Historic Preservation Advisory Committee, 8/5/2004

The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. Members present: Richard Arkin, Chairperson; Cathy Drzyzgula, First Vice Chair; and Committee Members Jim Cannistra and Joe Coratola. Absent: Lloyd Kaufman and Deanna Lyter. Staff present: Patricia Patula, Planner, Jacqueline Marsh, Associate Planner, and Karen Jordan, Recording Secretary.

I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Member Cathy Drzyzgula proposed that on the third condition on page four regarding the replacement fencing the wording "proposed wooden fencing" be used to more clearly describe the condition.

Motion was made by Member Coratola, seconded by Member Cannistra, that the minutes of the July 1, 2004, Historic Preservation Advisory Committee meeting be approved, as corrected.

VOTE: 4-0

II. PUBLIC HEARINGS

1. HAWP-94 19 Walker Avenue
   Applicants: Merle and Ann Ferguson
   Request: Tree removal
   
   Associate Planner Jacqueline Marsh stated that the public hearing was advertised in the July 28, 2004, issue of the Gaithersburg Gazette, the property posted, and 12 exhibits were in the record. The property is a contributing resource to the Brookes/Russell/Walker Historic District.
   
   Mr. Mike Ferguson, son of the applicant, stated that his parents have a huge mulberry tree located approximately two to three feet from the foundation of the garage and it is pushing on the foundation. In the event the tree should fall down, it will fall on the applicant's garage and possibly onto the neighbor's garage. The tree is located between the two properties approximately on the property line and Mr. Ferguson noted that his parents have received written authorization from the neighbors at 21 Walker Avenue to remove the tree.
   
   Planner Patricia Patula suggested that the applicant might be eligible to apply for Montgomery County tax credits because of the threat to the two garage structures. The committee agreed and explained to Mr. Ferguson that his parents should document the tree removal process including taking photographs of the tree and threatened structures prior to removal. In April 2005, they could apply for tax credits and if the application is recommended for approval by the Historic District Commission it would then be forwarded to Montgomery County Department of Finance for final approval.
   
   Member Drzyzgula said that she was in favor of removing the trees due to the history of mulberry trees causing damage to other trees. She conducted a site visit and stated that there are two mulberry trees on the adjoining property which should possibly be removed due to potential future damage. Member Jim Cannistra stated that he had also visited the site and agreed that the tree should be removed to prevent it from falling on either or both garages.
   
   There was no testimony presented in favor of or in opposition to the application.
   
   

   Motion was made by Member Drzyzgula, seconded by Member Cannistra, to close the record on HAWP-94.
   
   VOTE: 4-0
   
   Motion was made by Member Cannistra, seconded by Member Coratola, that HAWP-94, be recommended for approval finding it in compliance with Secretary of Interior Standard #2 which states that the historic character of a property shall be retained and preserved. The removal of historic materials or alteration of features and spaces that characterize a property shall be avoided and that it meets the Guidelines for the Brookes/Russell/Walker Historic District.
   
   VOTE: 4-0
   
   
   

2. HAWP-36F 16 Walker Avenue
   Applicant: Robert and Cathy Drzyzgula
   Request: Roof changes and tree removal
   
   Chairperson Richard Arkin announced that the public hearing has been rescheduled for August 19, 2004, due to quorum requirements. Member Drzyzgula asked if a courtesy review could be held so that she could receive guidance regarding the issue of the roof changes. It was agreed that since there was not going to be a vote, they could hold a courtesy review.
   
   

III. COURTESY REVIEW

HAWP-36F 16 Walker Avenue
Applicant: Robert and Cathy Drzyzgula
Request: Roof changes

Ms. Cathy Drzyzgula, applicant, said that she will be replacing the roofing with either pre-painted steel or copper shingles. The front and left side of the house has built-in box gutters as part of the current roof and there is a significant size crown molding under the roof edge between the fascia and the roof. She said that she has had trouble getting gutter companies to clean the current gutters and she asked if there were any suggestions or alternatives to putting ordinary gutters up.

Member Joe Coratola suggested that normally roofers would reline the existing gutters with new metal. Ms. Drzyzgula said she has spoken to some roofers about this process but that they are reluctant to undertake the project. Member Coratola also suggested that straps could be used underneath the roofing so that it did not damage the crown molding to which Ms. Drzyzgula responded that straps are currently used on one side of her house which does not work as well as brackets that are used on the porch front. Mr. Coratola said that another scenario would be to get wooden gutters that are lead-lined which can be costly. He said that a painted metal roof is a good modern alternative that would work in many applications.

III. UPDATES

1. Civil War Commemoration
   
   Planner Patula stated that the event was successful and enjoyed by all who either attended or participated. She noted that there were wonderful speakers and she acknowledged and thanked everyone who assisted. Associate Planner Marsh also recognized Ms. Patula for her planning and assistance in the execution of the event.
   
   
   
2. Olde Towne Day
   
   Times for the booth coverage were scheduled and the types of giveaway items were discussed. Giveaway items will include pencils and a paper product or poster in commemoration of the Walker's Addition 100th anniversary. It was also suggested that the scavenger hunt used previously be held again but with no prizes. Suggestions for display exhibits included the Civil War commemoration display which was recently used as well as the availability of the Olde Towne walking tour guide.
   
   
   
3. MAHDC Training
   
   Early November was suggested as a timeframe for training dates and possible topics could include how other areas of Montgomery County established heritage tourism and which ideas work well.
   
   
   
4. Thomas Cannery Open House and Plaque
   
   The Thomas Cannery held an open house which members and staff attended. A historic plaque is being proposed for the cannery and input and comments on the design were requested from HPAC. Suggestions included making a larger sign to enable more information to be written on the history of the building; that the location of the boiler be noted on the plaque as it is no longer a part of the building; and layout and font changes.
   
   
   
5. HD-30, 100 Central Avenue
   
   Associate Planner Marsh announced that historic designation for 100 Central Avenue was approved at the August 2, 2004, Historic District Commission meeting and the Resolution has been signed.
   
   

IV. ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to come before this meeting of the Historic Preservation Advisory Committee, the meeting was duly adjourned at 8:45 p.m.