HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
DECEMBER 7, 2022
Ms. Victoria Smith called the Historic District Commission meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. In attendance were Commission members Barbara Brown, David Holman, Michael McDowell, Rebecca Murphy, and Kees de Mooy (Zoning Administrator) 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.
The items on the Consent Calendar were as follows:
a. BP2022-169 – McIntyre, 407 Cannon Street – Wood fence;
b. BP2022-172 – Plank, 206 S. Water Street – Window replacement;
Ms. Brown moved to approve the following as presented.
a. BP2022-169 – McIntyre, 407 Cannon Street – Wood fence; – tabled;
b. BP2022-172 – Plank, 206 S. Water Street – Window replacement; – accepted;
The motion was seconded by Mr. Busler and passed unanimously.
The next item on the agenda was BP2022-167 – ELB Automotive, 609 High Street – Backlit sign. Mike Tucker was present for the application. It was noted that the lighting will be a low voltage, 20-watt, backlit sign, lower voltage than the streetlights. The light will shine back onto the building to outline the lettering, in operation from dusk until dawn.
Ms. Murphy moved to approve BP2022-167 – ELB Automotive, 609 High Street – Backlit sign, as submitted. The motion was seconded by Mr. Busler and passed unanimously.
The next item on the agenda was BP2022-168 – M&J Ventures, 312 Park Row – Pole mounted propane gas light. Mr. Holman left the round table and seated himself at the smaller table in the room with the audience. He noted that he was building this project and recused himself from voting.
Mr. Jay Silcox was present for the application. The project will consist of a pole mounted, capped propane gas light, between 94 to 118 inches in height, with a dual control switch, at a secure location, that can be switched on and off on demand and/or by photocell.
Mr. Busler expressed concerns for the use fossil fuels as opposed to electric lights that don’t create CO2.
Ms. Murphy moved to approve BP2022-168 – M&J Ventures, 312 Park Row – Pole mounted propane gas light, with the provision that it is installed at a height of 118-inches. The motion was seconded by Ms. Brown, the vote passed 4 to 1, with Mr. Busler opposed.
The next item on the agenda was BP2022-170 – Baugher, 222 S. Water Street – Solar roof panels. Mr. Dan Baugher with Sunrise Solar, the installation contractor was present for the application, representing the owner. This item was already approved.
The next item on the agenda was BP2022-173 – Worth, 521 High Street – New window on rear second floor. Ms. Temple Worth, homeowner, was present for the application. The new window was intended to balance out the window placement on the rear façade.
Mr. Holman moved to approve BP2022-173 – Worth, 521 High Street – New window on rear second floor, as submitted. The motion was seconded by Mr. McDowell and passed unanimously.
The next item on the agenda was BP2022-174 – Ireland, 418 Cannon – Fencing change to accommodate car. No one was present representing this item. The commission was in favor of tabling this item until a representative could be present to answer questions.
The last item on the agenda was BP2022-175 – Moseman, 419 High – Exterior stairs and small deck. Ms. Murphy recused herself because her husband is the architect for the project.
Mr. John Hutchison and Ms. Tyler Bayer of Hutchison Architecture were present for the application. Mr. Hutchison presented drawings/site plans to the Commission. Mr. Hutchison indicated there are currently two sets of steps with some gravel between them, not built to Code and very dangerous. The owner would like to construct a three-foot landing with steps going down to a pathway to access the side of the garage.
Ms. Brown moved to approve BP2022-175 – Moseman, 419 High – Exterior stairs and small deck, as submitted. The motion was seconded by Mr. McDowell and passes unanimously.
Ms. Smith reported that Washington College has withdrawn its application for the Armory and may be at some point coming back to refile.
Ms. Barbara Jorgenson stated that Brian Speer, a spokesman for Washington College had sent out an email that the demolition application was refiled approximately December 1. The Commission noted they had not seen that request.
There being no further business, Mr. Busler moved to adjourn the meeting at 4:45 p.m., was seconded by Ms. Brown and carried unanimously.
Submitted by: Approved by:
Lynda Thomas, Town Clerk Vicky Smith, Chair