Applications

Director's Report November 10, 2003 Action Items 1.  Waiver of Right of First Refusal to Purchase the James A. Blakeney House The office recently received notice that the owners of the James A. Blakeney House have received a signed contract from prospective buyers of the house.  The selling price is $575,000.  In accordance with procedures approved by the Commission, I am to make an investigation of the physical condition of the house  and determine the suitability of the buyers in terms of their interest and ability to preserve the historic integrity of the property.  I have visited the property and found it to be in excellent condition.  I have also talked with the prospective buyers, who plan to reside in the house, and am persuaded that they understand and appreciate the historic significance of the house and its surroundings.  Accordingly, I recommend that the Commission approve the following motion.

___________moves that HLC waive its rights to purchase property known as the Blakeney House located at 9214 Blakeney Heath Road, Charlotte, NC, under the specific terms contained in a contract executed by the current owners dated 10/31/03, which will allow the Property to be sold to the purchaser in that contract, but said waiver does not modify HLC's right of first refusal as contained in the recorded restrictive covenants affecting the Property in any manner.   2.  HLC oversight of Bond Campaign Upon reflection and consultation, Staff has come to the belief that an ad-hoc Bond Oversight Committee should be created to shepherd the campaign seeking to have historic preservation bonds placed on the ballot and approved by voters in November 2004.  This approach would allow the Commission to draw upon individuals, including non-HLC members,  from several committees, e.g. Education, Projects, and Survey, that would be impacted by the approval of such bonds.  Staff recommends that the HLC Chairman appoint the Chairperson for this Committee and that the Chairperson of the Committee work with Staff to recruit other members. Information Items 1.  The Town Board of Huntersville held a joint public hearing on November 3, 2003, to consider the removal of a portion of land at Cedar Grove from the historic landmark and to consider the designation of the Washam Farm as a historic landmark.  The Town Board will vote on these matters in early December. 2.  There are several upcoming joint public hearings.  They include:  December 9th at the Pineville Town Hall to consider designation of the Samuel Younts House; December 15 with the Charlotte City Council to consider designation of the Robert and Elizabeth Lassiter House as a historic landmark. Lassiter House

Younts House

3.  The issue regarding the Charlotte Union Bus Terminal continues to evolve.  The Charlotte Historic Districts Commission has imposed a one-year delay on demolition.  There seems to be little interest in incorporating the building into the adjoining development.  The decision about what will happen with the property will rest with the owner, Bank of America.  Staff believes that for now the best approach would be for the Commission to await developments and to allow Staff to keep you informed.

Click Here For More Photographs And History Of Building

4.  Charlotte Trolley held a most successful fundraiser on November 6 for the trolley.  There was a large, enthusiastic turnout.  Plans are to move ahead with the acquisition and restoration of the trolley barn.  The Commission deserves great credit for its initiative in beginning the process of bringing vintage trolleys to Charlotte, now over twenty years ago.

5.  I will be meeting tomorrow with the Board of County Commissioners to explain the work of the Historic Landmarks Commission.  This is part of a comprehensive overview of County expenditures.

6.  Staff will be developing a  request to the County in the upcoming weeks for the FY 2004-2005 HLC operational budget.  Committee Chairmen should submit to me by December 15th what new initiatives they would like for the Commission to undertake. I will meet with the Finance Committee to consider the budget request shortly after January 1st.

7.  Staff is planning to apply again for a Survey Grant from the North Carolina Division of Archives and History to conduct a survey of bridges, water towers, signs, and other such structures in Mecklenburg County.  This will be a matching grant and will be contingent upon the County providing funding in the HLC's FY 2004-2005 Budget.

8.  Today I visited three important projects -- Palmer Fire School, Sidney and Ethel Grier House -- that demonstrate the effectiveness of the Revolving Fund.  Click here to see.

Respectfully submitted

Dan L. Morrill