Historic District Commission Meeting Minutes

1 April 2003

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

Absent: Malin, Jesse

Call to Order

Chairman Ed Cairns called the meeting to order at 3:05 p.m.

Approval of Minutes

Motion made by Sally Cairns to approve minutes of 4 March 2003 meeting.  Seconded by Ron Edwards.  HDC voted to unanimously approve minutes.

New Business

Chairman Ed Cairns announced that the HDC received two applications to nominate properties for historic designation.  He queried Director Sennstrom on whether any of the applicants will be attending today's meeting.  Director Sennstrom answered in the negative.  Chairman Ed Cairns and Ron Edwards discussed the Brown farmhouse.  Sally Cairns commented on the houses interior.

Brown Farm - Director Sennstrom presented staff report on the historic nomination of the Brown farm.  Items of historical note are that the property is one of the original Nottingham lots.  The initial settlement of the property occurred in 1701.  The Mason/Dixon line is approximately 300' to the north.  The Brown family resided on the property from the 1700's to 1974.  Items of architectural note are that the original section of the house reflects the building materials and practices of the late 18th century.  The house was built circa 1777 and had an addition built in 1850.  Extensive renovation was completed in 1974.  Chairman Ed Cairns stated that the house is well maintained.  Motion made by Sally Cairns to recommend historic designation, seconded by Audrey Edwards.  HDC voted unanimously to recommend historic designation.

Upper Wickwire - Director Sennstrom presented staff report on the historic nomination of Upper Wickwire.  Items of historical note are that the house was built in 1857.  There have been agricultural activities conducted on the property since the late 17th century.  This parcel was originally part of a 900 acre tract known as Larrimore's Addition.  Items of architectural significance include that there are two porches, one facing east and one west, a low hipped roof with tin cover, and the original shutters.  The house is an example of the Italinate Style and reflects the wealth generated by agriculture in Cecil County.  He further stated that only the house, pumphouse and shed are subject to this application.  Chairman Ed Cairns suggested delineating an area, in conjunction with the property owner, around those items nominated for designation.  Director Sennstrom indicated that he will contact the property owner and delineate the area.  Motion made by Audrey Edwards, seconded by Sally Cairns, to recommend designation of Upper Wickwire as a historic site subject to delineation of area around house, pumphouse and shed.  HDC voted unanimously to recommend designation.

Old Business

Director Sennstrom advised HDC that the tenant house on the Clendenin-Freeman farm may be having renovation/addition work done to it that will require a certificate of appropriateness.  Chairman Ed Cairns stated that he will contact Mr. Freeman and discuss the plans for the tenant house.  Ron Edwards stated that windows and doors are items of special attention.  Chairman Ed Cairns stated that items of interest are important to HDC.  Sally Cairns stated that other jurisdictions have volunteered to send their information on this subject to HDC.  HDC discussed historic tax credit.  Ron Edwards queried as to the total number of locally designated properties in Cecil County.  Director Sennstrom answered that there are thirteen including today's applications.  Ron Edwards requested a map and list of those sites be sent with meeting minutes.  Chairman Ed Cairns stated that it is important to develop procedures for the HDC to follow.

Meeting adjourned at 3:36 p.m.

Next meeting: 6 May 2003