January 24, 2009 Union Memorial Methodist Church. Montpelier Cultural Arts Center

Transcription

1 M NCPPC Prince George s County Historic Sites and Districts Plan Update Community Meetings January 13, 2009 Oxon Hill Manor January 22, 2009 Montpelier Cultural Arts Center January 24, 2009 Union Memorial Methodist Church The following is a summary of the Questions, Comments and Concerns received at Historic Sites and Districts Plan amendment community stakeholder meetings in January 2009: General Information, Public Outreach, Comments and Questions Frederick Stachura, facilitator Which areas in the County will be covered by the Historic Sites and Districts Plan Amendment? The plan will apply to all of Prince George s County, except for the City of Laurel. Is there information about the Prince George s County Historic Preservation Program available on the Internet? Is there internet based information about the master plan amendment process? Yes. Please consult for information about the county s preservation program. Please consult for information about the plan amendment process. How can the public find information on the County s historic sites? The M NCPPC maintains a website that contains the locations of all County historic sites and resources. This information can be found at under the Advanced Site. Many other useful layers containing historic information, including historic maps and aerial photographs, are available. How can citizens receive more information on the National Register of Historic Places and the process of evaluating properties for possible inclusion in the National Register? Consult for additional information on the National Register of Historic Places. Some people felt that the general population isn t receiving enough information about historic preservation efforts. Suggestions included: Send information to citizens associations (these lists are available at the library). Volunteers could contact their membership. Conduct historic preservation seminars. For many participants, this Historic Sites and Districts Plan Meeting is their first exposure to historic preservation. Focus on a particular site and explain how incentives were used. 1

2 What can the county do to improve support for historic preservation? Suggestions included: Educational outreach to the community Links on website to additional resources Mailings to the community Engage civic associations Engage council members Continue outreach beyond plan adoption Mobilize staff to disperse planning efforts Make personal contact about programs with community members The following comments were received on the Prince George s County Planning Department/ MNCPPC s website: The website is hard to navigate. A homeowner who participated in discussion found that personal contact was more effective in understanding some of the issues. Resources for historic properties are buried too deeply on the website. Historic Area Work Permit (HAWP) applications that allow the user to send an electronic version of the HAWP to staff would be helpful. Why is the Historic Preservation Commission hidden on the M NCPPC website? Comment: The new M NCPPC website will be launched in the next few months and will bring all the preservation information together in a more accessible way. Why are educational outreach efforts poorly integrated in the county? The County s Visitor s and Convention Bureau, the Chamber of Commerce, the school system, preservation organizations, and the M NCPPC and county government all could work together more on heritage tourism initiatives that is one important way to let people know the history of their county. Can the county engage other agencies such as the National Park Service to be more active within Prince George s County? The county cannot direct the work of the National Park Service (NPS), but can certainly forward requests to that agency. M NCPPC staff (of both the Department of Parks and Recreation and the Planning Department) work closely with NPS staff on various issues. What if owners are not interested in preservation? How can a community bring attention to the historic value of a site even if a property owner is not interested regulations for the property? It was suggested that an interpretive signage program, similar to a state highway marker program with signs in publicly accessible locations, could bring attention to notable historic features in a community. 2

3 Archeology, Cemeteries, and Cultural Landscapes Jennifer Stabler, facilitator Archeology Do most developers cooperate with established archeological procedures and guidelines? Yes. Developers are required to follow the Prince George s Planning Board s Guidelines for Archeological Review, adopted in May 2005, as part of the subdivision review process. County subdivision regulations require that many properties slated for development be surveyed for the presence of archeological sites. Developers hire an archeological consulting firm to conduct the survey and write a report that details the results of field and archival investigations. The results of investigations are then considered by the Planning Board as part of the subdivision review process and conditions of approval are established. What happens if developers come across evidence of archeological sites or cemeteries? Currently in Prince George s County, archeological sites are identified during the development review process. Concentrations of artifacts, as well as the remains of structures visible above ground, constitute an archeological site. Developers are required to cease work and contact the Historic Preservation Section of the County s Planning Department should unanticipated discoveries be made during site grading. If human remains are discovered during construction, all work in the vicinity of the discovery should halt until the appropriate authorities (Maryland State Police, State s Attorneys Office, and the Maryland Historical Trust) have been notified and the relevant parties have agreed upon a course of action. To help protect cemeteries, the county is creating a database of known cemetery locations so these features can be identified and protected before construction begins. Techniques for locating unmarked burial sites and cemeteries include the use of ground penetrating radar and most importantly, the knowledge of local citizens. How were Native American sites dealt with before the development of National Harbor? County archeology regulations were not in place when the National Harbor development was planned and constructed. However, limited archeological surveys of the area were conducted, required by Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended. This work was reviewed by the State Historic Preservation Office. Is there a distinction between preserving sites and the artifacts derived from them? Yes. Preserving an archeological site within a development project includes setting the area aside and placing an easement on the property. Any ground disturbance within the site area has to be reviewed and approved by Historic Preservation staff. Future research can be conducted on the site, but the entire site will never be excavated. When a historically significant archeological site cannot be preserved, a portion of the site is excavated and the recovered artifacts are preserved. Most artifacts are prepared for conservation and sent to the Maryland Archaeological Conservation Laboratory in Calvert County for storage. In some cases, public displays are developed as part of required public interpretation of the site. 3

4 What is interpretive signage? Interpretive signage consists of a series of signs explaining the history of a specific historic resource, such as an archeology site, cemetery, or building. Comment: It was suggested that a virtual form of interpretive signage, such as a website (similar to the Maryland Archaeology Laboratory s current website) could be used to reach a wide audience and showcase significant archeological and cultural sites in the county. This website could include a summary of historical importance, photographs, images of artifacts recovered from excavation, and preservation plans, to provide the public with easy access to the information obtained during archeological investigations. It was suggested that it would be beneficial for the County to create websites to document archeological information, and that regarding heritage tourism, most visitor inquiries now occur online, and planning for tours is web driven. M NCPPC is currently developing web content for Phase III archeology mitigation excavations and staff hopes to launch this information soon. Websites could help people to see linkages between sites that could tell stories and therefore create more interest. Current heritage tourism sites could be linked to trail systems. There were a number of questions concerning Rosenwald school sites in Prince George s County. Are the Rosenwald school sites identified with signs? There were 28 Rosenwald Schools in Prince George s County. There are nine surviving school buildings and many of these have been converted to other uses and are privately owned. There is not a visual map depicting locations. Rosenwald school sites in the county are currently not identified with signage, although the Ridgeley Rosenwald School will have public interpretive signage in the future. The Maryland Historical Trust s website is a resource for locating National Register nomination and Maryland Inventory of Historic Places forms for Rosenwald school sites and other significant historic resources across the state. How does the county determine what is protected? How do you know what is present on a developing property? Initial archival research is conducted to determine the probability of the existence of historic resources on a property. An initial archeological survey is then conducted to identify specific sites. There are county guidelines currently in place for the procedure of these surveys. Developers hire an archeological consulting firm to conduct the survey and write a report that details the results of the field and archival investigations. Archeological sites are evaluated by criteria outlined in the county s archeological guidelines and in the county s Historic Preservation Ordinance. An archeological site is considered significant if: 1) it is a rare or unique type of site; 2) it has research value that could contribute to the expansion of knowledge; 3) it has public value or is significant to the community as a specific location associated with a significant person, structure, event, or historical process; 4) it retains its integrity; or 5) it contains interpretive value in place or it retains its spatial context and offers the opportunity for visual interpretation to the public about the prehistory or history of the county. If the site meets at least one of these criteria it may be designated a historic site. It is the Planning Board s policy to preserve significant sites in place on a developing property so that future research can be conducted on them. 4

5 What happens when a survey finds a site? The archeological survey report is reviewed by M NCPPC staff. If, in the opinion of Planning Board, the site has the potential to be historically significant, the Planning Board requires the developer to conduct a Phase II evaluation. An archeological consultant hired by the developer prepares a work plan, which is also reviewed by staff. The work plan details the amount of excavation to be conducted, the analysis of artifacts, and the preparation of a report of investigations. Field investigations are intended to determine the horizontal extent of the site and whether structural remains or midden deposits are present. If such deposits are present, the site may be identified as historically significant. Once an archeological site is designated as a historic site, is it really protected? Yes. Historic site designation will protect archaeological sites under the county s Historic Preservation Ordinance, as any proposed impact will need approval of the Historic Preservation Commission through the Historic Area Work Permit (HAWP) process. Have descendants of historic sites/burial sites ever come forward to claim artifacts recovered in the archeological surveys? No descendants have come forward to claim artifacts recovered in an archeological survey on a developing property under the regulations passed in Since the artifacts are located on private land, they are the property of the land owner. However, the county s policy is to recommend to developers that the curated artifact collection and associated documentation be deposited with the Maryland Historical Trust s archeological research and storage facility in Calvert County. As part of this process, the property owner must sign of deed of gift to the MHT. The collection then becomes public property and may be accessible to interested researchers. Burial sites cannot be removed without the permission of interested living family members, the State s Attorneys Office, and the Health Department. It was suggested that strategies are needed to enable residents to identify and record sites and to contact the Prince George s County Planning Department/M NCPPC. Methods need to be developed to engage residents in the process. The following suggestions were made: Identify and prioritize target audiences Make a concerted effort to present information at county fairs, historical days, school groups, and other similar organizations Focus on programs aimed at educating school aged residents Population movement in Prince George s County has created a core of long term residents supplemented by new arrivals. Create programs, perhaps in part through the subdivision process, to engage these new citizens Engage groups with similar interests with regard to historic preservation and cemetery preservation, for instance, environmental preservation groups. This could be especially important regarding preservation of cultural landscapes in the county s Rural Tier. Should there be a non regulatory archeology outreach initiative in the Plan? Yes. A strategy for the creation of such a program should be included in the draft plan. How many Native American archeological sites are known countywide? Approximately 580 prehistoric sites have been identified in the county, with most located along major rivers and tributaries. 5

6 Comments were made about the need to expand the use of interpretative signage for archeological sites. Most frequently, such signage has been required of developers during the development review process. It was suggested that: Signage is most successful along hiking trails or other walking areas The county should develop plans to link signage in disparate subdivisions together into larger and interconnected themes. Pamphlets, websites, etc., should be used as guides to the locations of interpretive signage A master plan/database of interpretive signs should be developed Newly identified sites should be tied in with existing trail corridors or scenic and historic roads. Is there an option to observe archeological excavations or to volunteer? The Prince George s County Department of Parks and Recreation offers archeological excavation opportunities at Mount Calvert outside Upper Marlboro and at other sites on park property. Students can earn public service hours by participating in these excavations. County residents can also volunteer to participate in these archeological excavations or assist staff archeologists in cleaning and cataloging artifacts recovered from these excavations. Citizens suggested allowing high school programs to offer volunteer hours and opening volunteer opportunities to the community. Projects that occur on private property as a result of the development review process are subject to liability issues. Residents cannot volunteer to participate on these excavations. Cemeteries What happens when Native American burials are encountered? When any burial is encountered, citizens are required to notify the Maryland State Police, the County State s Attorney s Office, and the Maryland Historical Trust. The federal Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) requires that when Native American remains are discovered, federally recognized tribes must be consulted. Currently, there are no federally recognized tribes in Maryland able to reclaim Native American remains. A dialogue is currently underway between the state and local tribes (including the Piscataway tribe) to address this issue. Generally, burials are left in place, the location is documented, and there is no further disturbance. Should all cemeteries be historic sites? How do you determine this? This issue is a difficult one that warrants public discussion. Currently, preservation plans and historic site designation criteria focus primarily on buildings and other structures. In addition, state and local regulations regarding cemeteries are hard to enforce. One potential avenue to pursue is the creation of separate evaluation and designation criteria for cemeteries. However, this may require legislative authority. Local communities should identify cemeteries that hold special significance to the understanding of their historical development. Cemeteries can provide information on the historical development of an area and the families that were instrumental in the history of a certain community. Cemeteries are not usually considered eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. However, they can provide information significant to local communities. One possible way to protect cemeteries associated with county historic sites is to include them within the environmental setting of that property. Some cemeteries are still active and historic site designation may not be appropriate for those cemeteries. 6

7 A possible unmarked slave cemetery on Old Muirkirk Road was referenced. How can this or other similar cemeteries be designated as historic? In general, the cemetery must be documented so that the Historic Preservation Commission can determine, under county criteria, whether the site is historic. Such documentation can include identifying the location of graves, so that the nature and boundaries of the cemetery can be determined. Other types of documentation can include oral histories concerning the cemetery from members of the local community and any written documentation that can be found on the cemetery. To be designated a Historic Site, cemeteries must embody a connection with an important person or event, a significant historical process, architecture or objects (such as grave markers) that are of artistic value, embody the characteristics of a style or period, or are the work of a master, or have the potential to provide significant historical information. Minimally, this and similar locations need to be added to a countywide database of cemetery locations. Will a historic designation help preserve cemeteries? Historic Site designation will protect cemeteries during the development review process; any proposed impact to cemeteries would be evaluated to recommend conditions to minimize impacts. If a cemetery is designated as a Historic Site will it be buffered from adjacent new development? Yes, under current county regulations, a minimal 50 foot buffer is created. Fences and plantings can also be used to create a buffer. Does the county have any authority concerning the relocation of cemeteries? Under state law, exhumations are approved by the County State s Attorney s Office and the Health Department. Approval for relocation of cemeteries must be obtained from relatives of the deceased and a notice placed in a local paper that the burials will be removed. However, if the proposed relocation is associated with development that is reviewed under the county subdivision regulations, the Planning Board is also consulted. In general, it is county policy not to relocate cemeteries. Are there any current mechanisms to force homeowners or property owners to maintain cemeteries located on their properties? No. However, if a homeowners association formed through the development process owns land on which a cemetery is located, the association is required to devise and implement a cemetery maintenance plan. Oversight or enforcement of the maintenance plan requirements remains an issue. For all other cemeteries, there is no legislation concerning cemetery maintenance. If the community believes that additional regulations concerning the preservation of cemeteries are needed, these can be created and introduced as legislation. Concerns were expressed about the disposition of Colonel Darnall s grave at the Woodyard Archeological Site. Apparently the headstone has been (most likely illegally) removed and is on display in another county. There was a stated desire to locate the grave. PGatlas.com can be used to locate the gravesite and this cemetery will be added to the list of cemeteries to be included in a county cemetery database. Planning Department staff will look into the headstone issue. 7

8 A comment was made that when graves are excavated in the cemetery next to Poplar Hill, cemetery workers often find items in the ground that may be historic and significant. Concerns were expressed that modern grave excavations may be impacting unmarked slave burials and slaves quarters. Most cemeteries are private property and not subject to county regulations concerning the identification and protection of archeological resources. Designation of cemeteries as Historic Sites would provide protection, but may prove cumbersome with regard to the operation of these concerns. One solution may be to create public interest in a volunteer investigation of such cemeteries. How should cemetery preservation fit into the Historic Sites and Districts Plan? This is a difficult issue and one that staff needs to hear thoughts and ideas from the public. As part of the plan amendment process, cemetery preservation regulations from other states and counties are being reviewed to determine if a model from another jurisdiction can further help protect vulnerable cemeteries locally. The plan will provide strategies on methods of preserving cemeteries. Strategies should be developed to assist property owners in preserving small family cemeteries on their properties and possibly provide economic incentives for such work. Cultural Landscapes Can a cultural landscape be a historic site? Yes, but under the current process, it must include a designated Historic Site, such as a building, cemetery, or archeological site. This planning process is designed, in part, to elicit comments from the public regarding any necessary legislative remedies to provide for the designation and protection of cultural landscapes as historic sites. What are challenges of protecting cultural landscapes? Comments were made that the use of transfer of development rights to preserve rural areas should be considered. The plan amendment should include incentives to preserve the rural character of undeveloped areas of the county. It is difficult to preserve outbuildings, such as tobacco barns, that are no longer used for their original purpose. If a farmer cannot find another use for an outbuilding, it is often not maintained and allowed to fall into ruin. Another challenge is trying to include natural features as part of a cultural landscape, since these are also constantly changing to fit the current use of the property. Properties do not remain static and their uses sometimes continuously change over time. Cultural landscapes provide information on the relationship between humans and the natural environment over time. Later alterations to the natural environment sometimes obscure earlier land uses. There is no comprehensive inventory of cultural landscape features in the county. Such an inventory could assist planners in protecting important elements of the cultural landscape from short term decisions that affect the integrity of these landscapes. Comments were received about the need to protect historic viewsheds. Viewsheds, or the view from and to a historic site, are taken into account during the development review process, with particular concern about the visibility and character of new construction adjacent to a historic site. 8

9 Should natural features be preserved along with cultural features? Attendees believed that this may be one avenue to explore when considering how to designate significant cultural, and especially rural, landscapes. They suggested that the county could act as a facilitator between citizen groups interested in the preservation of rural landscapes and state programs designed to encourage such preservation. For example, the Historic Agricultural Resource Preservation Program (HARPP) program was discussed as a way to preserve rural and cultural landscapes. Under this program, development rights are purchased and a protective easement is placed on the property. In applying for this program farmers may receive additional qualifying points for historic resources located within their properties. Cemeteries and outbuildings should also be regarded as part of a larger rural landscape. Is there a way to designate a historic area where historic resources are present but separated by modern development? Staff agrees that this is should be considered. However, the creation of such designations may require legislative authorization. It was suggested that websites could be developed that show the connections between various sites that are no longer physically connected and heritage tours organized to highlight significant resources within a dispersed community. Interpretive brochures or signage could also group historically related properties together. 9

10 Historic Site and District Evaluation and Designation, Environmental Settings Howard Berger, facilitator Historic Site and District Evaluation and Designation What is the difference between a historic site and a historic district? A historic site is a single property, site, structure, object, cemetery, or archeological or cultural site formally designated to reflect its significance. Similarly, a historic district is an area with a specific boundary that includes a number of properties, sites, structures, objects, or archeological or cultural sites with a designated significance. Buildings within a historic district are identified as either contributing to the character of the district or non contributing, if they do not reflect the period of significance identified for the district. I am considering having my house designated as a Historic Site. How do I get the process started to request a Historic Site designation? What s the first thing to be done? To request the designation of a Historic Site, write a letter or send an to M NCPPC Historic Preservation Section staff requesting an initial site visit and preliminary assessment of the property. If there is evidence that the property may meet the designation criteria, a detailed historic evaluation of the property will be recommended. A form to submit to request evaluation is available at Who designates Historic Sites and Historic Districts? During the Historic Sites and Districts Plan amendment process, the County Council, acting as the District Council, takes final action on the Plan, thereby designating any proposed Historic Sites, and proposed Historic Districts. In between plan amendments, there are two ways a property can be designated: (1) if the property is included in the Inventory of Historic Resources which is part of the Historic Sites and Districts Plan, the Prince George s County Historic Preservation Commission evaluates and designates Historic Sites and Historic Districts; (2) for properties not included in the Inventory or for properties seeking designation through a sector plan process, the Historic Preservation Commission makes recommendations on designations to the Planning Board and District Council. For both processes, appeals of actions to designate property are first heard by the county s Zoning Hearing Examiner, whose recommendations go the District Council, which takes final action. What are the designation criteria used to evaluate and designate historic sites and historic districts? The historic property evaluation criteria are found in Section (a) (1) (A) and (B) of the county s Historic Preservation Ordinance. These criteria address both Historical and Cultural Significance as well as Architectural and Design Significance. A complete version of the criteria can be found at cri.pdf. If a property designated as a Historic Site or included in a Historic District is the property s interior regulated or protected? No. However, when properties are evaluated for their significance, the historic or architectural integrity of the interior is often documented. However, because some interior rehabilitation or restoration work 10

11 may be eligible for the county s preservation tax credit, proposed alterations can be evaluated in advance to determine the eligibility of the work for tax credits. Is consent required of every property owner to designate a historic district? No. The historic preservation ordinance regulates all properties within the defined boundary of the district. Before the decision to designate a district, public hearings are held by the HPC, the Zoning Hearing Examiner, and the District Council for property owners and interested parties to voice opinions and concerns about the specifics of a historic district proposal. Public testimony is considered at all levels of the decision making process, but the decision makers should adhere to the designation criteria in Subtitle 29. Does designation as a historic district entail more restrictions than for a single property? No. The guidelines used to evaluate the impact of proposals affecting historic resources within a historic district are the same as those used for individually designated historic sites, unless a specific set of guidelines is developed to address particular issues affecting a district. In the case of individual design guidelines for a particular district, those guidelines would use established tools for evaluating the impact of a project on a particular set of historic resources. Are there general standards and guidelines used by the Historic Preservation Commission to review and approve proposed changes to Historic Sites and buildings within locally designated Historic Districts? Yes, the Historic Preservation Commission has adopted the Secretary of the Interior s Standards and other policies and guidelines for the review and approval of a Historic Area Work Permit (HAWP) application for modifications to Historic Sites and properties within Historic Districts. The Secretary s Standards are ten general statements promulgated by the National Park Service that have been adopted and used by Historic Preservation Commissions across the country. In addition, the HPC has adopted additional policies and guidelines that reflect the particular character of local historic properties and issues affecting them. Nevertheless, each HAWP application is reviewed individually for its potential impact on a particular historic property. How are design guidelines for a historic district developed? Are all properties within a historic district subject to those guidelines? The procedure for developing design guidelines for a historic district involves public notice to all affected property owners and residents and substantial public involvement through which all stakeholders are encouraged to participate and provide comments. The Prince George s County Historic Preservation Ordinance states that a historic district includes all of the properties within the identified and designated historic district boundary. Can district boundaries separate two adjacent properties on the same block? Yes, the historic district documentation includes recommended boundaries for a historic district and a justification for those boundaries. Historic Districts should be logically bounded to include as many properties as possible that reflect the district s significance, which may by necessity include only parts of blocks or streets. 11

12 Can you add properties to the district? Yes, historic district boundaries can be reevaluated after designation if there are compelling reasons to add properties that adjoin the boundaries. How are owners of property identified as a non contributing resource within a historic district affected by district designation? All properties within a historic district are subject to some level of regulation. Proposed modifications to those properties in a historic district identified as non contributing because they fall outside the period of significance of the district by virtue of their construction date or because they no longer reflect their original character and significance do not have to meet the same standards as properties that are identified as contributing. The Prince George s County Historic Preservation Ordinance and the Historic Preservation Commission s Policies and Rules of Procedure, and any relevant design guidelines created for the historic district, establish a more lenient review process for non contributing properties. If a property is designated as a Historic Site, can it be subdivided? Possibly. A part of the subdivision process would include a review by the HPC of a proposal to subdivide or develop within a historic site s environmental setting, which may or may not be considered appropriate. Will a building addition negatively affect the integrity of a historic property? Not necessarily. Consult M NCPPC Historic Preservation staff for an evaluation. What are the benefits of pursuing a National Register nomination as an initial step in recognizing a property? A National Register nomination is a concise documentation of the physical character and historic significance of a property. The nomination can also be used to evaluate the property for designation as a locally designated Historic Site. Properties listed in the National Register may be eligible for state and federal tax incentives that are outside of the local historic preservation regulations. Developing a National Register nomination may encourage a property owner to seek local historic district designation. Should emphasis on evaluation and designation be focused on individual structures or properties, or should the plan emphasize the effectiveness of evaluating and designating historic districts? Staff suggested that focusing on historic districts rather than individual properties would be a more effective use of resources. It was suggested that a more visible component of the Historic Preservation Commission s website should be devoted to inform citizens about the district designation process. Staff suggests that the following topics should be included: how to get started; how to organize others in my community; what information is needed to provide to the county; the advantages and disadvantages of designation, etc. How can the concerns of property owners and residents within a historic district with regard to the loss of control over their property be alleviated? The financial and regulatory benefits of designation need to be more effectively communicated to the public. The public also needs to understand the local requirements, policies, processes, and guidelines. It 12

13 was noted that sometimes new residents in a community do not see the need for historic site and historic district designation. Attendees suggested that there be a full time position within the Planning Department s Historic Preservation Section focused on outreach and educational efforts. When someone buys a historic property, is there a process through which the owner is informed of the status of the property and the owners obligations under local law? Under local law, the seller is obligated to disclose any historic designation associated with a property. It has been suggested that as part of plan related educational outreach efforts, there should be direct contact between the Planning Department s Historic Preservation Section and the local Board of Realtors. Attendees suggested that the county encourage outreach and educate owners about historic properties through collaboration with local university preservation programs. Does the current list of historic sites/resources represent all of the resources in the county? No. Surveys have been conducted in the county since the mid 1970s. Since the 1970s, different types of resources have come to be considered historically significant, for example parkways, houses built after World War II, and commercial properties. Residents can also suggest possible historic themes and those associated resources can be added to the inventory. Are there opportunities to add to the number of historic resources/sites identified in the county? Yes. Prince George s County has regularly initiated numerous surveys aimed at identifying historic resources. Also, private citizens have brought and can bring properties to the attention of staff. Staff has assisted with the documentation of the properties or can include documentation requests in consultant contracts. The designation of historic properties as historic sites can be initiated by the property owner or through the current master plan amendment process. Can an interested party, not a property owner, suggest properties that should be documented and potentially added to the Inventory of Historic Resources? Yes, public opinion and interest is important. Staff has frequently relied on interested citizens to provide information about properties that may not be readily visible or accessible. As a homeowner with a historic site, what do I have to do to cut a tree? There are county regulations for clearing trees, and some historic properties have tree conservation plans. If a specimen tree has been identified as part of a historically significant landscape, a Historic Area Work Permit may be required for its removal. If a tree is dying or hazardous, it can be removed after evaluation by a licensed arborist. Should Hyattsville be a Prince George s County designated historic district? Would this help with revitalization? A local designation needs community support, and a request to pursue local historic district designation has not been received. Local designation would provide eligibility to contributing properties for the county tax credit, provide eligibility for local grant funds, and implement the Historic Area Work Permit (HAWP) application process for certain types of modifications. A local historic district designation would also help maintain and enhance the historic character of the neighborhood. 13

14 Environmental Settings Define the term Environmental Setting. When a property is designated as a historic site, the boundaries of the historic site are specified and identified as the property s Environmental Setting. Typically, the Environmental Setting includes secondary buildings, and natural and manmade features associated with the historic, architectural and cultural significance of the property. The establishment of an Environmental Setting, like the approval of historic site designation criteria, is a formal action by the Historic Preservation Commission that is part of the Historic Site Designation process. Can environmental settings be reduced or enlarged? Yes, the review process does allow for either possibility. The modification of an Environmental Setting is typically associated with a development project that includes a Historic Site. What if a Historic Site is not in a rural area? What if it is in a densely developed or suburban area would it too have an Environmental Setting? Yes. An Environmental Setting for a suburban historic site is typically the subdivided lot or lots, or the individual parcel historically associated with the property. Do tools exist to adequately protect the Environmental Settings of Historic Sites? Attendees suggested that the existing tools are inadequate because they have typically resulted in the retention of a minimal amount of land around a Historic Site, and that an Environmental Setting, more often than not, is related to the underlying zoning of the property rather than an evaluation of the impact of surrounding development on the Historic Site. It was suggested that the Environmental Setting of some Historic Sites have been chipped away over time, further reducing the area to be protected. It was suggested that buffering requirements for new construction adjacent to historic sites are inadequate and that in order to provide for larger or more effective settings and buffers, incentives and trade offs should be made available to the development community. An additional comment was made encouraging the development of additional restrictions or viewshed or architectural standards for new development adjoining an Environmental Setting to limit the visual effect of new development. These issues are being examined by staff as part of the update to this plan. National Register of Historic Places If the community already has an architectural survey, can this be used in determining the eligibility for the proposed National Register District? Communities contemplating historic districting can use existing architectural inventories if they are upto date, complete, and accurate. However the traditional architectural inventory is only one part of the total survey work recommended for use in determining the historic district edges and boundaries. Other features, such as visual, physical, and political factors, and the general form and image of the community should be considered. A formal proposal for listing in the National Register should be prepared by an experienced architectural historian. 14

15 How many buildings must be included to be a National Register Historic District? A National Register Historic District must consist of a minimum of two structures with a demonstrable significance and a defined boundary. The visual and environmental character of the potential historic district results from the relationship of natural and man made features. Historic factors used to determine the boundaries would include the boundaries of an original settlement or an early planned community as well as the concentrations of early buildings and sites. These edges are determined by historical research and documentation. Other factors considered will be visual factors such as topographical considerations, gateways, entrances and vistas to and from a proposed district. Physical factors may include railroads and highways, rivers, marshlands and other natural features. These are obvious edges of a historic district. Also, historic district boundaries can be drawn where a major shift in land use occurs that results in a change in the visual character of an area. Truck traffic and speeding cars negatively impact the historic village of Piscataway. Maryland Route 223 runs through the village and is a route frequently traveled by trucks. Would a National Register historic district designation prevent the detrimental effects of heavy traffic in the historic village? If the area were to be included with a National Register historic district, it may affect any proposed changes to the road. If there is future state or federally funded road work in or adjacent to the National Register historic district, Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act may apply. Section 106 requires all U.S. federal agencies to take into account the effects of their undertakings on historic properties, and to give the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation and other interested agencies and parties an opportunity to comment on any such undertakings. What is an undertaking as it pertains to Section 106? An undertaking is a project or activity under the direct or indirect jurisdiction of a federal or state agency, or a licensed agency, a permitting entity, or assisted federal or state agency, that can result in potential impacts to historic resources. Section 106 requires the relevant agency to take into account these potential effects. Can changes to a roadway be considered as adverse to a National Register historic district? Possibly, it depends on what the changes will be. An adverse effect may diminish the integrity of the district s design, setting, character, feeling or association. 15

16 Historic Preservation Incentives, Neighborhood and Commercial Revitalization, Historic Preservation Regulations Chris Wilson, Daniel Sams, facilitators Historic Preservation Incentives Are there any financial incentives for Historic Site Designation and National Register designation? Yes. However, the two types of designations are distinct from one another. Properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places may qualify for state and/or federal rehabilitation tax credits for certain qualified rehabilitation expenses. These financial incentives also make the distinction between residential and income producing properties. Historic Sites of Prince George s County may qualify for local tax credits and the Prince George s County Historic Property Grant Program, although reauthorization of this grant program for the next fiscal year has not yet occurred. How can people find out about incentive programs? Some feel that while the grant program was welladvertised, the county tax credit program is not. The Internet is the best place to look, but you can also check with Historic Preservation staff. Owners of Historic Sites and those in local Historic Districts receive yearly mailings about the available preservation incentives. Is the Prince George s County 10% preservation tax credit a rebate on property tax? Yes. The county tax credit applies to the property tax portion of your county tax bill. The credit is applicable after a project has been approved through a Historic Area Work Permit, followed by an approved Tax Credit application. What items are eligible under the local tax credit? Interior and exterior repair/restoration or replacement work that meets the Secretary of Interior Standards is eligible for county tax credits. Maintenance and rehabilitation of a historic building can be costly. In order for the county s tax incentives to be more widely used, can the percentage of the credits be raised to the income tax credit available from the state (20%)? This would require revisions to the state enabling legislation that provides for the local credit. What would be a better way to get information to the public about the incentive programs? Suggestions and comments included: Contact people or realtors when they buy a house. The grant and the tax credit programs could be an added incentive to purchase historic properties. Under the current requirements, the realtor is obligated to inform the purchaser that the property is a local historic site or is in a local historic district. This should be enforced. When you buy a historic house, a brochure should be provided that includes information on sources for contractors familiar with working on historic buildings and/or issues such as leadbased paint and asbestos remediation. M NCPPC could prepare a packet of information to hand out at closings. 16

17 M NCPPC could meet with realtor associations. This could be a selling point; however, realtors may view historic preservation as a detriment (because of the perceived and actual restrictions). Where do I go to find grants that are available? The staff suggests that residents use the Historic Preservation Section as an information portal. M NCPPC staff can provide contacts. You can also contact the Maryland Historical Trust to identify possible grants at cap.html. Can properties that receive grant funds or incentives be open to the public for tours? Properties receiving grant funds require easements. Easement properties that are private remain private. Often, easements require that a property may be open for inspection or visitation according to a specific arrangement. No decision on this issue has been made regarding Prince George s County Property Grant Fund easements at this time. It was suggested that there should be links to possible non profits/private firms that are available to help with the grant process. A list of consulting firms and contractors is on M NCPPC s website. See The Maryland Historical Trust maintains a list as well. See Can historic preservation be used as a tool for revitalization? Absolutely. It s been proven that preservation strategies can make good economic sense. Hyattsville is a community that has used preservation as a tool for revitalization. Other potential areas for revitalization are the Port Towns on the Anacostia River. The National Trust maintains a website with a section containing numerous publications linking economic benefits to preservation. See There was a detailed discussion with members of the Piscataway Preservation Corporation (PPC) concerning the organization s efforts to help preserve an important building in the historic village of Piscataway. Since the property is privately owned, are there ways to ensure that the work paid for by PPC will be maintained? Yes. Outright conveyance of the property to the PPC would be one way to secure the future of the property in question. If this is not possible, the PPC might want to consider having the owner grant a preservation easement to the PPC in exchange for financial support for improvements to the building. A preservation easement is a deed restriction on a property that limits future development in order to preserve all or a portion of its present appearance and/or use. An easement is typically given or sold by the owner of a property to a preservation organization in exchange for some form of consideration. In addition, a life tenancy arrangement, in exchange for financial support, may also be considered to ensure the ultimate disposition of the property. 17

18 Neighborhood and Commercial Revitalization One attendee suggested that Main Streets and commercial corridors should be more accessible to pedestrians and bicyclists. Staff indicated that the Main Street model from the National Trust for Historic Preservation promotes livable communities through community empowerment through design review and economic development. See street/main street program.html. Pedestrian and bike friendly streets should be addressed mainly through the Transportation Master Plan, however. See What are other methods for achieving historic preservation, outside of incentives programs? Master Plans and Sector Plans deal comprehensively with land use, transportation, the environment, and other systems for specific areas of the county; within those plans the historic preservation element can designate historic properties and propose ways to protect them. Zoning is implemented through Sectional Map Amendments, approved at the same time as the master plan. This Plan Amendment is a functional plan amendment, focused only on historic preservation planning issues that occur throughout the county; it will designate historic sites and resources and establish goals, policies and strategies to achieve historic preservation. Using Glenarden as an example of community planning what does the entire community want to do? What tools are available to assist with planning? Glenarden is part of a larger planning area known as Subregion 4, which is currently undergoing a master planning effort. The M NCPPC staff can put citizens in contact with a community planner who is currently working on the project. In addition, the Town of Glenarden may want to develop a community vision and request that the M NCPPC assist the town in preparing a community visioning plan. Does the general public know about heritage tourism opportunities in Prince George s County? There is a need to inform and engage educators. The Department of Parks and Recreation promotion of M NCPPC owned sites is an important component of heritage tourism in the county. See Linkages to city and foundation owned properties should be better developed. Historic Preservation Regulations Do property owners understand the Historic Area Work Permit (HAWP) process? Most attendees thought that property owners need to be better informed of the process when they purchase a historic property. Some owners do not know what types of work require a HAWP. This is especially true for work that does not require a building permit. Staff cited the example of a building owner that removed more than 55 percent of the historic windows. This work did not require a county building permit, but it did require a HAWP. It was suggested and staff agrees that the Historic Preservation Section and the Department of Environmental Resources (DER) need to better coordinate their efforts concerning permits. What is the permit process if we want to make changes or additions to a home? Contact the Historic Preservation Section as well as the Prince George s County Department of Environmental Resources (DER). M NCPPC staff is coordinating with DER on Historic Area Work Permits. 18

19 Can we use overlays as a tool? Yes, the county zoning ordinance contains overlay zoning, such as Architectural Conservation Districts and Development District Overlay Zones; both can be used as tools to protect community character. 19