After several weeks of negotiations with Chestertown Mayor Margo Bailey, the Maryland Historic Trust has agreed to give up its historic easement on the Sgt. John H. Newnam Armory, which has so far held up Washington College’s plans to install six windows facing the Chester River.
The Trust originally denied the plan because they believed it would compromise the historic integrity of the former National Guard facility.
But the MHT will now give up its easement if the town adopts a resolution to place the landmark under the purview of the Chestertown Historic Commission.
Washington College has already approached the commission about the windows, said Town Manager Bill Ingersoll at Monday’s council meeting, moments after the resolution was adopted unanimously.
A public hearing will be held at the Aug. 20 council meeting when the ordinance is expected to pass. The ordinance will become law 15 days after passage.
Mayor Margo Bailey explains the transfer of oversight to the local commission
Carla Massoni says
Thank you, Mayor Bailey.