Charlotte-Mecklenburg

March 10, 2008

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

Time: 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

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

Mr. Matthew Benson/Mayor, Design Review Committee Chair

Mr. Frank Bragg/City, Finance Vice-Chair, Torrence Lytle School Com. 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 Com. Vice-Chair

Mr. Gray Newman/County, Projects Committee Chairman

Mr. Len Norman/County, HLC Chairman

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

Dr. Lynn Weis/City, Survey Committee Vice-Chair

Dr. Dan L. Morrill, HLC Consulting Director

Mr. Stewart Gray, HLC Preservation Planner

Mr. Bryan Turner, HLC Projects Manager

Ms. Mary Lynn Morrill, HLC Recording Consultant

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

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

Michael Stitt/Thornhill HOA/Big Rock Park

Debbie McAllister/Alexandria Neighborhood/Grier-Rea House

Pamm Cantey/Alexandria Neighborhood/Grier-Rea House

Brant Biggers/Alexandria Neighborhood/Grier-Rea House

Glenn Graham/Alexandria Neighborhood/Grier-Rea House

Andy Dinkin/McNeill Paper

Daniel Levine/McNeill Paper

Monique Velez/Historic Preservation student

Don Rawlins/2100 The Plaza/Kilgo House

Diane Althouse, Historic Charlotte

Nona McDonald/Grier-Rea House

Parker Melvin/general interest

MR. ALSOP PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. BENSON THAT THE HLC MINUTES FOR FEBRUARY 11, 2008, BE APPROVED AS DISTRIBUTED. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

MR. ALSOP PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY DR. MATTSON THAT THE EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES FOR FEBRUARY 11, 2008, 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 said that the attendance report can be found at each seat.

Mr. Norman said that the next scheduled meeting is for Design Review on Wed., March 28h, at 8:00 a.m. at the HLC office. The next monthly HLC meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 14, 2008.

Mr. Norman said that the Nominating Committee, composed of Laurie Smith, chair, Joe Kluttz and Matt Benson, will meet soon and will present a proposed slate of officers for the HLC for the coming fiscal year. The nominees will be presented at the April meeting and the election will be held in June. Ms. Smith distributed sheets asking each HLC member to fill in the form with HLC positions he or she would be willing to consider holding.

Mr. Norman reminded HLC members that the HLC does not hold meetings in July of each year. The fiscal year begins July 1 of each year and ends June 30. Attendance follows the calendar year.

Mr. Norman said that five HLC members have terms expiring in July: Frank Bragg/City - eligible for reappointment, Joe Kluttz/County - not eligible fore reappointment, Richard Mattson/County - eligible for reappointment, Gray Newman/County - eligible for reappointment, Lynn Weis/City - eligible for reappointment. He asked those eligible for reappointments to contact the City or County Clerk, as appropriate, to state their intentions.

The rating of the HLC by Mecklenburg County was distributed at each seat. The HLC received a score of 100% for performance, 100% for efficiency and 67% for relevance. The HLC is not mandated, as is the school system, social services, etc. and for this reason a higher score is not possible.

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

Dr. Morrill said that the HLC has filed a rezoning application (to R6 from R3) for the Grier-Rea House, 7601 Providence Rd., Charlotte, N. C., so that additional residential structures can be placed on the site, but that the neighborhood behind the house has grave concerns about a change in zoning. Mr. Gray and Mr. Turner met with the neighbors on Wednesday evening, March 5th. Dr. Morrill said that he suggests withdrawing the rezoning application and appointing an ad hoc committee to work with HLC Staff to assure that the completion of the restoration of the house to a level satisfactory for effective marketing is achieved at the earliest possible date. The neighbors present spoke about their concerns, and the commissioners asked questions and expressed opinions.

MS. SMITH PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. ALSOP THAT THE HLC WITHDRAW THE REZONING APPLICATION FOR THE GRIER-REA HOUSE, 7601 PROVIDENCE ROAD, CHARLOTTE, N. C., AND THAT A SUB-COMMITTEE BE APPOINTED TO WORK WITH HLC STAFF TO CONSIDER A RANGE OF SOLUTIONS FOR THE PROPERTY WHICH WILL ASSURE THE COMPLETION OF THE RESTORATION OF THE HOUSE TO A SATISFACTORY LEVEL NEEDED FOR EFFECTIVE MARKETING, ALL AT THE EARLIEST POSSIBLE DATE. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

Mr. Norman appointed a sub committee for the Grier Rea House composed of Dr. Mattson, Chairman, Ms. Law, and Mr. Alsop.

Dr. Morrill reported that Ms. Lexie Longstreet, realtor for White Oak Plantation, 7729 Hood Rd., Charlotte, N. C., has developed a proposal for staging the plantation house. Ms. Longstreet believes this will greatly increase the chances for selling the property. The cost, including furniture rental, will be $2900 for the first 60 days and $350 for each month thereafter. The contract can be canceled at any time.

MR. BRAGG PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. ALSOP THAT FURNITURE STAGING FOR WHITE OAK PLANTATION, 7729 HOOD ROAD, CHARLOTTE, N. C., BE OBTAINED AS PROPOSED BY MS. LONGSTREET. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

Dr. Morrill said that HLC Staff is still working with the Lincolnton Historic Preservation commission to schedule a workshop to meet the continuing education requirements of the Certified Local Government program.

Dr. Morrill reported that Mr. Turner is investigating the feasibility of moving the Thrift P & N Depot off the railroad right-of-way corridor. While CSX continues to investigate the site for use as an ethanol depot, it is aware of the HLC’s interest and will consider a contract to sell the building on site if the ethanol site does not become a reality.

Dr. Morrill said that Ms. Lexie Longstreet continues to work to attempt to identify a property owner in Pineville who would be willing to sell a historic commercial building.

Dr. Morrill said that the Richard Wearn House, 4928 Tuckaseegee Rd., is no longer under contract by the HLC for a specified price as Bank of America plans to auction the property.

Dr. Morrill said that HLC Staff is moving ahead with processing Fire Station No. 4 and Wing Haven for prospective historic landmarks designation. The HLC will hold its public hearing on April 14th, and the hearing before City Council will happen on April 21, 2008.

Dr. Morrill reported that HLC Staff has not received a report from the City Attorney’s Office with respect to how other communities are handling the issue of demolition by neglect. Staff will continue to maintain contact with appropriate officials.

Dr. Morrill said that the final report on the Hyde Park houses and other modernist structures should be finished in the near future.

Dr. Morrill said that the annual budge process for the HLC has begun, and Staff is involved in negotiations with appropriate officials concerning the HLC’s operations budget.

Dr. Morrill said that he is happy to report that there is a good chance that the HLC should soon receive an offer for the purchase of the Richard Rozzel property, and possibly the purchase of the Sidney and Ethel Grier House.

Dr. Morrill said that HLC Staff continues to investigate the possibility of making offers to purchase two structures in Dilworth.

The restoration of the N. S. Alexander House, 5014 N. Sharon Amity Rd., is making impressive headway, according to Dr. Morrill. He showed a photograph of the property which he took yesterday.

Item #4 - Design Review Committee Report: Mr. Benson

Mr. Benson reported that the Design Review Committee met February 27, 2008. Minutes from the meeting can be found on the HLC’s website - www.cmhpf.org.

a. Application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to demolish the McNeil Paper Company Warehouse.

Mr. Dinkin and Mr. Levine were present to show plans proposed for the property. Dr. Morrill reminded the HLC members that they must issue a Certificate of Appropriateness for Demolition but that they have the legal right to delay the effective date of the COA up to 365 days. Mr. Gray said that Levine Properties has supplied the HLC with detailed elevations, measured drawings, construction plans and photographs as the HLC requested. Dr. Morrill said that documentation of this nature is a form of preservation.

THE DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT A CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS FOR THE DEMOLITION, WITH A DELAY OF THREE MONTHS, BE ISSUED FOR THE McNEIL PAPER COMPANY WAREHOUSE, 305-07 EAST 8TH STREET, CHARLOTTE, N. C., WITH THE CAVEAT THAT DETAILED MEASURED DRAWINGS AND ELEVATIONS AND COMPLETE PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF THE BUILDING AND DESIGN PLANS FOR THE PROPOSED PARKING DECK, BE PRESENTED TO THE COMMISSION AND REVIEWED BY HLC STAFF DURING THE THREE-MONTH DELAY. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION WITH DR. MATTSON ABSTAINING IN THE VOTE.

b. Application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to make material alterations to the Siloam Rosenwald School, John Adams Road, Charlotte, N. C.

THE DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT A CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS BE ISSUED AS PROPOSED FOR THE SILOAM SCHOOLHOUSE, JOHN ADAMS ROAD, CHARLOTTE, N. C. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

Item #5 - Survey Committee Report: Mr. Alsop

Mr. Alsop reported that the Survey Committee met March 4, 2008. Minutes are on file on the HLC’s website - www.cmhpf.org.

1) Dr. Greene House, 2001 Oaklawn Ave., Charlotte, N. C.

THE SURVEY COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT THE DR. GREENE HOUSE, 2001 OAKLAWN AVE., CHARLOTTE, N. C., BE PLACED ON THE HLC’S STUDY LIST OF PROSPECTIVE HISTORIC LANDMARKS AND THAT THE HLC FUND A SURVEY AND RESEARCH REPORT ON THE PROPERTY. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

1) Second Ward High School Gymnasium,800 E. Stonewall St., Charlotte, N. C.

THE SURVEY COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT THE SECOND WARD HIGH SCHOOL GYMNASIUM, 800 E. STONEWALL STREET, CHARLOTTE, N. C. (INTERIOR, EXTERIOR AND A PARCEL OF LAND SUFFICIENT TO PROTECT THE AMBIANCE OF THE BUILDING) BE PROCESSED FOR LOCAL HISTORIC DESIGNATION. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

2) Big Rock Rock Shelter, 6500 Elmstone Dr., Charlotte, N. C.

THE SURVEY COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT THE BIG ROCK ROCK SHELTER, 6500 ELMSTONE DRIVE, CHARLOTTE, N.C ., (INCLUDING ALL LAND AT THE SITE OWNED BY MECKLENBURG COUNTY) BE PROCESSED FOR LOCAL HISTORIC LANDMARKS DESIGNATION. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

3) Bishop John C. Kilgo House, 2100 The Plaza, Charlotte, N. C.

THE SURVEY COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT THE BISHOP JOHN C. KILGO HOUSE, 2100 THE PLAZA, CHARLOTTE, N. C, (INTERIOR, EXTERIOR AND TAX PARCEL ASSOCIATED WITH THE HOUSE) BE PROCESSED FOR LOCAL HISTORIC LANDMARKS DESIGNATION. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

4) Carolina Rim and Wheel Company Building, 306 North Graham St., Charlotte, NC

THE SURVEY COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT THE CAROLINA RIM AND WHEEL COMPANY BUILDING, 306 N. GRAHAM ST., CHARLOTTE, N. C. (INTERIOR, EXTERIOR AND TAX PARCEL ASSOCIATED WITH THE BUILDING) BE PROCESSED FOR LOCAL HISTORIC LANDMARKS DESIGNATION. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

5) McCausland Building-Thacker’s Restaurant, 221 S. Tryon St., Charlotte, N. C.

Comments from the N. C. Division of Archives and History were considered. The Commission took no action; therefore, processing the front facade of the building for historic designation will continue.

1) Charlotte Coliseum and Ovens Auditorium, E. Independence Blvd., Charlotte, NC

HLC Staff will re-visit the property to assess the current physical integrity of the buildings. Staff recommends that officials from the Coliseum Authority be invited to attend the Survey Committee when the property is considered.

2) Fire Station No. 7, N. Davidson St., Charlotte, NC

It is recommended that the property be placed on the HLC’s Study List and that the HLC fund a Survey and Research Report.

3) Radio Center, S. Blvd., Charlotte, NC

It is recommended that the property be placed on the HLC’s Study List and that the HLC fund a Survey and Research Report.

4) Long Creek Elementary School historic building, Beatties Ford Rd., Huntersville, NC

It is recommended that the property be placed on the HLC’s Study List and that the HLC fund a Survey and Research Report.

5) Huntersville Rosenwald School, Huntersville, NC

It is recommended that further interaction with the Town of Huntersville occur about the property before recommendations are made.

6) Potter’s Field Cemetery, W. T. Harris Blvd, Charlotte, NC

It is recommended that the property be placed on the HLC’s Study List.

7) Crane Company Building, 1037 W. Morehead St., Charlotte, NC

It is recommended that the building be placed on the HLC’s Study List.

THE SURVEY COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE SEVEN PROPERTIES OUTLINED ABOVE BE APPROVED. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

d. Special Consideration of the General Dyestuff Building, W. Morehead St,

Dr. Mattson gave a review of the property.

MR. ALSOP PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. BRAGG THAT THE GENERAL DYESTUFF BUILDING, W. MOREHEAD ST., CHARLOTTE, N. C., BE PLACED ON THE HLC’S STUDY LIST. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

Item #6 - Projects Committee Report: Mr. Newman

White Oak Plantation’s need for plumbing was discussed. Mr. Gray told about the problems.

MR. ALSOP PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY DR. MATTSON THAT UP TO $3,500 BE APPROVED FOR PLUMBING AND PIPING AT WHITE OAK PLANTATION, 7729 HOOD RD., CHARLOTTE, N.C.

Mr. Turner reported that the Town of Huntersville has asked for boundary documentation for the Torrence Lytle School. Mr. Bragg agreed to help with the situation regarding this property.

Item #7 - Treasurer’s Report: Ms. Law

Ms. Law distributed the current financial report and discussed the information.

There was no old business.

There was no new business.

The meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m.