HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
JULY 1, 2020
The meeting was called to order at 5:02 p.m. In attendance were Commission members Charles Barton, Jeff Coomer, Alice Ritchie and Kurt Smith, Kees de Mooy (Zoning Administrator), Jennifer Mulligan (Town Clerk) and guests.
Mr. Coomer 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.
The first item of business was to elect a Chairperson for the duration of the calendar year to replace Ms. Silver, who has stepped down. Mr. Barton moved to appoint Mr. Coomer as Chairperson for the remainder of the calendar year, was seconded by Ms. Ritchie and carried unanimously.
Mr. Coomer asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes of the Historic District Commission meeting of June 3, 2020. Ms. Ritchie moved to approve the June 3, 2020 minutes as amended, was seconded by Mr. Smith and carried unanimously.
The consent agenda was as follows:
- BP2020-60 – Niva/Walnut & Wood, 321 High Street – Sign;
- BP2020-63 – Ortiz, 207 Philosophers Terrace – Roof;
- BP2020-72 – Kellstrom, 212 W. Campus Avenue – Fence.
Ms. Ritchie moved to approve the consent agenda as submitted and adjusted, was seconded by Mr. Barton and carried unanimously.
The next application was for a modification of BP2018-82 from Rebecca Flora at 218 Mt. Vernon Avenue. Ms. Flora stated that this modified request was more in keeping with the original house. Ms. Ritchie asked what the material would be for the “barn door” on the shed. Ms. Flora stated that whatever the door was made of, it would be painted to be consistent with rest of the house. The existing shed door is vinyl. Mr. Barton moved to approve the modifications submitted to BP2018-82 for 218 Mt. Vernon Avenue, was seconded by Ms. Ritchie and carried unanimously.
The next item on the agenda was BP2020-68 from Mr. and Mrs. Mobley at 401 N. Kent Street for exterior renovations. Ms. Jennifer Mobley was present for the application. Mr. Coomer asked if there would be a railing on the front steps and porch, noting that if there was one, the railing could not be vinyl. Ms. Mobley stated that the height of the porch was only 18” and therefore would not require a railing. She said that the photo depicting a railing was only to show how the roof of the porch would appear from the street.
Ms. Ritchie stated that the house is from the 1950s and was not historic in nature. She said that a porch addition will be an improvement. Mr. Barton stated that he thought the design was lovely, echoing the house across the street.
Mr. Barton moved to approve BP2020-68 as submitted for exterior renovations at 401 N. Kent Street, was seconded by Ms. Ritchie and carried unanimously.
The next item on the agenda was BP2020-69 from George Seff for exterior renovations to 212 Calvert Street. Mr. Seff was present for the application. He said that the second story over the side porch is vinyl siding, but all siding was going to be replaced with cedar shake siding. Mr. Seff stated that at this point he was trying to make the house weathertight. Ms. Ritchie moved to approve BP2020-69 for exterior renovations be approved at 212 Calvert Street as submitted, was seconded Mr. Smith and carried unanimously.
The next item on the application was BP2020-70 from Samantha Hollomon at 100 S. Water Street for a pool and pool house. Mr. Coomer stated that the proposal was not going to be visible from the road due to the orientation of the property. Mr. Barton moved to approve BP2020-70 for a pool and pool house at 100 S. Water Street as submitted, was seconded by Ms. Ritchie and carried unanimously.
Mr. Barton thanked Mr. Coomer for stepping in as Chair. Ms. Ritchie seconded the sentiment.
There being no further business, Mr. Smith moved to adjourn the meeting at 5:30 p.m., was seconded by Ms. Ritchie and carried unanimously.
Submitted by: Approved by:
Jennifer Mulligan Jeffery Coomer
Town Clerk Chair