HRAB 03-19-91 Meeting Agenda1 C�
COUNTY of FREDERICK
Department of Planning and Development
703/665-5651
FAX 703/667-0370
MEMORANDUM
TO: Frederick County Historic Resources Advisory Board
FROM: Kris C. Tierney, Deputy Director
RE: Meeting Notice and Agenda
DATE: March 13, 1991
There will be a meeting of the Frederick County Historic Resources
Advisory Board at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 19, 1991, in the
conference room of the old County Courthouse, 9 Court Square
Winchester, Virginia.
At the last two meetings we have not had a sufficient number of
members present to constitute a quorum, and have therefore been
unable to elect officers for the 1991 calendar year.
Please make an effort to attend the March meeting and as always,
I would ask that you let me know if you are unable to attend.
There are a couple of informational items in addition to agenda
materials included in your package.
AGENDA
1. Election of Officers
2. Discussion of Revisions to draft Historic Areas Overlay Zone
regulations.
3. Discussion of regulations which would allow tax deductions for
qualifying rehabilitation efforts.
4. Discussion of outline for a comprehensive approach to the
preservation effort.
5. Other.
9 Court Square - P.O. Box 601 - Winchester, Virginia - 22601
3/19/91 HRAB Agenda Page 2
1. Members should elect a Chairman and Vice -Chairman for the 1991
calendar year.
2. Proposed regulations are attached. Wording that has been
added isiia ell and wording that is to be deleted is stride;rz
3. Attached is a draft amendment to the Frederick County Code
that would permit a tax break for qualifying rehabilitation
efforts.
4. In an effort to map out a comprehensive approach to
preservation planning in the county, an outline has been
prepared. This follows the courses of action set out in the
Comprehensive Plan. In attempting to gain public support for
the proposed regulations it may be helpful to show a
connection between the creation of historic area overlay zones
and the promotion of tourism as well as other preservation
efforts. Public meetings/presentations aimed at increasing
awareness of and support for historic preservation should be
considered.
5. Other.
HISTORIC RESOURCES ADVISORY
BOARD
Mr. John E. Venskoske
Home : 888-3349
Gainesboro District
Route 2, Box 513
Term: 4/12/90 -
Winchester, Virginia 22601
4/12/91 (1 yr.term)
Mr. Ray E. Ewing
Home : 869-1326
Opequon District
5141 Highview Avenue
Office: 869-2470
Term: 4/12/89 -
Stephens City, Virginia 22655
(Steph.City P.O.)
4/12/91 (2 yr.term)
Ms. Mary Jane Light
Home : 662-4035
Stonewall District
Route 1, Box 99
Term: 4/12/89 -
Clearbrook, Virginia 22624
4/12/92 (3 yr.term)
Mr. Gary VanMeter
: 662-0468
Shawnee District
Route 1, Box 247
Term: 5/10/90 -
Winchester, Virginia 22601
5/10/91 (1 yr.term)
Mr. James Goodrich, Sr.
Home : 662-0150
Back Creek District
Route 4, Box 487
Office: 465-3741
Term: 7/12/90 -
Winchester, Virginia 22601
7/12/91 (1 yr.term)
Ms. Linda Spicer
Home 662-4736
Member -At -Large
Route 2, Box 1152
Office: 662-3575
Term: 5/10/89 -
Winchester, Virginia 22601
(Quarles School)
5/10/91 (2 yr.term)
Mr. R. Lee Taylor
Home : 662-4915
Member -At -Large
801 Amherst Street
Term: 5/10/89 -
Winchester, Virginia 22601
5/10/91 (2 yr.term)
Ms. Maral Kalbian
Home : 837-2081
Architectural
Route 1, Box 86
Office: 662-6550
Historian/ Term:
Boyce, Virginia 22620
9/13/89-9/13/92
(3 yr.term)
Mr. Roger L. Thomas
Home 869-4904
P/C Liaison
4957 Halifax Avenue
Office: 665-3950
Term Expires:
Stephens City,Virginia 22655
Office: 665-3989
12/31/91
The Historic Resources Advisory Board is composed of seven members
appointed by the Board of Supervisors. The Board provides information
on historic resources to the Board of Supervisors and Planning
Commission, along with recommendations on general historic resource
policy in Frederick County.
The H.R.A.B. meets every Third Tuesday of each month.
HISTORIC AREA OVERLAY ZONE
DRAFT
March. 11, 1991
Statement of Intent:
The Historic Area Overlay Zone (HAO) is intended to protect,
enhance, and aid in the perpetuation of especially noteworthy
examples, or elements, of Frederick County's cultural, social,
economic, religious, political, r OU....Ur y au.S; X, �
or architectural history in order to:
a. Foster civic pride and preserve an appreciation for
historic values;
b. Maintain and improve property values by providing
incentives for upkeep and rehabilitation;
c. Protect and enhance the County's attractiveness to tourists
and visitors;
d. Provide for the education and general welfare of the people
of the County;
e. Encourage nomination of qualified historic properties to
the State and National Registers.
Procedures for establishing Overlay Boundaries:
HAO zones may be created by amending the Zoning Ordinance as
provided for in Article 2, section 6 of the Zoning Ordinance.
The Historic Resources Advisory Board (HRAB) may propose to
the Planning Commission and/or the Board of Supervisors
amendments, including the establishment of HAO zones and the
revision of existing HAO zones. The HRAB shall submit a
report to support the proposed amendment. The report shall
establish and define the historic district boundaries as well
as the historic and/or architectural significance of the
buildings, structures, or sites to be protected; and describe
current planning, present trends, conditions, and public
objectives for preservation.
Any area to be designated as an HAO zone shall in fact include
landmarks, buildings, structures, or sites determined to be
of historical and/or architectural significance. All stated
recommendations of the HRAB which supplement or modify the
general regulations of this article may be adopted by the
Board of Supervisors and applied to the zone created.
At the time an overlay zone is established, the Board of
Supervisors may create an addtiona posatlon azad:ppoint an
member to the HRAB. The member appointed shall be
the owner of property within the newly established zone and
shall serve a term of two years.
Criteria for determining ih historic significance:
The significance of a historic area shall be based on
cultural, architectural and historical factors and shall be
documented in a written report: vh shall
include discussion of the following:
A. Architectural Style:
the strueture exemplify
!low well dees
distinguishing characteristics of a recognized style?
0. significance of architectural design
. scale and/or interrelationship of structures and/or
environmental features
:4. significant patterns of development
'54. quality of workmanship
. amount of surviving original material
original location and/or use
remaining outbuildings or dependencies
B. surrounding environment, gardens, landscaping, walks
9. overall aesthetic quality
11-1-G. original integrity of the structure and its details
B. Historic and/or Cultural Significance:
1. association with historic person
2. association with historic events
3. work of leading architect or master craftsman
4. site or structure of cultural significance
C. Additional Information:
1. a description of existing structures and uses likely
to have an adverse effect on the character of the
district, including those near and visually related to
the district, with maps, photographs, and other data
indicating the reasons for such an effect.
Surviving building types and structures not historic
in. themselves but adding to the character of an historic
area need to be looked at as potentially deserving
preservation.
. an analysis of lands not occupied by structures,
including lands near and visually related to the
2
district. For public lands, ownership, use, and location
shall be indicated. For private lands, assessed
valuation shall be added as well as existing zoning and
planned land us&.
. recommendations concerning detailed regulations to
be applied to the historic area under consideration for
the purpose of preventing changes which are incompatible
with the buildings, structures or sites to be preserved.
Such regulations may include permitted and prohibited
principal and accessory uses and structures, minimum lot
and yard requirements, maximum lot coverage by all
buildings, maximum height of structures, off-street
parking and loading requirements, control of signs and
exterior illumination and the control of integral faeade
eangeg sgnf3cant:::xteror alterations to existing
buildings. ........................ :..:...:.::.::
Historic Area Overlay Regulations:
Within the Historic Area Overlay Zone, the following regulations
shall apply:
1. New construction, reconstruction and nig n f-6 ntexterior
alterations ............
No building or structure, including signs, shall be
erected, reconstructed, or substantially altered in
exterior appearance unless the HRAB approves of the
proposed activity's compatibility with the historic,
cultural, and/or architectural aspects of the zone, and
issues a certificate of appropriateness.
2. Matters to be considered in passing upon the
Appropriateness of Construction, Reconstruction or exterior
alteration of buildings or structures by the HRAB: The HRAB
shall not consider interior alterations and shall only impose
restrictions for the purpose of preventing development
incompatible with the historic aspects of the area.
The HRAB shall consider the Secretary of the Interior's
Standards for Rehabilitation and the following in evaluating
the appropriateness of architectural features:
- Exterior Architecture;
- General design, scale,
- Texture and materials;
- The relationship of
structures.
3
arrangement and massing;
the above to surrounding
3. Demolition: Nob _ u.; t building or structure within
any RAO zone shall. ...demolished or removed , until a
Certificate of Appropriateness is issued bythe HRAB. Thi
_..........._..............
4. Matters to be considered in determining whether to grant
a permit for razing or demolition: The HRAB shall consider
any and all of the following criteria:
- Would the removal be detrimental to the public
interest?
- Could the building only be reproduced at great expense
or difficulty due to its unique or unusual texture,
material or design?
- Would denial of the permit result in the preservation
of a historic place in Frederick County?
5. Offer for Sale: The owner of a building, structure 0990M
in a historic district shall, by right, be entitled to
demolish same provided that:
a. He has applied for a demolition permit.
b. Made a bona fide offer to sell the structure and land on
which it is located, to an individual or group which makes
reasonable assurances that it will preserve the landmark. The
property shall be offered at a price reasonably related to its
fair market value as determined by an independent appraisal
for a period of established by the schedule below.
- Three months when the asking price is less than
$25,000.
- Four months when the asking price is between $25,000
and $40,000.
- Five months when the asking price is between $40,000
and $55,000.
- Six months when the asking price is betz"eer $55,000 and
$75,000.
- Seven months when the asking price is between $75,000
and $90,000.
- Twelve months when the asking price is over $90,000.
4
7. Hazardous Buildings or structures: can be demolished
without consideration by HRAB with written approval of the
zoning Administrator stating the conditions which justify the
demolition.
8. Moving or Relocation: No effieially designated—n=szonC
landmark, building, or structure within a district shall be
removed or relocated if the move would be detrimental to the
public interest or the historic integrity of the structure
unless approved by the HRAB.
9. Uses permitted: Within the Historic Area Overlay, general
regulations and permitted uses shall be the same as provided
within the respective underlying zoning districts except where
such regulations are modified or amended by recommendation of
the HRAB and adoption of the Board of Supervisors.
10. Exceptions: Where the .strict interpretation of these
regulations creates an undue hardship, the HRAB may make
recommendations for reasonable exemptive relief.
Administration:
1. Zoning Administrator: The County Zoning Administrator
shall not authorize a permit for any erection,
reconstruction, integral exterior facade change,
demolition or razingof building, a g, er structure a: :n in the HAO until the same has been approved aril a
certificate of appropriateness issued by the HRAB,
following the procedures set forth below.
2. Upon receipt of an application for such a permit in the
historic district, the Zoning Administrator shall follow
the procedures below:
A. A copy of the application for such a permit,
together with a copy of the site plan and the
building plans and specifications filed by the
applicant shall be forwarded to the HRAB.
B,_ A file of all such applications and related
materials shall be maintained.
3. Materials to be Submitted for Review: Twelve copies of
all materials prepared in relation to the application
shall be submitted by the applicant. The Zoning
Administrator or the HRAB may require submission of any
or all of the following: architectural plans, site plans,
landscaping plans, design for proposed signs with
5
appropriate detail as to character, proposed exterior
lighting arrangements, elevations of all portions of
structure with important relationships to public view
(with indications as to visual construction materials,
design of doors and windows and relationships to
adjoining structures), and such other exhibits and
reports as are necessary for these determinations.
4. Fees: The Board of Supervisors shall establish a
schedule of fees for the submission and review of an
application for a certificate of appropriateness.
5. Other Approvals Reguired: In any case in which an
applicant's proposal also requires the approval of the
BZA, approval by the BZA shall be obtained prior to
action by the HRAB.
6. Action of the Historic Resources Advisory Board: The
HRAB shall return in writing, within ninety (90) days
after submission of the application, its decision
concerning granting a certificate of appropriateness for
the erection, reconstruction, significant exterior
alteration, restoration, razing or demolition, or
relocation of all or part of any building within the HAO
zone.
If the HRAB grants a certificate of appropriateness, it
shall authorize the Zoning Administrator to issue a
permit for the work specified in the application. If the
HRAB disapproves the application, the reasons shall be
stated in writing and forwarded to the applicant, and the
Zoning Administrator shall disapprove the application for
the required permit. The disapproval shall indicate what
changes in the plans and specifications would enable the
proposal to meet the conditions for protecting and
preserving the historical character of the HAO. If the
applicant determines that he will make the suggested
changes, he shall so advise the HRAB in writing which
shall act accordingly.
In the case of disapproval, the application shall not be
resubmitted for consideration until twelve (12) months
have elapsed from the date of disapproval unless the
indicated changes in plans and specifications have been
incorporated into the reapplication. The applicant may
appeal the disapproval to the Board of Supervisors.
C.
OUTLINE FOR CIVE APPROACH TO
HISTORIC PRESERVATION IN FREDERICK COUNTY
GOAL: Protection of Historic Resources
METHODS: 1. Historic Area Overlay (HAO) Zoning regulations to be
applied to areas containing a concentration of historic
sites.
An effort needs to be made to educate the public,
as well as the Planning Commission and Board of
Supervisors, on what restrictions are and are not
involved with a Historic Area Overlay Zone. This
ties in with #3 below. (see attached article
regarding historic district in Clarke County.)
Develop procedures for tax credit on rehabilitation
efforts to structures within an established HAO zone
to help gain acceptance of the accompanying
regulations.
2. Identification, documentation and recognition of
historic properties throughout the County.
HRAB needs to determine how they wish to proceed
with the identification of historic properties.
Need to complete the list of sites with
potential for designation. HRAB identified 59
sites. Subcommittee was established to
complete the listing. Do we wish to continue
in that fashion or is there a better way? What
is present status of listing?
Perhaps HRAB could come up with ten or twelve
sites you feel are most significant/threatened
and recommend them to the Board of Supervisors
for designation. Other property owners could
then apply for designation.
Criteria for site selection/ evaluation need to
be refined and an application form needs to be
developed.
What would the procedures be to designate
sites?
Will the HRAB recommend sites without
application from owner?
$10,056 available to HRAB for the purchase of
plaques/markers to identify locally significant
properties.
What type of marker/plaque should be used? A
numbered marker could be tied in with a
brochure and tours that would identify the site
on a map and give a brief description. ( see #4)
3. Develop an educational effort aimed at increasing the
awareness of and appreciation for historic sites
throughout the County.
Develop a map/brochure containing the location and
a brief description of the history of significant
sites within the County. This is closely related
to #4.
Develop slide presentations/lectures.
4. Promote tourism within the County and City of
Winchester.
Continue to promote the concept of a historic
weekend in the County.
Continue to look for an interested individual
qualified to head effort.
Designation of historic sites and the production of
brochure/map that might be tied in with tours of
historic sites.(see #'s 2 and 3)
PROPOSED AMSNDNEW TO CHAPTER 9, FINANCE AND TAXATION,
ARTICLE 1, of the FREDERICK COUNTY CODE
1-9 EXEMPTION FOR REHABILITATED HISTORIC REAL ESTATE
A partial exemption from taxation shall be provided for real estate
on which a structure not less than twenty five (25) years of age
that has been rehabilitated so as to increase its assessed value
by at least 40%.'Such real estate shall be located in an historic
overlay district established by the Frederick County Board of
Supervisors, in accordance with Section 15.1-503.2, of the code of
Virginia.
The partial exemption shall not exceed an amount equal to the
increase in assessed value resulting from the rehabilitation or
renovation of the structure as determined by the County Assessor.
The amount of the partial exemption shall not exceed $250,000 for
rehabilitations for residential uses or $500,00 for rehabilitations
for commercial or industrial uses. The exemption shall commence
on January 1 of the year following completion of the rehabilitation
and shall run with the real estate for a period of ten (10) years.
Rehabilitations for residential uses cannot replace the original
structure and cannot increase the square footage of the original
structure by more than 15%. Rehabilitations for commercial or
industrial uses cannot replace the original structure but may
increase the square footage of the original structure without
limit.
No property shall be eligible for such exemption unless the
appropriate certificates of appropriateness and building permits
have been acquired and the County Assessor has verified that the
rehabilitation indicated on the application has been completed.
Such rehabilitation shall be completed within 2 years of issuance
of the building permit for the work.
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G R E E N W A Y S:
PUBLIC ACCESS
TO
OPEN SPACES
* * MAY 1, 1991 * *
9:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.
WATERFORD OLD SCHOOL
SCHEDULE
8:30 A.M.
Registration and,
Coffee
9:00
Welcome!
* *
Leigh Byers, President
Waterford Foundation
9:05-9:10
Introduction:
* *
Keith Hay
9:10-10:00
"MENTAL PATHWAYS ARE
AS IMPORTANT AS
* *
GREENWAYS"
Ronald Lee Fleming
10:00-10:50
NATIONAL INITATIVES
FOR GREENWAYS
John Kelly
10:50-11:10
BREAK
11:10-12:00 P.
MAKING IT HAPPEN IN
VIRGINIA!
Public Lecture and Slides
Kat Imhoff and
* *
Angela LaCombe
12:00-12:50
DESIGN AND PLAN IT
Elizabeth Brabec
12:50-2:00 LUNCH
* LOUDOUN/LEESBURG GREENWAY-
VITAL LINK
2:00-2:20 James Stup
2:20-2:40 Gary Huff
2:40-3:00 Linda Porter
3:00-3:20 William Neville
3:20-4:00 GREENWAYS: PUBLIC
ACCESS TO OPEN SPACES
WRAP UP
Keith Hay
* * *
* * TARGETED AUDIENCE * *
* COMMUNITY PLANNERS
* PRESERVATION AND
ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS
* DEVELOPERS
* PUBLIC UTILITIES STAFF
* CORPORATE AND BUSINESS
COMMUNITIES
* UNIVERSITY AND COLLEGE
PLANNING, LANDSCAPE,
ARCHITECTS STAFF AND
STUDENTS
* RECREATION PLANNERS
* INTERESTED CITIZENS
FACULTY
MODERATOR: KEITH HAY
Director of American
Greenways,
The Conservation Fund
ELIZABETH BRABEC: J.D. Candidate '92
University of Maryland; M_L.A.,
University of Guelph, Canada;
Recent Awards: ASLA Merit Award,
Year's Best Award (shared), National
Trust for Historic Preservation
Author and Consultant.
RONALD LEE FLEMING: Alumnus of
Pomona College and Harvard School of
Design; Recognized for planning,
Public Art and Urban Design Projects
which seek to merge architects,
historians and artists. Nominated
for a Pulitzer Prize in 1982 for his
trilogy: THE POWER OF PLACE_
Governor's Appointee to Massachusetts
Historical Commission and board
member of The Victorian Society in
Philadelphia.
* *
E. LITTLE
* *
AUTHOR
* *
GREENWAYS FOR AMERICA
* *
7:30 P.M.
* *
* *
Public Lecture and Slides
* *
At The
* *
* *
* *
Waterford Old School
* *
* *
* *
Introduction By:
* *
* *
* *
DOUGLASS LEA, AUTHOR
* * *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* *
* * *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* *
* * TARGETED AUDIENCE * *
* COMMUNITY PLANNERS
* PRESERVATION AND
ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS
* DEVELOPERS
* PUBLIC UTILITIES STAFF
* CORPORATE AND BUSINESS
COMMUNITIES
* UNIVERSITY AND COLLEGE
PLANNING, LANDSCAPE,
ARCHITECTS STAFF AND
STUDENTS
* RECREATION PLANNERS
* INTERESTED CITIZENS
FACULTY
MODERATOR: KEITH HAY
Director of American
Greenways,
The Conservation Fund
ELIZABETH BRABEC: J.D. Candidate '92
University of Maryland; M_L.A.,
University of Guelph, Canada;
Recent Awards: ASLA Merit Award,
Year's Best Award (shared), National
Trust for Historic Preservation
Author and Consultant.
RONALD LEE FLEMING: Alumnus of
Pomona College and Harvard School of
Design; Recognized for planning,
Public Art and Urban Design Projects
which seek to merge architects,
historians and artists. Nominated
for a Pulitzer Prize in 1982 for his
trilogy: THE POWER OF PLACE_
Governor's Appointee to Massachusetts
Historical Commission and board
member of The Victorian Society in
Philadelphia.
FACULTY (Cont.)
GARY HUFF: MS in Parks and Recre. -on
Administration, Virginia Tech.
Director of Parks and Recreation,
Town of Leesburg, Virginia. Recent
Awards 190 VPRS - Best Basic
Promotional Award and Specialty
Award, '90 Leesburg Environmental
Advisory Commission Landscaping
Award. '90 National Pool and Spa
Silver Medal Award, '90 Take Pride
in America Awards - 1st Place in
Local Government category for
Greenways and Trails Master Plan_
KAT IMHOFF: Graduate University of VA.
Masters in Planning, Currently is
Executive Director, State of VA. Comm-
ission on Population Growth and Develop-
ment. Past experience includes Directoi
of Planning for Leesburg. Director of
Planning Service for Piedmont Environ-
mental Council, B.O.D. - Preservation
Alliance of VA., Received VA_ Wildlife
Federation Award for Conservation '89.
VA_ Municipal League Conservation
Award for Historic Corridor '90.
JOHN KELLY: Outdoor Recreation
Planner for the National Park Service;
Washington Advisor to government and
citizens groups nationwide. Formerly
a park ranger at Fire Island National
Seashore, Yellowstone National Park
and holds a IIS in Outdoor Recreation
from Colorado State University.
ANGELA LAS•dRENCE LACOMBE: Recreation
Consultant to Virginia Department of
Conservation and Recreation - Division
of Planning and Recreation Resources.
Formerly Grants Administrator for
Virginia Outdoors Fund, Land and Water
Conservation Fund and Chesapeake Bay
Youth Conservation Fund. Holds a
Master of Business Administration
from University of Texas at Arlington.
WILLIAM NEVILLE: A graduate of State
University of New York in Landscape
Architecture. Currently is the
Director of Planning and Landscape
Architecture for Patton, Harris and
Rust Associates of Leesburg, Virginia.
Participant in National Trust Rural
Conservation Seminar, Rural Landscape
Committee ASLA, Co -Chair Loudoun County
Greenways Committee and Co -Chair for
Open Space Committee, and Board
Member of The Waterford Foundation for
The National Historic Landmark.
LINDA BAIRD PORTER: Graduate of
University of California, Berkeley, and
a candidate for MA Environmental
Biology, Hood College, Frederick, MD.
Experience includes Mental Health
Administrator, Community Consultant,
Provided orientation programs for
companies relocating staff to Saudi
Arabia, Medical Technologist for WHO
in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, Key organizer
for Dulles Expo; Earth Day Celebration;
and a symposium on Small Flows Waste
Treatment Systems.
JAMES O. STUP: Director of Parks and
Recreation for Loudoun County, holds
a BA from Shepherd College, W. VA.,
and graduate studies in Management
from North Carolina State University.
Affiliated with National Park and Rec-
reation Association, VA. Park Adminis-
tration for Capital Area and No. VA.
REL jTRATION FORM
Please complete and mail this form
with payment to:
WATERFORD FOUNDATION
P.O. BOX 142
WATERFORD, VIRGINIA 22190
REGISTRATION FEES:
Greenways Seminar (day):
$40.00 (includes lunch & evening
seminar)
Will Attend
$35.00 Member discount
Will Attend
CHARLES E. LITTLE
Evening Lecture Only - $5.00
Will Attend
TOTAL ENCLOSED:
Please Print or Type:
NAME:
ORGANIZATION:
ADDRESS:
CITY:
STATE:
ZIP
MC/VISA:
EX. DATE:
SIGNATURE:
For additional regiftrations, please photo-
copy this form. For program information.
Call: CATHERINE LADD, in Waterford at:
(703) 882-3018 or (703) 478-8454 METRO.
* x
Cancellation policy: If cancellation occurs by
the Waterford Foundation, registrations will
be returned in full. Registrants may cancel
within 5 days of the conference (4/25) with
full refund.
GREENWAYS.,.,
The opportunity to provide open
space amenities much needed in
our society for recreation,
appropriate housing, conservation
of resources and economic
development.
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Sctrlcd 1733
HISTORIC L
WATERFORD
Settled about 1733, WATERFORD,
VIRGINIA is a tiny village with
tree shaded streets and 120
buildings of wood frame, log,
brick and stone, over looking
the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Along with it's unspoiled
Pastoral setting, in 1970
WATERFORD was designated a
NATIONAL HISTORIC LANDMARK
A DAY IN WATERFORD
Greenways are networks connecting
resources in any given area, The
networks may be private or publically
owned. Each plan must be initated
locally to reflect each community's
need. We are fortunate to have
Loudoun and Henrico County Greenways
Models demonstrated at this conference
since they are being used by the
National Park Service as National
Models.
When one thinks of land, open
space, trails, paths and the like,
the ownership becomes a prime concern.
Technically space is owned by someone,
but philosophically, we are all
stewards - temporary custodians of
this earth. Good planning, design
and aesthetics will be addressed
during the conference. Forums such
as this, need to emphasize, to those
in leadership positions, their
responsibility to act as a custodian
and to provide the people of this
Nation a place to experience
beautiful leisure time.
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The Winchester Star
Thursday, March 7, 1991 Section B
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By CHET BRIDGER
Star start writer
BERRYVILLE — Fearing the loss of property
rights and the opening of a Pandora's box, about 100
town residents attended Wednesday night's public
hearing on the proposed Berryville historic district.
Most of them opposed the plan.
About 15 citizens spoke before the Town Council and
Planning Commission. Two of them appeared to sup-
port the proposed district,
Most property owners in the proposed district are
concerned about the possible requirement of gaining
approval from a five -member Architectural Review
Board to make exterior changes to their houses. The
board was also responsible for formulating the pro-
posed district boundaries.
"I don't think anyone should be able to tell you what
you can do to your house," Louise Huyett said.
"I didn't buy into a historic district and I don't want
to live in a historic district," said Regeta Hickey.
Another resident added that "when I see historical
names on the check that goes into the bank every
week, then I'll let them tell me what I can do with my
house."
Mary Kelley Crawford, an Academy Street resi-
dent, asked town officials to remove residential areas
from the proposal and preserve only the downtown
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Mayor Rick Sponseller and Planning Commission
Chairman Pamie Royston said after the meeting that
the proposal deserves serious review,
means, and this isn't like we are up here on one side
and you all are on another."
"I am not so sure about the wholesale throw -out (of
the residential areas)," Sponseller said. "I do think
The mayor did question some speakers about their
knowledge of the historic district regulations, asking
we will have to go back and look at some of those
those who appeared misinformed about the proposal if
areas. There is no question about that."
they had read the ordinance.
"I think some boundaries could be changed," said
Royston.
"I was very disappointed," he said after the
"I
The atmosphere was emotional and the meeting
meeting. was disappointed at the lack of
preparedness of some speakers who were up here
became almost unruly at times, with several citizens
speaking simultaneously and shouting comments.
making (incorrect) statements of facts. That doesn't
help anyone."
Sponseller told the crowd that the officials were
there to work with them. "We are up here to get pub-
The district was proposed to protect and preserve
the architectural and historic resources of the com-
he comments and all of us are here with an open
munity.
mind. This is not something that is set in stone by any
Town Planner Randy McVey said adopting the
Start Map by Mary Kelley Crawford
district would prevent "crackerbox" housing and
discourage people from making alterations to houses
that would "degrade the property."
Buildings within the district would be labeled "con-
tributing" and "non-contributing."
Contributing houses are those more than 50 years
old that have not been significantly altered. Newer
non-contributing houses would have more freedom for
future alteration.
Any additions, demolitions, or new buildings in the
district would require study by the Architectural
Review Board.
Minor alterations such as painting (a topic fre-
quently raised by speakers), replacing of doors and
windows, landscaping, and adding air conditioners
would be exempt from review.
McVey told citizens that other minor changes would
not "excite" him or the board, but speakers asked if
additional regulations on property rights would be
pushed through once the district was adopted.
"As soon as this is passed, you're going to have a
Pandora's box and you're going to get yourself in
trouble," town resident Charles Tavenner said.
Hickey said a historic resource in need of protection
is individual freedom. "I am sure that the first set-
tlers that came to Berryville were strong in-
dividualists. They came here for personal freedoms.
Many of them left their home countries because of in-
tolerances they were experiencing.
"The strength of our individuality is what makes us
unique and we are continuously giving up our indi-
vidual freedom to special-interest groups, and that is
just what this is," she said.
Paul Rose said he moved to Berryville from another
historic district and that he enjoyed living in a historic
district because of the tax advantages.
McVey said improvements to a historic district
structure that increased its value by 40 percent would
make the property eligible for a partial tax exemp-
tion.
The Planning Commission will discuss the proposed
district at its March 26 meeting and make a recom-
mendation to the Town Council. The council is ex-
pected to vote on the district at its April meeting.
Wednesday's meeting began with a slide presenta-
tion by architectural historian Maral Kalbian, who
discussed the wide variety of architectural styles in
the proposed district.
The styles mentioned included Federalist—best
shown in The Nook on East Main Street, Berryville's
oldest home. Other structures mentioned were the
Masonic Building on Main Street, an antebellum brick
structure; the former Clarke County Courthouse, a
Roman Revival building; and the post office, built in
the Colonial Revival style.
Kalbian said Main Street is like a smile and when
buildings deteriorate or become vacant, the smile
begins to deteriorate. . k