HDC Meeting Minutes Nov. 2008

The regular meeting of the Laytonsville Historic District Commission (HDC) was called to order by the Chair, Ms. Wenger, at 7:40 p.m. Commission Members: Ruspi, Prats, Howes, Shortley and Alternate Commission Member Hendricks were present.

Attendance:

The meeting was attended by 5 residents and 5 guests.

Minutes :

Chair Wenger asked if there were any corrections or additions to the minutes Motion was made by Member Prats and seconded by Member Howes to accept the minutes. Motion was accepted.

Preliminary Statement by Chair:

Review purpose and intent. It is the purpose of this committee to provide for the preservation of structures, districts, sites, and resources of historic, architectural, and archaeological significance together with the appurtenances and environmental setting, consistent with the general welfare of the town, its inhabitants, and visitors thereto.

Hearing: Cricket Communications for the property located at 21400 Laytonsville Rd., HDWP 08-08, the hearing opened at 7:10pm. The application is seeking to add one additional communications platform to the existing pole at the fire station. Mr. Charles Ryan representing Cricket Communications reviewed the project. The hearing was closed at 7:40pm. Motion was made by Member Ruspi and seconded by Member Prats to accept the application as submitted, contingent on the Board of Appeals decision scheduled for December 22, 2008. The motion was unanimously approved.

Hearing: Lisa and Paul Simonetti for the property located at 21711 Rolling Ridge Ln. HDWP 07-08 application to construct a new deck on the rear elevation c f the house. The hearing opened at 7:43pm. In attendance are Mr. and Mrs. Simonetti, representatives from Pro-Built Construction (Christina and Lee) and Mr. David Deale from NV Homes. After reviewing the revised application it was noted and discussed at length that no changes had be en made nor had any of the suggestions from the October consultation had been incorporated.. A rather lengthy discussion ensued regarding the deck and how the HDC is seeking to reduce the new constructions prominence and still meet with the guidelines that state there are to be no second story decks. It was made clear that through no fault of either party the home had to be constructed at its current elevation. The commission, the applicant, Pro-Built and Mr. Deale discussed the project at length and determined that there was a design that would satisfy both parties. Persons who spoke in favor of the application were Mrs. Cindy Olive, resident located at 7201 Brink Rd. Mrs. Phyllis Sterling of 21401 S. Montgomery St., read a statement into the record that stated the goal and purpose of the HDC’s guidelines and the need to maintain consistency in our decision making. A deck at the proposed elevation is not compatible with the historic district and should be opposed if not modified. The hearing on HDWP 07-08 will be continued until the December 15, 2008 meeting. Prior to the December meeting, the applicant will submit a new concept drawing incorporating the agreed upon modifications along with a landscape plan to reduce the visual impact. The record will remain open. Discussion was closed at 9:00pm. A motion to continue the hearing until the December 15, 2008 meeting was made by Member Ruspi and seconded by Member Howes. The motion was unanimously carried.

Mr. Mike Bingley of Elm Street Development and Mr. David Deale of NV Homes were in attendance to discuss Lots 1 and 4 in the Rolling Ridge development. It was noted that each lot was sold with a feature that was not permitted on the original permit issued in April 2008. Chair Wenger read the permit that was issued at that time which also states clearly that any modification to the approved design can only be considered with a new work permit application. The hearing would then be scheduled for the January 2009 meeting.

Old Business:

Reminder that the UMD student presentation is scheduled for December 2, 2008.

Adjourn :

There being no further business, Member Prats made the motion to adjourn the meeting which was seconded by Member Shortley and carried. The meeting adjourned at approximately 9:40 p.m.