Projects: Historic Preservation

Recognizing the history of the community is important in promoting a sense of continuity and permanence. The efforts of prior residents that established a quality neighborhood are greatly appreciated and the community can learn from their efforts in meeting the challenges of today. The challenge, in part, is to promote an awareness through education, of the historic resources of the community, and thereby develop consensus as to the importance of preserving them. Ruxton’s history is rich and varied, as it reflects many economic, social and political events that parallel the development of the state and country as a whole. Its early history has been recently documented; the details of which may surprise even its most senior residents.

The community’s history is expressed in several forms:

• The built environment of residential, agricultural, religious, industrial, educational and other features that are or have been a part of this community’s past and present.
• The history and evolution of the natural environment, its landscape, which would include our land, streams, soil, and vegetation.
• The social-cultural history of the people who have inhabited this area over the past three hundred years.

Summary of Goals:

• Educate community regarding the history of the area
• Map and describe sites of historic significance
• Utilize state and county programs to preserve historic features
  

Issues & Actions:

Issue #1: Educational and preservation programs will be more effective if initiated from within the community.

Action 1.1 [RRLRAIA board] Establish a Historic Preservation Committee (HPC) to sponsor educational and preservation projects.

Issue #2: Education and awareness of history and historic resources is critical to gaining community support for preservation efforts.

Action 2.1 [HPC] Provide educational seminars and lectures, videos, posters and books to identify and raise community awareness of surrounding resources.

Action 2.2 [HPC] Initiate historic seasonal or anniversary celebrations, festivals or tours.

Action 2.3 Design and provide identification plaques at historic sites.

Action 2.4 [HPC] Restore, rebuild or improve the historic features or sites as community projects sponsored by local businesses. Install recognition/information signs.

Issue #3: Due to a significant concentration of historic resources, the entire community can be considered for National Register of Historic Places designation. One or possibly several districts within the community could be formed.

Action 3.1 [HPC] Develop a plan to inform the community about benefits of the historic district designation.

Include the following information:

1. District designation would allow any property which contributes to the historic character of the district to be eligible for tax credit benefits. There is no restriction to what property owners can do unless they accept federal or state funds.
2. If benefits are received, the property owner may be required to allow an easement to preserve the structures integrity.
3. Significant alterations would have to be approved by the Maryland Historical Trust.
4. State tax credits may be granted for updating improvements to prolong useful life, such as bathrooms.

Action 3.2 [HPC] Determine community support for the designation as required by the Maryland Historic Trust.

Action 3.3 [HPC] Work with the Maryland Historic Trust to create area designations compatible with the Trust requirements.

Issue #4: Historic inventory developed in 1987 needs to be reviewed and updated.

Action 4.1 [HPC] Conduct a survey of area residents in order to amend the 1987 inventory. Survey participants should fill out surveys noting historic facts about the structure, architecture, prior owners and any historic events at that location. The updated inventory would be used by the Maryland Historic Trust in the evaluation of the area for National Register of Historic Places eligibility and Historic District nomination.

Issue #5: Individual properties can be designated for preservation if community support for the district is insufficient.

Action 5.1 [HPC] Utilizing the updated historic properties listing, contact the property owners and provide them with the National Register nomination form (from the Maryland Historical Trust {MHT} Office of Research, Survey and Registration) for the purpose of documenting and evaluating the condition of the property. Once satisfactorily completed and submitted to the MHT, the property owner may then nominate the structure for register listing. The Governor’s Consulting Committee on the National Register will make a recommendation to the State Historic Preservation Officer. If recommended by the consulting committee and State Preservation Officer, the nomination is forwarded to the Secretary of the Interior for final approval. Once listed the property becomes eligible for state and local rehabilitation tax credits, low-interest loans and certain other protections.

Issue #6: Architectural and site design in the historic areas of the community should be consistent with the existing design.

Action 6.1 [HPC] Request that businesses and homeowners use neighborhood compatible design and provide examples.

Action 6.2 [HPC] Appoint a task force of architectural and site design specialists to establish design guidelines for advising both commercial and residential property owners considering construction, additions or significant alterations to existing structures. Issues such as massing, scaling, detailing and facade should be addressed to help property owners in seeking the most compatible blending with their property and the surrounding structures and land. Prior to guideline adoption by the RRLRAIA, hold public meeting(s) for discussion and further community input. The task force members advise HPC on specific architectural issues. Consider use of guidelines available from MHT or other communities.

Issue #7: Zoning code violations and variances over the years have eroded the quality of our community’s historic character.

Action 7.1 [HPC] Insist on enforcement of zoning restrictions.

Issue #8: Attractive landscapes define this community with winding narrow roads, extensive woodlands, mature trees, natural areas and well maintained yards.

Action 8.1 [HPC] Provide recognition for property owners, businesses and developers who set good examples by preserving and enhancing landscapes.

Action 8.2 [HPC] Require that all proposed improvements (including walks and trails) be designed and constructed to enhance the historic landscape.

Action 8.3 [HPC] Encourage and support homeowners with large lots to donate development rights to the Land Preservation Trust.

Action 8.4 [HPC] Map locations of large trees and significant tree groupings in the community. Include trees listed on the Maryland Bicentennial List and the List of Champions. Encourage landowners to maintain and preserve these significant trees. Consider inducements or requirements for tree preservation.

Action 8.5 [HPC] Insist on enforcement of county and state restrictions on forest damage and removal.