Applications

Charlotte-Mecklenburg

Minutes

Place: HLC office, 2100 Randolph Road, Charlotte, N. C.

Time: 6:00 p.m. – 8:20 p.m.

Ms. Tattie Bos/Mayor, HLC Treas., Finance Com. Chair., Projects Vice-Chair

Mr. Jeff Bradsher/County, HLC Chairman

Ms. Deborah Cox/City, Survey Com. Chair

Ms. Phiderika Foust/County, Projects Com. Vice-Chair

Ms. Amy Gray/City, Design Review Com. Vice-Chair

Mr. Scott Hirsch/City, Design Review Com. Chair

Mr. Joseph B. C. Kluttz/County (1^st Meeting)

Mr. John Misenheimer/County, HLC Vice-Chair, Education Com. Chair

Mr. John Parker, III/Mayor, Projects Committee Chair

Ms. Ross Richardson/County, HLC Secretary, Survey Com. Vice-Chair

Mr. Michael Sullivan/County

Dr. Dan L. Morrill, HLC Consulting Director

Mr. Bryan Turner, HLC Projects Manager

Mr. Stewart Gray, HLC Consultant

Ms. Mary Lynn Morrill, HLC Recording Consultant

Mr. Bernard Felder/City, Finance Committee Vice-Chair

Ms. Mary Beth Gatza - Carolina Transfer & Storage

Ms. Sherry Joines Wyatt – Charlotte-Mecklenburg Industrial Survey

Mr. Adam Schultz

Item #1 – Approval of Minutes

MR. MISENHEIMER PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. HIRSCH THAT THE MINUTES FOR JANUARY 14, 2002, BE APPROVED AS DISTRIBUTED. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

Item #2 – Chairman’s Report – Mr. Bradsher

Mr. Bradsher welcomed everyone to the meeting. He extended a special welcome to Joe Kluttz as a new member of the Commission. Mr. Kluttz was appointed by the County to take Ms. Ava Autrey’s seat.

Mr. Bradsher reminded the commissioners that a new attendance cycle began January 1, 2002.

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

Dr. Morrill reported that the County has identified the Historic Landmarks Commission as a separate agency again, which means that the HLC’s budget will be examined independently from the Building Standards and Engineering Department. The HLC still receives 60 percent of its funding from demolition permit fees. There will be no betterments recommended by County staff for any agency. HLC staff will also have to recommend budget reductions equal to five percent and ten percent of existing funding levels. Dr. Morrill said that he anticipates that the HLC will recommend reductions in the budget for printing, since the website has allowed the Commission to function effectively at a reduced cost in this area. Also, the amount of money previously paid to Historic Charlotte for renting the Ratcliffe-Otterbourg House, 2100 Randolph Road, exceeds by several thousand dollars the amount the County spends to maintain the property.

Dr. Morrill reported that the issue of the Charlotte Carbarn continues to evolve. Pursuant to the HLC’s vote at its January meeting, Mr. Turner and Dr. Morrill are working on the Request for Board Action that will be submitted to the Board of County Commissioners. Dr. Morrill said that Mr. Jeff Davis told him that Charlotte Trolley, Inc., is attempting to persuade a majority of County Commissioners that reimbursement to the County will come from the City and the County trading assets on a ledger sheet. This is an entirely separate initiative from that undertaken by the Historic Landmarks Commission. Staff has submitted a request to the City for $3.9 million to restore the Carbarn.

Dr. Morrill reported that matters are moving ahead with the Palmer Fire School. He said that on February 5, 2002, the Board of County Commissioners approved the transfer of a portion of the property to the Historic Landmarks Commission. The only remaining hurdle is for the City to remove the restriction that the property must be used as a park. The City is scheduled to vote on the matter on February 25, 2002.

Dr. Morrill said that several meetings have been held concerning the Grier-Rea House. He said that the issue of a suitable location for the house if it is moved by the HLC would be discussed under Mr. Turner’s report.

Dr. Morrill reported that the Town of Davidson is considering approaching the Historic Landmarks Commission to request that it again become active in designating properties within the town’s rezoning jurisdiction. He said that he has been told that Davidson’s Historic Preservation Commission has become inactive.

Dr. Morrill reported that discussions continue with the Town of Huntersville about creating a rural historic district.

Dr. Morrill reported that pursuant to a vote of the Historic Landmarks Commission last month, he submitted a grant proposal to the N. C. Division of Archives and History for a Center City Survey Grant.

Dr. Morrill reported that Mr. Turner has submitted a rezoning petition for the W. T. Alexander property. He said that Mr. Don Yelverton, architect, should be completing the documents for the restoration of the main house, the well house, and the garage/apartment in the very near future.

Dr. Morrill said that a complication has arisen with respect to Building B of the Charlotte Cotton Mills. The HLC owns Building "B" which it is restoring under the direction of Mr. Turner. Dr. Morrill told the Commissioners that the State Historic Preservation Office is asking for additional information to prove that the building was once part of the Charlotte Cotton Mills. Staff is working to provide that information, so that the building can go on the Study list for the National Register of Historic Places.

Dr. Morrill said that he and Ms. Cox would meet on February 14, 2002 with Mr. Ron Tober about the Draft Environmental Impact Statement on the South Corridor Line and especially with respect to the impact of Light Rail upon the Vintage Trolley operation.

Dr. Morrill said that he met with the Session of the Mallard Creek Presbyterian Church regarding prospective historic designation for the Mallard Creek School, which the church owns. He said that the Session continues to oppose historic designation for the structure and that the HLC needs to consider a route to pursue.

Dr. Morrill reported that Park and Recreation is developing a master plan for Bryant Park and would like a month’s delay in the HLC’s considering the property for historic designation. Park and Recreation would like for the HLC to participate in a master plan.

MR. HIRSCH PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. MISENHEIMER THAT THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION NOT MOVE AHEAD WITH RECOMMENDING HISTORIC DESIGNATION FOR THE MALLARD CREEK SCHOOLHOUSE OWNED BY MALLARD CREEK PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH AT THIS TIME, THAT THE ISSUE BE REVISITED IN ONE YEAR AND THAT A LETTER BE SENT TO THE SESSION ABOUT THE HLC’S DECISION. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

Dr. Morrill reported that the HLC received a letter from the City of Charlotte requesting that consideration of historic landmarks designation of Elmwood/Pinewood Cemetery be delayed until next summer, so that the plans of the State Department of Transportation with respect to right-of-way for the new railroad station can be clarified. Dr. Morrill told the Commission members that he believes that there is little chance that the City Council would designate the property over the City staff’s objections.

MS. COX PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. SULLIVAN THAT THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION PROCEED WITH RECOMMENDING HISTORIC DESIGNATION FOR ELMWOOD/PINEWOOD CEMETERY, CHARLOTTE, N. C. THE COMMISSION APPROVED THE MOTION WITH THE FOLLOWING VOTE: FAVOR: BOS, BRADSHER, COX, GRAY, KLUTTZ, MISENHEIMER, PARKER, RICHARDSON, SULLIVAN OPPOSE: HIRSCH ABSTAIN: NONE (Note: Ms. Foust had not arrived at this point in the meeting.)

Item #4 – Survey Committee Report: Ms. Cox

Ms. Cox reported that the Survey Committee met January 17, 2002. Minutes from the meeting can be found on the HLC’s website – www.landmarkscommission.org and on file at the HLC office.

Ms. Gatza showed slides of the property and told about the history and significant architectural features of the building.

THE SURVEY COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT THE CAROLINA TRANSFER & STORAGE BUILDING, 1230 WEST MOREHEAD STREET, CHARLOTTE, N. C. (INTERIOR, EXTERIOR, AND TAX PARCEL ASSOCIATED WITH THE STRUCTURE), IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE STANDARD MOTION, BE APPROVED FOR SUBMISSION TO THE NORTH CAROLINA DIVISION OF ARCHIVES AND HISTORY FOR CONSIDERATION FOR LOCAL HISTORIC DESIGNATION, AND THAT THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION SCHEDULE A JOINT PUBLIC HEARING WITH THE APPROPRIATE GOVERNING BODY UPON RECEIPT OF A FAVORABLE COMMENT FROM THE NORTH CAROLINA DIVISION OF ARCHIVES AND HISTORY. THE COMMISISON APPROVED THE MOTION WITH THE FOLLOWING VOTE: FAVOR: BOS, BRADSHER, COX, GRAY, HIRSCH, KLUTTZ, MISENHEIMER, PARKER, RICHARDSON, SULLIVAN ABSTAIN: NONE OPPOSE: NONE. (Note: Foust not present at this point).

Due to the absences of Ms. Alexander and Dr. Mattson, Dr. Morrill showed slides of the property and told about the historical and architectural significance of the building.

THE SURVEY COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT THE HOME FEDERAL SAVINGS & LOAN BUILDING, 139 SOUTH TRYON STREET, CHARLOTTE, N.C. (INTERIOR, EXTERIOR, AND TAX PARCEL ASSOCIATED WITH THE STRUCTURE), IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE STANDARD MOTION, BE APPROVED FOR SUBMISSION TO THE NORTH CAROLINA DIVISION OF ARCHIVES AND HISTORY FOR CONSIDERATION FOR LOCAL HISTORIC DESIGNATION, AND THAT THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISISON SCHEDULE A JOINT PUBLIC HEARING WITH THE APPROPRIATE GOVERNING BODY UPON RECEIPT OF A FAVORABLE COMMENT FROM THE NORTH CAROLINA DIVISION OF ARCHIVES AND HISTORY. THE COMMISISON APPROVED THE MOTION WITH THE FOLLOWING VOTE: FAVOR: BOS, BRADSHER, COX, GRAY, HIRSCH, KLUTTZ, MISENHEIMER, PARKER, RICHARDSON, SULLIVAN OPPOSE: NONE ABSTAIN: NONE.

Due to the absences of Ms. Alexander and Dr. Mattson, Dr. Morrill presented slides of the property and told about the historical and architectural significance of the property.

THE SURVEY COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT THE DANIEL A. TOMPKINS CO., MACHINE SHOP, 1900 SOUTH BOULEVARD, CHARLOTTE, N. C. (INTERIOR, EXTERIOR AND TAX PARCEL ASSOCIATED WITH THE STRUCTURE), IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE STANDARD MOTION, BE APPROVED FOR SUBMISSION TO THE NORTH CAROLINA DIVISION OF ARCHIVES AND HISTORY FOR CONSIDERATION FOR LOCAL HISTORIC DESIGNATION, AND THAT THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION SCHEDULE A JOINT PUBLIC HEARING WITH THE APPROPRIATE GOVERNING BODY UPON RECEIPT OF A FAVORABLE COMMENT FROM THE NORTH CAROLINA DIVISION OF ARCHIVES AND HISTORY. THE COMMISISON APPROVED THE MOTION WITH THE FOLLOWING VOTE: FAVOR: BOS, BRADSHER, COX, GRAY, HIRSCH, KLUTTZ, MISENHEIMER, PARKER, RICHARDSON, SULLIVAN OPPOSE: NONE ABSTAIN: NONE.

Note: Ms. Foust entered the meeting at 7:05 p.m.

Ms. Wyatt presented a slide program on the Industrial, Institutional, Education Survey for Mecklenburg County. The Survey can be found on the HLC’s website.

THE SURVEY COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT MR. RYAN L. SUMNER BE HIRED AS AN HLC CONSULTANT AT A FEE TO BE NEGOTIATED BY DR. MORRILL BUT LESS THAT $1200 TO PREPARE A SURVEY AND RESEARCH REPORT ON THE ORIGINAL HANGAR AT BEN E. DOUGLAS INTERNATION AIRPORT, 4108 AIRPORT DRIVE, CHARLOTTE, N. C. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

MS. BOS PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. MISENHEIMER THAT THE SURVEY’S SUB- COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS TO HIRE DR. PAULA STATHAKIS AND MR. RYAN SUMNER TO PREPARE SURVEY AND RESEARCH REPORTS UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF THE SURVEY COMMITTEE BE APPROVED. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

Ms. Cox reported that the next meeting of the Survey Committee will be held Thursday, March 7, 2002, at 6:00 p.m., at the HLC office.

Item #6 – Education Committee Report: Mr. Misenheimer

Mr. Misenheimer reported that the Education Committee met January 24, 2002. Minutes from the meeting are on the HLC’s website – www.landmarkscommission.org - and on file at the HLC office.

Mr. Misenheimer reported that Mr. Bryan Turner, HLC Projects Manager, and Mr. Allen Brooks, Architect, are working on plans for the bathroom facility for the Davidson Schoolhouse. He said that Mr. Turner would present the Projects Committee and HLC with a contract in the near future. School children cannot visit the property until the construction of the building is completed with the $45,000 grant money received from the Knight Foundation. Design plans must be reviewed by the HLC’s Design Review Committee and approved by the HLC before work can begin.

Mr. Misenheimer reported that Dr. Paula Stathakis continues working on the INTERNET Journal for the HLC. Mr. Misenheimer has provided old family photographs showing life in Mecklenburg County many years ago for a photographic journal.

Mr. Misenheimer said that the sign is here for Old Good Samaritan Hospital. The sign is in storage at a Mecklenburg County facility. Site and installation arrangements are being worked on. He also reported that WTVI is still interested in producing one-minute historic neighborhood spots between regularly scheduled television programs. WTVI will contact Dr. Morrill when a filming date is set.

Mr. Misenheimer reported that everyone is invited to the "Dowd House Block Party" which will be held April 6, 2002, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. The Dowd House, 2216 Monument Street, will be open for tours, and bands, balloons, entertainment and food will be part of the festivities. The Public Library, Mecklenburg Historical Association and the Dowd House Board are sponsoring the event.

Mr. Misenheimer said that the Education Committee is scheduled to meet again on Thursday, March 21, 2002, at 5:30 p.m. at the HLC office.

Item #7 – Projects Committee Report: Mr. Parker

Mr. Parker reported that the Projects Committee will meet Monday, March 4, 2002, at 6:00 p.m., at the HLC office.

Mr. Turner said that the HLC’s projects include the Charlotte Cotton Mill, the W. T. Alexander Plantation, the Rozzell House, the Oehler and McAuley Houses, the Grier-Rea House, the Grier House, and the Palmer Fire School. Three bids must be received from architects, contractors, etc. before work can be scheduled on the properties restored and renovated with the revolving funds.

MR. HIRSCH PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MS. FOUST THAT THE HLC’S PROJECT MANAGER AND CONSULTING DIRECTOR BE AUTHORIZED TO NEGOTIATE AND ENTER INTO AGREEMENTS INVOLVING THE CHARLOTTE COTTON MILL BUILDING "B" AS FOLLOW:

THE COMMISSION APPROVED THE MOTION WITH THE FOLLOWING VOTE: APPROVE: BOS, BRADSHER, COX, FOUST, GRAY, HIRSCH, MISENHEIMER, PARKER, RICHARDSON, SULLIVAN OPPOSE: NONE ABSTAIN: KLUTTZ.

MR. HIRSCH PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. PARKER THAT THE HLC’S PROJECTS MANAGER AND THE CONSULTING DIRECTOR BE AUTHORIZED TO NEGOTIATE AND ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH R. B. PHARR AND ASSOCIATES FOR ENGINEERING AND SURVEYING SERVICES AT THE OEHLER FARM AT A CONTRACT AMOUNT OF $8,025.00 – SERVICES TO INCLUDE BOUNDARY AND PHYSICAL SURVEY TO NORTH CAROLINA STANDARDS TO SUBDIVIDE TWO (2) 5-6 ACRE PARCELS FROM A 140.5 ACRE PARCEL INCLUDING LOCATING ALL EXISTING UTILITES, TOPOGRAPHY INCLUDING TREES GREATER THAT 6"(INCHES) DIAMETER AND WITHIN 100’(FEET) OF EACH HOUSE INCLUDING LEGAL DESCRIPTIONS FOR BOTH 5+(PLUS) ACRE PARCELS AND PROVIDE RECORD PLAT FOR RECORDING; SERVICES ALSO INCLUDE ALL RECORD DETAILS REQUESTED BY THE ARCHITECT OF RECORD FOR THE SITE, JOSEPH K. OPPERMANN, AIA. THE COMMISSION APPROVED TE MOTION WITH THE FOLLOWING VOTE: APPROVE: BOS, BRADSHER, COX, FOUST, GRAY, HIRSCH, MISENHEIMER, PARKER, RICHARDSON, SULLIVAN OPPOSE: NONE ABSTAIN: KLUTTZ.

MR. MISENHEIMER PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. HIRSCH THAT THE HLC’S PROJECT MANAGER AND CONSULTING DIRECTOR BE AUTHORIZED TO NEGOTIATE AND ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENTS AS FOLLOW FOR THE W. T. ALEXANDER PLANTATION:

1) WITH YELVERTON ARCHITECTS, INC., FOR ARCHITECURAL ENGINEERING SERVICES AT A CONTRACT AMOUNT OF $31,885.00 – SERVICES INCLUDE PREPARATION OF EXISTING CONDITION DRAWINGS, CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS, SPECIFICATIONS, BIDDING AND CONSTRUCTION ADMINISTRATION FOR COMPLETE EXTERIOR RESTORATION OF THE PLANTATION HOUSE, WELL HOUSE, AND GARAGE APARTMENT; ALSO SERVICES FOR THE PREQUALIFICATION ON CONTRACTORS TO PERFORM CONSTRUCTION SERVICES, REVIEW BUFFER DESIGN DEVELOPED BY COLE,JENEST & STONE, REVIEW REZONING DOCUMENTATION AND ATTEND REZONING MEETINGS AS REQURED TO IMPLEMENT REZONING OF W. T. ALEXANDER PLANTATION FROM OFFICE TO RESIDENTIAL.

2) WITH COLE, JENEST & STONE FOR THE DESIGN OF A LANDSCAPE BUFFER FOR THE WEST PROPERTY AND DEVELOPMENT OF A REZONING PLAN TO CHANGE THE REZONING OF THE W. T. ALEXANDER PLANTATION FROM OFFICE TO RESIDENTIAL AT A CONTRACT AMOUNT OF $9,650.00 – SERVICES INCLUDE PREPARATION OF DRAWINGS, CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS, SPECIFICATIONS, BIDDING ADMINISTRATION AND CONSTRUCTION ADMINISTRATION FOR THE INSTALLATION OF A 55 LINEAR FOOT LANDSCAPE BUFFER ALONG THE WEST ELEVATION OF THE W. T. ALEXANDER PLANTATION PROPERTY, DESIGN SERVICES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A REZONING PETITION AND ALL RELATED DOCUMENTATION FOR ZONING CHANGE , AND ATTENDANCE AT PUBLIC HEARINGS, ZONING COMMITTEE WORK SESSIONS AND CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS TO ACCOMPLISH THIS REZONING.

THE COMMISISON APPROVED THE MOTION WITH THE FOLLOWING VOTE: FAVOR: BOS, BRADSHER, COX, FOUST, GRAY, HIRSCH, MISENHEIMER, PARKER, RICHARDSON, SULLIVAN OPPOSE: NONE ABSTAIN: KLUTTZ.

Item #8 – Report on Designated Historic Landmarks: Mr. Felder

Due to Mr. Felder’s absence, the report will be presented at the March meeting.

Item #9 – Treasurer’s Report: Ms. Bos

No motions were presented. Ms. Bos thanked Mr. Turner, Dr. Morrill and Ms. Morrill for the written reports.

Mr. Kluttz recused himself from the meeting at this time.

The possible relocation of the Grier-Rea House was discussed.

MS. COX PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MS. BOS THAT THE OWNERS OF THE GRIER-REA HOUSE BE NOTIFIED THAT THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION INTENDS TO OPPOSE A REQUESTED REZONING PETITION IF THEIR LETTER OF INTENT TO THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION ABOUT THE GRIER-REA HOUSE AND ITS RELOCATION IS NOT HONORED AND THAT THE MEMBERS OF THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS

COMMISSION ARE TO ATTEND THE SCHEDULED REZONING HEARING INVOLVING THE GRIER-REA PROPPERTY, IF FEASIBLE, ALONG WITH DR. MORRILL WHO IS TO SPEAK ON BEHALF OF THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION AT SAID SCHEDULED MEETING. THE COMMISSION APPROVED THE MOTION WITH THE FOLLOWING VOTE: APPROVE: BOS, BRADSHER, COX, FOUST, GRAY, HIRSCH, MISENHEIMER, PARKER, RICHARDSON, SULLIVAN OPPOSE: NONE ABSTAIN: NONE (It should be noted that HLC members Felder and Kluttz were not present.)

MS. RICHARDSON PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. MISENHEIMER THAT THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION PROCEED WITH HISTORIC DESIGNATION FOR THE GRIER-REA HOUSE (EXTERIOR AND TAX PARCEL ON WHICH IT CURRENTLY SITS AT THE CORNER OF COLONY ROAD AND REA ROAD.) THE COMMISSION APPROVED THE MOTION WITH THE FOLLOWING VOTE: FAVOR: BOS, BRADSHER, COX, GRAY, HIRSCH, MISENHEIMER, PARKER, RICHARDSON, SULLIVAN OPPOSE: FOUST ABSTAIN: NONE. (It should be noted that Felder and Kluttz were not present.)

No motions were presented.

The meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.