[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6552217,"mediaKeyId","5127595-01e16d93fd9e67466bbc37b5c712580b","parentId",5127595,"title","City awards implementation contract to EAC Archaeology; commission approves signage direction and schedules a commemorative plaque event","audioSeconds",217,"startMs",4365230,"endMs",4582425,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5127595-01e16d93fd9e67466bbc37b5c712580b&start=4365&end=4582","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5127595-01e16d93fd9e67466bbc37b5c712580b/thumbnail_4365230.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6552217/Westminster/Carroll-County/Maryland/City-awards-implementation-contract-to-EAC-Archaeology-commission-approves-signage-direction-and-schedules-a-commemorative-plaque-event","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6552217-0b87d63f0f1c2e0c819eeb0a6fabf939/orig.mp4?Expires=1771139115&Signature=cX01tw9SUwRGqilrCBXNXOJyxee2ZfphLITn45yb8LNr-KwddkgwEs7wTzmoMV6tNMDG5CrkmJKXhhRtQjQoLXwku~oT90n85Yhzwkl~jgrvOwn4ljJHfoWyXXLBlG0ZCnputpeZiS8s8aLDVgnjPxxaaUlVqt5N8WXacY6roWJBKyV2On6g~cTyBJ~zQahEws0ZTpGF7BfCPo5NzYEicfhVcPGNdpzEa2Mm5kvXoeo7875E3zgoyn-SJOFjl~oMYoPiD9GWJfTWOWH7~J2gS3h9c8SjSYytx7m6z5UlLnYYRCEFNCTZfK7DgRxglohUN3E84EaiReX1Lwqkl6syzA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Westminster, Maryland","date","2025-07-03T11:58:24Z","article","The Westminster Historic District Commission on July 2 learned the city awarded its historic‑district implementation contract to EAC Archaeology (Elizabeth Anderson Comer) and discussed several program‑level items including street signs, commemorative plaques, and preservation outreach.

Melissa, the city’s development coordinator, told commissioners the RFP award went to EAC Archaeology and that a kickoff meeting and coordination with the city’s GIS team and the Maryland Historical Trust were being scheduled. The implementation work will include mailings to property owners and two public community meetings, city staff said.

Commissioners discussed signage and a commemorative plaque program. The commission favored a brown background with white lettering for historic district street signs and referenced a Taneytown/Georgetown‑style design as the preferred direction; staff reported two welcome signs have been ordered and installation will follow arrival and site selection coordination. Commissioners also discussed a proposed Belle Grove Square plaque unveiling; staff said the event is tentatively scheduled for Sept. 20 at 2 p.m. but the city permit for the event had not yet been finalized.

On commemorative markers, a commissioner reported that a Patriots marker for Westminster Cemetery had been approved by SAR leadership and will be placed in the cemetery. Commissioners and staff discussed the “Liberty Tree” project and possible regional linkage to other Liberty Tree sites in Carroll County.

Staff also noted other preservation items: a recently purchased property (Rufus Mills) has a building permit in process for repair and stabilization work and staff reminded commissioners about mortar specifications for masonry work. The commission agreed to coordinate further on outreach copy and plaque text; staff will circulate draft plaque language and sign designs for final comment.

These items were administrative and programmatic; the award to EAC Archaeology was a staff action the city executed as part of the implementation plan procurement.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Westminster Historic District Commission July Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The city awarded the historic‑district implementation contract to EAC Archaeology; commissioners selected a brown‑with‑white historic street‑sign design, ordered two welcome signs and discussed a tentative plaque unveiling for Belle Grove Square on Sept. 20.","taxTitle","Westminster, Carroll County, Maryland","taxId",71632,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6552222,"Commission offers detailed design comments on resubmitted elevations for 288 East Main Street",1025,3316985,4342905,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5127595-01e16d93fd9e67466bbc37b5c712580b&start=3316&end=4342","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5127595-01e16d93fd9e67466bbc37b5c712580b/thumbnail_3316985.jpg","/articles/6552222/Westminster/Carroll-County/Maryland/Commission-offers-detailed-design-comments-on-resubmitted-elevations-for-288-East-Main-Street","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6552222-8bd46b21b7f576298fdd4d0954e40b65/orig.mp4?Expires=1771139115&Signature=m21nvObLR7llFPGB438cUg~qKmTLdF~STm-KSE0A4O-aYbWH5xQ5LngPrnk4~KZpcrTUGtR9pw9Fp9r2MKM-segdo35j~96AZUtGzseHu~uwXs748M3RckHqhLA1oAjHm0kDBQfW-2weiW6trI7STRdu5EDV7O4empc2PxbfCzviGl8xYVPzY9wdc3FUskO2bcDhUicSXIxm4jF5~h7yZoGK8Y~ovidx7hfLjetbpM6U25ClpIr-bOZAVEBVg3FdcLvdXWRXOtJv5FwAk103jdO-LCuyTFc0sKkh2OQOTSJNJhAvQDfDmW27D~0gGRhAXEYQaQJTWQunMAzWtH6C3w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Westminster Historic District Commission reviewed revised elevations for a proposed four‑unit building at 288 East Main Street and provided design guidance the commission said must be incorporated before the project proceeds to the planning commission.

Staff recalled earlier HDC comments and said the resubmitted elevations were a “vast improvement.” Commissioners nevertheless reiterated several items from prior guidance: windows should read as two‑over‑two muntin patterns rather than single‑pane sash; porch columns and balustrades should be more substantial and appear wood‑based rather than spindly metal; corbelling or a brick treatment should be carried around all sides to create a consistent cornice line; and gutters should be half‑round rather than typical K‑style gutters. Commissioners also asked for clearer inset details that show corbeling and a stone or brick base running to grade on all elevations rather than only on the front.

Staff confirmed site‑plan documents show a small rear structure will be retained per the commission’s earlier condition; the developer confirmed the project footprint remains as drawn and that the site plan will be used in planning review. Commissioners asked for clarification of rear and center doors and stair access for the upstairs units and suggested the applicant revisit door and stair placement where it affects interior circulation and unit area.

Commissioners emphasized that the HDC’s comments are intended to protect the scale and character of the historic district while keeping the building footprint unchanged. Staff said the commission will forward its comments to the planning commission as part of the project record.","Commissioners reviewed resubmitted elevations for new construction at 288 East Main Street, praised overall improvement but requested changes to window muntin patterns, column proportions, cornice/corbelling details, gutters and balustrades before the project proceeds to the planning commission.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6552226,"Commission asks 219 East Main Street owner for more historic documentation before demolition permit decision",1701,1567445,3269225,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5127595-01e16d93fd9e67466bbc37b5c712580b&start=1567&end=3269","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5127595-01e16d93fd9e67466bbc37b5c712580b/thumbnail_1567445.jpg","/articles/6552226/Westminster/Carroll-County/Maryland/Commission-asks-219-East-Main-Street-owner-for-more-historic-documentation-before-demolition-permit-decision","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6552226-fd4362d74ae4dd901ecdad06447597f5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771139115&Signature=JODelbqMKaNLZIh6bRRfG9XtQ2-7014~~Ebs6diRXKnr0nRyELRHpAR3u9ybdbtt1-s6TyILPmcPQJE4w-RdoStYCDyOqdpOF3BzafBKRpxIxmKRSxqbKHoOjrKlq~3DjzJejnbiLhLjX1d8LFJsgwSgQ4LGYNtmInbftC6~yZEO6oVF-0ggeHCc6jINlKyXKnA~I8LOmpp535ezZ1CmDGjiwMrjywOZ2wdFhnYAJTmUfEG3e2rTGsLvWO031jt0RcpHu12Kl7XUReZ7yRLTa3TroLBJwJ-MY9bubADc7-chEckWVefdIOvDtD90cjdy7ptMrZuySLxcR5pJ0J8zIg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","During the July 2 meeting, the Westminster Historic District Commission reviewed a historic‑structures report and structural concerns for 219 East Main Street and requested additional documentation from the property owner before the city issues a demolition permit.

The commission heard that a demolition permit for an existing rear porch was requested May 6, a site visit occurred May 23, and a historic‑structures report arrived June 2. Owner Mike Graser attended the meeting to discuss structural conditions the owner described as advancing failure of porch framing and roof members; staff and a commissioner who had visited the site described broken \"sistered\" roof trusses, missing or deteriorated brick pylons, stacked concrete blocks supporting porch sections, and ongoing movement at the porch that the owner said was accelerating due to water around the building.

Commissioners said the submitted documentation lacked expected historic context elements — for example, Sanborn maps and other historic maps, a clear contractor report documenting condition and scope, and firm engineering analysis establishing whether the porch could be rehabilitated rather than removed. Commissioners and staff recommended the applicant provide the missing documentary items and suggested engaging an engineer or architect to document whether structural salvage is feasible.

To avoid delaying a necessary structural remedy, staff and commissioners agreed on a provisional approach: the owner should work with Melissa (development coordinator) and provide the checklist of additional documentation the commission will send; if the director of planning receives adequate supporting documentation (contractor qualifications/report and any required engineer letters), staff indicated the director could proceed to issue a demolition permit without waiting for another commission meeting. The commission asked staff to provide the checklist and to fast‑track the submission so the city could make a prompt permit decision.

The commission also encouraged the owner to pursue historic‑preservation tax credits and offered technical assistance and a list of local consultants who can prepare a fuller historic‑structures submission. No formal vote to approve demolition occurred at the meeting; the commission’s action was to request additional documentation and to authorize staff to coordinate a provisional review with the director of planning.","Owner Mike Graser was asked to provide additional historic research and contractor/engineer documentation for 219 East Main Street; staff and commissioners agreed to a provisional process that could allow the planning director to issue a demolition permit if required documentation is submitted.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6552231,"Historic District Commission accepts historic-structures report for 174 East Main Street",1439,116710,1556090,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5127595-01e16d93fd9e67466bbc37b5c712580b&start=116&end=1556","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5127595-01e16d93fd9e67466bbc37b5c712580b/thumbnail_116710.jpg","/articles/6552231/Westminster/Carroll-County/Maryland/Historic-District-Commission-accepts-historic-structures-report-for-174-East-Main-Street","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6552231-afad6444fce6eddd614fc818b2f3f9f5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771139115&Signature=MiApJ9Zci0cADlZ2Ur0l4ZP-LCQ38WYR8whd4x~uIYVeV5sBlvpK7pX1FrIcI6F0Gk17Wm43jsm1K-JY~g8FSWBW2jjhdxv430HO~EswkdOt-bljfhwu12TIFy2ZRmvFkcBZj4BK9lyGlebSfRgB~xdoo4qJ~NJGyLkwcfiEkTebrh~AiPenkGTaA5-mrMCW~wtyYS5ft9jrNLdEjBa5Lcs6WidAkZ0jZgnuQODWi048SIZcOlUCBV5cjBTj9k5FO8e2QsbIY7TRbrI3Wiose6NGKeBFaAKWjDXtfU~JKCp4WQxdv5G-F1NG1uqE3oqAPEQUkaX7WK33HJ53DjvJMw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Westminster Historic District Commission voted to accept the historic‑structures report submitted for 174 East Main Street during its July 2 meeting, an advisory recommendation to the city’s planning director.

Commission members heard from city staff that a demolition permit request for the building’s second‑floor rear addition and landing was filed in January, and that the commission received a historic‑structures report on June 9 with a June 28 response to earlier staff comments. City staff presented elevations and asked the commission to comment on the report and, if appropriate, recommend acceptance.

Commissioners discussed whether elements of the back porch were original and asked the applicant to document materials exposed as work proceeds. Staff suggested the contractor’s report and qualifications be appended to the historic‑structures report as an addendum so the building’s existing condition is recorded. City staff also reviewed tax‑credit programs available to owners: a 10% local tax credit administered by the city, a 20% state credit, and a federal commercial rehabilitation credit; staff said combined credits could reduce project costs if the owner documents contracted work and submits receipts.

After a motion to accept the report, commissioners voted by voice and the commission chair announced the report accepted. The commission’s recommendation is advisory; the director of planning will continue to handle building‑permit decisions and any subsequent review related to demolition or rehabilitation.

Commissioners and staff emphasized careful documentation during any removal of exterior siding or porch elements so original fabric beneath modern cladding is recorded for the historic record.

The commission’s acceptance does not itself authorize demolition; any demolition permit will be issued through the city’s planning and permitting process.

Less urgent details: staff noted a copy of the commission’s file is available at City Administration and that the applicant may consult city staff for technical assistance in applying for historic preservation tax credits.","The Westminster Historic District Commission voted to accept a historic-structures report for 174 East Main Street, an advisory action that clears the way for the property owner to pursue work on a non‑original rear porch and to pursue available tax credits.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

City awards implementation contract to EAC Archaeology; commission approves signage direction and schedules a commemorative plaque event

Commission offers detailed design comments on resubmitted elevations for 288 East Main Street

Commission asks 219 East Main Street owner for more historic documentation before demolition permit decision

Historic District Commission accepts historic-structures report for 174 East Main Street