EIGHT HUNDRED AND SIXTY FIRST MEETING

TUESDAY – JUNE 20, 2023– 6:00 P.M. - REGULAR

AGENDA

*This meeting was conducted virtually through Zoom*

Convened: 6:00 P.M.                                    Adjourned 7:03 P.M.

Commissioners Present:                              Staff Present:                                               

                                                                        Monta Burrough, Deputy Director, ECD          

Margie McCeney                                           Brooke Quillen, HDC Coordinator, ECD

Marlene Frazier                                            Emily Cline-Gibson, Planner I, ECD         

Mary Eileen Leszcz                                       Josh Mitchum, Planner II, ECD          

Councilmember Kole                                     Darnell Butler, Communications

Greg Sweitzer                                    

Commissioners Absent: Two (2)

Citizens Present:  Ten (10)

            Chairwoman McCeney called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. and asked for a roll call. Five (5) Commissioners answered present, constituting a quorum. Chairwoman McCeney then read the Opening Statement.

Chairwoman McCeney noted that the last two (2) items on the minutes were duplicates and asked if there were any other corrections to the Minutes from the Regular HDC meeting held on April 18, 2023. There were none.

On a motion by Councilmember Kole seconded by Ms. Leszcz, the minutes were approved on (3) three affirmative votes. Mr. Sweitzer and Ms. McCeney abstained.

          HDC-2023-0088 for 20 Post Office Avenue, submitted by Maria and Mario                Thomas, Applicant is seeking approval for the installation of a 1 room addition 14 x 13 ft over an existing space on the second floor. The extension of existing closet on first floor 12.5 x 6.5 ft. Installation of a walk-out deck over the extended closet with stairs. The new material and colors match the original color and material on the house. Work is already done.

The applicant was present. The Commission asked why this didn’t come before the HDC. It was explained the applicant contacted staff last year with plans but at the time the addition was much smaller and not seen from the street. When starting the project, the size of the addition increased along with an additional deck and stairs. The applicant apologized for not following up with staff to inform them plans had changed.

On a motion by Councilmember Kole seconded by Mr. Sweitzer, the application was approved on (5) five affirmative votes.

HDC-2023-0122 for 409 Laurel Avenue, submitted by Irenia Barbosa, Applicant is seeking approval to build a Gazebo 16ftx14ft in the backyard.

The applicant was not present.

On a motion by Ms. Leszcz, seconded by Ms. Frazier, the application was approved on (5) five affirmative votes.

HDC-2023-0125 for 383 Main Street, submitted by Chang Liu, Applicant is seeking approval to replace unstable stairs with same color and design. Longer lasting materials will be used, railing is white and step flooring is gray using composite material Pillars are sturdy and anchored by 3-foot-deep concrete pilings. Work is already done.

            The applicant was present. The Commission pointed out that there were recommendations from the structural engineer and asked if the applicant planned on implementing those recommendations. The applicant stated they are willing to comply with suggestions from the structural engineer to complete the project.

On a motion by Ms. Frazier seconded by Mr. Sweitzer, the application was approved on (5) five affirmative votes.

HDC-2023-0128 for 345 Main Street, submitted by Brian and Ruth Ann Miles, Applicant is seeking approval to replace four (4) wooden windows to four (4) vinyl windows. Windows are 32 x 53” same as original windows. All four (4) windows are original to the building. Work is already done.

The applicant was not present.

On a motion by Councilmember Kole, seconded by Ms. Leszcz, the application was approved on (5) five affirmative votes.

HDC-2023-0129 for 202 Stanley Place, submitted by Jose Morales, Applicant is seeking approval to install wood fence to the right of the home. Work is already done.

The applicant was not present. Staff noted that applicant took down the previous white fencing so that no fencing is back-to-back.

On a motion by Ms. Leszcz, seconded by Councilmember Kole, the application was approved on (5) five affirmative votes.

HDC-2023-0130 for 29 C Street, submitted by Randall Rill, Applicant is seeking approval to remove existing concrete slab and stairs. Rebuilding slab using concrete and rebar, as well as rebuild steps with landing at the bottom with the installation of a galvanized steel rail.

The applicant was present.

On a motion by Councilmember Kole, seconded by Ms. Frazier, the application was approved on (5) five affirmative votes.

HDC-2023-0131 for 513 and 515 Main Street, submitted by Anisha Thompson, Applicant is seeking approval to paint front doors rose pink, original door color is red. Work is already done.

The applicant was not present. The Commission questioned whether the color of the door was on the HDC pre-approved color list. Staff made it clear that the color is not on the pre-approved color list. Staff also stated that the applicant is willing to paint it back to basic red if the Commission wishes. The Commission agreed that turning the door color back to the original red is more appropriate and the requested pink color is not approved.

On a motion by Councilmember Kole, seconded by Mr. Sweitzer, the application was approved on (5) five affirmative votes with the changing of the paint color back to the original red.

HDC-2023-0134 for 363 Main Street, submitted by Kieu Dang, the applicant is seeking approval to add new signage to window fronts. Work is already done.

The applicant was not present. The Commission asked if the square footage of the pictures in the window met code requirements. Staff stated it does but the (2) two newest signs they recently installed is not shown in their submittal photos for this application and it would take them over the square footage requirements. Staff recommends that they come down because it’s a relatively obscure view into the business. The Commission stated that they feel photo of the food does not enhance Main Street. Staff added this is a restaurant and asked if the Commission had any suggestions for them to display on the windows because most restaurants do advertise food on their windows. The Commission suggested they make the current signs smaller or frame the menus and put them in the windows.

On a motion by Mr. Sweitzer, seconded by Ms. Leszcz, the application was amended on (5) five affirmative votes remove the current signs and place the menus in the windows.

HDC-2023-0136 for 522 Main Street, submitted by Betsy Welsh, Applicant is seeking approval to build a walkway to improve access to the building.

A representative for the applicant was present. The Commission asked if the Serenity Path and Garden Maze in the back of the property will be replaced with the landing. The applicant’s representative Mr. James Martin, Warden at St. Philips Episcopal Church stated they will not be replaced and will stay in existence. The Commission asked if it will be necessary to remove the tree and if the graves be disturbed. Mr. James Martin explained the tree and graves will remain and will not be disturbed. The Commission suggested using permeable concrete, adding there are rebates available from the Chesapeake Bay Trust Fund. Mr. James Martin expressed he is not familiar with the permeable concrete materials but will talk to the contractor about it. The Commission informed the representative for the applicant that it is more expensive but that is why rebates are available.

On a motion by Councilmember Kole, seconded by Ms. Frazier, the application was approved on (5) five affirmative votes.

HDC-2023-0138 for 708 Montgomery Street, submitted by Dr. Theodore Guerrant, The applicant is seeking approval to replace upstairs bedroom window with French Door, add railing to dining room flat roof as well as add a porch light along with an outdoor electric outlet.

The applicant was present. The Commission expressed this request sounds lovely. The applicant’s neighbor, Mr. C. Phillip Nichols stated that there was a rail there at one time and he fully supports approval of this project.

On a motion by Councilmember Kole, seconded by Ms. Leszcz, the application was approved on (5) five affirmative votes.

HDC-2023-0139 for 628-632 Main Street, submitted by Cameron Manesh, Applicant is seeking approval to add one (1) sign indicating 3 commercial units that cannot be seen from Main Street. Sign matches the interior signs throughout the Patuxent Place parking lot. Sign is Aluminum with white, grey, and orange color measuring 24”x24”.

The applicant was present.

On a motion by Mr. Sweitzer, seconded by Councilmember Kole, the application was approved on (5) five affirmative votes.

Staff Approvals:

HDC-2023-0135 for 309 Laurel Avenue, submitted by Wilson Crespo, the applicant is seeking approval to repair sidewalk at the front of the property 36”x15’ ft as well as add 2 inches of concrete on the top to cover up cracks. Work has already been done and is “in-kind”.

HDC-2023-0137 for 37 Fourth Street, submitted by Wilson Crespo, the applicant is seeking approval to replace existing twelve (12) windows with same design and same size.

HDC-2023-0140 for 504 Prince George Street, submitted by Fraz Ali Aulakh, the applicant is seeking approval to paint an aluminum siding in “Spanish Sand” similar to the current color.

HDC-2023-0141 for 710 Montgomery Street, submitted by C. Philip Nichols, Jr., the applicant is seeking approval to repair the rear roof over the back porch area. Work was already completed “in-kind”.

Minutes Approved:  Brooke Quillen                                 Date:  7/18/2023