Cecil County Historic District Commission Meeting Minutes

6 January 2004

Present: Cairns, Ed & Sally; Dixon, Mike; Edwards, Ron & Audrey; Simpers, Nancy; Sennstrom, Eric

Absent: Malin, Jesse

Call to Order

Chairman Ed Cairns called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m.

Approval of Minutes

Motion was made to approve minutes of December HDC by Sally Cairns, Seconded by Mike Dixon, HDC voted unanimously to approve minutes of December meeting with the striking of West Nottingham from New Business at the suggestion of Ron & Audrey Edwards.

New Business

Chairman Ed Cairns asked the HDC to review the request of Ron & Audrey Edwards for a 10% property tax credit for renovation work they performed on the Thomas Richards House.  Ron Edwards presented the information and documentation to support their request.  An 18th century log structure was added to the dwelling, the interior needed to be redone, plaster, hardware, doorways were worked on.  Pictures were perused by the HDC indicating the before and after examples of the renovations.  The costs only include materials as the labor was provided by the Edwards.  Audrey Edwards added that there are 7 levels in the house, the porch was shingled and the barn roof was redone.  Chairman Ed Cairns stated that the addition is very appropriate to the existing structure.  Audrey Edwards added that the entrance to loghouse is through the entrance to the original house.  Ron Edwards opined that that the tax credit is crucial to having people become involved in historic preservation.  Audrey Edwards stated that the purpose of renovation was to make the dwelling livable.  It has taken 20 years to get to the point where they are now.  Ron & Audrey Edwards stated for the record that they would be recusing themselves from voting on this issue.

Motion made by Nancy Simpers to grant tax credit, seconded by Sally Cairns, HDC voted unanimously to have the County apply the 10% tax credit to the Edwards.

Old Business

Chairman Ed Cairns provided information on Knox Folly and Kent County News article on historic preservation.  Sally Cairns stated that Dudkewitz is selling his property but with holding 8 acres around old schoolhouse.  Ed & Sally Cairns will be visiting Mrs. Brown about historic designation of her property.  Audrey Edwards will talk to Phyllis Kilby about historic designation on Kilby farm house.  Ron & Audrey Edwards have made several contacts that look promising for potential nominations for historic designation.  Nancy Simpers that she spoke to H. Barry Montgomery regarding historic designation of Huester house.  She reported that he may be selling it.  Nancy Simpers suggested having Mr. Montgomery talk to the HDC about historic preservation.  Chairman Ed Cairns stated that he would like speak with the board of Realtors regarding historic preservation.  Chairman Ed Cairns reported that he spoke with Elizabeth Hughes at Maryland Historic Trust regarding negative publicity associated with the Knox Folly situation.  Ms. Hughes responded that MHT has an easement on the house, the occupants pledged to restore and maintain the premises in exchange for lifetime residency.  The occupants proceeded to demolish buildings, alter structures and build fences without obtaining approval from MHT.  Chairman Ed Cairns stated that University of Maryland wants to demolish a historic house in Baltimore for a student union.  MHT is opposing this as well.  Audrey Edwards reported that the house across from Farmington Airport has gingerbread trim work on it.

Meeting adjourned at 3:38 p.m.