Cecil County Historic District Commission Meeting Minutes

5 August 2003

Present: Cairns, Ed & Sally; Edwards, Ron & Audrey; Malin, Jesse; Simpers, Nancy; Sennstrom, Eric

Absent: Dixon, Mike

Call to Order

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

Approval of minutes

Motion made by Nancy Simpers to approve minutes of 1 July 2003, seconded by Jesse Malin, HDC voted unanimously to approve minutes.

New Business

Nomination for Historic Designation - Winter/Brown House.  Director Sennstrom presented brief summary of pre-application and nomination process for this application to this point.  Chairman Ed Cairns presented information pertaining to the historic and architectural significance of site.  He stated house was originally known as the Nevin Orr house.  The dwelling was in existence in the tax records of 1877.  The 1861 land records indicate the Nevin Orr house as a new house and lands.  The Atlas of 1877 shows the dwellings location and the Martenet Map of 1858 also shows the house.  Chairman Cairns continued that Nevin Orr was not a figure of historical significance.  He explained the criteria for historic and/or architectural significance to Mr. Brown and Mr. Winter observing from the audience.  Chairman Ed Cairns stated that the roof is significant and may be original slate roof.  He summarized the description from the book entitled "At the Head of the Bay".  Discussion ensued regarding the book and its availability.  The HDC and Messrs. Brown and Winter discussed the dwellings architectural attributes.  The house has the original pine flooring, original roof, and its style is unique and important.  Mr. Winter noted that there is a vaulted sub-basement with dug well.  Audrey Edwards stated that this is usually an indication of greater age than mid 19th century.  Mr. Brown interjected that the woodwork indicates that it may be older.  Audrey Edwards noted the large presence of Amish in the vicinity of Hopewell Road.  Chairman Ed Cairns suggested referring to the dwelling as Winter/Brown with Nevin Orr in parentheses.  Mr. Winter indicated he has no objection to that suggestion.

Motion made by Sally Cairns to recommend historic designation, seconded by Nancy Simpers, HDC unanimously voted to recommend historic designation. 

Mr. Brown asked about the responsibilities of designation.  Audrey Edwards questioned if designation included any adjoining land.  Is the barn included?  Mr. Brown indicated he will talk to his wife and let Director Sennstrom know.  Chairman Ed Cairns explained certificate of appropriateness to the applicants.  Discussion ensued regarding obligations of owners as well as the historic attributes of the barn.  Nancy Simpers stated that if the barn is as old as the house, it should be included in the nomination for designation.  Chairman Ed Cairns stated that the applicants can discuss and alter the application later. 

Director Sennstrom presented a video and accompanying pamphlet from Maryland Historical Trust entitled "Defensible Decision Making" to the HDC.

Sally Cairns suggested placing a photograph of the Thomas Richards house on the front of the new HDC brochure.  Chairman Ed Cairns presented comments on the New Castle County Historic District Commission agenda.  The HDC perused photographs of the front and back of the Thomas Richards House.  The back view was preferred.  Chairman Ed Cairns and the HDC decided to add information regarding the 10% tax credit to the brochure.  Members of the HDC discussed their recent visits to potential sites for designation.  Chairman Ed Cairns stated that Kathy McNatt has requested information on historic designation.

Motion made by Sally Cairns to adjourn.  Motion seconded by Nancy Simpers.  All members in favor, meeting adjourned at 3:40 p.m.

Next meeting is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. on 2 September 2003 in the Planning & Zoning Conference Room.