Rockville council approves additional payment to historic-district consultant after residents urge restraint

Rockville — Residents told the Rockville Town Council on May 13 that a proposed National Register historic-district nomination would impose costs on homeowners and deliver few direct tax benefits, and the council approved a modest additional payment to the consultant who prepared the nomination while state reviewers examine mapping and insurance questions.

Tim Arnold, chair of the town planning commission and a Rockville resident, said the federal 20% investment tax credit is limited to income-producing buildings and “offers zero relief for those of us living in our own private homes.” Arnold urged the council to deny town funding for the district application and to focus town resources on targeted preservation of specific landmarks instead of a blanket district.

Garth Tyler, whose wife works in insurance, told the council that insurers routinely raise replacement-cost estimates and premiums when a property is marked historic. “They jack the price up of your insurance without question,” Tyler said, urging the council to avoid imposing higher costs on homeowners.

Mayor (name not stated) told residents that the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) is reviewing concerns raised about the nomination, including mapping boundaries and the insurance question, and that the town has tabled the nomination pending that review. The mayor emphasized that a National Register listing “does not dictate to you what you do” and that local land-use rules—if the town chose to adopt them—would be the mechanism for any property restrictions.

Several residents asked for clearer information and outreach. A Telegraph House resident urged a clearer list of pros and cons for property owners and recommended focusing on a few key properties rather than designating the entire town.

During the same meeting the council considered a payment to the consultant who prepared the nomination, Kirk Huffaker of Huffaker Preservation Strategies. Staff said the nomination work began under a $5,000 grant awarded in 2021; to date the town has paid $4,000 from that grant and staff told the council the consultant is seeking additional payment to complete and, if necessary, correct work already submitted. Staff said SHPO staff (Corey) is reviewing the concerns and that the consultant has agreed to correct errors identified without charging extra.

The council moved to approve the additional payment as described and conducted a roll-call vote; council members recorded affirmative votes on the motion. (The meeting record shows the vote as recorded by roll call.)

What happens next: staff will continue communications with SHPO to resolve mapping and boundary questions and will report back to the council; the town has paused further steps on the nomination until SHPO provides guidance. The consultant has indicated he will correct any errors that SHPO or town staff identify at no additional charge.