HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
SEPTEMBER 5, 2018
Alexa Silver, Chair, called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. In attendance were Commission members Jeffrey Coomer, Ted Gallo, Barbara Jorgenson and Ed Minch, 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 asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes of the meeting of August 1, 2018. Mr. Minch moved to approve the minutes of August 1, 2018 as submitted, was seconded by Mr. Gallo and carried unanimously.
Ms. Silver asked if there were any objections to the items on the Consent Agenda, they being:
- BP2018-89 – Sultana, 200 S. Cross Street – fence;
- BP2018-93 – Bailey, 116 Washington Avenue – railing.
Mr. Coomer moved to approve the Consent Agenda as follows as the items were in keeping with the Historic District Design Guidelines:
- BP2018-89 – Sultana, 200 S. Cross Street – fence;
- BP2018-93 – Bailey, 116 Washington Avenue – railing.
The motion was seconded by Mr. Gallo and carried unanimously.
The next item on the agenda was BP2018-36 for a demolition of the structure at 101 S. Lynchburg Street. Mr. Kit Seningen was present for the application. Mr. Seningen stated that the application speaks for itself, adding that this property was not listed on the National Register and was about to fall in.
Ms. Jorgenson stated that she had done some investigation on the property as it was suggested that it may have been an African American store, but could not find anything in writing to support that information. Mr. Seningen stated that when the structure is shown to have been built, it was accessory building to an adjoining lot and was subdivided in 1920. He said that his understanding of the property was that it was a fire equipment supply company and then a tenant building for many years after that. Mr. Seningen stated that there was no written information to authenticate his findings either.
Mr. Coomer asked if there was a timetable for the project. Mr. Seningen stated that he would hope to tear down the building as soon as he was able and then he would have to work with the bank after plans are approved by the HDC for a new building. He said that he hoped to move the project along quickly.
Ms. Jorgenson moved to approve BP2018-36 for demolition as it was a non-contributing structure, with the understanding that the applicant will return with plans for a new structure. The demolition is permitted before new construction is approved as the building is a safety hazard. Concept drawings are to be kept on file. The motion was seconded by Mr. Minch and carried unanimously.
The next item on the agenda was BP2018-87 from Chris Gordon and Sally Faulkner for demolition of 204 Philosophers Terrace. Mr. Jennifer Lieber, owner’s agent, was present for the application. Ms. Lieber stated that Mr. Gordon and Ms. Faulkner are the new owners of 204 Philosophers Terrace and will be settling on 206 Philosophers Terrace in the next couple weeks.
Ms. Lieber stated that the applicants would like to combine the two lots into one, and extend the existing 206 Philosophers Terrace with a foyer area and attached garage, shop or carriage house. The style will be balanced to match the existing 206 Philosophers Terrace with a symmetric gable and center entry. Ms. Lieber stated that Mr. Miles Bernard has been hired to work on the landscape design for the property. The owners will keep the existing stone and stucco, mirroring it on the new addition. The house was built in the late 1940s.
Ms. Lieber stated that there was a structural report from an engineer in the file. Mr. de Mooy stated that the house was in horrendous condition and that he could barely walk through the house due to mold and other issues.
Mr. Minch moved to approve BP2018-87 from Mr. Gordon and Ms. Faulkner for demolition of structure at 204 Philosophers Terrace, as it is not a contributing structure and the building is outside the period of significance for the Historic District. The structure is unsafe, so demolition should be permitted before final plans for new construction are submitted. The motion was seconded by Mr. Coomer and carried unanimously.
The last item on the agenda was BP2018-92 from Kirk and Mary Ann Christophel at 537 High Street for exterior renovations. Mr. Christophel was present for the application. Ms. Silver read the application into the record.
Mr. Coomer stated that there was vinyl siding on both sides of the house and asked if Mr. Christophel planned to keep the existing siding or replace it. Mr. Christophel stated that he thought the vinyl siding matched when originally installed, but the sun had changed the color on one side. He said that when he was hoping to salvage what he could and match it with new vinyl siding. Ms. Jorgenson asked what was under the siding. Mr. Christophel stated that it was OSB board. He said the siding had to be removed in order to insulate the building from the outside; the building had no insulation on the addition.
Ms. Jorgenson stated that the vinyl shutters were not original to the house and could be removed. Ms. Jorgenson asked if 2-over-2 windows would have been original to the house. Mr. Christophel stated that the windows in place are cheap vinyl windows. He said that his application was to replace the front windows with Andersen Wood Wright Series vinyl clad wooden windows and would not object to replacing the front façade windows with 2-over-2. His preference is to use Viwinco vinyl windows on the sides and rear facades with 1-over-1 windows.
Ms. Jorgenson asked what was planned for the doors. Mr. Christophel stated that one door toward the rear of the building would be removed entirely. The rear door is rotted and would be replaced. A sliding door is on the deck and would be reused. Ms. Jorgenson stated that the front door should be wood as the existing door is not original, nor in keeping with the style of the house. Mr. Christophel stated that he did not think the existing front door was in a condition where he would have to replace it, noting that he also wanted to keep the storm door on the front. Ms. Jorgenson stated that a wood door would be more in keeping with the front door if did need to be replaced. Mr. Christophel stated that if the front door was not in good condition and did require replacement, he would replace it with wood. The porch rails and columns would be wood and the porch floor and steps in the front would be replaced with mahogany.
Mr. Christophel asked if the Commission would like to see trim board around the windows. Mr. Minch stated that it appears as though there was some type of brick mold around the replacement windows. Mr. Christophel stated that 1 x 4s were added around the windows which caused rot. Mr. Minch stated that he should compare other houses on that block to get a sense of what sort of window trim would have been used historically and mimic it.
Mr. Minch moved to approve BP2018-92 for Andersen Wood Wright windows in 2-over-2 on the front façade and Viwinco vinyl windows as proposed on the sides and rear of the structure; wood railings with mahogany steps on the front façade; if front door is replaced it is to be done in wood (consistent with the period of the house); repaint metal roofing on the front façade; remove, insulate and repair/replace vinyl siding on the sides and rear; replace back roofing with architectural fiberglass shingles, and; resurface the rear deck with treated lumber and new pressure treated wooden steps. The motion was seconded by Mr. Gallo and carried unanimously.
Mr. Minch stated that he attended a Preservation Maryland meeting in Silver Spring. He said that Preservation Maryland offers a series of classes where they will come to a municipality. There was a class on modern materials which he thought would be beneficial for Chestertown. Mr. de Mooy stated that the MAHDC offers grants for this type of education. Mr. Minch stated that a class can hold 30, so other historic district commission members and planning commissions could be invited to attend. Mr. Minch stated that he would get more information regarding the meeting and Mr. de Mooy would try to find grant money.
There being no further business, Ms. Jorgenson moved to adjourn the meeting at 5:41 p.m., was seconded by Mr. Minch and carried unanimously.
Submitted by: Approved by:
Jennifer Mulligan Alexa Silver
Town Clerk Chair