1. It is most exciting
that the $7.5 million bonds were approved by the majority of the
voters of Mecklenburg County. The next step will be for the Board of
County Commissioners to approve the sale of bonds. All bonds must be
sold within seven years, I think. In any case, the initial sale of
bonds will occur in January 2000. The County does not plan to sell
bonds again for 18 months thereafter. I need your advice as to what
amount of bonds I should advise the County to sell.
2. Interesting
developments are occurring with respect to the Palmer Fire School. The
Native American Association has been given essentially two months to
raise a sufficient amount of money to repair and assure the
preservation of the building. If the money is not raised, the County
intends to offer the building and a portion of the land for sale. The
County might transfer the property to the Historic Landmarks
Commission, which would then convey the property to a buyer with
restrictive covenants in the deed. I will keep the Commission
informed.
3. Several things have
transpired with respect to the W. T. Alexander Plantation, which the
Commission is scheduled to purchase. I have received the structural
inspections of the house, the garage/apartment, and the barn. The
house and garage/apartment are in relatively good shape. The barn is
in a dilapidated state. Indeed, the engineers suggest that the framed
portion of the barn should be completely rebuilt. I visited the
property with two architectural firms. David E. Gall and Lisa Lee
Morgan. They are developing proposals for services. I will bring these
documents to the attention of the Projects Committee when I receive
them. The Commission might want to solicit proposals from other
architects, although such action is not required by law.
4. I was contacted by the
owners of the Dr. R. G. Miller House. It is now the Home Place Bed and
Breakfast. They are interested in selling the property and would like
for the HLC to purchase it. The house is a magnificent
turn-of-the-century farmhouse and is in excellent condition, although
I have not ordered an inspection. The property is not designated as a
historic landmark but would certainly qualify.
5. The Grier-Furr House, a
designated historic landmark at 500 West John St. in Matthews, is for
sale. Many of you might remember that the roadway in front of the
house was widened a few years ago. The realtor notes that the house is
endangered and would very much like for the HLC to purchase it.
6. I have met with the
consultants who will be performing the post-World War II Survey. It is
obvious that this will be somewhat of a daunting task. They have asked
for assistance in identifying the neighborhoods that they should
examine. I will be identifying UNCC students who can provide them with
help. The assistance of members of the Historic Landmarks Commission
would be great.
7. Requests For Proposals
have been mailed to consultants who might be interested in preparing
four Survey and Research Reports. The deadline for submissions is
November 15th.
8. I am submitting the
materials to City Council that will allow the scheduling of the joint
public hearing to consider the designation of the E. L. Baxter
Davidson House as a historic landmark.
9. I will be preparing the
annual report for the Certified Local Government Program.
10. I am gathering
bids from realtors to market the Croft Schoolhouse. One from
Percivial's is already in hand. A second will be forthcoming
from Southern Real Estate. I will present them to the Projects
Committee.