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Director's Report March 12, 2007 1. The Citizens Capital Budget Advisory Committee met with Len Norman and me on February 21st. The Committee and the County Manager will be formulating a recommendation regarding the HLC's request to have bond funds for the HLC's revolving fund placed on the ballot in the Fall. Staff will keep you advised. 2. The County Budget Department will be completing its recommended budget for the HLC's operating funds for next year. I will bring this before the HLC for action when the Budget Department has completed its work. 3. The issue of the future of Spirit Square has become highly political, and it looks like the HLC will most likely not be involved in the the proposed sale of the property. It is my belief that the use of the building is not a preservation issue unless the proposed use would alter the historic integrity of the former First Baptist Church. 4. There is approximately $10,000 remaining in the account for preparing Survey and Research Reports. This money must be spent by June 30th. I propose that at this meeting the Commission approve the preparation of two Survey and Research Reports for presentation to the Survey Committee at its next meeting. The two buildings are in Center City Charlotte and were identified has having special significance in the Uptown Charlotte Survey conducted by the Commission two years ago. The two buildings are: Carolina Tire and Rim Co. Building (owner favors designation) and former Fire Station No. 4, which is owned by Bank of America. If approved, I would prepare both reports. Total cost: $5000. 5. There is a joint public hearing scheduled for next Monday, March 19th, to consider the prospective designation of the Coffee Cup Restaurant as a historic landmark. The meeting commences at 6 p.m. 6. The plastic coverings for the windows at Grace A.M.E. Zion Church should be installed by next weekend. Staff did talk with the prospective buyer. He is still attempting to arrange financing and wants to purchase the building. 7. Staff continues to work with Pat Nystrom in obtaining approval for the interlocal agreement that will allow the Commission to continue to function for the outlying towns. 8. Staff has met with the prospective buyer for the Hayes Byrum Store in Steele Creek. Discussions are on-going about the fate of three historic landmarks that would be affected by the development.
9. Rehabilitation of the N. S. Alexander House continues. There is an issue with respect to the prospective buyer's wishes about the HLC's replacing window frames. I presume this matter will have to come before the Commission in executive session. 10. The closing on the Oehler House has occurred. Congratulations to everyone involved. 11. Staff continues to work with the County Park and Recreation Department to obtain final approval for the lot for the McAuley House, so the house can be moved to its permanent location. 12. Len Norman and I will be meeting with the new Director of the Park and Recreation Department on Friday to discuss how the two agencies can continue to work together to advance their shared interests. 13. I have asked Robert Schmitt to develop cost estimates for expanding the scope of the renovation of the Sidney and Ethel Grier House to include an additional bathroom and completing the kitchen. Bryan Turner will be presenting the cost estimates will be working to move this project forward. 15. Environmental assessment of the Torrence Lytle School has been completed. Bryan Turner will be presenting cost estimates. 16. The owner of the Home Federal Savings and Loan Building supports the removal of the historic landmark designation of substantial portions of the upper floors of the building. Staff believes that such action is justified because the upper floors retain little historic integrity. A motion from the Commission is needed to move this matter forward. 17. The ordinance for the N. S. Alexander House must be amended to make the land coincide with the upcoming sale of the property. A motion from the Commission is needed to move this matter forward. Respectfully submitted,
Dan L. Morrill
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