Charlotte-Mecklenburg

Location: 2100 Randolph Road, Charlotte, N. C.

Time: 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Mr. Richard Alsop, III/Mayor, HLC Vice-Chairman, Survey Committee Chairman

Mr. Frank Bragg/City, Finance Vice-Chair

Mr. William T. Hobbs/County, Projects Com. Vice-Chairman, White Oak Chair

Mr. Joseph B. C. Kluttz, III/County, Nominating Committee Vice-Chair

Ms. Yolanda Law/County, HLC Treasurer, Finance Committee Chair

Dr. Richard Mattson/County, Design Review Committee Vice-Chairman

Mr. Gray Newman/County, Projects Committee Chairman

Mr. Len Norman/County, HLC Chairman

Ms. Laura C. Smith/City, HLC Nominating Committee Chair

Mr. Lynn Weis/City, Survey Committee Vice-Chairman

Dr. Dan L. Morrill, HLC Consulting Director

Mr. Stewart Gray, HLC Preservation Planner

Mr. Bryan Turner, HLC Projects Manager

Ms. Patricia Nystrom, HLC Attorney

Ms. Mary Lynn Morrill, HLC Recording Consultant

Mr. Matthew Benson/Mayor, Design Review Committee Chairman

Ms. Yolanda Johnson/City, HLC Secretary, HLC Education Chair/Liaison

Steven Sweat, Expansion at Courthouse (Neighboring Concepts)

Bob Dulin, Real Estate Services/Mecklenburg County

Gustavo E. Mibelli, Real Estate Services/Mecklenburg County

Billy Raines, Ranson House

MR. NEWMAN PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. ALSOP THAT THE HLC MINUTES FOR OCTOBER 8, 2007, BE APPROVED AS DISTRIBUTED. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

MR. WEIS PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MS. LAW THAT THE EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES FOR OCTOBER 8, 2007, BE APPROVED AS DISTRIBUTED. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

Item #2 - Chairman’s Report: Mr. Norman

Mr. Norman welcomed everyone to the meeting. He reminded the Commissioners to check the distributed attendance data. Attendance starts over January 1, 2008.

Mr. Norman said that he will attend a special presentation by Historic Charlotte, Inc. the evening of November, 14, 2007, on a historic tour brochure of the African American Community.

Item #3 - Director’s Report: Dr. Morrill

Dr. Morrill asked that the Commissioners consider the Action Items in the Director’s Report.

MR. KLUTTZ PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. HOBBS THAT MR. BILL JEFFERS, A UNCC GRADUATE STUDENT, ASSIST THE HLC IN DOCUMENTING PROSPECTIVE HISTORIC LANDMARKS FOR A TOTAL FEE OF $1500 (NINE HOURS WEEKLY FOR FIFTEEN WEEKS.) THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

Dr. Morrill reported that Mr. Bryan Turner has been working to obtain a site plan that will accompany the application for a rezoning request for the Grier-Rea House. Initially, HLC Staff believed that office zoning would be most appropriate in terms of market. However, the land design firm suggested that a conditional rezoning allowing for residential infill would be more marketable. The HLC considered the issue.

MR. HOBBS PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY DR. MATTSON THAT THE HLC APPLY FOR A CONDITIONAL REZONING FOR THE GRIER-REA PROPERTY, 7601 PROVIDENCE ROAD, CHARLOTTE, N. C., AND THAT THE APPLICATION CONTAIN THE VERBAL CONDITIONS AS SET FORTH IN THE GRIER-REA SITE PLAN PREPARED BY DESIGN RESOURCE GROUP NOVEMBER 12, 2007. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

Dr. Morrill reported that the owner of the Whitley House in the Hopewell Community has requested that his $100 application fee for a potential historic landmarks status be refunded. Staff considered the eligibility of the property for landmarks status and determined that it did not meet the standard of special significance.

MR. WEIS PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY DR. MATTSON THAT THE $100 APPLICATION FEE FOR THE WHITLEY HOUSE IN THE HOPEWELL COMMUNITY NOT BE REFUNDED. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

Dr. Morrill reported that he and Mr. Gray met with prospective buyers of a portion of the property owned on West Morehead Street by Beazer Homes. The prospective buyer stated that he is considering submitting a proposal to move or dismantle the Coffee Cup Restaurant and relocating it to West Morehead Street, approximately a block from its current location. Dr. Morrill said that he and Mr. Gray suggested that the prospective buyers submit a specific proposal which will be forthcoming if the purchase is consummated.

Dr. Morrill said that HLC Staff contacted the owner of the William Newell House and expressed again the HLC’s interest in working to preserve the house. The HLC approved on June 11, 2007, a Certificate of Appropriateness for the demolition of the house but delayed its demolition for 365 days. It is clearly the most historic house in the Newell Community. The HLC agreed that Dr. Morrill should contact the Newell Neighborhood Association for input into the situation.

Dr. Morrill reported that the Pineville Town Board is scheduled to vote on the designation of the remaining prospective historic landmarks in Pineville on November 13, 2007. He said that HLC Staff would like to secure a buyer’s agent to determine if any of the owners of these properties is interested in selling any of the properties and at what price. The Commissioners agreed that this is a good plan.

Dr. Morrill announced that the Town Board of Huntersville voted on November 5, 2007, to designate the McAuley Road Farmland as a historic landmark. Dr. Morrill said that to the best of his knowledge, this is the first roadway and surrounding area that has been designated in N. C. as a local historic landmarks. He congratulated all parties involved.

Dr. Morrill said that the Joint Use Task Force has reviewed the request to have the Torrence Lytle School Building conveyed from Mecklenburg County to the HLC. The matter will be considered by the Planning Committee of the Planning Commission on November 13, 2007. It is hoped that the issue can be brought before the Board of County Commissioners in December.

Dr. Morrill reported that Ms. Nystrom continues to discuss with CSX the prospective purchase of the P & N Depot. Ms Nystrom said that CSX is going through the required processes which can be lengthy.

Dr. Morrill said that HLC Staff has no updates on the prospective rezoning of the Tomlinson Wilson House and its possible destruction.

Dr. Morrill said that the upfit of the kitchen and a bathroom is underway at the Sidney and Ethel Grier House, 7601 Providence Road, Charlotte, N. C. He said that Ms. Lexie Longstreet continues to market the property.

Dr. Morrill reported that current tenant arrangements will change with the new year at White Oak. A caretaker will be living in the cabin behind the main house and the main house will be vacant which will reduce the cost of utilities and perhaps make the property more marketable.

Dr. Morrill said that the HLC will be working with CATS about the use of the HLC’s Charlotte GM Fishbowl bus.

Dr. Morrill reported that the listing agreement with Ms. Linda Kidd to market the Rozzel property has expired. He said that, as authorized, HLC Staff extended the contract six months. Ms. Kidd believes that the HLC will receive an offer in the near future.

Dr. Morrill reported that Mr. Gray continues to work with Mr. Turner to secure bids for moving and restoring the McAuley House on the Huntersville-Concord Road.

Dr. Morrill said that a temporary handicapped ramp has been built in front of 2100 Randolph Road. A more permanent ramp will be constructed after review by the Design Review Committee and Building Standards.

Dr. Morrill reported that Mr. Mujeeb Shah-Khan, Assistant City Attorney, will be attending the Design Review Committee meeting on November 28, 2007, to explain the options the HLC has in pursuing the exercise of its powers to prevent demolition by neglect.

Dr. Morrill said that the HLC’s website continues to receive positive comments from the community and elsewhere. He said that the website could be better organized and that he has asked Ms. Lisa Gray to develop a proposal for how the HLC might obtain grants, etc. to pay for website improvements. The website has no webmaster other than HLC staff.

Dr. Morrill reported that Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools has requested a meeting to discuss with HLC Staff the prospective designation of the Garinger High School as a historic landmark.

A. Davidson Colored School/Ada Jenkins School, 212 Gamble St., Davidson, NC

MS. SMITH PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MS. LAW THAT THE HLC CONVENE IN SESSION TO HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER HISTORIC STATUS FOR THE DAVIDSON COLORED SCHOOL/ADA JENKINS SCHOOL, 212 GAMBLE STREET, DAVIDSON, NC. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

A public hearing was held by the HLC (Historic Landmarks Commission) at this time, November 12, 2007, for the Davidson Colored School/Ada Jenkins School (listed under Tax Parcel Number 00323325 and including the interior and exterior of the 1937 school building and .5 acres of land around the building as shown under tax parcel number 00323325 in the Mecklenburg County Tax Office, Charlotte, N. C. October 1, 2007.) The property is owned by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education.

MS. SMITH PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY DR. MATTSON THAT THE PUBLIC HEARING BE CLOSED AND THAT THE HLC RE-CONVENE IN REGULAR SESSION. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

MS. SMITH PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. HOBBS THAT THE HLC AFFIRM ITS RECOMMENDATION THAT THE DAVIDSON COLORED SCHOOL/ADA JENKINS SCHOOL, 212 GAMBLE STREET, DAVIDSON, N. C., BE DESIGNATED A LOCAL HISTORIC LANDMARK. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

Note: The Davidson Town Board will hold a public hearing November 13, 2007, to consider the Davidson Colored School/Ada Jenkins School, for historic designation.

B. Ranson House, 412 Old Statesville Rd., Huntersville, N. C.

MS. SMITH PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MS. LAW THAT THE HLC CONVENE IN SESSION TO HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER HISTORIC STATUS FOR THE RANSON HOUSE, 412 OLD STATESVILLE ROAD, HUNTERSVILLE, N. C. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

A public hearing was held by the HLC (Historic Landmarks Commission) at this time November 12, 2007, for the Ranson House (listed under tax parcels numbers 01711306 and 01711316 and including the historic house, outbuildings and land associated with Mecklenburg County - tax parcels 01711306 and 01711316 in the Mecklenburg County Tax Office as of October 2007. The property is owned by William F. Raines III and Rehnea Raines. Mr. Raines was present to state support for historic designation.

MS. LAW PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MS. SMITH THAT THE PUBLIC HEARING BE CLOSED AND THAT THE HLC RE-CONVENE IN REGULAR SESSION. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

DR. MATTSON PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. HOBBS THAT THE HLC AFFIRM ITS RECOMMENDATION THAT THE RANSON HOUSE, 412 SOUTH OLD STATESVILLE ROAD, HUNTERSVILLE, N. C., BE DESIGNATED A LOCAL HISTORIC LANDMARK. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

Note: The Huntersville Town Board will hold a public hearing November 19, 2007, to consider the Ranson House for historic designation.

Item #5 - Design Review Committee Report: Mr. Benson

Mr. Alsop reported due to the absence of Mr. Benson. He said that the Committee met October 24, 2007. Minutes can be found on the HLC’s website.

A. Mecklenburg County Courthouse

The applicant is Mecklenburg County. The HLC has design review control over the exterior of the building. The Design Review Committee did not vote to recommend that the application be approved. A ramp in lieu of a proposed elevator was discussed. Committee Chairman Matt Benson and Committee Member Richard Alsop later met with the applicant to review the project and now recommend that the HLC approve the proposed project as presented. ADA and Homeland Security must also be satisfied with the recommendations.

MS. SMITH PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. KLUTTZ THAT A CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS BE ISSUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROPOSED APPLICATION FOR THE MECKLENBURG COUNTY COURTHOUSE, 700 E. TRADE STREET, CHARLOTTE, N. C., THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

B. Home Federal Savings and Loan Building

The Design Review Committee did not make a motion regarding the proposed parking garage until sufficient documentation could be presented by the applicant giving more details of the exterior architectural elements. Full plans have now been submitted to the HLC.

DR. MATTSON PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MS. LAW THAT A CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS BE ISSUED FOR THE HOME FEDERAL SAVINGS AND LOAN BUILDING, 139 S. TRYON STREET, CHARLOTTE, N. C., IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FINAL PROPOSED APPLICATION. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

Item #6 - Survey Committee Report: Mr. Alsop

Mr. Alsop reported that the Survey Committee will meet at 8:00 a.m., December 3, 2007, at the HLC office.

Item #7 - Projects Committee Report: Mr. Gray

Mr. Gray, Ms. Nystrom and Mr. Turner answered Commissioners’ questions about projects which were reviewed under the Director’s reports. Grace AME Zion Church is scheduled to close November 20, 2007. The HLC will received $1.4 million from the sale. The last $1million due on the Charlotte Cotton Mills will come in July 2008. The monthly cost for landscaping at Oak Lawn is $600.00. Monthly pool costs average $180.00. The cabin rents for $250 monthly and the rental house for $650 monthly.

Item #8 - Treasurer’s Report: Ms. Law

Ms. Law distributed copies of the finance information for the fund. She explained the data.

No old business was presented.

No new business was presented. The meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m.