Rockville HDC recommends against historic designation for 809 Westmore Avenue; owner may demolish

The City of Rockville Historic District Commission on May 15 recommended against historic designation for the property at 809 Westmore Avenue, clearing the way for the owner to pursue demolition.

Staff presented an evaluation of significance and told the commission the house is in very poor condition and does not meet the HDC's adopted criteria for historic, architectural or landscape significance. Preservation planner Sheila Paziri told commissioners the building is "pretty much collapsing upon itself" and showed photographs of extensive deterioration and a rear addition. Staff also reported neighborhood complaints about a raccoon infestation and safety concerns.

The nut graf: The commission's action is administrative and limited to whether the structure meets local designation criteria; it does not, by itself, authorize demolition work or redevelopment. The owner told the commission demolition is needed for safety and that rebuilding will depend on securing architects and contractors within budget.

In discussion, commissioners noted the property's large lot and its context in a neighborhood that has seen substantial redevelopment. Commissioner Peter Fosseman raised concern about protecting a large street tree shown in archival photos and asked whether tree-protection or replacement requirements could be attached to the commission's recommendation. Deputy City Attorney Cynthia Walters said asking staff to consult the city forester or forestry staff was appropriate but that the HDC likely lacks authority to impose a binding condition to guarantee the tree's preservation.

Owner comments: The owner, who identified themself as Shaminde, told the commission the house was bought as a foreclosure and was already in poor condition at purchase. Shaminde said demolition would likely come before rebuilding because of current construction costs and limited personal funds: "...I cannot build right after demolition. I will have to demolish first ... both of those are currently outside of my price range. But it is definitely a line item in my budget to fund this project." (Owner comment recorded in the public hearing.)

Motion and vote: After deliberation, a motion that "the building proposed for demolition at 809 Westmore Avenue does not meet any of the Historic District Commission's adopted criteria for historic significance, architectural design and landscape significance" passed. The commission recommended against historic designation. The recorded vote was 4–1 in favor of the recommendation; Chair Anita Neal Powell voted no.

Procedural and public-record notes: Staff said written public comments and biographical information about a former occupant (Reverend Henry Davis and his son Henry M. Davis, a musician) were included in the record and available with the agenda packet. A WebEx participant joined to observe but did not speak. Commissioners also noted letters from neighbors expressing both concern for the property's historic associations and safety issues.

What happens next: The HDC's recommendation is a finding under the city's designation process and does not itself issue demolition permits. Staff indicated they would coordinate with forestry staff regarding the street tree and that city code (Chapter 10.5) contains tree preservation and replacement protocols.

Ending: Commissioners encouraged staff to consider broader inventory and code issues raised in the meeting as part of ongoing preservation work.