LAYTONSVILLE HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION

APPROVED MEETING MINUTES
March 16, 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, Prats Howes and Ruspi are present.

Attendance :

The meeting was attended by 2 residents and 1 guest.

Minutes :

The minutes of the February 16, 2009 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 and David Deale of NV Homes. The applicants submitted new drawings which included all the modifications discussed at the March 4, 2009 work session. The commission was most pleased to see that the new drawings included a two foot recess modification for the extensions. The shed bump-out has been eliminated. All other modifications discussed have been included.

Member Dan Prats made a motion to approve the work permit applications HDWP 09-08 & 10-08 with the following modifications: to include the shutter detail, a two foot extension recess, gable roof overhang, upgraded garage doors, the portico or a full porch would be acceptable and the approved landscaping list which was provided. A total of 6 additional trees will be installed at a location to be determined upon completion of construction. A window or service door will be made available to the homeowner on the garage side of the house. A decorative window or vent will be installed at the side peak. The motion was seconded by member Jill Ruspi. The motion was unanimously approved.

The Hearing adjourned at 7:50pm

The regular meeting continued. Chairman Wenger informed the commission that the MAHDC is conducting a seminar on March 28^th. All members are encouraged to attend. Registration material has already been sent.

The Laytonsville Volunteer Fire Department has made an application for a modification to the rear out-building. They are seeking to build a new pole barn facility to provide more storage space. The size of the new squad has created a need for expanding their storage capacity.

The contracted owner for Lot 12, Mr. & Mrs. Aseem made a presentation to the council regarding their prospective home on Lot 12, The Aseem’s contracted for the Carter’s Grove model as approved, however they upon further consideration would like to eliminate the two car detached garage and have a three car attached garage. The commission made clear the fact that three car garages are not to be permitted on any lot within the Rolling Ridge subdivision, and given the leniency with this particular lot no further modifications could be considered. The commission also explained that should they choose to seek this modification they would be required to submit a permit application along with the appropriate fees and meet with the submission requirements. A hearing would then be scheduled. No further consideration could be given to this proposed change without going through the commission’s written process. Mr. & Mrs Aseem assumed that since their home is not within the Historic District’s boundaries they were not required to make an application to the HDC. The chairman explained that during the negotiation process in 2005 and 2006 the Mayor and Council granted purview of Lots 5, 6 and 12 to the HDC. At the conclusion of the discussion the Chairman heard a click and noticed Mr. Assem had been taping the conversation. The chairman stated that the taping was improper and could not be used in any manner.

The commission continued the regular meeting. The permit for Monica Guillen and Eric Pineda to construct a rear fence on Lot 1 has been extended for a period of one year. The permit for Josh Pomeroy has also been extended for a period of one year.

Phyllis Sterling spoke to the commission regarding Mike Knapp’s amendment to the historic designation process, and his change to make designation voluntary. Mrs. Sterling will prepare testimony and has signed up as a speaker at the meeting scheduled for March 31, 2009. The Chairman will also provide written testimony in opposition to this change.

ADJOURNMENT: A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Member Ruspi, seconded by Member Prats. The motion was approved. The meeting was adjourned at 8:57pm.

Respectfully Submitted by

Sheree Wenger

Chairman