January 2022

Welcome 2022!

Commissioner updates In December 2021, the County Executive’s office appointed Zara Naser as the newest member of the Historic Preservation Commission. Zara is a Silver Spring resident and has lived in Montgomery County since she immigrated to the US in 2009. She graduated from the University of Maryland with master’s degrees in Architecture and Historic Preservation and has been with David M. Schwarz Architects since then. She maintains membership as an associate in the American Institute of Architects and the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards.

Zara Naser

Commissioners Jeffrey Hains and Julie Pelletier were also reappointed to new three-year terms. The Commission also bid farewell to Brookeville resident Sandra Heiler, who had served on the HPC since 2009. Ms. Heiler acted as Vice Chair from 2012 - 2018 and Chair from 2019 - 2020. Her years of service were a great asset to the HPC and she will be missed!

Historic Preservation Commission to temporarily return to virtual meetings starting January 19 Due to recent COVID-19 health advisories, the Historic Preservation Commission will return to meeting virtually beginning January 19. The January 5 meeting will be held in person and online as advertised. To testify on a case, you must sign up by 9 a.m. the Tuesday before the meeting date. For meeting dates and to sign up to testify, visit our Historic Preservation Commission page.

Cambodian Buddhist Socety, Silver Spring

New staff and projects The Historic Preservation Office recently brought on three new staff members who will be working on exciting projects in the new year. From the University of Maryland School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation, graduate student intern Karen Yee is assisting with master planning and playing a key role in our Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) Heritage Project, which is supported by a grant from the Maryland Historical Trust. We also welcomed Jacob Chaires and Acadia Roher as researchers for the first phase of a new Segregation Mapping Project that will document racially restrictive covenants in Montgomery County and support a fuller understanding of historic inequities. Stay tuned for more information on both projects early this year!

Historic Preservation Tax Credit applications open Did you complete any exterior work on your historic property in 2021? Our historic preservation tax credit program is now accepting applications! Owners of properties listed in the Master Plan for Historic Preservation or within Master Plan Historic Districts are eligible to receive a property tax credit for documented expenses for exterior maintenance, restoration, or preservation work. Apply today or contact our office for assistance. Staff will host a virtual tax credit workshop in February to answer any questions. In the meantime, you can view the recording of our Q&A from last year or download a copy of last year’s presentation slides. All applications must be received electronically by April 1, 2022.

Connect with Historic Preservation Reach us by phone or email: Telephone: (301) 563-3400 Email: MCP-Historic@mncppc-mc.org Learn more: montgomeryplanning.org/historic

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