HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
MARCH 2, 2022
Mr. Kurt Smith, Chair, called the Historic District Commission meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. In attendance were Barbara Brown, Rob Busler, Rebecca Murphy and Vicky Smith, Kees de Mooy (Zoning Administrator), Jennifer Mulligan (Town Clerk) and guests.
Mr. Smith stated that the Chestertown Historic District Commission takes its authority from Chapter 93 of the Code of the Town of Chestertown and operates under the Historic District Design Guidelines that were adopted by the Mayor and Council of Chestertown on October 7, 2002, and revised March 7, 2012.
Mr. Smith asked if there were any questions regarding the consent calendar. There were none, except for changing the order of one of the new applications.
Mr. Smith asked if there were any questions or comments on the minutes of February 2, 2022. Mr. Busler moved to approve the minutes as presented, was seconded by Ms. Smith and carried unanimously.
The items on the agenda were as follows:
- BP2022-17 – Davidson, 401 Calvert Street – Roof;
- BP2022-18 – Davidson, 404 Calvert Street – Roof.
Mr. Busler moved to approve the following items as presented:
- BP2022-17 – Davidson, 401 Calvert Street – Roof;
- BP2022-18 – Davidson, 404 Calvert Street – Roof.
The motion was seconded by Ms. Murphy and carried unanimously.
The next item on the agenda was BP2020-42 for modifications to the approved plans for the renovations of Twigs & Teacups on 111 S. Cross Street. Mr. Justin Taylor of Taylor Loughry Construction was present for the application and stated that the rear windows would be changed to Andersen 400 series windows. The applicant was proposing the use of engineered wood from LP Smart Side for the rear and two remove two (2) chimneys (not visible).
Mr. Taylor stated that the 6/6 window replacement was for the rear windows only and that they were keeping the original windows on the front of the building.
Mr. Busler moved to approve the modifications for BP2020-42 as presented, was seconded by Ms. Brown and carried unanimously.
The next item on the agenda was BP2022-21 from Ms. Carey Hedlund for an exterior remodel and small addition at 204 Mt. Vernon Avenue. Ms. Carey Hedlund (owner) was present for the application. She said that this addition would allow for a shower by raising the ceiling to the first floor and she was planning to add a second story sleeping porch. She said that she was trying to get back the area for the kitchen that had been remodeled before she purchased the property. Ms. Hedland stated that she was considering Andersen window or Loewen windows with an awning window over a casement.
Ms. Brown moved to approve application BP2022-21 as submitted, was seconded by Ms. Murphy and carried unanimously.
The next item on the agenda was BP2022-22 from Mr. Cousineau at 215 S. Queen Street for a pool shed. Mr. de Mooy stated that he would lead through the materials if there were no questions from the Commission. Mr. Smith stated that there was digging in a sensitive area and protocol should be followed. Mr. de Mooy stated that the applicant was aware of archaeological monitoring requirements.
Ms. Murphy moved to approve application BP2022-22 as presented, was seconded by Ms. Brown and carried unanimously.
The next item on the agenda was BP2022-24 from Sunrise Solar for a solar array at 107 S. Queen Street. Mr. Dan Baugher of Sunrise Solar was present for the application. He said that the panels would be placed in the back of the house. The panels may be visible from Cannon Street if you were within 200’ of the building, but only if someone was looking for them. The panels were not visible from any other street views.
Ms. Murphy moved to approve application BP2022-24 for a solar array as submitted, was seconded by Ms. Brown and carried unanimously.
The next item on the agenda was BP2022-23 from Maiden Lot Farm for new construction on Lot 8 (101 Radcliffe Drive). Ms. Murphy recused herself from the application citing a conflict of interest. Mr. John Hutchison (architect) was present for the application. Mr. Hutchison stated that the prospective buyers were also on the call.
Mr. Hutchison explained the site and said that the house would face Radcliffe Drive. He said that the driveway will be gravel. The house will be prominent from Cannon Street although it would face Radcliffe Drive and along the rail-trail so careful consideration was given to each façade in design.
Mr. Hutchison stated that the design included solar panels facing south and west. They would not be visible from Radcliffe Drive or Cannon Street. There were skylights proposed as well.
Mr. Hutchison stated that Hardiplank siding, architectural asphalt roofing shingles and Andersen 400 Series or Viwinco windows would be used. The porches would have composite decking and standing seam metal roofing. There was a covered entry on the rear of the building and a screen porch on the side of the house facing the rail-trail. Mr. Hutchison showed renderings of all facades and described how they related to the overall design of the development.
Mr. Hutchison stated that no garage was planned for this property.
Mr. Busler asked if something could be done to soften the middle section of the building on the Cannon Street side. Mr. Hutchison stated that he could add more windows on the first floor and try to relate them to the second story windows. Mr. Hutchison stated that there will be some landscaping on that side of the house, but it will not be tall. Mr. Busler stated that a shallow pent roof might relieve the verticality of the front and rear of the house. Mr. Hutchison stated that he could explore that option, or he could potentially lower the wall plate of the hyphen, so the soffit and fascia are lower than the prominent gables. He said that he would try to produce something for the next review.
Mr. Busler moved for application BP2022-23 to move forward noting the changes to the Cannon Street side, was seconded by Ms. Brown and carried with four (4) in favor.
There being no further business, Ms. Murphy moved to adjourn the meeting at 4:42 p.m., was seconded by Ms. Brown and carried unanimously.
Submitted by: Approved by:
Jennifer Mulligan Kurt Smith
Town Clerk Chair