Charlotte-Mecklenburg

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

Time: 6:00 p.m. - 8:10 p.m.

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

Mr. Matthew Benson/Mayor, Design Review Committee Chairman, Nominating Com.

Mr. Frank Bragg/City (First Meeting)

Mr. William T. Hobbs/County, White Oak Com. Chair, Proj. Com V. Chairman

Ms. Yolanda Johnson/City, HLC Vice-Chairman, Education Chair/Liaison

Mr. Joseph B. C. Kluttz, III/County, Nominating Committee

Ms. Yolanda Law/County/HLC Treasurer

Dr. Richard L. Mattson/County, Survey Committee Vice-Chairman

Mr. Gray Newman/County, Projects Committee Chairman

Mr. Len Norman/County, HLC Chairman

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

Mr. Lynn Weis/County

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

None

Mr. Pete Verna

Mr. A. Cruz

Mr. Jim Donnelly

Mr. Robby Byrum

Mr. Tony Hutchins

Mr. Frank Larson

Ms. Mary Dominick

Mr. John Murray

Mr. Todd Ware

Mr. Ted Alexander (Preservation NC)

Mr. Louis Asbury, IV

Mr. Mike Davis

Mr. Charles Dickerson (Garinger High School A. Principal)

Ms. Lexie Longstreet

MR. NEWMAN PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. ALSOP THAT THE HLC MINUTES FOR APRIL 9, 2007, 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 extended a special welcome to Mr. Frank Bragg as the new City appointee.

Mr. Norman said that the next public hearing is scheduled for May 21 with the City Council. The four properties to be considered regarding historic designation are the Home Federal Savings & Loan (ordinance amendment), N. S. Alexander House (new ordinance which adds four acres of land), Myrtle Square Apartments (land & exterior), Woodlawn Ave. Duplex (land & exterior.) Ms. Smith told the names of the HLC members expected to attend this hearing.

Mr. Norman reported that three HLC members are eligible for reappointments in July: himself (County), Mr. Alsop(Mayor) and Mr. Benson (Mayor.)

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

Dr. Morrill introduced Mr. Ted Alexander of Preservation North Carolina, a State-wide private historic preservation advocacy group. Mr. Alexander briefly explained the organization’s program and highlighted its current activities in Mecklenburg County.,

Dr. Morrill reported that the County Manager’s recommended budget for the HLC has been completed. It will now be presented to the Board of County Commissioners. The recommended budget has two principal changes from this year’s budget. First, Mr. Turner’s time will no longer be paid for out of revolving fund money. He will be paid from HLC operating funds. Second, there will be $10,000 added to Professional Fees, most of which can be used to pay for additional Survey and Research Reports or other expenses related to the designation process. Dr. Morrill asked that the HLC consider approval of the recommended budget as distributed.

MS. LAW PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. HOBBS THAT THE HLC APPROVE THE COUNTY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDED HLC OPERATIONAL BUDGET FOR 2007-2008. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

Dr. Morrill reported that two UNCC graduate students have completed their internships for the HLC. Mr. Brandon Lunsford produced a substantial portion of a Survey and Research Report on the Ranson House in Huntersville and performed historical research on White Oak Plantation. Mr. Bill Jeffers performed a reconnaissance survey of the built environment of Matthews and its environs.

Dr. Morrill reported that City Council has approved the new interlocal agreement. The matter will go before the Board of County Commissioners tomorrow night.

Dr. Morrill reported that the sale of the N. S. Alexander House, 5014 N. Sharon Amity Rd., and the Grand Theater, 333 Beatties Ford Road, have occurred and that the new owners are moving ahead with restorations.

Dr. Morrill reported that HLC Staff visited the mill houses on Euclid Ave. in Dilworth and has discussed with the owners the HLC’s possible interest in purchasing two of the houses. The owner indicated that he will come forward with a price at some point in the near future.

Dr. Morrill reported that the renovation of the rental house at White Oak Plantation, 7729 Hood Road, has begun. He said that the listing of the Sidney and Ethel Grier House and the Grier-Rea House with Ms. Lexie Longstreet has been completed. Ms. Longstreet believes that rezoning the Grier-Rea House for office use would enhance the prospects for selling the property. Dr. Morrill said that he did meet with members of the Planning Staff, and they said they would support the rezoning.

MS. SMITH PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. HOBBS THAT THE HLC APPROVE UP TO $10,000 FOR REZONING AND A SITE PLAN FOR THE GRIER-REA HOUSE, 7601 PROVIDENCE ROAD, CHARLOTTE, N. C. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

Item #4 - Projects Committee Report: Mr. Newman

Mr. Newman reported that the Projects Committee met April 26, 2007. Minutes from the meeting can be found on the HLC’s website - www.cmhpf.org.

The Dilworth Community Development Association has approached HLC Staff about the prospect of the HLC’s purchasing mill houses (2020, 2016 and 2012 Euclid Ave.) in Dilworth. The Charlotte Historic District Commission has imposed a one-year stay on demolition.

MR. NEWMAN PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MS. JOHNSON THAT HLC STAFF BE DIRECTED TO APPROACH THE OWNERS OF THE EUCLID AVENUE (2020, 2016, AND 2012) HOUSES TO DETERMINE WHAT PRESERVATION STRATEGIES MIGHT BE POSSIBLE. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

The HLC has received an offer from a prospective buyer to purchase Grace AME Zion Church and a letter of intent from another prospective buyer of Grace AME Zion Church. Mr. Pete Verna described his plans for the land adjoining the church and the church itself and responded to questions from Commissioners. Mr. Jim Donnelly described his plans for the building, which might include a daycare center, a restaurant, or a special meeting facility. He also responded to questions from Commissioners.

MR. WEIS PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. BENSON THAT THE HLC CONVENE IN EXECUTIVE SESSION. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

MS. SMITH PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. ALSOP THAT THE HLC RE-CONVENE IN REGULAR SESSION. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

Note: In Executive Session the HLC agreed to accept the offer from TBG Development LLC for the purchase of Grace AME Zion Church, 219 S. Brevard St., Charlotte, N. C.

Item #5 - Design Review Committee Report: Mr. Benson

Mr. Benson reported that the Design Review Committee met April 25, 2007. Minutes from the meeting can be found on the HLC’s website - www.cmhpf.org.

THE DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT THE CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS APPLICATIONS FOR THE WILLIAM GRIER HOUSE, 8416 STEELE CREEK ROAD, CHARLOTTE, N. C., AND THE HAYES-BYRUM HOUSE, 8522 STEELE CREEK ROAD, CHARLOTTE, N. C., BE APPROVED AS PRESENTED SUBJECT TO THE INCLUSION OF THE PRESENTED HLC STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

THE DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT THE APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS FOR THE OEHLER HOUSE, 14401 HUNTERSVILLE-CONCORD ROAD, HUNTERSVILLE, N. C., BE APPROVED AS SUBMITTED SUBJECT TO HLC STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS THAT THE PROPOSED NEW BAY WINDOW BE RECTANGULAR IN SHAPE AND HAVE A SIMPLE SHED ROOF AND THAT THE EXTERIOR PAINT COLOR OF THE ADDITION BE EXECUTED TO MINIMIZE THE VISUAL IMPACT OF THE ADDITION AND THAT THE APPLICANT SUBMIT PAINT COLORS TO THE HLC STAFF FOR ITS APPROVAL. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

THE DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT THE APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS BE APPROVED FOR NEW BALCONIES, WHICH COMPLY WITH SUGGESTIONS FROM THE STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE, FOR THE HOME FEDERAL SAVINGS AND LOAN BUILDING, 139 SOUTH TRYON STREET, CHARLOTTE, N. C. THE COMMISSION APPROVED THE MOTION WITH DR. MATTSON ABSTAINING IN THE VOTE.

Mr. Kluttz left the meeting at this point - 7:30 p.m.

Item #6 - Survey Committee Report: Mr. Alsop

Mr. Alsop reported that the Survey Committee met May 10, 2007. Minutes from the meeting can be read on the HLC’s website - www.cmhpf.org.

THE SURVEY COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT GARINGER HIGH SCHOOL, 1100 EASTWAY DRIVE, CHARLOTTE, N. C., (ALL PORTIONS OF THE PROPERTY IDENTIFIED AS INDIVIDUALLY SIGNIFICANT IN THE SURVEY AND RESEARCH REPORT AND THE APPROXIMATELY 62 ACRES OF LAND ON WHICH THE BUILDINGS SIT) BE PROCESSED FOR HISTORIC DESIGNATION. THE COMMISSION APPROVED THE MOTION WITH THE FOLLOWING VOTE: FAVOR: ALSOP, BENSON, BRAGG, HOBBS, JOHNSON, LAW, MATTSON, NEWMAN, NORMAN, SMITH ABSTAIN: NONE OPPOSE: WEIS.

THE SURVEY COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT THE EXTERIOR OF THE BUILDINGS AND THE GROUNDS AT THE CHARLES H. AND BESS SMITH HOUSE, 220 WEST TENTH ST., CHARLOTTE, N. C., BE PROCESSED FOR HISTORIC LANDMARK DESIGNATION.

(Note: HLC vote will not be held until the June 11, 2007, meeting in order that adequate notice can be given to the owner.)

THE SURVEY COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT THE HLC FUND A SURVEY AND RESEARCH REPORT FOR THE LINGLE HUT, 219 WATSON STREET, DAVIDSON, N. C. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

THE SURVEY COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT THE McCAUSLAND BUILDING, 221 SOUTH TRYON STREET, 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 TO OPPOSE DE-DESIGNATING THE W. B. NEWELL HOUSE, 8410 OLD CONCORD ROAD, CHARLOTTE, N.C., AND NOT TO FORMULATE A RECOMMENDATION TO THE CHARLOTTE CITY COUNCIL.

MS. SMITH PRESENTED A SUBSTITUTE MOTION SECONDED BY MS. JOHNSON REGARDING THE W. B. NEWELL HOUSE, 8410 OLD CONCORD ROAD, CHARLOTTE, N. C., AS FOLLOWS: 1) STUDY THE PROPERTY TO SEE IF CHANGES TO THE PROPERTY WARRANT REMOVAL OF DESIGNATION 2) FORMULATE A RECOMMENDATION REGARDING DE-DESIGNATION FOR REVIEW BY THE N. C. DIVISION OF ARCHIVES AND HISTORY 3) FORMULATE A FINAL RECOMMENDATION FOR PRESENTATION TO THE CHARLOTTE CITY COUNCIL IN A JOINT PUBLIC HEARING.

The HLC discussed the threatened old Baringer Hotel (currently Hall House), 426 N. Tryon St., Charlotte, N. C. Dr. Mattson reported that Historic Charlotte, Inc., contacted the N. C. Division of Archives and History about due process being followed by the Charlotte Housing Authority in terms of environmental review for National Register eligible properties. The HLC’s Center City Survey identified the structure as historically significant. The Commissioners agreed that between now and the June 11th HLC meeting, HLC staff should contact the Charlotte Housing Authority and the State Historic Preservation office about the status of the building.

Ms. Smith left the meeting at this point - 8:00 p.m.

Item #7 - Treasurer’s Report:

Ms. Law presented the current financial report.

Item #8 - Nominating Committee Report: Ms. Smith, Chr., Mr. Benson, Mr. Kluttz

The Nominating Committee presented the following proposed slate of HLC officers for the coming year:

Chairman: Mr. Norman

Vice-Chairman: Mr. Alsop

Secretary: Ms. Johnson

Treasurer: Ms. Law

The election of officers will be held at the HLC meeting on June 11, 2007. Nominations may be made from the floor at that time with consent of the person nominated.

Item #9 - Old Business.

No old business was considered.

No new business was considered.

The meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m.