Montgomery News

Town of Laytonsville Historic District Commission met April 16.

Here is the agenda provided by the Commission:

Present:

Lisa Simonetti, Chair

Andy Drouliskos

Charles Hendricks

Jill Ruspi

Susan Phillips, Alternate

Absent:

Michele Shortley

Attendees:

Jennifer Sizemore, Secretary

Matt Benning, Consultant

Opening:

Chair Simonetti called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. and read the mission statement. She noted that a quorum was present.

Minutes:

Member Hendricks made a motion to approve the March meeting minutes, Member Ruspi seconded, and all approved.

Old Business:

6924 Sundown Road (Green residence): Member Drouliskos has not yet had a chance to follow up with the homeowner. The application was approved in July 2016. Member Ruspi noted that the situation is unique because the sidewalk belongs to the county, which agreed to replace the sidewalk but cannot begin until the stones are clear. She noted that the Historic District Commission (HDC) doesn’t have a mechanism for enforcement. Member Drouliskos asked whether the situation would be different if it was trash rather than stones. The members discussed options including reaching out to the homeowner again—Member Ruspi noted Mayor Ruspi had spoken with the homeowner about the issue at least once—or possibly talking to the county about fining the homeowner. Members also discussed the issue of safety. Although it is possible for pedestrians to navigate around the stones, bicycle riders have to get off of their bikes and go into the shoulder of the road. Liability in case of injury was also discussed. Member Drouliskos suggested it would be similar to snow removal where the homeowner would be liable. Member Drouliskos will reach out to the homeowner to learn more about the situation. The county could be contacted if no progress is made.

Application Process: The HDC members discussed possible application options for in-kind replacements. Member Ruspi noted that, in some cases, a homeowner believes something to be in-kind but the HDC doesn’t agree, so there needs to be a process. However, it shouldn’t be as cumbersome (e.g., public hearing sign) as a new application. Member Hendricks also noted that having an official approval can be helpful for tax credits, and the HDC shouldn’t be a hindrance for those who need to do an in-kind replacement quickly. The members agreed to look into how other jurisdictions handle the issue to develop a process that’s fair while maintaining the visual appeal of historic homes.

New Business:

21513 Laytonsville Road (Bataller/Phillips residence): Alternate Phillips needs to replace the deck on her porch with the same type of wood that’s currently there and would like to do so as soon as the weather is nice. The HDC members agreed she could move forward.

7011 Brink Road (Hendricks residence), Approval of an Application for Montgomery County Historic Preservation Tax Credit. Member Hendricks described the work that was done on the roofs of his house and several outbuildings under HDWP 01-17, approved in April 2017, and he showed before and after pictures. He then recused himself from the deliberations. Member Ruspi made a motion to approve that the work was done appropriately under the application, Member Drouliskos seconded, and the motion was approved without dissent, with Member Hendricks not voting.

6820 Olney-Laytonsville Road (The Family Room): Chair Simonetti noted there would be a public hearing on May 7, 2018 regarding a Farmer’s Market in the parking lot near this new business on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Member Hendricks moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:23 p.m., Member Ruspi seconded, and the motion was unanimously approved.

http://www.laytonsville.md.us/hdcmin