Sparks County Commission reviews historic alterations for Overbrook Farms property

June 14, 2025 | Baltimore County, Maryland

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Sparks County Commission reviews historic alterations for Overbrook Farms property

This article was created by AI using a video recording of the meeting. It summarizes the key points discussed, but for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Link to Full Meeting

The Baltimore County Landmarks Preservation Commission convened on June 12, 2025, to discuss significant alterations proposed for the historic Toll House property located at 13822 York Road in Sparks. The meeting focused on the applicant's request for various ex post facto exterior modifications to the circa 1791 structure, which has faced scrutiny due to previous unauthorized changes.

The commission reviewed the applicant's new submission, which aimed to address concerns raised during a prior meeting in February. Key issues included the removal of original clockwork siding and the replacement of historic windows without prior approval. The commission emphasized the importance of adhering to preservation guidelines, particularly regarding the materials and styles used in repairs and replacements.

During the discussion, it was noted that the existing German siding had been removed and replaced with Dutch loft siding, raising questions about the appropriateness of this alteration. The applicant also sought to replace several windows, but the commission pointed out that the replacements did not match the historic specifications, as no detailed assessments or photographs were provided to support the claims of in-kind replacements.

Additionally, the applicant proposed to replace the entry door on the stone portion of the structure, but again, lacked sufficient documentation to demonstrate that the new door would match the historical style. Concerns were also raised about the condition of the stone foundation, with the applicant requesting repairs without providing detailed information on the necessary work.

The commission ultimately requested more comprehensive information from the applicant to ensure that all proposed changes align with preservation standards. The meeting concluded with a call for further review of the proposal, particularly focusing on the wood windows and door replacements, before any decisions could be made. The outcome of this discussion highlights the ongoing challenges of balancing modernization with the preservation of Baltimore County's historic structures.

Converted from Baltimore County Landmarks Preservation Commission Meeting, June 12, 2025 meeting on June 14, 2025
Link to Full Meeting

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