached garage with vinyl siding and shingle roof and long traditional panel garage door, install 13 6 foot Leland cypress trees along property line, install gutters, existing front concrete sidewalk will be repaired at same length width and location, and existing porch brick step will be reset, reuse wooden front door and replace storm door with full view glass, columns on front porch will be restored or replaced in kind and detailing of existing windows will be maintained. HDC will reconvene at the home to discuss window features of the kitchen extension. Second by Ms. Sterling. Motion unanimously approved.

The Chair informed the applicant that a Certificate of Approval would be issued within seven days.

There being no further business the meeting adjourned at approximately 11:30 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Phyllis Sterling, Secretary