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Charlotte-Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission Minutes April 9, 2001 Location: 2100 Randolph Road, Charlotte, N. C. Time: 6:00 p.m. - 8:20 p.m. Present: Ms. Ava Autrey/City, Design Review Committee Chr. Ms. Tattie Bos/Mayor, Design Review Committee V. Chr. Mr. Jeff Bradsher/County, HLC Chairman Ms. Deborah Cox/City, HLC V. Chr., Survey Committee Mr. Bernard Felder/City Ms. Phiderika Foust/County Mr. Scott Hirsch/City, HLC Treasurer Mr. D. Grier Martin, III/City, Education Com. V. Chr. Mr. John Misenheimer/County, Education Com. Chairman Mr. John J. Parker, III/Mayor, Projects Com. Chairman Ms. Ross Richardson/County, Survey Com. V. Chr. Mr. Michael Sullivan/County Dr. Dan L. Morrill, HLC Consulting Director Mr. Bryan Turner, HLC/County Engineering Projects Manager Ms. Mary Lynn Morrill, HLC Recording Consultant Absent: Mr. David T. Ritch, MHA Pres. (ex-officio) Visitors: Mr. Jeff Davis, President of Charlotte Trolley, Inc. Mr. Joseph B. C. Kluttz, attorney for the Grier-Rea property Item #1 - Approval of Minutes MR. HIRSCH PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. MISENHEIMER THAT THE MINUTES FOR MARCH 12, 2001, BE APPROVED AS DISTRIBUTED. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION. Item #2 - Chairman’s Report: Mr. Bradsher Mr. Bradsher welcomed everyone to the meeting. Mr. Bradsher reported that the HLC has a public hearing with City Council scheduled for April 17, 2001 for the Withers-Efird House. He said that the owner, Queens College, does not support historic designation for the house. MR. HIRSCH PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. FELDER THAT THE HLC CONTACT THE CITY CLERK TO ASK FOR A DELAY FOR THE PUBLIC HEARING SCHEDULED APRIL 17, 2001, TO CONSIDER THE WITHERS-EFIRD HOUSE, 1937 SELWYN AVENUE, CHARLOTTE, N. C., FOR HISTORIC DESIGNATION. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION. Mr. Bradsher asked that Commissioners keep a close check on their attendance. Mr. Bradsher asked Mr. Martin if he has scheduled a date to move to Raleigh. Mr. Martin replied that he is moving on May 7. Mr. Bradsher reminded Ms. Bos, Ms. Foust and Mr. Misenheimer that they their terms expire in July and that they are eligible for reappointment. Mr. Brasher asked the Commissioners to look at the information distributed at the seats on Ingleside and the Blakeney House, both of which are designated historic landmarks which were restored with revolving fund and both of which are for sale. The HLC has a right of first refusal for both of these properties. Mr. Bradsher asked that the Commissioners consider whether or not to hold a July HLC meeting. MR. PARKER PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. HIRSCH THAT A MONTHLY MEETING OF THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION N0T BE HELD IN JULY AND THAT THE HLC’S ANNUAL MEETING BE HELD IN AUGUST. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION. Mr. Bradsher said that the HLC Nominating Committee will be composed of the following Commissioners: Ms. Autrey, Chair, Ms. Foust and Mr. Parker. The Committee will present a slate of proposed HLC officers for 2001-2001 at the June meeting and the HLC will vote on officers at the August meeting. Mr. Bradsher said that requests have been received from Commissioners that the current "monthly mailing" be reviewed before the meeting on the website, www.cmhpf.org, and that hard copies of minutes, etc. not be sent in the U. S. mail. MR. PARKER PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. MARTIN THAT NO MONTHLY MAILING BE SENT TO ANYONE, AND THAT ALL INFORMATION NECESSARY FOR APPROVAL BE PLACED ON THE HLC’S WEBSITE, CMHPF.ORG. THE COMMISSION APPROVED THE MOTION AS FOLLOWS: FAVOR: AUTREY, BOS, BRADSHER, FELDER, HIRSCH, MARTIN, MISENHEIMER, PARKER, RICHARDSON, SULLIVAN OPPOSE: COX, FOUST ABSTAIN: NONE. Ms. Morrill reminded the Commissioners that hard copies of Executive session minutes will not be placed on the website and will be distributed at the HLC meetings for consideration. Attendance records will also be distributed at the monthly meeting along with other current pertinent information. Item #3 - Director’s Report: Dr. Morrill Dr. Morrill presented the Director’s Report and asked that the Action Items in the Report be considered by the Commissioners. Dr. Morrill reported that Mr. Jeffrey Davis, president of Charlotte Trolley, has asked that the Historic Landmarks Commission assist Charlotte Trolley in finding a permanent home. An ad-hoc committee will have to be appointed to meet with members of the Board of Charlotte Trolley to discuss this matter. Mr. Davis was present in support of this recommendation which the Projects Committee has endorsed. MR. PARKER PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MS. BOS THAT MR. BRADSHER, MS. COX, MR. FELDER AND MR. SULLIVAN BE APPOINTED AN AD-HOC COMMITTEE TO MEET WITH MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF CHARLOTTE TROLLEY, INC., TO ASSIST IN FINDING A PERMANENT HOME FOR CHARLOTTE TROLLEY, INC. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION. Dr. Morrill reported that Ms. Catherine Browning has made a $1000 donation to Mecklenburg County to assist the work of the Historic Landmarks Commission. He said that she expressed the wish that the money be used to assist the administrative work of the HLC. He said that it would be most helpful to use approximately $300 of the $1000 donation to purchase a fax machine for the HLC, since the County has frozen money for the acquisition of equipment. MR. MARTIN PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MS. AUTREY THAT APPROXIMATELY $300 OF THE $1000 DONATION BE USED TO PURCHASE A FAX MACHINE FOR THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION. Dr. Morrill reported that the Carolina Theater Preservation Society has asked that the designation process for the Carolina Theater proceed. He said that the City of Charlotte is the owner of the building and will determine whether it becomes a historic landmark. Dr. Morrill asked the Commissioners to recommend how to proceed. MS. COX PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. MISENHEIMER THAT AN OPINION BE OBTAINED FROM THE CITY OF CHARLOTTE REGARDING ITS OPINION ABOUT HISTORIC DESIGNATION FOR THE CAROLINA THEATER ON NORTH TRYON STREET BEFORE THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION VOTES ON A RECOMMENDATION. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION. Dr. Morrill reported that he met with Mr. Mike Crum of the Coliseum Authority to discuss the prospective designation of Ovens Auditorium and The Charlotte Coliseum (Former) as historic landmarks. Dr. Morrill reported that fruitful discussions continue and that it is his belief that the matter can be resolved by the May meeting. MS. COX PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. MISENHEIMER THAT THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION DELAY THE CONSIDERATION OF OVENS AUDITORIUM AND THE CHARLOTTE COLISEUM (FORMER) AS HISTORIC LANDMARKS TO THE MAY, 2001, HLC MONTHLY MEETING. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION. Dr. Morrill reported that his last discussions with the realtors who represent the owners of the Grier-Rea House suggested that they would return with a proposal for saving the house. He said that on this past Friday, he received a call from attorney Mr. Joseph Kluttz. He said that Mr. Kluttz told him that the owners are attempting to finalize a proposal for presentation to the Commission and request that the matter be postponed until the May meeting of the Commission. Mr. Kluttz was present in support of the recommendation. MR. PARKER PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. FELDER THAT A PROPOSAL FOR SAVING THE GRIER-REA HOUSE BE POSTPONED TO THE MAY, 2001, HLC MONTHLY MEETING. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION. Dr. Morrill said that the Historic Landmarks Commission would need to meet in Executive Session for consideration of matters related to the W. T. Alexander property , Mt. Zion Lutheran Church and the Grier House. MR. HIRSCH PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MS. FOUST THAT THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION CONVENE IN EXECUTIVE SESSION. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION. MR. HIRSCH PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. MARTIN THAT THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION RECONVENE IN ITS REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION. MS. RICHARD PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. MARTIN THAT THE MINUTES REFLECT THE ACTION TAKEN DURING EXECUTIVE SESSION. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION. Action taken during Executive Session of the HLC is as follows: 1. The HLC voted to pursue a purchase of the easement and additional land associated with the W. T. Alexander property on Mallard Creek Church Road. 2. The HLC voted to make an offer to purchase the old Mt. Zion Lutheran Church, 1605 Luther Street, Charlotte, N. C. 3. The HLC voted not to purchase the Grier House at the corner of Providence Road and Tilley Morris Road but to comment to the Staff of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Commission on the fact that the rezoning petition adversely affects the historic significance of the property. Dr. Morrill continued the Director’s Report and reported that a joint public hearing did occur on April 2nd on the prospective designation of the John Milton Alexander House, 14915 Beatties Ford Road, Mecklenburg County, as a historic landmarks. He said that the Board of Commissioners of Huntersville will make a decision April 16th. Ms. Autrey, Mr. Misenheimer, Dr. Morrill and Mrs. Morrill attended the public hearing at the Huntersville Town Hall. Dr. Morrill reported that the boundaries of the parcels for the Oehler House and the McAuley House will be available soon, thereby allowing the designation process for both to come before the Board of Commissioners of Huntersville. Dr. Morrill reported that Archives and History has commented affirmatively upon the historic designation for the Rozzell House, 11647 Old Rozzelle Ferry Road, Charlotte, N. C. Dr. Morrill reported that work has begun on the replacement of the rail between Ninth Street and Tremont Avenue for the South Corridor Trolley/Light Rail commuter line. A dedication ceremony for the beginning of work was held on April 5th. The HLC owns Trolley #85, a designated historic landmark. Dr. Morrill presented these additional items in the Director’s Report: - Don Yelverton and Brian Jenest have presented a conceptual master plan for the W. T. Alexander Plantation to a subcommittee of the Projects Committee. - According to Fred Bolt of Pappas Properties the State still intends to purchase the rail corridor on the rear of the Charlotte Cotton Mills property. - Emily Ramsey will complete the Survey and Research Report on Elmwood Cemetery in the near future. The report may be ready for the June HLC meeting. - Ron Tober of the City’s Department of Transportation will come to the May meeting of the HLC to explain how the vintage trolley and the light rail vehicles will both operate on the rail line from Tremont Ave. to Ninth Street. - Recent visits to the Neely Slave Cemetery and the Dinkins Cemetery reveal that work is underway to incorporate both within new developments in accordance with design review decisions of the HLC. - There have been significant developments concerning two historic structures in center city Charlotte. Daniel Levine has plans to move the Treloar House diagonally across Brevard Street if his plans for a First Ward park come into fruition. The Ratcliffe Florist Shop has been moved back across Tryon Street. Mr. Turner distributed a Projects Status Report as follows: Charlotte Cotton Mills - The Copeland Office demolition documents were provided to contractors on 21 March. Pre Bid Meeting will be 28 March with bid opening on 11 April. Demolition anticipated to begin the 4th week of April. Oehler Farm, Land Acquisition - Land acquisition w/land banking bonds approved by BOCC on 6 Feb. and purchase complete on 8 March. Preliminary site plan presentation to the Commission on 9 April 2001.Rozzell House - Contracts from Crosland have been received and have been forwarded to Pat Nystrom for review. Property being prepared for Historical designation. Inspection of additional properties needs to be completed prior to acceptance of contract. Awaiting zoning approval to proceed.McAuley House - Historical Designation received on 21 Feb. 01. Preparation for relocation has begun. Preliminary construction will begin 1 April. Anticipated move date during the week of 16 April 2001. Awaiting approval of environmental permit.Rosenwald School(Newell) - Awaiting direction from projects committee.Palmer Fire School - Schematic site master plans are being developed by FWA. No schedule at this point.Mt. Zion Lutheran Church - Appraisal received. To be reviewed by projects committee for recommendations.Dr. George E. Davis House - Board of Directors of JCSU have directed university attorneys to proceed with division of university property to include the Davis House.Croft School House - No change at this timeRatcliffe-Otterbourg House - Awaiting approval of Contract by Pat Nystrom. Upon approval, inspections will be ordered in preparation for closing. Mandatory Referral is being drafted at this time.W. T. Alexander Plantation - Consultants have developed schematic plans for review by Projects committee at their 22 March meeting.Commissioners expressed concern about code problems associated with the Charlotte Cotton Mills. Ms. Foust left the meeting at this point - 7:20 p.m. MR. MARTIN PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. MISENHEIMER THAT MS. RICHARDSON SERVE AS THE PRINCIPAL CONTACT PERSON FOR BRYAN TURNER WITH RESPECT TO LEGAL ISSUES CONCERNING THE CHARLOTTE COTTON MILLS PROJECT AND THAT MS. RICHARDSON BE RELIEVED OF OTHER COMMITTEE RESPONSIBILITIES IF NECESSARY. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION. Item #4 - Projects Committee Report: John Parker Mr. Parker reported that the Projects Committee met March 22, 2001. Minutes are on file at the HLC Office. THE PROJECTS COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION NOT PURSUE THE PURCHASE OF THE NEWELL SCHOOLHOUSE, 8409 OLD CONCORD ROAD. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION. Item #5 - Survey Committee Report: Ms. Cox The Survey Committee met March 29, 2001. Minutes are on file at the HLC office. MR. HIRSCH PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. FELDER THAT THE ELECTRIC SUPPLY AND EQUIPMENT COMPANY BUILDING, 421 PENMAN STREET, CHARLOTTE, N. C., BE DEFERRED UNTIL THE MAY MEETING FOR CONSIDERATION FOR HISTORIC DESIGNATION. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION. THE SURVEY COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT THE CAROLINA TRANSFER AND STORAGE COMPANY BUILDING, 1230 WEST MOREHEAD STREET, CHARLOTTE, N. C., BE TRANSFERRED FROM THE HLC’S INVENTORY LIST TO THE HLC’S STUDY LIST. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION. THE SURVEY COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT THE HLC FORM AN AD HOC COMMITTEE WHICH WILL INCLUDE REPRESENTATION FROM THE MECKLENBURG HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION AND THE BOARD OF THE HUGH TORRANCE HOUSE AND STORE TO DEVELOP A PRESERVATION STRATEGY FOR CEDAR GROVE PLANTATION, 8229 GILEAD ROAD, HUNTERSVILLE, N. C.,THAT IS FINANCIALLY ACCEPTABLE TO THE CURRENT OWNER AND HEIRS OF THE PROPERTY. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION. MS. RICHARDSON PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. HIRSCH THAT MS. COX, MR. RITCH AND MR. JACK BOYTE COMPOSE THE AD HOC COMMITTEE WHICH WILL DEVELOP A PRESERVATION STRATEGY FOR CEDAR GROVE PLANTATION, 8229 GILEAD ROAD, HUNTERSVILLE, N. C. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION. THE SURVEY COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT THE HISTORIC DESIGNATION ORDINANCE FOR THE WILLIAM TASSE ALEXANDER PLANTATION, CORNER OF MALLARD CREEK CHURCH ROAD AND U. S. HIGHWAY 29, BE AMENDED TO INCLUDE THE PROPERTY AS INDICATED ON THE EXHIBIT A/PARCEL 2/SITE AREA:4.67 AC MAP ATTACHED TO THE SURVEY COMMITTEE MINUTES . THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION. THE SURVEY COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT THE FOLLOWING PROPERTIES FROM THE LIST OF PROPERTIES FROM THE POST-WORLD WAR II SURVEY WHICH HAVE BEEN PLACED ON THE STUDY LIST FOR THE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES BE ADDED TO THE HLC’S INVENTORY LIST AND THAT THE ATTITUDE OF EACH PROPERTY OWNER REGARDING POSSIBLE HISTORIC DESIGNATION BE SOLICITED: 1) FRANKLIN WATERWORKS, 5200 BROOKSHIRE BLVD., 2) CHANTILLY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, 701 BRIAR CREEK ROAD, 3) GARRINGER HIGH SCHOOL, 1000 EASTWAY DRIVE, 4) DOUBLE OAKS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, 1326 WOODWARD STREET, 5) UNION BUS STATION, 418 W. TRADE STREET 6) AKERS MOTOR LINES, 4101 SOUTH 1-85 7) HOME FEDERAL SAVINGS AND LOAN, 139 S. TRYON STREET 8) SOUTH 21 DRIVE-IN, 3631 SOUTH BLVD. 9) SOUTH 21 DRIVE-IN, 3101 INDEPENDENCE BLVD. 10) NEIMAN HOUSE, 1930 CASSAMIA PLACE 11) BLUMENTHAL HOUSE, 3850 SEDGEWOOD CIRCLE 12) KIMBERLEE APARTMENTS, 1300 REECE DRIVE 13) TAYLOR-SHAPIRO HOUSE, 5228 CARMEL PARK DRIVE. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION. THE SURVEY COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT THE FOLLOWING PROPERTIES BE MOVED FROM THE HLC’S INVENTORY LIST TO THE HLC’S STUDY LIST: 1) P. MALLARD CREEK SCHOOL, MALLARD CREEK ROAD 2) SAINT MARK’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH RECTORY, MT. HOLLY-HUNTERSVILLE ROAD 3) MECKLENBURG COUNTY COURTHOUSE, 700 E. TRADE STREET 4) FORMER TABERNACLE A.R.P. CHURCH, 926 ELIZABETH AVENUE 5) ELMWOOD CEMETERY IN CHARLOTTE 6) SMITHFIELD ROSENWALD SCHOOL, 19412 SOUTH HILL STREET, CORNELIUS, N. C. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION. Ms. Cox reported that the next Survey Committee meeting in scheduled for June 7, 2001. Item #6 - Design Review Committee Report: Ms. Autrey Ms. Autrey reported that the Design Review Committee will meet April 25, 2001. Item #7 - Education Committee Report: Mr. Misenheimer Mr. Misenheimer reported that the Education Committee sponsored a Board of Editors Meeting held at the HLC office on March 15, 2001. The Board of Editors will review and select manuscripts for an INTERNET Journal on the HLC’s website. The Board members include Mr. Misenheimer, Chairman of the Education Committee, Dr.. Annette Snapp from the Charlotte Museum of History, Dr. Marianne Bumgarner-Davis from JCSU, Dr. James Hogue from UNCC, Mr. Robin Brabham from Special Collections at the UNCC Atkins Library, Dr. Thomas Hanchett, Museum of the New South and Dr. Morrill. Item #8 - Treasurer’s Report: Mr. Hirsch No motions were presented. Item #9 - Reports on Designated Historic Landmarks Mr. Sullivan reported on six historic properties in Second Ward and fourteen historic properties in Myers Park. Mr. Sullivan said that one of the Hermitage Court Gateways on the Hermitage Road side has been damaged. Dr. Morrill said that the City of Charlotte owns the Gateways and that he will report the damage. Item #10 - Old Business No motions were presented. Item #11 - New Business Dr. Morrill reported that the owner of the Robinson property, 8716 Steele Creek Road, will be presenting a Certificate of Appropriateness Application for demolition at the April 25th Design Review Committee meeting. Mr. Sullivan reported that he has been in the process of investigating Kenneth Whitsett’s mural entitled "The Story of Gold in Old Mecklenburg" (approximately 60 feet by 10 feet) painted many years ago on Italian silk. The painting is stored in the basement of Harding High School. Mr. Sullivan said he had talked with Debra McCray (704-343-6007) of the school system about this treasure. MR. SULLIVAN PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. HIRSCH THAT DR. MORRILL INVESTIGATE HOW THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION MIGHT OBTAIN OWNERSHIP OF THE KENNETH WHITSETT MURAL ENTITLED "THE STORY OF GOLD IN OLD MECKLENBURG." THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION. Mr. Hirsch asked that the HLC revisit the HLC’s current policy of designating properties as historic over owner opposition such as is in the current situation with the Withers-Efird House. MS. AUTREY PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MS. RICHARDSON THAT THE DESIGNATION PROCESS OF THE WITHERS-EFIRD HOUSE, 2019 SELWYN AVENUE, CHARLOTTE, N. C., BE TERMINATED. THE MOTION FAILED WITH THE FOLLOWING VOTE: FAVOR: AUTREY, RICHARDSON, HIRSCH, BRADSHER, MISENHEIMER OPPOSE: BOS, COX, FELDER, MARTIN, PARKER , SULLIVAN ABSTAIN: NONE.The meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m. |
