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HRAB 05-15-07 Meeting MinutesFrederick County Historic Resources Advisory Board (HRAB) May 15, 2007, 6:30pm Held in the Board of Supervisors Executive Session Room of the County Administrative Building at 107 N. Kent Street, Winchester, VA Members Present: Rhoda Kriz (Chairman), Elizabeth Fravel (Vice -Chairman), Stacey Yost, Mary Turner, Martin Killingbeck, Claus Bader, Maral Kalbian (Consultant), Gary Oates (Planning Commission Liaison). Members Absent: Virginia McClure. Staff. Lauren Krempa, Planning Technician Agenda Items: April 2007 Minutes, Member Roster Update, Shady Elm Rezoning (presented by PHR&A), Villages at Opequon Rezoning Proposal (presented by PHR&A). Other: N/A The meeting began at 6:32 P.M. The first item of the agenda was the approval of the April 2007 minutes. Mr. Bader motioned to approve with spelling corrections, the motion was seconded by Ms. Fravel, and the minutes were unanimously approved with corrections to the spelling of Ms. Kalbian's name. The second agenda item was an evaluation of the proposed Shady Elm Rezoning, submitted by PHR&A; Mr. Patrick Sowers was available to represent the applicant and made a brief presentation. Mr. Sowers stated that he did notify the Kernstown Battlefield Association of this proposal where it was confirmed that this property is not in the core area of a battle field. Ms. Fravel asked if the house on the property would be removed, Mr. Sowers responded that it would be removed for a B3 use and there were no plans to repair. Chairman Kriz asked if the house was occupied when the Rural Landmarks Survey was completed. Ms. Kalbian said she thought it was and asked if this property was within the County's SWSA. Mr. Sowers stated that it was within the SWSA. Ms. Kalbian asked about the possibility of an additional buffer. Mr. Bader asked about the County's Comprehensive Plan in relation to this rezoning. Mr. Sowers stated that the Plan calls for industrial and the Easter Road Plan calls for a collector road along the edge of the property. Commissioner Oates stated that the Carbaugh property adjoining this proposal was a consideration for the FBI site. Ms. Fravel stated that she thought a phase one archeological study would be appropriate based on the proximity to the battlefield area. Chairman Kriz asked if any had been done previously and if the KBA had recommended anything. Mr. Sowers stated that the KBA wouldn't issue formal comments but that a basic archeological study was the recommendation. Mr. Sowers reiterated that no fighting was done on the property, at best soldiers walked across this site. Ms. Kalbian stated that a phase one survey would document the house before it is removed. Chairman Kriz stated that any time a house with history is destroyed an archeological survey should be done. Ms. Kalbian estimated the age of the house between 1880 and 1910 based on the frame and said it would be easy to determine if it was older. Ms. Kalbian asked if there were any barns or outbuildings. Mr. Sowers responded that there were a few small sheds and a newer house on the property. Chairman Kriz stated that a buffer would be good but may be a moot point due to the major collector road planned. Mr. Bader stated that there would be a buffer between the B3 and RA districts by ordinance requirement. Mr. Sowers stated that the road between the two properties may eliminate the need for a buffer. There being no other comments, staff informed Mr. Sowers that he would receive a letter with the HRAB's recommendations. The next agenda item was The Villages at Opequon rezoning, also presented by PHR&A and represented by Mr. Sowers. Mr. Sowers gave a brief presentation and asked for questions and comments from the HRAB. Ms. Kalbian asked about the recreation area on the generalized development plan (GDP) and a possible reservation area. Mr. Sowers stated that this would be located near Eddys Lane. Ms. Turner stated that she had an issue with the name of project since there is already a Historic Opequon Village in the Back Creek District. Mr. Sowers said he could talk to the developers about changing the name and also noted that this project was outside any battlefield study areas. Mr. Bader asked if the Haggerty property was doing anything for preservation on an adjoining property. Mr. Sowers responded that the Haggerty project didn't come to the HRAB for comments but the house on that site will be removed. Ms. Kalbian stated that this house dated from the 1880s with the Victorian porch and metal roof. She recommended documenting the house and doing research on the deed for a historic context of the property. Ms. Kalbian stated that it would be ideal to work the house into the recreational area. Mr. Bader stated that it would be difficult to use as a club house because of current codes and standards. Ms. Kalbian recommended reexamining the property for significance in the property owners. Chairman Kriz stated that the hill provides a natural buffer and Mr. Sowers confirmed. Ms. Kalbian asked if it was adjacent to Valley Mill Farm and Mr. Sowers stated that it was and the applicant would plant extra trees along the shared property line. He also stated that there was a wooded area on the Valley Mill Farm property along the shared property line. Ms. Kalbian stated that extra trees are necessary because Valley Mill Farm is on the Register. Mr. Bader suggested that the property keep Valley Mill farm in mind when determining the layout of housing types within that development. Chairman Kriz asked about the full build out and location of housing types. Mr. Sowers responded that the plans weren't finalized as of yet. There being no other comments, staff informed Mr. Sowers that he would receive a letter with the HRAB's recommendations. Before closing the meeting for the evening the HRAB discussed the possibility of updating the Comprehensive Policy Plan. Staff informed the HRAB that they would provide maps at the next meeting and if no rezoning applications were submitted for the June Agenda deadline, the updates to the Comprehensive Plan would be the only agenda item. There being no other business the HRAB adjourned at 8:56 P.M.