Westminster Historic District Commission

CITY OF WESTMINSTER HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION MEETING SUMMARY Wednesday, September 4, 2019, at 7:00 PM City Hall, 1838 Emerald Hill Lane A meeting of the City of Westminster Historic District Commission was held at City Hall, 1838 Emerald Hill Lane in Westminster, Maryland 21157, on September 4, 2019, at 7 PM. I. Call to Order Chair Kristen McMasters read the statement of authority into the record. Chair Kristen McMasters, Vice-Chair Dean Camlin, Commissioner Suzanne Albert, and Commissioner Kevin Wagman were present. City staff Andrea Gerhard, Andrew Gray, and Samantha Schlitzer were also present. II. Approval of Minutes Vice-Chair Camlin moved to approve the meeting summary for July 24, 2019. Commissioner Albert seconded. The motion passed unanimously. III. Old Business None. IV. New Business Chair McMasters introduced New Business Item A – Section 106 Review of Modifications to Telecommunications Equipment at 2 College Hill Drive (Sprint). Ms. Gerhard provided background information with a staff recommendation that the Historic District Commission review the information and provide feedback or questions regarding the proposal. Chair McMasters requested City staff draft a letter stating that the information was reviewed and the Commission found the size of the proposed antenna to be significantly larger than the existing antenna.  The Commission requested mitigation by design to minimize the profile of the proposed array and offer other options for consideration. Vice-Chair Camlin moved to approve the request for the City to send a letter to the applicant outlining the Commission’s comments. Commissioner Albert seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Chair McMasters introduced New Business Item B – National History Day Planning. Chair McMasters reminded the Commission that the event is coming up in March 2020, and the Historical Society of Carroll County submitted fifteen themes. She requested the Commission’s consideration to offer a letter of recommendation and certificate award to a student who chooses a topic centered on the National Register District of Westminster. She emphasized researching historic preservation in this area and why it is important. Vice-Chair Camlin added that if the chosen topic included architecture, the student could create an exhibit to display at the Flower and Jazz Festival booth in May 2020 and, as a condition of award, be present at the event to provide details about their presentation. The Commission agreed that preference would be given to students who provided primary research and cited original sources in their exhibit. Chair McMasters will draft criteria for the award to present at the next Commission meeting. V. Historic District Commission and Public Comments Commissioner Albert noted that her house is still on the market for sale. Vice-Chair Camlin reported that his office building is also for sale, although not yet listed on the open market. He is planning to retire in approximately six years and will look to also sell his business. He has been making extensive interior renovations to the building. Chair McMasters reported on an interested party looking to purchase the Opera House property on East Main Street. She has been in discussion with the potential lessee about available tax credits, but the property owner must apply to receive them. She will also provide Vice-Chair Camlin’s contact information regarding historic architectural preservation. Vice-Chair Camlin stated that he had completed work for the previous property owner and was familiar with the building and its needs. Commissioner Wagman expressed concern about available parking for the building. Chair McMasters inquired about new and re-appointments to the Commission. Mr. Gray replied that the Mayor and Common Council are still in the process of updating those for all City Boards and Commissions. Ed Calderone, 72 Winchester Avenue, expressed concerns regarding the building for sale at 78 Winchester Avenue. He stated that the building is historic and was once the home of William Winchester, founder of Westminster. Mr. Calderone was concerned about potential redevelopment of the property, which might destroy the historic fabric of the area. Chair McMasters thanked Mr. Calderone for his comments and concerns. She stated that the Mayor and Common Council would be better able to address them, and encouraged him to present them at an upcoming meeting. VI. Adjournment Page 2 of 3 Vice-Chair Camlin made a motion to adjourn. The Commission adjourned at 8:04 PM. ___________________________________ Kristen L. McMasters, Chair Westminster Historic District Commission Page 3 of 3