Gastonia Historic District Commission Meeting – August 27, 2026

The Gastonia Historic District Commission held a regular meeting on August 27, 2026, at City Hall, beginning at 6:00 PM. The meeting included the oath of office for reappointed commissioners, approval of prior minutes, and four public hearings on certificates of appropriateness. Key topics included porch enclosure, after-the-fact chimney removals, and siding replacement. All four applications were approved, one with a condition.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the May 28, 2026, and July 23, 2026, meetings.

Discussion Items

• Item 3A – 901 S Chester Street (File PLCA202600335): The applicant, Mike DeToly, requested approval to enclose the front porch entrance of a non‑contributing 1969 commercial building in the Brookwood Historic District. The proposal included brick columns, commercial‑grade aluminum storefront windows and door, and a centered entry. Staff noted the property is in the 100‑year floodplain, requiring additional flood study. The subcommittee had no additional requests. The applicant spoke in favor, emphasizing the building’s history and community benefit. The commission unanimously approved the application as submitted.
• Item 3B – 414 W Fifth Avenue (File PLCA202600220): Jackie Williams sought after‑the‑fact approval for removal of an interior chimney from a contributing 1922 home in the York Chester Historic District. The applicant testified that the chimney caused chronic basement flooding despite numerous repairs, and that a structural engineer’s letter confirmed the chimney could not be reasonably repaired. Commissioners debated the sufficiency of evidence and precedent, but ultimately voted unanimously to approve.
• Item 3C – 308 W Fifth Avenue (File PLCA202600209): After‑the‑fact request to replace siding with HardiePlank and paint the house white. The siding installed was ocean blue, and the applicant amended the request to keep the blue on the new siding while leaving the original vinyl white on an addition. Commissioners discussed the two‑color scheme and whether it met design standards. An initial motion to approve as submitted failed 3–4 (3 in favor, 4 opposed). A second motion to approve on condition that either the blue or white be extended to unify the siding colors passed 5–2 (Ben and Jeff opposed). The approved colors can be either blue or white.
• Item 3D – 535 W Harvie Avenue (File PLCA202600152): Wes Forbus and CJ Saunders requested approval to remove an end chimney from a contributing 1919 home. The chimney was failing structurally, as documented by an engineer’s report. The commission had previously requested a letter stating whether the chimney could be replaced; the applicants did not provide such a letter, citing cost and difficulty. After discussion, the commission unanimously approved the removal, noting the chimney’s non‑prominent location and the need for other repairs contingent on its removal.

Key Outcomes

• Item 3A: Approved unanimously.
• Item 3B: Approved unanimously.
• Item 3C: Approved with condition (5–2) that siding be painted one uniform color (either blue or white).
• Item 3D: Approved unanimously.
• Other Business: A subcommittee meeting was scheduled to follow adjournment.