Wilmington Historic Preservation Commission Meeting - October 11, 2018

The Wilmington Historic Preservation Commission met on Thursday, October 11, 2018 at 5:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers. The meeting addressed 12 agenda items, including requests for demolition stay reduction, after-the-fact construction approvals, roof replacement, new construction, and preservation agreements. The meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m.

Discussion Items

• 306 North 6th Street and 214 Nun Street (Old Business): Both items were withdrawn by the applicants due to incomplete applications or modified designs. Motions to withdraw passed 6-0.

• 211 Kidder Street – Reduction of 90-Day Stay of Demolition: Applicant Erik Hemingway (Elm Builders LLC) reported extensive termite damage, hypodermic needles, and hurricane damage, requesting immediate demolition. No public comments. The Commission approved reducing the stay to zero days, finding the building no longer contributes to the historic district (6-0).

• 302 North 7th Street – After-the-Fact Fence Construction (Corner Lot): Applicant Gregory Pampell, tenant and agent, explained the fence was repaired with reclaimed materials to secure the property. Public comments: Chris Morin (221 N 7th) and Natalie Morin (111 N 8th) spoke in favor; Kristen McKeithan (302 N 7th) emphasized housing needs over fence design. Concerns about incongruity with horizontal slats and dark color led to a motion to deny, citing inconsistency with Design Guidelines. Motion to deny passed 6-0.

• 11 South 5th Avenue – Replace Non-Historic Window with Stained Glass: The applicants Richard and Linda Mechling presented extensive photographic evidence. No public comments. Approved 6-0 with conditions requiring wood construction and matching trim.

• 709 Walnut Street – Install Bahama Shutters on Front Porch and Louvered Shutters on Rear Deck: Applicant Chris Durham requested aluminum blinds for cost reasons. Staff noted the blinds would provide privacy from adjacent historic property. No public comments. Approved 6-0 with condition all blinds painted white.

• 308 North 5th Avenue – Replace Historic Slate Roof with Asphalt Shingles: Applicant Willis Boynton stated the family has lived there for over 50 years and cannot afford slate. Public comments: Vernell Boynton (resident of 55 years) expressed concern about weight; Yolanda Boynton also spoke; Greg Pampell and Kristen McKeithan supported the request for affordability. Staff noted adjacent houses have asphalt shingles. Approved 6-0 with conditions including color approval by staff and no ridge vent.

• 221 North 4th Street – After-the-Fact Installation of Vinyl Windows and Door: Applicant Ed Vogeley purchased the building 5 years ago and was unaware of the violations. He requested a preservation agreement to replace materials when they deteriorate. Public comments: none. Commission approved a preservation agreement (Option B) 5-1 (Keiser voting no), allowing the vinyl and metal to remain until replacement with appropriate materials.

• 409 North 6th Street – After-the-Fact Modification of COA for New Construction: Applicant John Jarvis (PBC Design Build) apologized for oversight. Changes included omitted handrails and relocated garage door. Public comments: none. Approved 6-0 with condition to submit as-built drawings.

• 110 North 7th Street – New Construction (Two-Story House and Garage): Applicant Gary Fossum and lot owner Patricia Gray presented a prairie-style bungalow design. Debate over congruity, roof pitch, railings. Public comments: Stephen Sulkey (114 N 6th) spoke about tree safety; Georgia Savas and Patricia Gray addressed design. The Commission bifurcated the request: tree removal approved 6-0; the remainder continued to the November 1, 2018 meeting for revisions to roof pitch and railings.

• 618 Ann Street – New Construction: Nathan Hingtgen represented the applicant. The lot had a previous expired COA. No public comments. Approved 6-0 with 19 conditions regarding materials, landscaping, and tree protection.

• 402 South 3rd Street – Exterior Alterations: Continued to November 1, 2018 at staff's request. Motion passed 6-0.

• Meeting Minutes – May 10, 2018 and June 14, 2018: Approved as amended with corrected vote tallies. Motion passed 6-0.

Key Outcomes

• All votes were 6-0 except for Item 8 (221 N 4th St) which passed 5-1.
• Item 10 (110 N 7th St) was bifurcated: tree removal approved 6-0; design continued to Nov 1.
• Items 1, 2, and 12 were withdrawn or continued without substantive debate.
• The Commission waived CLG training requirements for the last fiscal year due to hurricane cancellations.
• Staff noted post-storm challenges: increased applications, reluctance of insurance to cover historic metal roofs, and expedited review for emergency repairs.