La Plata commission advances historic plaques, considers state preservation partnership

Members of the La Plata Historic Preservation Commission voted to continue development of a unified plaque program for notable local buildings and discussed broader preservation tools including wayside signage and a possible partnership with the Maryland State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO).

The commission's plaque subcommittee (work group) described a proposed bronze plaque design and discussed eligibility criteria focused initially on commercial and public buildings along main corridors. Kathy Quimby and Marybeth Chandler presented the subcommitteerecommendation for uniform plaques intended to identify and promote historic properties and to support a future walking tour augmented by QR codes and online materials.

Why it matters: a uniform plaque program and coordinated historic signage can boost heritage tourism, codify local civic memory and serve as the first step toward more formal preservation tools. Commissioners also discussed whether the town should pursue certified local government (CLG) status with the state, a step that would require ordinance changes but could make the town eligible for dedicated preservation grant funds.

Key points

- Plaque program: The subcommittee proposed a standardized plaque (example shown from an external vendor) and suggested a modest roll-out plan, roughly two or three plaques per year, beginning with public-facing properties on Charles and Main streets. The vendor example they discussed priced a 12x12 bronze plaque at approximately $349 each; the committee said it would also explore lower-cost vendors.

- Scope and process: Committee members proposed limiting early placements to non-residential buildings (businesses and public buildings) and establishing a registration/administrative application and review process so plaques remain consistent and the record is maintained over time.

- QR codes and interpretive signage: Commissioners discussed a separate but related effort to install wayside kiosks or QR-enabled signs that would present additional history, photographs and walking-tour content. That effort would require a slightly different design and funding approach than the simple identification plaques.

- State engagement and preservation tools: Town planning staff recommended talking with the Maryland State Historic Preservation Office and possibly pursuing certified local government status. The planning director described CLG status as a multi-step partnership that can unlock a share of state preservation funds and technical support; he said, "There's money out there that you can unlock through CLG status" (Don Dooley).

- Timeline and outreach: Representatives from the Maryland Historic Trust and county preservation staff were scheduled to visit the town for a walk-around and discussion on May 29 (as noted in the meeting). The subcommittee will refine criteria and a process, then return to the commission with a pilot plan.

Discussion and staff direction

- The commission asked staff to: (1) develop a short application and eligibility checklist for plaques; (2) research vendors and pricing for plaques and signs; (3) coordinate with the SHPO/State Historic Preservation Office and the Maryland Historic Trust on potential surveys and the benefits/requirements of CLG status; and (4) prepare a work program showing near-term (plaque roll-out), medium-term (wayside signage/walking tour) and longer-term (possible ordinance review for preservation tools) items.

- No ordinance changes or formal CLG application was approved at the meeting. Commissioners discussed the trade-offs of stricter local preservation regulations versus a lighter, recognition-oriented program and agreed to pursue the recognition and interpretive elements first.

Quotes

"There are 12 by 12 bronze plaques on what we consider public buildings here in the town," Marybeth Chandler said while describing existing and proposed plaque placements.

"There's money out there that you can unlock through CLG status," said Don Dooley, the town planning director, discussing state grant programs and technical assistance tied to certified local government participation.

Ending

The plaque subcommittee will prepare a formal pilot proposal for the commission, including recommended candidate properties, vendor pricing and a recommended approval process. Staff will also follow up on the SHPO/CLG avenue and report back at the next meeting.