HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
FEBRUARY 1, 2023
Ms. Victoria Smith called the Historic District Commission meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. In attendance were Commission members Barbara Brown, Robert Busler, David Holman, Samantha Hollomon, Michael McDowell, Rebecca Murphy, and Kees de Mooy (Zoning Administrator), Lynda Thomas (Town Clerk) and guests.
Ms. 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.
Ms. Smith asked if there were any questions, comments, or additions to the minutes of the meeting of January 4, 2023. Mr. Busler moved to approve the minutes as presented, was seconded by Ms. Murphy, and carried unanimously.
The items on the consent calendar were as follows:
- BP230004 – Swindler, 416 High – Roofing replacement;
- BP230010 – Main Street/Nina Fleegle, 315 High Street – Lighting replacement;
- BP230011 – Main Street/Nina Fleegle, 335 High Street – Lighting replacement;
- BP230015 – Eddy, 201 N. Kent Street – Roofing replacement;
Ms. Hollomon commented that the color temperature lighting should be matched throughout downtown. Ms. Nina Fleegle noted that there is a guideline that they be matching.
Ms. Murphy moved to approve the following as presented.
- BP230004 – Swindler, 416 High – Roofing replacement;
- BP230010 – Main Street/Nina Fleegle, 315 High Street – Lighting replacement;
- BP230011 – Main Street/Nina Fleegle, 335 High Street – Lighting replacement;
- BP230015 – Eddy, 201 N. Kent Street – Roofing replacement;
The motion was seconded by Ms. Brown and passed unanimously.
Mr. Holman recused himself for the first application, as he had discussed the proposed project with the applicant.
The next item on the agenda was BP230002 – Hoatson, 324 Cannon Street – Window, siding, and porch roof replacement. Mr. David Hoatson was present for the application. He stated that the front of the house, in pink, dates back to the 1920’s, is deteriorating, and water is getting into the house and therefore needs restoration. Work will consist of replacing vinyl windows with Andersen 400 Series clad wood windows and siding with Hardie Board siding. The pentagonal window in the eave will remain the same design using a custom Andersen window. Zip board will be installed before installing the new siding.
Ms. Murphy asked if it was possible to save the original siding and would like to see it preserved. Mr. Hoatson responded that there is significant rot but would consider preserving the original siding.
Ms. Murphy made a motion to approve BP230002 for the window replacement and roof work proposed but defer approval on the siding pending more information on whether the existing siding could be saved. The motion was seconded by Ms. Brown and passed unanimously with Mr. Holman abstaining due to his recusal.
The next item on the agenda was BP230003 – Holman, 526 High Street – Replace front door. Mr. Holman presented the application, consisting of replacement of the deteriorated and damaged front door with the same size door, stained instead of paint, with all new hardware.
Mr. Busler made a motion to approve BP230003 – Holman, 526 High Street – Replace front door, as submitted. The motion was seconded by Ms. Murphy and passed; Holman recused as he was the applicant.
Mr. Holman rejoined the Commission.
The next item on the agenda was BP230007 – Coleman, 107 Cross Street – Repaint existing hanging sign. Ms. Coleman was present for the application. Work will consist of repurposing the current hanging sign with a new design with a border in colonial red to match the shutters and roof of the building.
Mr. Holman made a motion to approve BP230007 – Coleman, 107 Cross Street – repaint existing hanging sign, as submitted. The motion was seconded by Mr. Busler and passed unanimously.
The next item on the agenda was BP230012 – Two Ten LLC, 210 S. Cross Street – Sign. Liddy Campbell Vandemark and Nina Fleegle were present for the application. Work will consist of a two (2) sided sign measuring 18” x 30” x 2.5” to be hung at the entrance of the property and will hang 7’6” from the ground.
Mr. Busler noted concern that with the sign hanging so low, 7’6”, to the ground, it could be vandalized. Ms. Vandemark noted that this is the minimum the sign can be hung but will see whether the sign can be installed higher.
Ms. Murphy made a motion to approve BP230012 – Two Ten LLC, 210 S. Cross Street – Sign, as submitted. The motion was seconded by Mr. McDowell and passed unanimously.
Mr. de Mooy stated that the Town Attorney, Christopher Drummond, would attend the next meeting and provide comments about process and legal matters as part of the Mayor and Council’s desire to provide needed information to Town Commissions.
There being no further business, Ms. Murphy moved to adjourn the meeting at 4:31 p.m., was seconded by Mr. Busler and passed unanimously.
Submitted by: Approved by:
Lynda Thomas, Town Clerk Vicky Smith, Chair