HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
MAY 4, 2016
Alexa Silver, Chair, called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. In attendance were Commission members Susanne DeBerry Cole, Barbara Jorgensen and Nancy McGuire, Kees de Mooy, Zoning Administrator, Jennifer Mulligan, Town Clerk and guests.
Ms. Silver 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.
Ms. Silver welcomed Ms. Jorgensen to the Commission.
Ms. Silver asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes of the meeting of April 4, 2016. Ms. McGuire moved to approve the minutes as submitted, was seconded by Ms. Cole and carried unanimously.
The only item on the agenda was for a concept plan for a proposed deck expansion to the Fish Whistle Restaurant at 98 Cannon Street. Mr. Max Ruehrmund of M3 Architecture was present for the application.
Mr. Ruehrmund stated that the Fish Whistle was planning to expand the decks around the water side and south side of the existing building. The expanded areas to the south and over the existing decking will be covered by a solid flat roof. The northeast corner would be used as a crab deck with a smaller, covered area that would have a bar. There would be stairs up to the deck from the water side only.
Mr. Ruehrmund stated that the materials would be an extension of the existing building materials, but there would be some windows added on the south side. This would open a view of the water as the existing marina building is going to be demolished. There would be fencing added to shield the activities of the loading dock at the north side of the restaurant.
Ms. Jorgensen asked if there would be modifications to the front façade and parking lot. Mr. Ruehrmund stated that the grade of the parking lot would be raised and the handicap ramps and stairs would become shorter, but the only visible change would be a portion of the new deck to the south. Ms. McGuire suggested renovating the steps on the front façade as she found them to be dangerous. Mr. Ruehrmund stated that there may be an opportunity to fix the stairs due to the grade change.
Mr. de Mooy stated that the parking lot would be paved and landscaped as part of the marina project, noting that the parking lot was a Brownfield site. Mr. Ruehrmund stated that the land surrounding the Fish Whistle, including the boardwalk area on the waterside, was part of the Marina project and he did not know the plans for those materials.
Ms. McGuire asked for clarifications on the deck materials. Mr. Ruehrmund stated that the decking is a composite material.
Ms. Jorgensen asked how so much seating could be added to the restaurant and the plans only show one additional bathroom. Mr. Ruehrmund stated that the code officials determined if additional bathrooms were required; noting the use of the deck was variable so the amount of use versus bathroom units would be decided at a future point.
Ms. Jorgensen asked about the relocation of the propane tanks. Mr. Ruehrmund stated that the propane tanks are proposed to be moved to Town land and out of the flood zone.
Ms. McGuire asked if the grease traps will have to be removed and reinstalled. Mr. Ruehrmund stated that a collar would be installed over the grease trap openings allowing them to extend to the new grade.
Ms. Cole stated that she would like to update the Historic District Design Guidelines to include newer, synthetic materials.
There being no further business, Ms. Jorgensen moved to adjourn the meeting at 5:20 p.m., was seconded by Ms. Cole and carried unanimously.
Submitted by: Approved by:
Jennifer Mulligan Alexa Silver
Town Clerk Chair