Property owners can—and do—make changes and build in historic districts; however, they must get permission to do so. Historic districts are legally established under local ordinances. Changes can be made as long as the owners follow the specific review processes.
Founded in 1772, the mill town of Ellicott City features the B&O Railroad Museum (1830), antiques shops and boutiques, restaurants, coffee shops, a tea room, and extremely well-preserved and unaltered historical sites.
Ellicott City’s Historic District was nominated by Preservation Howard County this year because multiple owners have proposed residential development. Proposed construction includes 10 three-story townhomes within the historic district boundaries near the 18th-century Sarah Fells House, and three single-family homes adjacent to create a minor subdivision near the historic Fort/Heine House, which overlooks Main Street.
Ellicott City is slipping away, laments Fred Dorsey, vice president of Preservation Howard County and nominator of the site. “[The historic district] is in extreme jeopardy as infill development has pushed up on historic residences and roads, and the district is under continuing pressure from new, modern development within its boundaries, both nibbling along the edge, and infill development in its heart. The pressure is increasing at an alarming rate.” Adds Dorsey, “The prospect for saving the historic district from further encroachment is straightforward and supported by its current designation, community energy in support of preservation, and potential for special legislation to strengthen zoning rules within the county. “The community wants it saved and will focus and strengthen its voice to do so.”
“Different historical designations mean different legislation applies to zoning and land usage, so it can be difficult to grasp the differences in the subtleties of the law,” explains Cory Kegerise, administrator of local preservation programs for the Maryland Historical Trust. “Ellicott City is focused on the appropriate site and challenge of new construction; in this case, a subdivision. Where should it be located and how does the placement impact the community and functionality?” Kegerise adds, “There are cases where infill has been successful, such as the Society Hill [neighborhood] in Philadelphia. That has a lot to do with good design, smart placement, and strategic decisions about sensitive and thoughtful construction.”
Notes Steve Lafferty, deputy director of legislative affairs and zoning for the county, “Historic Ellicott City is a gem for the county. We applaud the efforts of the Howard County Historical Society, Preservation Howard County, and others to preserve this historic town.
County Executive Ulman has met with business owners, Fels Lane residents, and others to discuss ways to enhance and preserve this historic district. “Our Historic District Commission has been quite vigilant within the laws and regulations that govern its operation, and the two residential projects were reviewed by our Historic District Commission. These projects must adhere to HDC guidelines.”
For more information, visit www.preservationhowardcounty.org.
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Slipping away
Posted by Kay Weeks February 21, 2011 06:56:08