Agenda
*This meeting will be conducted virtually through Zoom*
PLEASE NOTE: If you wish to be heard at this meeting, please sign the speaker list
- Roll Call.
- Approval of the Minutes for the Regular HDC meeting held on April 19, 2022.
- HDC-2022-0099 for 25 Post Office Avenue submitted by Legends Group, the applicant is proposing to remove the existing detached garage on the property.
The garage is unused, visually dilapidated, and measures approximately 20’ X 32’. The applicant is proposing to remove the existing large Black Walnut tree on the property with the intention of subdividing the 25 Post Office Avenue lot into two (2) lots in the near future. Applicant states that the new lot that would be created after subdividing would be unsuitable for construction with the Black Walnut remaining in place. This item was tabled at the last hearing on March 8, 2022.
- HDC-2022-0123 for 519 Montgomery Street, submitted by Elmer A. Del Cid/ E, Delcid Home Improvement LLC., Applicant is seeking retroactive approval to remove an existing tree and HDC approval to replace the existing roof located at the property of 519 Montgomery Street. Retroactive tree removal: Applicant has removed a multi-trunk tree in the front yard of the property facing Montgomery Street. The tree was not listed on the City’s Champion Tree list. Roof replacement: Applicant proposes to replace the existing roof of the property. The existing roof is CertainTeed XT AR Timber Blend shingles in sandy brown color. Applicant is proposing to replace the roof with CertainTeed Landmark Charcoal Black shingles.
- HDC-2022-0124 for 704-706 Main Street, submitted by Nancy Steinecke Applicant is seeking approval to replace the rooves and doors of the two homes located at the property. Roof/gutter replacements: The current rooves are gray color in 3-tab style. Applicant proposes to replace the rooves with pewter gray shingle rooves in architectural style. The current gutters measure six (6) inches with four (4) inch downspouts. The replacement gutters will be six (6) inches with six (6) inch white downspouts to match. Door replacements: The Applicant is proposing to replace the existing wood doors with wood doors of the same size. The new doors will be red with an overhead transom style.
- HDC-2022-0122 for 35 A Street, submitted by Cathy Huffer, Applicant is seeking approval to install a fence on the property. Applicant will be installing a new fence along the rear of the house. Applicant will be installing a wooden board on board fence. The fence will be painted white. The height of the fence will be (6’0”). The previous fence was destroyed due to a fallen tree.
- HDC-2022-0128 for 28 Post Office Avenue, submitted by Glynnis McPhee, Applicant is seeking approval to remove and replace existing front walkway. The existing walkway is concrete. The new walkway will measure 16’ x 3’ or 48 square feet. The proposed walkway is a gray smooth Flagstone. The new walkway will also extend from the front sidewalk to triangle connected to the existing front porch stairs.
- HDC-2022-0130 for 25 C Street, submitted by Stewart Sinex/3 Gear Studios, Applicant is seeking retroactive approval to install several exterior signs. Flat wall sign: The Applicant has installed a 24’’ X 160’’ flat wall sign along the front façade of the building. The sign is comprised of plywood material in dark brown color and reads “3 GEAR GAMES – TABLETOP GAMES – WHIMSICAL ART & MORE – PLAY-EXPLORE-TRANSFORM” in white text. Hanging sign: The Applicant has installed a 30’’ X 30’’ round hanging sign over the front entrance of the building. The sign has the business’s logo in red, blue and yellow colors and the text “GAMES” in white color. Window decal: The Applicant has installed a 30’’ X 36’’ window decal sign on the front door of the building. The sign decal is in frosted glass style and has the business logo in white along with the hours of operation.
Staff Approvals:
HDC-2022-0125 for 423 Prince George Street, submitted by Alyson Harbage, the applicant is seeking approval to replace front porch wood floorboards and repaint in same existing light gray color. Also replace front porch posts & railings (same style) and posts then repaint in same white color.
HDC-2022-0126 for 522 Main Street, submitted by St. Phillips Episcopal Church, the applicant is seeking approval to replace current front porch/steps foundation. Remove (8) precast stone stairs and store on site. Remove (2) existing brick support walls down to the concrete footer. Reconstruct support walls utilizing grouted CMU block tied into the existing footer; exposed CMU block will be parged to match existing. Place back existing (8) previse stone stairs. Existing railings will be reinstalled via surface mounting. All work is considered “in-kind”.
HDC-2022-0127 for 708 Main Street, submitted by Patricia & Gary Haag, the applicant is seeking approval to removed (2) dying and diseased dogwood trees in the front yard. The applicant will be replanting new trees on property.
HDC-2022-0133 for 204 Tenth Street, submitted by Cecile Shindell, the applicant is seeking approval to repaint gray metal roof with same fibered aluminum coating (silver). Repair to gutters. All work considered “in-kind”.
HDC-2022-0134 for 205 Tenth Street, submitted by Matthew O’Brien, the applicant is seeking approval to repair concrete walkway and along the foundation of house, will use polyrenewal foam to fill gaps and caulk cracks. The size and color of the walkway will not change. This is considered “in-kind” maintenance repair.
- Adjourn
Minutes
MINUTES
EIGHT HUNDRED AND FOURTY NINTH MEETING
TUESDAY – MAY 17, 2022 – REGULAR – 6:00 P.M.
*This meeting was conducted virtually through Zoom*
Convened: 6:00 P.M. Adjourned 6:46 P.M.
Commissioners Present: Staff Present:
Margie McCeney, Vice-Chair Brooke Quillen, HDC Coordinator, ECD
Councilmember James Kole Monta Burrough, Deputy Director, ECD
Karen Lubieniecki Joshua Mitchum, Planner II, ECD
Marlene Frazier Robert Love, Director, ECD
Gregory Sweitzer Darnell Butler, Communications Department
Patrick Davis
Commissioners Absent: One (1)
Citizens Present: Approximately six (6)
Vice Chairwoman McCeney called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. and read the Opening Statement.
Vice Chairwoman McCeney asked for a roll call. Six (6) Commissioners answered present, constituting a quorum.
Vice Chairwoman McCeney asked if there were any corrections to the Minutes from the Regular HDC meeting held on April 19, 2022. There were none.
On a motion by Ms. Frazier seconded by Ms. Lubieniecki, the minutes were approved on (5) five affirmative votes, with Mr. Davis abstaining.
HDC-2022-0099 for 25 Post Office Avenue submitted by Legends Group, the applicant is proposing to remove the existing large Black Walnut tree on the property with the intention of subdividing the 25 Post Office Avenue lot into two (2) lots in the near future. Applicant states that the new lot that would be created after subdividing would be unsuitable for construction with the Black Walnut remaining in place. This item was tabled at the last hearing on March 8, 2022.
Vice Chairwoman McCeney stated for the record, the Commission is to determine the following: based on the Arborists evaluation is the tree a significant contributor to the Historic District or would the removal of the tree seriously impair the historic, archeological, or architectural significance of the surrounding properties. Also, it should be noted that all public testimony on this application from the Historic District Commission meeting held on April 19, 2022 has been made part of the official record.
On behalf of the applicant, the owner of the property, Mr. Richard Weichang Wang, stated he understands the difficulty of this application however approval will allow for a new family to move into the City. As previously stated, he will plant many new trees on the property. In conclusion, he suggested approval of this request.
Ms. Glynnis McPhee, 28 Post Office Avenue Laurel, Maryland 20707, stated she lives on Post Office Avenue, the Walnut tree is very special and is an attraction to the neighborhood. She is concerned that since the street is very small what would it look like with two (2) new houses. Furthermore, Post Office Avenue has a historic integrity and is why she moved there. She added that the tree is too big of a sacrifice to remove and it would be a huge loss for the City although she feels bad for the owner of the property.
Councilmember Kole discussed what the Commission is to determine stating everyone received a copy of the code. He believes this certainly is a contributor to the Historic District and the tree should not be removed.
Commission member Mr. Gregory Sweitzer, stated he is a lifelong resident and agrees with Councilmember Kole, the tree contributes to the Historic District and the Commission should save the tree.
On a motion by Councilmember Kole, seconded by Ms. Lubieniecki, the application was denied on (5) five affirmative votes with Mr. Davis voting “No” and all other members present voting “Yes”.
The City Solicitor, Mr. Lawrence Taub, requested the Commission amend their motion to add sections 20-26.5 & 20-26.19 of the City code, along with Title 8 of the State Code to support their decision in the denial. The Commission agreed to do so.
On a motion by Councilmember Kole seconded by Ms. Lubieniecki, the application was denied on (6) six affirmative votes with the amendment regarding the additional notation of City Codes 20-26.5 and 20-26.19 also Tile 8 of the Maryland State Codes.
HDC-2022-0123 for 519 Montgomery Street, submitted by Elmer A. Del Cid/ E, Delcid Home Improvement LLC., Applicant is seeking retroactive approval to remove an existing tree and HDC approval to replace the existing roof located at the property of 519 Montgomery Street. Retroactive tree removal: Applicant has removed a multi-trunk tree in the front yard of the property facing Montgomery Street. The tree was not listed on the City’s Champion Tree list. Roof replacement: Applicant proposes to replace the existing roof of the property. The existing roof is CertainTeed XT AR Timber Blend shingles in sandy brown color. Applicant is proposing to replace the roof with CertainTeed Landmark Charcoal Black shingles.
The applicant was present and had his daughter, Jennifer Del Cid, speak for him. She stated the tree was damaging the roof of the house and when they bought the house, they were told it needed to be removed. She added they didn’t know what kind of tree it was and did not have an arborist look at it. The Commission commented it looks to have been a silver maple tree, from viewing google maps. She added they knew they were in a Historic District but didn’t know what that meant. They figured they needed approval for roof but not for tree removal. They will be back to request new siding, gutters and fence. They will look into planting a new tree on property, as recommended by the Commission. There was discussion between staff and the Commission regarding code enforcement on trees.
On a motion by Mr. Sweitzer, seconded by Councilmember Kole, the application was approved on (6) six affirmative votes.
HDC-2022-0124 for 704-706 Main Street, submitted by Nancy Steinecke Applicant is seeking approval to replace the rooves and doors of the two homes located at the property. Roof/gutter replacements: The current rooves are gray color in 3-tab style. Applicant proposes to replace the rooves with pewter gray shingle rooves in architectural style. The current gutters measure six (6) inches with four (4) inch downspouts. The replacement gutters will be six (6) inches with six (6) inch white downspouts to match. Door replacements: The Applicant is proposing to replace the existing wood doors with wood doors of the same size. The new doors will be red with an overhead transom style.
The applicant was present and briefly clarified the transoms will be replaced as well as the doors as noted on the staff report.
On a motion by Mr. Davis, seconded by Councilmember Kole, the application was approved on (6) six affirmative votes.
HDC-2022-0122 for 35 A Street, submitted by Cathy Huffer, Applicant is seeking approval to install a fence on the property. Applicant will be installing a new fence along the rear of the house. Applicant will be installing a wooden board on board fence. The fence will be painted white. The height of the fence will be (6’0”). The previous fence was destroyed due to a fallen tree.
The applicant did not appear to be present. There was discussion among the Commission and staff regarding the similarity with the proposed fence and the neighbor’s fence. They would be comparable if not identical.
On a motion by Councilmember Kole, seconded by Mr. Davis, the application was approved on (6) six affirmative votes
HDC-2022-0128 for 28 Post Office Avenue, submitted by Glynnis McPhee, the applicant is seeking approval to remove and replace existing front walkway. The existing walkway is concrete. The new walkway will measure 16’ x 3’ or 48 square feet. The proposed walkway is a gray smooth Flagstone. The new walkway will also extend from the front sidewalk to triangle connected to the existing front porch stairs.
The applicant was present. The Commission commented this is a lovely addition to the property.
On a motion by Ms. Lubieniecki, seconded by Ms. Frazier the application was approved on (6) six affirmative votes.
HDC-2022-0130 for 25 C Street, submitted by Stewart Sinex/3 Gear Studios, Applicant is seeking retroactive approval to install several exterior signs. Flat wall sign: The Applicant has installed a 24’’ X 160’’ flat wall sign along the front façade of the building. The sign is comprised of plywood material in dark brown color and reads “3 GEAR GAMES – TABLETOP GAMES – WHIMSICAL ART & MORE – PLAY-EXPLORE-TRANSFORM” in white text. Hanging sign: The Applicant has installed a 30’’ X 30’’ round hanging sign over the front entrance of the building. The sign has the business’s logo in red, blue and yellow colors and the text “GAMES” in white color. Window decal: The Applicant has installed a 30’’ X 36’’ window decal sign on the front door of the building. The sign decal is in frosted glass style and has the business logo in white along with the hours of operation.
The applicant was present and clarified that the signs have not been installed yet. The applicant also explained the use of their business to the Commission.
On a motion by Ms. Lubieniecki, seconded by Mr. Davis, the application was approved for installation instead of retroactive approval on (6) six affirmative votes.
Staff Approvals:
There were no questions or comments.
Other Business:
There were no new announcements or requests.
Minutes Approved: Brooke Quillen, HDC Coordinator Date: 6/22/2022