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Director's Report February 10, 2003 Action Items 1. The Historic Landmarks Commission postponed its recommendation regarding the prospective designation of Bryant Park as a historic landmark, so that the owner (Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation) could formulate its reaction to the prospect of designation. The Commission has received a response from the owner, saying that they favor historic landmark designation from Bryant Park except for the rock wall which borders W. Morehead St. I recommend that the Commission pass a motion recommending the designation of Bryant Park as a historic landmark, excluding the rock wall which borders W. Morehead St. 2. The Commission, at the request of City Engineering, has postponed its recommendation regarding the prospective designation of Elmwood/Pinewood Cemetery as a historic landmark, so the City could clarify which portions of the cemetery it would like to have included in the prospective landmark. The City is scheduled to present that information tonight. The Commission should take appropriate action. Click here for Survey and Research Report. 3. Members of the Commission have been engaged in discussions with the owners of the Washam Farm property. Staff has developed a recommendation that included the minimum amount of land it feels should be included in the designation. Click here to see staff recommendation. The issue before the Commission is whether it wishes to move forward with designation at this time. Information Items 1. The issue of the Trolley Barn continues to evolve. Charlotte Area Transit and Charlotte Trolley are discussing operational issues, including the trolley barn. Whether the Historic Landmarks Commission will need to be involved in seeking final approval for the use of Land Bond funds to purchase the building is still unclear. Ron Tober will be presenting his proposed capital budget to the Metropolitan Transit Commission on February 24th. The issues will have to be resolved by then. I will keep you informed as this issue unfolds. 2. I have received inquiries from members of the Charlotte City Council about the process City Engineering used in determining that the older buildings on the Arena site will have to be demolished. I have outlined a process for how the Historic Landmarks Commission might be involved in assisting the City in rethinking this issue. Click here to see the buildings in question. 3. Budget deliberations have begun with Mecklenburg County for the upcoming fiscal year. As you know, the Commission will be asking for major betterments. It is not going to be an easy task to obtain approval for the betterments. 4. The issue of National Register of Historic Places listing for the buildings at the Charlotte Cotton Mills continues to fester. I will be traveling to the National Parks Service in Washington, D.C. on February 18th with Pappas Properties to review the situation. I will keep you informed. 5. I met with Brian Barwick and Doug Smith, Charlotte Observer business writer, to discuss the upcoming sale and development of the Palmer Fire School property. This will be an excellent project, and one that will redound to the benefit of the Commission. 6. Staff is working to schedule joint public hearings with City Council to consider historic landmark designation for the following properties: 1) Armature Winding Co., 2) Parks Hutchinson School, 3) Newcombe-McElwee House, 4) White Oak Boundary Extension, 5) Grand Theater, and 6) Bryant Park (subject to HLC approval). These will all be scheduled for a meeting of City Council, probably in April. 7. Some confusion has arisen as to who was the initial builder of the Frank Lytle House. Staff is in discussions with the owner to clarify that issue. Respectfully submitted
Dan L. Morrill |
