Wilmington Historic Preservation Commission Meeting - March 14, 2019

The Wilmington Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) convened on Thursday, March 14, 2019 at 5:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, Skyline Center, 929 North Front Street, to consider ten agenda items. The meeting was called to order by Chairman Tara Murphy and included proceedings from the commissioners, staff presenters, and members of the public. The Commission addressed one item of old business (continued from January and February 2019 meetings), six items of new business including after-the-fact installation approvals and demolition reduction requests, and discussion of proposed guidelines for ATMs and telecommunication facilities. Votes ranged from unanimous approval to divided outcomes.

Consent Calendar

• None explicitly designated as consent; the Commission considered each item individually.

Old Business

• 516 South 5th Avenue – Construction of a new accessory structure (detached garage), continued from January and February 2019. Staff presented plans showing a rear yard 24 ft x 30 ft garage about 18 ft high, similar in design to the house and adjacent structures. The applicant provided a foundation plan and site plan. Commissioners discussed the absence of decorative brackets under eaves; staff recommended no brackets. Vice-Chairman Romero moved to approve with 11 conditions, including: height subservience to the existing house, matching lap siding reveal installed smooth side out, staff review of window/garage/pedestrian door design and paint colors, prohibition of decorative exposed brackets, and landscaping approval. Motion carried 9-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 4: 223 North 7th Street – PVC fencing. Mr. Charles Nelson, owner, stated that he originally requested a 6-ft privacy fence but after discussions with staff settled on a 4-ft PVC fence; he contended he was unaware of the need for a Certificate of Appropriateness and noted that guidelines conflict. Erin Nelson, occupant, spoke in support, saying other nearby fences (chain‑link, brick) were grandfathered. Suzanne Stanley, neighbor, expressed support, noting wood fences need painting while her neighbor’s PVC fence “looks very nice.” Beth Rutledge from Historic Wilmington Foundation spoke in opposition, stating “materials do matter … if natural materials are continually replaced with man‑made, it changes the historic fabric.”
• Item 7: 2041 Jefferson Street – reduce 90‑day stay of demolition. Mr. Don Yale, adjacent property owner, expressed concern about asbestos siding removal and whether proper permits could be obtained within the 90‑day period. He also raised that it is “rumored the applicant intends to change the use of the property to a multi‑family home.” Commissioner McCaleb explained that the Commission has no control over the permitting process or timeline.
• Item 8: 314 South 8th Street – reduce 90‑day stay of demolition. The applicant, Tony Damiano, stated the structural damage from Historic district is “significantly worse than expected” due to roof damage, water damage, mold, and evidence of squatting. He noted discussions with Zoning Administrator about subdividing the lot into 7–9 single‑family residences.
• Item 3: 215 South 5th Avenue – exterior alterations (windows and range vent). Applicant Chris Robinson requested painting the vent galvanized (instead of stainless steel) because it could be painted to match the home. Commissioner Keston expressed support for painting to match. The motion removed condition 2 (requiring stainless steel) and added that the historic wood window removed from second story be stored in a climate‑controlled environment. Motion carried 8‑1 (Mr. McCaleb opposed).

Discussion Items

• Proposed design guidelines for ATMs and Telecommunication Facilities. Staff presented draft guidelines developed after a Board of Adjustment overturned a written HPC decision due to lack of adopted ATM guidelines. The subcommittee proposed 15 guidelines, including a minimum storefront width of 6 feet (not 3) for ATMs only in non‑original storefronts. Commissioner McCaleb suggested “design standards” rather than guidelines to ensure conformity. Chairman Murphy asked that the telecommunication, ATM, and stormwater guidelines be circulated via email before the April public hearing. A public hearing is scheduled for April.

Key Outcomes

• Item 1 (Old Business): Approved with conditions 9-0.
• Item 3 (Windows/vent): Approved 8-1.
• Item 4 (PVC fencing): Motion to deny carried 9-0. Owner may request a wooden fence under staff review.
• Item 5 (720 Red Cross Street – vinyl windows/wood window): Approved 7-2 (Mr. McCaleb and Ms. Demas opposed). Conditions include record preservation agreement to replace vinyl with wood when they deteriorate.
• Item 6 (117 South 7th Street – historic chimney removal): Denied 9-0. Commission found the chimney remains look “temporarily unfinished” and the removal does not comply with design guidelines.
• Item 7 (2041 Jefferson Street – reduction of 90‑day stay): Approved 9-0 to reduce to zero days. Conditions include donating historic architectural components, protecting trees, and obtaining all required permits for asbestos and demolition.
• Item 8 (314 South 8th Street – reduction of 90‑day stay): Approved 8‑1 (Ms. Demas opposed). Reduction to zero days with same conditions regarding hazardous materials and building code compliance.
• Item 9 (Proposed guidelines for ATMs/telecom): Commission agreed to hold a public hearing in April; staff will distribute updated guidelines via email for comment.
• Item 10 (Meeting minutes from January 10, 2019): Approved 9‑0, with an amendment to add Michael Smith to the recorded attendance.

The meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m. The next scheduled meeting is Thursday, April 11, 2019.