HAGERSTOWN -- The future of the historic Alms House on North Locust Street in Hagerstown remains uncertain after the Hagerstown City Council debated the fate of the building during a Tuesday work session.
City Planning Director Kathleen Maher told the council it could vote to designate the Alms House as a local landmark, meaning any exterior changes to the building, including demolition, would have to be reviewed first by the City's Historic District Commission.
Built in the late 18th century, the city-owned Alms House has served as a poorhouse and a hospital during the Civil War.
Councilman Lewis C. Metzner said he opposed granting the Alms House landmark status because the council doesn't need direction from the Historic District Commission. In addition, Metzner said, properties often require expensive maintenance after they become historic landmarks.