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Charlotte-Mecklenburg
HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION
MINUTES
March 8, 2004
Location: 2100 Randolph Road, Charlotte, NC
Time: 6:00 p.m. - 7:50 p.m.
Present:
Ms. Tattie Bos/Mayor, HLC Sec., Des. Rev.
Vice-Chair
Mr. Jeff Bradsher/County, HLC Chairman
Ms. Amy Hockett/City, Design Review Committee
Chairman
Ms. Yolanda Johnson-Gess/City, Projects Com.
Vice-Chair
Mr. Joseph B. C. Kluttz/County, Projects
Committee Chairman
Ms. Valerie Lewis/City, Education Com. Chairman
Mr. John E Misenheimer/County, HLC
Vice-Chairman Rural Hill School Chr.
Mr. Len Norman/County, Survey Committee
Chairman
Mr. John J. Parker, III/Mayor, Survey Committee
V. Chairman
Ms. Laura C. Smith/City
Dr. Dan L. Morrill, HLC Consulting Director
Mr. Stewart Gray, HLC Assistant Consulting
Director
Mr. Bryan Turner, HLC Projects Manager
Ms. Mary Lynn Morrill, HLC Recording Consultant
Absent:
Mr. Mike Sullivan/County, HLC Treas., Finance
Com. Chr., Bond Com. Chr.
Visitors:
Ms. Cheryle Cooke - Palmer Fire School
Mr. Everette Passaly - Palmer Fire School -
Charlotte Fire Fighters Assoc.
Mr. Wade Finger - Charlotte Cotton Mills -
Pappas Properties
Mr. Peter J. Pappas - Charlotte Cotton Mills -
Pappas Properties
Mr. Mark Hahn - Director of Mecklenburg County
Real Estate Services Dept.
AGENDA
Item #1 - Approval of Minutes
MS. HOCKETT PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR.
MISENHEIMER THAT THE HLC MINUTES FOR FEBRUARY 9, 2004, BE APPROVED AS
DISTRIBUTED. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.
MS. SMITH PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR.
KLUTTZ THAT THE HLC EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES FOR FEBRUARY 9, 2004, 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 said that Ms. Ross Richardson has resigned from the HLC and that the
Board of County Commissioners will make nominations for her unexpired
term in April and will appoint a new Commissioner in May.
Mr. Bradsher introduced Ms. Cooke from the
Palmer Fire School who spoke about activities and services provided for
the community at the Historic Palmer Fire School Building, 2601 E.
Seventh St. Charlotte, N. C. The structure is available for weddings
(ceremonies, receptions, rehearsal dinners, bridal luncheons, etc. as
well as all types of corporate functions and special events.) Ms. Cooke
distributed a brochure to everyone and thanked the HLC for saving this
important historic property with revolving bond funds. Mr. Passaly, Vice
President of the Executive Board of the Charlotte Fire Firefighters
Association, also extended thanks and appreciation to the HLC for its
efforts in helping preserve this important community resource. Complete
information can be found at www.thepalmerbuilding.com.
Item #3 - Director’s Report: Dr. Morrill
Dr. Morrill reported that HLC Staff needs
guidance with respect to the strategy that the HLC wishes to follow in
securing funding for HLC operations for FY 2005. The Historic Landmarks
Commission currently receives 60 percent of its operating budget of
$136,099 from demolition permit fees. The remaining 40 percent of its
operating budget and all the money for the Project Manager come from
regular County money, meaning that it must be approved by the Board of
County Commissioners. The County Manager’s recommended "no tax increase"
budget does not contain funding for the HLC or the Project Manager. The
issue before the HLC is whether it wishes to attempt to secure regular
County funding as before or whether it wishes to make up the difference
between the money provided by demolition permit fees and full operations
by drawing money from the Historic Preservation Revolving Fund.
MR. NORMAN PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR.
PARKER TO SEEK CURRENT LEVELS OF HLC FUNDING AND TO LOBBY FOR FUNDS IF
CURRENT LEVELS ARE THREATENED .
MR. KLUTTZ PRESENTED A SUBSTITUTE MOTION
SECONDED BY MS. SMITH THAT THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION ATTEMPT TO
SECURE COUNTY FUNDING, ACCOMPANIED BY AN INTENSE LOBBYING EFFORT IF
NECESSARY, BUT, IF NECESSARY, THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION WILL
DRAW MONEY FROM THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION REVOLVING FUND TO MEET CURRENT
LEVEL FUNDING. THE SUBSTITUTE MOTION WAS APPROVED WITH THE FOLLOWING
VOTE: FAVOR: BRADSHER, HOCKETT, JOHNSON-GESS, KLUTTZ, LEWIS, PARKER,
SMITH OPPOSE: BOS, MISENHEIMER, NORMAN ABSTAIN: NONE.
Dr. Morrill reported that there are two
properties that present an immediate challenge to the HLC. One is the
Ewart House on the Huntersville-Concord Road. The owner continues to
oppose the house’s being used as a residence where it currently stands.
This means that the house, which has been listrd in the National
Register of Historic Places, must be moved. It is located approximately
one mile from the Oehler property. The issue before the HLC is whether
it wishes to proceed with acquiring the house at no cost and moving it
to the Oehler property. Mr. Turner reported the rehabilitation cost
estimate is $175,000 to $200,000 and that the move would cost about
$45,000. A rezoning hearing is scheduled before the Huntersville Town
Board on March 15th. HLC staff plans to appear at the hearing to give an
update on preservation efforts for the house.
MS. SMITH PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR.
KLUTTZ THAT THE HLC MOVE AHEAD WITH PERFORMING DUE DILIGENCE TO ACCEPT
THE EWART HOUSE ON THE HUNTERSVILLE-CONCORD ROAD AS A DONATION, TO ASK
THE OWNER AND THE DEVELOPER TO ASSIST WITH MOVING COSTS, AND TO SECURE
PERMISSION TO MOVE THE HOUSE TO THE OEHLER PROPERTY. THE COMMISSION
UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.
Mr. Pappas and Mr. Finger were present to
report on sale activity of the Charlotte Cotton Mill. Mr. Pappas
reported that there are three good prospects interested at different
levels in the property. The HLC discussed the situation, and Mr. Pappas
answered questions. The HLC has $4.224 million dollars invested in the
property to date.
MR. MISENHEIMER PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY
MR. NORMAN THAT PAPPAS PROPERTIES BE ALLOWED TO OFFER HLC’S 15%
FINANCING OF THE FULL PURCHASE PRICE OF THE ENTIRE BUILDING TO A
QUALIFIED BUYER OF BUILDING "B" OF THE CHARLOTTE COTTON MILL. THE
COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.
Mr. Pappas said that additional light on the
lowest level of Building "B" of the Charlotte Cotton Mill might make the
building more desirable to a potential purchaser.
MR. KLUTTZ PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR.
NORMAN THAT THE HLC ALLOCATE UP TO $5,000.00 FOR A FLOOR LIGHT AS
DESCRIBED FOR BUILDING "B" AT THE CHARLOTTE COTTON MILL F NECESSARY AND
THAT MR. TURNER IS TO GET BIDS FOR THE WORK. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY
APPROVED THE MOTION.
Dr. Morrill reported that the McConnell House,
4009 Beatties Ford Road, a late nineteenth-century farmhouse might be
adversely affected by a road widening project. The owner has submitted a
letter asking that the house be processed for historic landmarks
designation.
MR. NORMAN PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MS.
BOS THAT THE McCONNELL HOUSE, 40009 BEATTIES FORD ROAD, CHARLOTTE, N.
C., BE PLACED ON THE HLC’S STUDY LIST. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY
APPROVED THE MOTION.
Dr. Morrill reported that the Citizens Capital
Budget Advisory Committee is scheduled to hear an HLC staff presentation
on April 5 at 8:30 a.m. on the HLC’s request to be included in the next
Bond referendum. Dr. Morrill said that he will be working with the Bond
Committee to obtain input as to what items should be included in the
presentation. The necessary preliminary materials have been entered into
the County’s software.
Dr. Morrill reported that he and HLC Attorney
Patricia Nystrom met with Charles Guignard regarding his status in
moving ahead with the rehabilitation of the Thrift P & N Depot. Ms.
Nystrom has also been in contact with officials of CSX.
Dr. Morrill reported that the Park and
Recreation Commission voted to support the designation of the entire
Oehler property as a historic landmark. Dr. Morrill said that the HLC is
preparing materials to move ahead with a joint public hearing with the
Huntersville Town Board.
Dr. Morrill reported that he will meet tomorrow
night with the Park and Recreation Commission to secure its support for
the designation of the American Legion Memorial Stadium as a historic
landmark. The prospects seem promising, as the Special Projects
Committee of Park and Recreation has endorsed designation.
Dr. Morrill reported that the HLC and the
Huntersville Town Board held a joint public hearing on February 16th to
consider the designation of the Bethesda School as a historic landmark.
The decision should be forthcoming shortly.
Dr. Morrill said that he and Mr. Norman met
March 5, 2004, with the Huntersville Planning Director to consider
preservation techniques that might be used to protect the Neck Road
Corridor, on which Rural Hill Plantation is located.
Dr. Morrill reported that HLC staff met with
the Planning Director of Pineville to discuss how the HLC might assist
the town in developing a comprehensive historic preservation plan. The
reaction was favorable, and HLC staff is developing a draft of a
comprehensive historic preservation plan for the town. Further
discussions with Pineville officials will be forthcoming.
Dr. Morrill reported that the HLC has received
a signed contract for the purchase of the Grand Theater, that MECA
Properties is actively marketing the W. T. Alexander Plantation and the
Oakley House, and that Pappas Properties continues to actively market
the Charlotte Cotton Mills. He said that restoration work continues at
the Rozzell House, the Sidney and Ethel Grier House, and the Grier-Rea
House.
Dr. Morrill reported that HLC Staff continues
to work with the owner of the Ada Cotton Mill. The attorney states that
a letter will be forthcoming explaining the owner’s attitude toward the
prospect of historic landmarks designation.
Dr. Morrill said that the developer of the
Lytle House property has not responded to repeated contacts to obtain
information about the status of the house. At this point there is a
tenant in the house, and the Town of Huntersville has told staff that
the developer has carried through with his commitment to redraw the
sub-development plat to allow the house to remain on its own parcel.
Dr. Morrill said that special thanks are
extended to Ms. Ross Richardson for her service on the Historic
Landmarks Commission.
Item #4 - Survey Committee Report: Mr. Norman
Mr. Norman reported that the Survey Committee
met March 2, 2004. Minutes are on file at the HLC office and can be
found on the HLC’s website - www.cmhpf.org.
THE SURVEY COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED
MOTION TO TABLE PROCESSING THE STANDARD OIL COMPANY OF NEW JERSEY
COMPLEX, 907 W. 1ST STREET, CHARLOTTE, N. C., AND THE SOUTHERN SPINDLE &
FLYER COMPANY BUILDING, 801 W. 1ST STREET, CHARLOTTE, N.C., FOR HISTORIC
LANDMARK DESIGNATION UNTIL THERE IS EVIDENCE OF ENDANGERMENT. THE
COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.
THE SURVEY COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED
MOTION THAT THE BUILDERS’ BUILDING, 312 WEST TRADE STREET, CHARLOTTE, N.
C., BE PLACED ON THE HLC’S STUDY LIST. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY
APPROVED THE MOTION.
THE SURVEY COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED
MOTION THAT THE WALLACE HOUSE, 6100 MONROE ROAD, CHARLOTTE, N. C., BE
PLACED ON THE HLC’S INVENTORY LIST. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED
THE MOTION.
THE SURVEY COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED
MOTION THAT A SURVEY AND RESEARCH REPORT FOR TORRENCE-LYTLE HIGH SCHOOL,
302 HOLBROOK ROAD, HUNTERSVILLE, N. C., BE PAID FOR BY THE HLC IF THE
PROPERTY OWNER IS IN AGREEMENT. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE
MOTION.
THE SURVEY COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED
MOTION THAT THE FOLLOWING THREE SCHOOLS BE PROCESSED FOR HISTORIC
DESIGNATION: EASTOVER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, 500 CHEROKEE ROAD, CHARLOTTE,
N. C., PIEDMONT MIDDLE SCHOOL, 10TH STREET, CHARLOTTE, N. C., AND
DAVIDSON COLORED (ADA JENKINS) SCHOOL, 212 GAMBLE STREET, DAVIDSON, N.
C. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.
Item #5 - Projects Committee Report: Mr. Kluttz
Mr. Kluttz reported that the next meeting of
the Projects Committee is scheduled for Monday, April 5, 2004.
Item #6 - Design Review Committee Report: Ms.
Hockett
Ms. Hockett reported that two Minor Works
Certificates of Appropriateness were issued in February. The
Certificates issued were for the McManaway House, 1700 Queens Road,
Charlotte, N. C. and for the Vest Waterworks on Beatties Ford Road in
Charlotte.
Item #7 - Education Committee Report: Ms. Lewis
Mr. Bradsher reported that Ms. Lewis will
replace Ms. Ross Richardson as Chair of the Education Committee.
Item #8 - Rural Hill Schoolhouse Report: Mr.
Misenheimer
Mr. Misenheimer reported that the Davidson
Schoolhouse at Rural Hill was broken into but was that nothing was
damaged or stolen.
Item #9 - Treasurer’s Report/Finance Com./Bond
Com.: Mike Sullivan
Finances and Budgets were discussed under the
Director’s Report due to the absence of Mr. Sullivan. On April 5, Dr.
Morrill will make a presentation to the Citizens Capital Advisory Budget
Committee justifying the HLC’s request to be placed on the next Bond
Referendum. On April 6, Mr. Bradsher will appear before the Board of
County Commissioners to explain the accomplishments of the HLC’s
revolving fund to date.
Item #10 - Old Business
No old business was presented.
Item #11 - New Business
Ms. Smith said that the HLC rarely has a quorum
at Public Hearings and that she is concerned that historic designation
for a property could be challenged at some point in the future when a
quorum is not present. She said that in order that the HLC always has a
quorum for public hearings that she would suggest that the HLC have
three teams of four people which rotate.
MS. SMITH PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR.
NORMAN THAT THREE TEAMS OF FOUR HLC MEMBERS BE ESTABLISHED, TWO TEAMS OF
WHICH WILL ATTEND EACH PUBLIC HEARING ON A ROTATIONAL BASIS, AND THAT IF
AN INDIVIDUAL CANNOT ATTEND A PUBLIC HEARING AT HIS/HER ASSIGNED TEAM
TIME THAT THE INDIVIDUAL WHO CANNOT ATTEND IS RESPONSIBLE FOR GETTING A
REPLACEMENT FROM THE TEAM NOT ASSIGNED TO THAT SPECIFIC DATE. THE
COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.
Ms. Hockett, the HLC’s representative to the
Historic Charlotte Board, reported that Historic Charlotte will honor
selected local history projects during Historic Preservation Week, May
3- 9. She said that HLC members are encouraged to participate in the
activity.
Mr. Norman asked that the HLC consider a motion
regarding the White Water Park and the Tuckaseegee Trail.
MR. NORMAN PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MS.
BOS THAT THE HLC CONTRIBUTE $1200 TOWARDS AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF
THE WHITE WATER PARK/TUCKASEEGEE TRAIL SITE . THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY
APPROVED THE MOTION.
The meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m.
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