Historic District Commission Minutes – November 2, 2022

HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION

NOVEMBER 2, 2022

In the absence of a Chairman, Ms. Brown 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 Victoria Smith, Kees, de Mooy (Zoning Administrator), Jennifer McCann (Town Clerk) and guests.

Ms. Brown 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. Brown stated that the Chairman’s term on the Commission was up and that he had decided not to continue to serve on the Commission. She asked if there were any nominations to Chair. Mr. McDowell moved to nominate Ms. Smith as Chair, was seconded by Ms. Brown and carried unanimously.

Ms. Smith asked if there were any questions or changes regarding the agenda. Ms. Murphy moved to accept the agenda as submitted, was seconded by Mr. McDowell and carried unanimously.

Ms. Smith asked if there were any questions, comments or additions to the minutes of the meeting of October 5, 2022. Ms. Murphy stated that she wanted to amend the minutes making it clear that the demolition of the Armory would only be approved after acceptance of a new building to replace it, was seconded by Ms. Brown and carried unanimously. Ms. Murphy moved to approve the minutes as amended, seconded by Ms. Brown and carried unanimously.

Mr. McDowell stated that he voted in favor of the proposal by Washington College but was uncomfortable because he did not have time to review the drawings.

Items on the Consent Calendar were as follows:
a. BP2022-137 – White Swan Realty, LLC, 239 High Street – Roof (Ratify Approval);
b. BP2022-139 – Wood, 306 Kent Street – Roof;
c. BP2022-141 – Swope, 202 Cannon Street – Deck Window replacement;
d. BP2022-148 – McKeown, 109 S. Water Street – Porch floor and roof replacement;
e. BP2022-149 – Santoboni, 120 Washington Avenue – Roof replacement;
f. BP2022-150 – Sherry/Walls, 306-308 Park Row – Replace lower roof;
g. BP2022-151 – Walls, 308 Park Row – Awnings and signage;

Ms. Brown asked if the wood at 109 S. Water would be painted. Mr. Yerkes stated that it would be painted. Ms. Brown asked if the window at 202 Cannon Street would be wood. Mr. Yerkes stated that it would not as it is a 1980s window.

Mr. Holman moved to approve the Consent Calendar as follows:
a. BP2022-137 – White Swan Realty, LLC, 239 High Street – Roof (Ratify Approval);
b. BP2022-139 – Wood, 306 Kent Street – Roof;
c. BP2022-141 – Swope, 202 Cannon Street – Deck Window replacement;
d. BP2022-148 – McKeown, 109 S. Water Street – Porch floor and roof replacement;
e. BP2022-149 – Santoboni, 120 Washington Avenue – Roof replacement;
f. BP2022-150 – Sherry/Walls, 306-308 Park Row – Replace lower roof;
g. BP2022-151 – Walls, 308 Park Row – Awnings and signage;
The motion was seconded by Mr. McDowell and carried unanimously.

The next item on the agenda was old business. Ms. Murphy reported that members of the community have expressed concerns about the Armory demolition. She felt that it was important that the public understands that the Historic District Commission is made up of volunteers and operate with the information they are given. They rely on staff to make sure that everything is submitted in the way it’s supposed to be.

Mr. McDowell stated that he felt that there is a public communication issue with the College not submitting the reports earlier. He felt that in future, the Commission needs to be given more adequate notice and due diligence. He said that he voted in good faith but with concerns.

Ms. Smith asked if there was a motion to reconsider the vote that was made to approve demolition of the Armory in the December meeting.

Mr. de Mooy stated that procedurally it is necessary to make a motion to rescind last week’s vote, then once rescinded, the College can be asked to reappear.

Ms. Smith stated that she was concerned because it was said that the building could not be restored. She said that she recalled discussion of viability and that efforts had been made to save the building. She asked if the process should start over.

Ms. Brown made a motion to rescind the approval for the demolition of the Armory and reschedule for next month, with the College required to provide additional information in a timely manner consistent with the Historic District Commission Guidelines. The motion was seconded by Mr. McDowell, the vote passed with three in favor (Ms. Smith, Ms. Brown and Mr. McDowell) and two opposed (Ms. Murphy and Mr. Holman).

The next item on the agenda was BP2022-138 from Mr. and Mrs. VanDyke at 211 Philosopher’s Terrace to replace the back porch addition. Mr. and Mrs. Van Dyke were present for the application.

Ms. Murphy made a motion to approve BP2022-138 – VanDyke, 211 Philosopher’s Terrace to replace the back porch addition. The motion was seconded by Ms. Brown and passed unanimously.

The last item on the agenda was BP2022-143 from Richard Hucks at 529 Cannon Street for a roof replacement and to remove the rear chimney. Mr. Hucks stated that he wanted to remove both the front and rear chimneys but was informed that the front chimney could not be removed and was taken off the permit. The front chimney is original to the house. The idea was to remove the chimneys to create more space in the house and less roof penetration. Ms. Brown stated that the front chimney could use repointing.

Mr. Holman made a motion to approve BP2022-143 – Hucks, 529 Cannon Street for roof repair and removal of rear chimney. The motion was seconded by Mr. McDowell and passed unanimously.

Ms. Brown thanked Mr. Kurt Smith his tenure on the Commission, for his year of service and chairing the commission and wished him well in his new life at Heron Point.

There being no further comments or questions, Ms. Brown moved to adjourn the meeting at 4:44 p.m., was seconded by Mr. Holman and carried unanimously.

 Submitted by:
Jennifer McCann, Town Clerk (former)

Reviewed and revised by:
Lynda Thomas, Town Clerk

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