Frostburg historic commission approves demolition at 7 Frost Avenue amid calls for formal demolition guidelines

The Frostburg Historic District Commission on Oct. 14 approved a request to demolish the building at 7 Frost Avenue, with commissioners amending the motion to cite a guideline section as the basis for approval.

Matt Brewer, who identified himself as the applicant, told the commission that the structure at 7 Frost Avenue was in poor condition and that he intended to demolish it; he said the demolition could be contingent on a transfer of the property. "Sure. So my name is Matt Brewer. I live at 57 South Broadway," Brewer told the commission when introducing the request.

Commissioners framed the approval around the property’s advanced deterioration and structural condition rather than its financial feasibility. One commissioner said they had reviewed application documents and found the proposed demolition "appropriate" given the house’s condition. Members cautioned against wording findings as "financially unfeasible," arguing the language should reflect structural integrity so decisions do not set a precedent for removing buildings solely for financial reasons.

During deliberations commissioners repeatedly noted the meeting exposed a gap in the commission’s procedures: the city lacks a clear, written demolition guideline addressing when demolition is permitted, how to treat demolition by neglect, and what documentation is required for preservation of significant features. Commissioners discussed making the demolition approval contingent on a sale or transfer between the current owner and a prospective owner and said that, if such a sale fell apart, demolition should not proceed.

As part of the motion the commission amended the approval to cite section 4.1(a) (referenced in the meeting as "4.1 a 0.2 b") of the commission’s design criteria as the closest applicable standard. A commissioner moved to approve the request; the amendment was adopted. Chair called for a voice vote, members not recused responded in the affirmative, and the motion passed. The record shows one commissioner recused from the vote and the commission’s alternate was absent. After the vote a staff member, Jamie, reminded the applicant: "Whenever you're ready for the demolition, just make sure you stop in for the demolition permit."

Commissioners expanded the conversation beyond the single application. They cited recent demolitions and unfinished post-demolition plans—naming the corner of Main Street and Depot and a 44 West Main demolition as examples—saying the commission needs clearer policy to prevent "holes" in the historic district and to require or encourage a concrete plan for the parcel after demolition. Members discussed options including a work session to draft guidelines, researching model policies used by Cumberland, Hagerstown and Frederick, and creating incentive programs such as façade or rehabilitation grants to reduce demolition-by-neglect. They also suggested requirements to document or salvage significant architectural features (for example, tin ceilings, windows or cornices) before demolition proceeds.

The commission did not receive public comment on the item. The commission’s action permits demolition to proceed under the cited guideline section; the applicant must obtain a demolition permit from the city building department before work begins. Commissioners directed staff to pursue further work on demolition standards and said they would consider scheduling a dedicated session or using email and document exchange to draft proposed guidelines for future meetings.

Separately, the commission recorded one administrative approval this month: staff approved a roof replacement at the Music Academy building, listed as 7 Ormond Street.

The commission adjourned after discussing next steps for drafting demolition guidance and possible incentive programs intended to preserve the appearance and integrity of the Frostburg historic district.