Charlotte-Mecklenburg

6:00 p.m.

Location: 2100 Randolph Road, Charlotte, NC

Time: 6:00 p.m. - 7:55 p.m.

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

Mr. Matthew Benson/Mayor - Design Review Committee Vice-Chairman

Ms. Amy Hockett/City - Design Review Committee Chairman

Ms. Yolanda Johnson/City - Projects Committee Vice-Chairman

Mr. Joseph B. C. Kluttz/County - Projects Committee Chairman

Ms. Yolanda Law/County - Education Committee Vice-Chairman

Ms. Valerie Lewis/City - Education Committee Chairman, HLC Secretary

Dr. Richard L. Mattson/County

Mr. Gray Newman/County

Mr. Michael C. Sullivan/County - HLC Chairman

Dr. Dan L. Morrill, HLC Consulting Director

Mr. Bryan Turner, HLC Projects Manager

Ms. Patricia Nystrom, HLC Attorney

Mr. Stewart Gray, HLC Assistant Consulting Director

Ms. Mary Lynn Morrill, HLC Recording Consultant

Mr. Len Norman/County - Survey Committee Chairman

Ms. Laura Chalk Smith/City - HLC Treasurer, Finance Committee Chairman

Ms. Abby Claar - Morningside Apartments

Ms. Marika Kalogerakis, Pappas Properties - Charlotte Cotton Mills

MR. KLUTTZ PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MS. HOCKETT THAT THE MINUTES FOR AUGUST 8, 2005, BE APPROVED AS DISTRIBUTED. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

MS. KLUTTZ PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MS. LEWIS THAT THE EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES FOR AUGUST 8, 2005, BE APPROVED AS DISTRIBUTED. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

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

Mr. Sullivan welcomed everyone to the meeting. He said that the monthly calendar, attendance sheets and a current roster can be found at each seat.

Mr. Sullivan said that a December bus tour under the auspices of the Education Committee may not be feasible. He said that Ms. Lewis would discuss the matter with the Commission under the Education Committee report.

Note: The HLC agreed to skip to Agenda item #5, Projects, at this point.

Item #5 - Projects Committee Report: Mr. Kluttz

Mr. Kluttz reported that the Projects Committee met at 5:00 p.m. today. Minutes from the meeting can be found on the HLC’s website - cmphf.org and are on file at the HLC’s office, 2100 Randolph Road. Mr. Turner and Mr. Kluttz circulated the financial report.

THE PROJECTS COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT THE RENOVATION BUDGET FOR THE GRIER-REA HOUSE, 7601 PROVIDENCE ROAD, CHARLOTTE, N. C., BE INCREASED TO $329,100 TO ALLOW FIREPLACES, PLUMBING, HVAC, AND ELECTRICAL UPFITS NECESSARY TO MAKE THE HOUSE MORE MARKETABLE. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

THE PROJECTS COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT THE HLC FUND A RESIDENTIAL APPRAISAL FOR THE N. S. ALEXANDER HOUSE (LAND ONLY AND LAND WITH HOUSE), 4601 SHAMROCK DRIVE, CHARLOTTE, N. C. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

MS. HOCKETT PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. ALSOP THAT THE HLC FUND A RESIDENTIAL APPRAISAL FOR THE W. B. NEWELL HOUSE, 8410 OLD CONCORD ROAD. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

The Commissioners discussed the Bethesda School which has been moved to Rural Hill. Mr. Turner reported $3,000 is left of the $30,000 the HLC appropriated for the move and protection of the building. Mr. Turner said that he will take the necessary steps to protect the structure against further deterioration.

Ms. Kalogerakis reported on the showings at the Charlotte Cotton Mills.

The HLC returned to Item #3 on the Agenda at this point.

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

Dr. Morrill said that Staff has concluded that there is no immediate prospect of securing the preservation of the Alpha Mill Village Houses. The City has received a Hope 6 Grant which calls for substantial residential development on the site. The State Historic Preservation Office concluded that the houses are not eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. Staff approached Crosland about the concept of moving some of the houses to the nearby Alpha Mill site. Crosland was open to the idea but did not want to make a commitment until it receives final word on Federal investment Tax Credits for the Alpha Mill project. The Housing Authority says the houses need to be demolished immediately because of vagrants. Staff believes that ultimately there will be no appropriate preservation solution found.

MS. HOCKETT PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MS. JOHNSON THAT THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION AUTHORIZE HLC STAFF TO SUBMIT A LETTER TO THE HOUSING AUTHORITY SAYING THAT THE HLC HAS BEEN UNABLE TO DEVELOP A PRESERVATION STRATEGY FOR THE HOUSES WITHIN THE TIME FRAME PRESENTED BY THE CITY. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

Dr. Morrill said that a public hearing with the Huntersville Town Board will be held October 3, 2005 to consider historic landmarks designation of the former Torrence Lytle School. He said that later in the year at a yet undetermined date, a public hearing will be held with Charlotte City Council to consider historic landmarks designation of the McQuay House and the change of boundaries to the Neel House property. A public hearing with the Matthews Town Board, also at an undetermined date, will be held to consider historic landmarks designation of the Rowland Clay House, the Matthews Post Office, the McLaughlin-Bost House and the Lemmond House.

Dr. Morrill reported that the owners of the former Pure Oil Service Station , 4733 Monroe Road, Charlotte, N. C. have expressed interest in having the building processed for Historic Landmark designation. Staff is enthusiastic about this prospect and will recommend to the Survey Committee that the building be placed on the Study List of Prospective Historic Landmarks and that the HLC fund the Survey and Research Report.

Dr. Morrill said that the issue of Grace AME Zion Church, 219 S. Brevard St., Charlotte, N. C., continues to be active. He said that four individuals appeared before the County Commission at its last meeting to stress the historic importance of the building and to question the veracity of the appraisal. It is anticipated that further discussions will be necessary concerning the issue.

Dr. Morrill reported that Preservation N. C. will be holding its annual meeting October 26-29, 2005, in Gastonia and Shelby, N. C. Dr. Mattson will be on the program. Dr. Morrill said that attendance at this meeting is an excellent way for the HLC to meet its annual education requirements for the Certified Local Government program. Dr. Morrill said that he plans to attend the meeting at least one day.

Dr. Morrill reported that the W T. Alexander Plantation has been sold. The new buyer intends to rebuild a replica barn and use it as a restaurant. The buyer will live in the plantation house.

Dr. Morrill reported that two properties have come to the HLC’s attention within the last month. the owners of the W. B. Newell House sent a letter requesting that historic landmarks designation be removed. The reason is their belief that designation might impede the sale of the property. Dr. Morrill said that he suggested that the owner withdraw the letter so that the HLC might have the opportunity to determine whether it wanted to purchase the property. The owner agreed to withdraw the letter. Dr. Morrill said that the Town of Davidson continues to work with the prospective buyers of the Bell-Stamey House to determine how the house might be preserved. One scenario, suggested Dr. Morrill, is to have the house and land donated to the HLC.

Dr. Morrill reported that negotiations continue with prospective buyers of the Grand Theater, 333 Beatties Ford Road, and a portion of the Charlotte Cotton Mills, 508 W. 5th Street. He said that the HLC continues to market the Rozzell House, 11647 Rozzelles Ferry Road. He said that restoration work continues at the Grier-Rea House, 7601 Providence Road.

MS. HOCKETT PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. BENSON TO EXTEND THE CONTRACT WITH NO-GREASE ANOTHER 60 DAYS REGARDING THE PURCHASE OF THE GRAND THEATER, 333 BEATTIES FORD ROAD, CHARLOTTE, N. C. , AND THAT MS. NYSTROM IS TO NOTIFY THE POTENTIAL PURCHASERS THAT THEIR $2,500 EARNEST MONEY WILL NOT BE REFUNDED IF THEY DO NOT PURCHASE THE PROPERTY. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

Dr. Morrill said that HLC Staff visited the Sidney and Ethel Grier House, 4647 McKee Road, and has considered what might be done to market the property more effectively. Some consideration has also been given to selling a portion of the land to Portrait Homes.

Dr. Morrill said that the lessees of the Oakley House, 129 Main Street, Pineville, N. C., have actively begun restoration of the house. He said that HLC Staff is working closely with the Town of Pineville to consider how best to implement a preservation plan for the Town. A meeting with property owners is scheduled for early October.

Item #4 - Design Review Committee Report: Ms. Hockett

Ms. Hockett reported that the Design Review Committee met August 23, 2005. Minutes can be found on the HLC’s website - www.cmhpf.org - and are also on file at the HLC office. She said that the owners of the William Lee House, 6415 Gaywind Drive, Charlotte, N. C., have asked that a motion regarding a Certificate of Appropriateness for their property not be considered at this meeting. The Commission deferred action as requested.

Item #6 - Survey Committee Report: Mr. Alsop

Mr. Alsop reported that the Survey Committee met September 1, 2005. Minutes can be found on the HLC’s website - cmhpf.org - and are also on file at the HLC office.

THE SURVEY COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT THE WALLACE HOUSE, 6100 MONROE ROAD, CHARLOTTE, N. C., BE PLACED ON THE HLC’S STUDY LIST OF PROSPECTIVE HISTORIC LANDMARKS. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

THE SURVEY COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT THE BELL STAMEY HOUSE, SHEARER ROAD, DAVIDSON, N. C., BE PLACED ON THE HLC’S STUDY LIST OF PROSPECTIVE HISTORIC LANDMARKS. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

THE SURVEY COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT THE JOHN W. BEDDOW HOUSE, 341 NORTH AMES STREET, MATTHEWS, N. C., BE PLACED ON THE HLC’S STUDY LIST OF PROSPECTIVE HISTORIC LANDMARKS. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

THE SURVEY COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT THE HENDERSON HOUSE, 314 EASTOVER ROAD, CHARLOTTE, N. C., BE REMOVED FROM THE HLC’S STUDY LIST OF PROSPECTIVE HISTORIC LANDMARKS AND THAT THE PROCESSING OF THE PROPERTY FOR HISTORIC LANDMARKS DESIGNATION BE TERMINATED. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

THE SURVEY COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT THE VIRGINIA PAPER COMPANY BUILDING, 416 WEST THIRD STREET, CHARLOTTE, N.C ., BE PROCESSED FOR HISTORIC LANDMARKS DESIGNATION AND THAT THE COMMISSION PAY FOR THE SURVEY AND RESEARCH REPORT. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

THE SURVEY COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT THE PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE NEEL HOUSE BOUNDARIES ON SHOPTON ROAD BE APPROVED. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

Ms. Claar distributed information about the Morningside Apartments which were built in 1949.

THE SURVEY COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT THE MORNINGSIDE APARTMENTS BE PLACED ON THE HLC’S STUDY LIST OF PROSPECTIVE HISTORIC LANDMARKS. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

Item #7 - Education Committee Report: Ms. Lewis

Ms. Lewis reported that the Education Committee met August 29, 2005. Minutes from the meeting can be found on the HLC’s website - www.cmhpf.org - and are on file at the HLC office.

Ms. Lewis said that the Committee discussed a suitable date for a bus tour of HLC projects. The Commissioners said that a date such as January 8, 2006, might be a good choice. December did not suit most of the Commissioners.

THE EDUCATION COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT UP TO $500.00 BE AUTHORIZED TO RENT A BUS FOR AN EDUCATIONAL TOUR OF THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION’S PROJECTS. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

The next meeting of the Education Committee is scheduled for October 20, 2005.

Item #8 - Treasurer’s Report: Ms. Smith

The report was presented under Item #5.

There was no old business.

Ms. Hockett invited everyone to attend the Historic Charlotte event, Blast for the Past, scheduled for September 28, 2005, at the Palmer Fire School Building.

The meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m.