HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
SEPTEMBER 7, 2022
Mr. Kurt Smith, Chair, called the Historic District Commission meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. In attendance were Commission Members Rob Busler, David Holman, Michael McDowell, Rebecca Murphy and Victoria Smith, Jennifer McCann (Town Clerk) and guests.
Mr. 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.
Mr. 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.
Mr. Smith asked if there were any questions, comments or additions to the minutes of the meeting of August 3, 2022. Ms. Murphy moved to approve the minutes as presented, was seconded by Ms. Busler and carried unanimously.
The items on the consent agenda were as follows:
a. BP2022-116 – Begley, 210 Washington Avenue – Storm Window Replacement;
b. BP2022-121 – KMG Enterprises/Karl Zierfuss, 113 Spring Avenue – Rear Roof Replacement;
c. BP2022-122 – Carr/Rosin Creek Collaborative, 220 N. Kent Street – Shed;
d. BP2022-124 – Washington College Center for Environment & Society, 210 S. Cross Street – Sign;
e. BP2022-125 – Alexander, 107 N. Queen Street – Front Door Replacement;
Ms. Murphy Moved to approve the following as presented:
a. BP2022-116 – Begley, 210 Washington Avenue – Storm Window Replacement;
b. BP2022-121 – KMG Enterprises/Karl Zierfuss, 113 Spring Avenue – Rear Roof Replacement;
c. BP2022-122 – Carr/Rosin Creek Collaborative, 220 N. Kent Street – Shed;
d. BP2022-124 – Washington College Center for Environment & Society, 210 S. Cross Street – Sign;
e. BP2022-125 – Alexander, 107 N. Queen Street – Front Door Replacement;
The motion was seconded by Mr. Busler and carried unanimously.
The next item on the agenda was BP2022-23 from KRM/Maiden Lot Farm for changes to approved new construction on Lot 8 at Maiden Lot Farm. Mr. John Hutchison (architect) presented. He said that this house was approved in a larger version, but the prospective buyer wanted to scale it back. He said that the project was now going to be a 3-bedroom house with a similar layout to the original design. The roof was lowered on the rear. The footprint was similar to the original and the aesthetic on the front façade was almost identical. The rear showed a wrap-around hip roof over the porch. He showed the side elevations which were different. A screen porch would face the Rail Trail. Solar panels were proposed for the rear elevation on the first story roof and then again on the second story rear roof (facing the rail trail). A total of thirteen (13) panels in total were requested at this point and Mr. Hutchison stated that if that number changed, he would return for approvals.
Ms. Murphy recused herself from the application citing a conflict of interest.
Mr. Holman moved to approve changes to application BP2022-23 as presented, was seconded by Mr. Busler and carried with five in favor, Ms. Murphy recused.
The next item on the agenda was BP2022-115 from Pam White at 222 S. Water (Front) Street for modification of an approved solar array. Mr. Chris Fuller (architect) was present for the application and stated that solar shingles were proposed and approved for the project, but they have proven difficult to find. He said that he would like to request the use of solar panels in black. There will be a total of seven (7) panels in place on the south side facing Wilmer Park, which would be visible from the parking lot and Wilmer Park. Mr. Fuller stated that energy efficiency was a big part of this project.
Mr. Holman asked what shingles were proposed. Mr. Fuller stated that asphalt shingles were used in black.
Ms. Murphy asked how this would relate to the garage attached to 224 South Water Street. Mr. Fuller stated that this building was taller than 224 Water and they would not be able to see the panels.
Mr. Busler asked how the panels would be aligned. Mr. Fuller stated that he thought the panels would be aligned with the ridge and placed in one row. He said that Sunrise Solar had been contracted for the job. Mr. Busler stated that he would like to see a mock-up of the design, including a streetscape rendering. Ms. Murphy agreed, asking that the mock-up show the block as a whole and the proposed panels.
Ms. Murphy moved to table application BP2022-115 until the Commission could see a mock-up street line view and positioning of the panels on the roof, was seconded by Mr. Busler and carried unanimously.
The next item on the agenda was BP2022-117 from Nancy Dowling at 109 High Street for exterior renovations to her property, which included seven (7) new windows on an addition. Ms. Dowling stated that she wanted to renovate the kitchen interior and add a series of windows in the 1970s addition area as shown on the plans. Ms. Dowling stated that a pantry would be removed to allow for the windows to see straight through the garden from the entry of the house.
Ms. Murphy moved to approve the permit as requested was seconded by Mr. Busler and carried with five in favor, Mr. Holman recused.
The next item on the agenda was BP2022-123 from Leslie Moorhouse at 604 Cannon Street for the addition of a deck and modifications to siding that was approved with BP2020-87. The siding would be insulated vinyl with a 5” reveal. He said that a neighboring property used the same siding and that he had a photo in his packet of material. Mr. Moorhouse stated that he would also like to add a deck to the house from the main bedroom which was shown on the drawings.
Ms. Murphy asked about the spiral stair. Mr. Moorhouse stated that the decking goes past the spiral stair and said that the staircase would be located inside the deck by the back of the house.
Ms. Murphy moved to approve BP2022-123 as presented, was seconded by Mr. Holman and carried unanimously.
The next item on the agenda was BP2021-159 from M&J Ventures, LLC. at 312 Park Row for a change in roof material. Mr. Silcox (owner) was present for the application and stated that the original idea was to keep the existing roof material but once it was uncovered, they realized it was severely damaged. The material proposed was for architectural shingles that resemble slate. Mr. Silcox stated that when first exposed the original shakes looked okay but up close you could see the reason a metal roof was had been placed over it. He said that the change in material would be for the front and rear mansard roof.
Ms. Murphy moved to approve the application as presented, was seconded by Mr. Busler and carried with five (5) in favor, Mr. Holman recused.
Mr. Carl Zierfuss was present to discuss storm windows. He said that it has been some time since he was before the Commission, but he wanted to show his line of storm windows that he manufactured at his shop in Church Hill. Mr. Zierfuss stated that each window was custom and could fit any shape. He said that he notices many windows being removed from historic homes and he wanted to bring it to the attention of the Commission. Mr. Zierfuss stated that preservation and consistency were important in the Historic District, and he felt compelled to remind the Commission that there were other options beside removing original windows.
The next item on the agenda was from Main Street for wayfinding signage and lighting. Ms. Nina Fleegle (Executive Director of Main Street), Ms. Kristen Owen (board member), and Mr. John Hutchison (architect) were present to discuss the wayfinding signage and lighting proposed for the downtown area. Ms. Fleegle stated that this project was approved several years ago by the Historic District Commission but since there has been a pause in the project and some new Commission members, she wanted to meet again and show the project to the Commission and request final approval again. She said that each business owner will come before the Commission for approval, but she wanted to give a “head’s up” to the Commission that these applications were forthcoming.
Mr. Hutchison stated that there was a limited timeframe for the grant funds to be used by business owners. He said that four (4) different fixture options were proposed, and different areas of placement shown for the lights. He said that Main Street would do a cursory review of the lighting chosen by each business to see if the choice was appropriate. Mr. Busler asked that the designers make sure that the lighting is appropriate for the Historic District. Mr. Hutchison stated that they were looking for certain colors and diffused glass so that there were options at all price points.
Mr. Busler asked if Main Street was helping the business owner choose the lighting. Ms. Fleegle stated that they were helping business owners work through the process which would be integrated into what was presented to the Historic District Commission.
Ms. Fleegle stated that the Wayfinding Signage was a project that they have been working on since before the pandemic. Ms. Fleegle stated that approval was received in 2017 but it has been so long that they wanted to return and show the proposed signage to the Commission. Ms. Fleegle stated that she presented before the Mayor and Council at their second meeting in August and they approved the signage, but she wanted to reinforce the approval from the HDC.
Mr. Busler moved to approve the wayfinding signage as submitted, was seconded by Mr. McDowell and carried unanimously.
Mr. Smith stated that a response was needed for the Strategic Planning questionnaire. He said that they have been asked to identify areas to move their work forward and include on the list strategic items that might get funding. Mr. Smith stated that he put forth three (3) ideas and gave copies to the Commission. He said that periodic briefings to homeowners or having building professionals come before the Commission were some of his suggestions.
Ms. Murphy stated that funding allocated to the Historic District Commission akin to Main Street façade improvements would be helpful.
Mr. McDowell stated that he thought the Commission members should attend workshops. Ms. Smith stated that realtors should be included in educational matters so that prospective buyers know the commitments of owning a historic home. Ms. Murphy stated that she thought there was a responsibility to educate people to what was expected from the owners of a historic home. Ms. Murphy stated that resources are needed across the board to fulfill responsibilities. Ms. Murphy stated that updating the Historic District Design Guidelines was important and collaborating with other communities to face the challenges that are met within each community. Mr. Smith will put together an outline and send it to Ms. Murphy who will submit the questionnaire for the Commission.
There being no further business, Ms. Murphy moved to adjourn the meeting at 5:31 p.m., was seconded by Mr. McDowell and carried unanimously.
Submitted by: Approved by:
Jennifer McCann Kurt Smith
Town Clerk Chair