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HRAB 02-20-07 Meeting MinutesFrederick County Historic Resources Advisory Board (HRAB) February 20, 2007, 6:30pm Held in the Board of Supervisors Executive Session Room of the County Administrative Building at 107 N. Kent Street, Winrhester, VA, Members Present: Rhoda Kriz (Chairman), Elizabeth Fravel (Vice -Chairman), Martin Killingbeck, Virginia McClure, Mary Turner, Maral Kalbian (Consultant), Gary Oates (Planning Commission Liaison). Members Absent: None. Staff. Kevin Henry, Planning Technician, Lauren Krempa, Zoning Inspector Agenda Items: Vice -Chairman Election, January 2007 Minutes, Ervin Development Rezoning proposal (Painter -Lewis), Willa Cather birthplace grant, meeting date change discussion. Other: N/A The meeting began at 6:30 P.M. The first item of the agenda was the election of Vice Chairman. Ms. Fravel was the only member nominated for the position. After nominations closed, Ms. Fravel was unanimously appointed the Vice Chairman of the HRAB. The January 2007 minutes were unanimously approved. The third item on the agenda for the meeting was for the HRAB to evaluate the Ervin Development (Jeff Butler) rezoning proposal (1932 Senseny Rd.). The application was represented by Painter -Lewis who didn't present anything, but were available for questions. After staff gave a brief synopsis of what is proposed in the application, Ms. Kalbian asked the applicant if they would be adverse to relocating the Greenwood School to another portion of the parcel that isn't going to be developed. Ms. Kalbian also suggested, that if the structure had the ability to be relocated, it could be used as an office on the same parcel. The applicant informed the HRAB that any relocation of the school would require a multitude of work, for something that is not guaranteed to be structurally sound after its relocated. Chairman Kriz asked the applicant to incorporate building material from the Greenwood School, and use similar materials on the pharmacy structure. Chairman Kriz, Ms. Kalbian, and Commissioner Oates suggested particulars such as: utilizing concrete block, similar colors, and locating the school bell on the outside of the building. Ms. Fravel also suggested that a historical marker be placed on the building, which would provide an interpretative sign and rendering of the school. Mr. Killingbeck reaffirmed the HRAB's decision to reuse building material from Greenwood School, and incorporate this onto the new structure for the pharmacy, but suggested that the applicant not relocate the school. Mr. Butler stated that Ervin Development would not be adverse to using_ similar building material. Ms. Kalbian felt that if the school were to be relocated, it should be near the Senseny/Greenwood intersection. Ms. Kalbian also felt that it would be inappropriate to include building materials from Greenwood School inside the pharmacy, as this was discussed sporadically throughout the meeting. The HRAB recommended that the historical marker that be placed on the site, be held to standards determined appropriate by staff and Planning Commission. The HRAB had no further comments for the applicant. Staff informed the applicants of a letter stating the HRAB's recommendations would be prepared post -meeting and mailed to them. The fourth item of the agenda was the Willa Cather birthplace grant opportunity. Staff presented the work that is currently being done. Staff had invited Linda Cather (Chairman) of the Willa Cather Foundation to support the HRAB in this effort. The HRAB made recommendations for the different methods staff could use to persuade the property to sell to the county. As far as land preservation funds, the HRAB gave several options such as: ISETEA (Transportation) grants, conservation easement, and national park grants. Ms. Linda Cather had previously proposed a sale of property as well as conservation easement. The property owner has rejected both ideas to date. Staff mentioned that they are currently communicating through Mr. Adrian O'Connor of the Winchester Star, to the property owner. Ms. Linda Cather stated that many people had strong interests in protecting this property. And with so many interested, staff had decided that it would be appropriate for the HRAB to endorse this effort. In closing notes on the fourth item, Commissioner Oates made a suggestion that rezoning requests such as the one that was before the HRAB on the evening, should provide a proffered amount of money to be set aside in an account that was to be used for purchase of properties like the Willa Cather birthplace. Staff acknowledged the comment, and said they would research the possibilities. The final item was briefly detailed by staff. The possibility of a date change for the meetings could not occur due to the Board of Supervisors decision to hold the meetings on a specified date. There being no other business the HRAB adjourned at 8:30 P.M.