5 February 2020 | Approved: 4 March 2020
Peter Nagrod called the meeting to order at 7:31 p.m. In attendance were Commissioners Jon Cohen, Georgette Cole, Robert Johnson (Alternate), and Deb Mehlferber. Also present were Eva Polston, Mike Queen, Jane Seegal, and David Stopak.
Approval of Agenda:
Georgette Cole moved to approve the agenda. Deb Mehlferber seconded the motion. A Public Ways & Property Permit was added to “Other Business.” Approved: 5-0, as amended.
Building Permit Applications:
- 119 Grove Avenue – Jon Cohen reported the proposed screening of the front porch shows no change in the footprint, meets required setbacks, and presents no problems with enclosed area or percentage of lot coverage. The Commission reviewed the ordinance that addresses porches (Article VII, Section 12). The only issue with this application is a missing Historic Preservation Review. Resident’s contractor included an unreadable description of the screening plan and materials to be used. A better copy of the contractor’s plans will be made available to the HPC for their next meeting. Jon Cohen moved to approve the permit application for screening a porch at 119 Grove Avenue upon receipt of the HPC review. Georgette Cole seconded the motion. Approved: 5-0, with conditions.
- 315 Grove Avenue – Jon Cohen spelled out what he understood to be the situation with the non-compliant sheds at 315 Grove Avenue and 203 2nd Avenue. Eva Polston (203 2nd Ave.) explained she would like to get clarity on three (3) things:
- Reconstruction
- Verification of survey tack in the shed. She believes it is incorrectly placed.
- Encroachment of new shed at 315 Grove Avenue.
The sheds that straddle both properties have moved (collapsing) thus making setbacks and other issues with the demo and reconstruction a bit blurry. Jane Seegal reported her proposed new shed would be two (2) feet away from Eva’s property line (no encroachment) and .9 feet away from Grove Avenue. She had the surveyor locate the markers again and the one in question (tack in shed) is correct. Deb Mehlferber moved to do a binary demo permit and 315 Grove Avenue and 203 2nd Avenue. Georgette Cole seconded the motion. Approved: 5-0.
Jon Cohen explained the plans for a new shed at 315 Grove Avenue. He then moved to approve the plans. Peter Nagrod seconded the motion. Approved: 4-0. There was a discussion about Article VII; Section 5.251. Peter will write a letter to Eva to be sure she understands the limitations of the section and the fact that a building permit has an expiration date.
- 123 Washington Grove Lane – The Commission discussed the activity at this address. Apparently, the Montgomery County and Town building permit applications have expired. There are also more cars than allowed by our ordinance at this property. Peter will ask Mayor Compton about an enforcement letter.
Public Appearances:
There were no public appearances.
Approval of the Minutes – January 8, 2020:
Peter Nagrod moved to approve the January minutes. John Cohen seconded the motion. Approved: 5-0.
112 Grove Avenue – Update on Fence Location:
Peter reported all is well with the fence location.
Report from Town Council:
Georgette Cole reported Council Meeting discussions about HPC conditions attached to Ordinance 2019-18 (Amending The Washington Grove Zoning Ordinance to Modify the Minimum Lot Size Standards for the RR-3 Zone) took place twice during the TC Meeting. Mike Schank was present for the first discussion but was not there when the subject came up again. It was decided no further discussion about the HPC conditions should take place until Mike was in attendance.
Master Plan Work Session – Report & Update:
Georgette Cole reported work is finished on the Introduction, Section 1 and Section 2. The HPC continues to finalize promised work and hopes to have it completed by February 18th in time for the next MP Work Session.
Washington Grove House Records – Status Report:
Nothing to report.
Other Business:
The Town Clerk reported Washington Gas has requested a Public Ways & Property Permit for work on Chestnut Avenue in between 101 Center Street and 13 Center Street. The PC asked that the following language be included on the permit: “The Avenue must be restored to its original condition.” The permit was signed and will be sent to Washington Gas right away.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:58 PM.
Kathryn L. Lehman, Town Clerk