Applications

Mecklenburg Board of Commissioners

Action Item

OPEN SESSION

December 20, 2005

______________________________________________________________________________________

Subject:                Re-allocation of funds from sale of Trolley Barn Property to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission and Charlotte Trolley, Inc.

ACTION:                   A.        Approve allocation of one-half of the funds realized from the sale of the Trolley Barn Property to replenish the Revolving Fund of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission;

                                    B.        Approve allocation of one-half of the funds realized from the sale of the Trolley Barn Property to Charlotte Trolley, Inc. for the construction of a permanent interpretive center for designated landmark Trolley Car #85 and Charlotte’s streetcar history.

Staff Contact:             Dr. Dan L. Morrill, Consulting Director

                                    Telephone:  704-376-9115

                                    Bryan Turner, Senior Project Manager

                                    Real Estate Services Department

Presentation:              Yes_  X__ No__ __

BACKGROUND/JUSTIFICATION:  During the FY 05-06 budgetary process, the Capital Budget Advisory Committee recommended that the Historic Landmarks Commission’s Revolving Fund be replenished in the sum of one million five hundred thousand dollars ($1,500,000.00).  County management did not recommend the replenishment at that time as it did not want these funds to be borrowed, preferring instead that these funds be obtained from other sources of revenue.  The proceeds of the sale of the original Trolley Barn Property are a logical source of that revenue.  The County previously allocated funds for the purchase of the Trolley Barn to preserve a historic landmark and communicate the rich legacy of Charlotte’s streetcar-neighborhood development.  Allocating the funds from the sale of the original Trolley Barn as requested herein will support the same goals. 

With the assistance of the County and the Historic Landmarks Commission, the non-profit Charlotte Trolley, Inc. (CTI) has restored vintage trolley service to Charlotte, including the use of one of Charlotte’s original trolleys, Car #85, a locally designated historic landmark.  CTI’s plans for the original Trolley Barn included an expanded education center where school groups and the public could learn about the vital role electrified trolleys played in the development of Charlotte’s earliest neighborhoods.  Plans also included space for the restoration of additional New South trolleys for use on the rails of Charlotte.  By allocating one-half of the original Trolley Barn funds to Charlotte Trolley, Inc., these purposes can be preserved.  While the funds requested herein are for a portion of CTI’s estimated capital costs, CTI has a site strategy and fund-raising plan to complete the project.  In addition to its historic significance, trolley service has been and will continue to be an important economic development tool, spurring transit-oriented revitalization of South End.  A trolley museum as neighborhood center and tourist attraction is a vital element of South End’s ongoing redevelopment.

Grace A.M.E. Zion Church is one of the most significant Victorian Gothic Revival style buildings in Mecklenburg County.  Grace Church, dedicated on July 13, 1902, is one of the oldest black churches in Charlotte.  It is also the only religious edifice which survives in what was once the largest African American residential section in Charlotte, known as Brooklyn, and is its last remaining landmark.  Grace Church has contributed substantially to the evolution of the local African American community, especially through such members as Dr. J. T. Williams and Thaddeus L. Tate. 

PROCUREMENT BACKGROUND:  The Historic Landmarks Commission has attempted to purchase the Grace AME Zion Church, but has been unable to agree upon a purchase price with its owners.  The Historic Landmarks Commission does not usually pay significantly in excess of appraised value for its properties.  Negotiations with the Church suggest that it can be purchased for its tax value, but should the Historic Landmarks Commission do so, it is likely that there will be a significant loss at the time of re-sale.  The Historic Landmarks Commission has found it difficult to justify such a projected loss based solely on matters that it considers to be within the scope of its review.  The Historic Landmarks Commission recognizes, however, that a purchase of the church at its tax value could perhaps be justified taking into account the Church's significant cultural role in the community and other factors beyond the scope of the Commission's focus on historic preservation.  The Historic Landmarks Commission requests direction from the County Commission as to whether this purchase at tax value is an appropriate use of its funds.   

POLICY IMPACT:

FISCAL IMPACT:   

MUST BE COMPLETED IF FUNDING IS INVOLVED.

ATTACHMENTS:   N/A