HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
OCTOBER 4, 2017
Alexa Silver, Chair, called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. In attendance were Commission members Ted Gallo, Nancy McGuire, Ed Minch and Alice Ritchie, 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 asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes of the meetings of September 6, 2017. Ms. Ritchie moved to approve the minutes of September 6, 2017 as submitted, was seconded by Mr. Gallo and carried unanimously.
The Consent Calendar read as follows:
- BP2017-110 – Hoatson/Edge Construction, 324 Cannon Street – roof;
- BP2017-111 – Heckles/Edge Construction, 114 Cannon Street – roof.
Ms. Ritchie moved to approve the consent calendar as follows as both applications met the criteria in the Historic District Guidelines III.7 Roofs, as follows:
- BP2017-110 from Hoatson/Edge Construction at 324 Cannon Street for a roof; and
- BP2017-111 from Heckles/Edge Construction at 114 Cannon Street for a roof.
The motion was seconded by Mr. Minch and carried unanimously.
The next item on the agenda was BP2017-109 from Lagoy/South & Main Designs, LLC for a rear addition at 106 S. College Avenue. Mr. Steve Lagoy (owner) and Ms. Tammy Brice of South & Main Designs were present for the application. Ms. Silver read the application into the record.
Mr. Lagoy stated that he and his wife moved to Chestertown permanently on August 31, 2017. He said that the existing house was less than 900 sq.ft. and the purpose of this application was for a new rear addition. Sketches were shown of the proposed addition. Mr. Lagoy stated that the addition would use identical materials for siding, windows and roof as existed on the rest of the house. The original structure was built in 1992. Mr. Lagoy stated that the addition would be 16’ x 26’ and include a bedroom and bathroom.
Ms. McGuire moved to approve BP2017-109 for a rear addition at 106 S. College Avenue as presented as it was in keeping with Historic District Guidelines IV. New Construction and Additions, noting that this is a non-contributing structure, was seconded by Mr. Minch and carried unanimously.
The last item on the agenda was for a modification of previously approved BP2017-22 in order to meet life safety codes. The modifications to the plan were a result of the Fire Marshal’s application of Maryland 2015 Life Safety Code, Chapter 43 Building Rehabilitation, Section 10 Historic Buildings.
Interior stairs will not suffice as a direct exit to the outside without a sprinkler in place and the best option was to replace the east alley ladder stair with new to-code exit stairs and basement windows. The second story apartment also required its own independent exit path with an exit door opening directly to an outside exit path to the ground. All changes have been approved by the Maryland Historical Trust.
Ms. Ritchie moved to approve modifications to BP2017-22 as described in a letter from Park Row Partners, LLC dated September 29, 2017 as in keeping with Section III Rehabilitation & Maintenance of Existing Structures and due to the fact that this renovation is being overseen by the Maryland Historical Trust which has given their approval, was seconded by Mr. Gallo and carried unanimously.
Ms. Silver stated that Ms. Mulligan usually sends all files to her the Friday before a meeting, but the files are often waiting on additional information. The Commission typically receives copies of the files on Monday once all files are complete. Ms. Silver stated that she would like to try having all Commission members review the files by the Monday evening before a meeting and notify her if there are any items on the consent calendar a member wants pulled. This way, those on the consent agenda can be told in advance that they do not need to appear before the Commission to explain their application. The Commission agreed.
There being no further business, Ms. Ritchie moved to adjourn the meeting at 5:30 p.m., was seconded by Mr. Minch and carried unanimously.
Submitted by: Approved by:
Jennifer Mulligan Alexa Silver
Town Clerk Chair