LAYTONSVILLE HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION

MEETING MINUTES
January 19, 2009

7:30pm

Roll Call :

The regular meeting of the Laytonsville Historic District Commission (HDC) was called to order by the Chair, Ms. Wenger, at 7:30 p.m.  Commission Members: Wenger, Shortley and Prats are present. Member Ruspi and Howes are absent

Attendance :

The meeting was attended by 3 residents and 5 guests.

Minutes :

The minutes of the December 2008 meeting were read and approved.

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.

Call Case: NV Homes modification application for Lot 1 and Lot 4 HDWP 09-08 & 10-08.

The hearing opened at 7:40pm. In attendance are Mr. Mike Bingley of Elm Street Development and Joe Korcinsky or NV Homes. The applicants submitted concept drawings and information regarding the application to seek changes to the approved permit issued on April 22, 2008. As stated during previous meetings the Lots 1 and 4 were sold with a morning room extension which is not part of the previous approval. The applicant’s submitted information stating that they felt the extension was appropriate given that the added square footage at 225 is minimal. The footprints are nearly identical to a previously approved model, which is no longer available in the Rolling Ridge inventory. Mr. Bingley testified that NV and Elm Street would be willing to provide additional screening and modifications to the side elevation to reduce the visual effect of a solid wall. These modifications are illustrated on the concept drawings provided. Chairman Wenger again stated the concerns of the HDC and that the commission understood the original permitting process was to establish approved models so that each lot would not come under individual review. The HDC is equally concerned about the precedent this will set for the remaining lots in Rolling Ridge and the new construction scheduled for the Natelli properties.

Mr. Bingley explained that due to market conditions the only saleable point was the extended kitchen. Mr. Bingley commented that this modification would improve the condition of the development, by enhancing the facades and landscaping as well as permitting two prospective homebuyers to live in the community.

Monica Guillen and Eric Pineda of Lot 1 spoke in favor of the application. They desired the additional kitchen space to their extensive family.

Phyllis Sterling of South Montgomery St. opposed the application commenting that the massing of the house was out of character. The HDC has to consider the district as a whole, trying to keep out unique sense of history. Mrs. Sterling also asked for confirmation that there should have been full disclosure on what is approved for this development. Mr. Bingley stated that such a process was in place.

A motion to defer a decision on the application was made by Member Prats, seconded by Member Shortley. The motion to defer the decision until the February 16, 2008 meeting was approved. A work session will be scheduled to further discuss the modifications.

The Hearing adjourned at 8:40pm

The regular meeting continued. Chairman Wenger informed the commission that the UMD student inventory reports have been received. An electronic copy and hard copies will be made and provided to the homeowners.

ADJOURNMENT: A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Member Shortley, seconded by Member Prats. The motion was approved. The meeting was adjourned at 8:51pm.

Respectfully Submitted by

Sheree Wenger

Chairman