EIGHT HUNDRED AND FIFTY FIRST MEETING

TUESDAY – JULY 19, 2022– 6:00 P.M. - REGULAR

AGENDA

*This meeting was conducted virtually through Zoom*

Convened: 6:00 P.M.                                                Adjourned 6:56 P.M.

Commissioners Present:                              Staff Present:                                             

Robert Kluckhuhn, Chair

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                                              Saheed Bundu, Planner I, ECD

Patrick Davis                                              Darnell Butler, Communications

Commissioners Absent: One (1)

Citizens Present:  Approximately seven (7)

Chairman Kluckhuhn called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. and read the Opening Statement.

Chairman Kluckhuhn asked for a roll call. Six (6) Commissioners answered present, constituting a quorum.

Chairman Kluckhuhn asked if there were any corrections to the Minutes from the Regular HDC meeting held on June 21, 2022. There were none.

On a motion by Ms. McCeney seconded by Ms. Lubieniecki, the minutes were approved on (5) five affirmative votes, with Mr. Davis abstaining.

               HDC-2022-0160 for 927 Montgomery Street submitted by Carl McWilliams, Applicant is seeking retroactive approval to perform several exterior alterations to the property of which they have received a stop work order.  The Applicant has replaced the roof and gutters of the property. The Applicant states that the roof was leaking and was not aware that HDC approval was needed. Roof replacement: Applicant has replaced the roof of the property. It has changed from a light gray colored three-tab style to dark gray colored (Georgetown Gray) architectural style shingles. Gutter replacement: The Applicant has replaced the gutters of the property. Applicant has installed Amerimax 6’’x 120’’ White K Style gutters.

The applicant was present. The Commission stated that this type of retroactive approval is becoming a reoccurring issue and reminded the applicant that Historic District approval is required for any exterior renovation. The applicant responded that he has lived in this house for 36 years and didn’t know he needed approval for the roof. He added he has received Historic District approval in the past for paint however that was 20 years ago. Additionally when he received the stop work order City staff brought him up to speed on the approval process. Lastly, he suggested for the City to send out mailers to everyone in the Historic District letting people know or reminding them of the process. The Commission added that the City already does include information regarding the Historic District in the annual fall flyers that are delivered by Public Works every year.

On a motion by Ms. Lubieniecki, seconded by Ms. Frazier, the application was approved on (6) six affirmative votes.

HDC-2022-0161 for 608 Montgomery Street, submitted by Monica Herrera, The Applicant is seeking approval to perform multiple exterior renovations. Applicant is proposing to install a new driveway and fence. Driveway installation: Applicant is proposing to install a new 18’ X 42’ (756 SF) concrete driveway in the front yard of the property. The proposed driveway will have a 4’’ slab with a 6x6 wire mesh installed on 4’’ gravel. Fence installation: Applicant is proposing to install a new six (6) feet tall fence in the left side and rear yard of the property. The proposed fence will be composed of 4x4 pressure-treated wood with a gate.

The applicant was present. There was discussion among the applicant, Commission and staff regarding the size and style of the driveway. The Commission expressed concern about losing greenspace and adding too much concrete could be an environmental issue and not a historic look. The Commission asked the applicant to consider installing two (2) strips instead of a solid pad. The applicant agreed. Staff informed the applicant they will provide detailed information regarding installing two (2) strips. It was confirmed through staff the applicant would need a right of way permit as well as a paving permit. Further, the applicant had already applied for them but it was stopped in the process to receive Historic District approval first.

On a motion by McCeney, seconded by Ms. Lubieniecki, the application was approved on (6) six affirmative votes with the amendment of a two (2) strip driveway instead of a solid pad be installed at this property.

                       HDC-2022-0163      for     317 Fourth Street submitted by  Matt Oskvarek, the Applicant is seeking approval to replace the existing front porch flooring of the property. Applicant states that the current flooring is greatly deteriorated and unsafe. Front porch flooring replacement: Applicant is proposing to replace the existing front porch wood flooring. The existing flooring is 6’ x 12’ in green color and the Applicant is proposing to replace it with composite wood flooring of the same size in Brown Oak color.

The applicant was present. The Commission requested the applicant add a border to the edges of the porch to hide the ends of the flooring which will look like plastic. The applicant agreed.

On a motion by Ms. Lubieniecki, seconded by Councilmember Kole, the application was approved on (6) six affirmative votes with the admendment the applicant adds a boarder to the front porch edges.

                       HDC-2022-0165 for    330 Prince George Street submitted by Eric Wenger, Applicant is seeking approval to perform several exterior renovations to the property. Applicant is proposing to install an egress window and replace the existing roof. Egress window installation, The Applicant is proposing to install an egress window in the front bedroom on the right side of the house. The proposed window measures 20’’ X 24’’. Roof replacement: Applicant is proposing to replace the existing steel roof of the property with fiberglass shingles. The color of the proposed shingle replacement will be black material, changing from the existing red metal shingles.

The applicant was present. There was discussion among the applicant and Commission regarding what an egress window actually is. Staff and the applicant explained it is for fire safety reasons when a bedroom is involved, per the City code is it a requirement. There was further discussion regarding the gutters and downspouts as it was mentioned on the application however there were no details on what will be installed. The applicant stated the gutters and downspouts will only be replaced if necessary and will be white 5’’ K Style, which is standard. The Commission agreed to keep gutters and downspouts on his application.

On a motion by Ms. McCeney, seconded by Mr. Davis, the application was approved on (6) six affirmative votes with the addition of the gutters and downspouts.

                       HDC- 2022-0158 for 329 ½ Main Street submitted by Jermaine Grant, The Applicant is seeking retroactive approval to install a window sign at the property located at 329 ½ Main Street. Window sign installation:  Applicant has installed a 21’’ x 47.5’’ window decal sign on the front façade of the WHG Discount Outlet storefront. The decal sign has the text “WHG Outlet Discount Brand Names for Less” along with several of the items offered in the store in orange, green, black, and primarily white color.

The applicant was present. The Commission and the applicant discussed if this signage meets code, which staff explained it does. The applicant stated they were aware they were in the Historic District however when they applied for the sign permit they were approved and then later told they needed Historic District approval, however the sign was already installed. The Commission reminded them any exterior work will need prior Historic District approval.  

On a motion by Ms. McCeney, seconded by Councilmember Kole the application was approved on (6) six affirmative votes.

                       HDC- 2022-0145 for 525-695 Main Street submitted by Cameron Manesh, Applicant is seeking approval to install two new signs along the Main Street Patuxent Place properties. Sign installations: Applicant is proposing to install two (2) freestanding signs. One sign will be placed on Main Street near the existing Red Hot & Blue restaurant. The second sign will be placed at the entrance of 535 Main Street. The design of the proposed signs is the exact same design as the one previously approved by the HDC. Both signs will measure 48’’ x 26’’ with the text “PATUXENT PLACE APARTMENTS” against a beige, purple, and gray background. Exterior spotlight installation: Applicant is proposing to add exterior spotlights that shine on the existing building numbers for the properties located at 525-695 Main Street.

                       The applicant was not present. There were questions regarding the placement of the freestanding sign near the already existing Red Hot and Blue sign. The Commission had concerns it could be too much signage and the placement doesn’t make sense. The Commission agreed to table that item for the sign but approve everything else on the application. Also, regarding the two (2) light styles that were submitted, the second option which is cone style is more of a Historic look. It was clarified that the lights will be on the building numbers only. The applicant will have to re-apply for the September hearing since there will be no meeting next month and a tabled item would expire after 45 days.

On a motion by Ms. McCeney, seconded by Ms. Lubieniecki the application was approved on (6) six affirmative votes.

Staff Approvals:

There were no questions or comments.

Other Business:

            Mr. Kluckuhn announced the passing of Mr. Jerry Cooper, who was one of the original owners of Patuxent Place, adding that it has been a great addition to the City of Laurel and Main Street.

Vicechair McCeney asked staff about window coverings. Staff stated with film tinting there is no code regulating against it. In the past the Police Department has preferred to be able to see inside the store however it is not something we require at this time however staff can look at that during the code update.

Minutes Approved:  Brooke Quillen                                Date:  9/20/2022