Wilmington Historic Preservation Commission Meeting - May 9, 2019

A regular meeting of the Wilmington Historic Preservation Commission was held on Thursday, May 9, 2019, at 5:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers, Skyline Center, Wilmington, NC. Vice-Chairman Rob Romero presided, and a quorum was present. The meeting began with a presentation of a Certificate of Appreciation to Ms. Lynne Boney. The Commission considered nine agenda items, including landscaping, exterior alterations, new construction, and after-the-fact approvals. The meeting adjourned at 8:11 p.m.

Certificate of Appreciation

• Vice-Chairman Romero presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Ms. Lynne Boney for her service on the Commission from 2008 to 2019.

Old Business

1. 1623 Rankin Street – Landscaping Plan for New Single-Family Construction

The applicant Steve Dutton and landscaper Dave Foster presented a landscape plan to screen the new house. Staff recommended conditions including limiting the brick driveway to 2½ ft. into the west side yard, adding ground cover in the rear near the creek, and substituting non-hybrid azaleas (hybrid Encore azaleas not permitted). The Commission approved the plan 6-0 with those conditions.

New Business

2. 100 Block South 3rd Street – Intersection Improvements and Crosswalks

NCDOT representative David Leonard described a safety project to extend the center median, add a pedestrian crosswalk, curb bump-outs, and curb ramps to reduce pedestrian/vehicular collisions (66 crashes in 10 years, 19 injuries, 1 fatality, 9 pedestrians hit). Public comment from Joy Allen raised concerns about impacts on driveways (clarified by applicant) and inadequate driver compliance with existing flashing beacons. The Commission approved 6-0 with conditions: salvage any historic bricks, staff review of landscape, and black ADA mats at curb cuts.

3. 614 Ann Street – Window Replacement and Screen Door

Applicant Christine Hubert, a recent purchaser, requested replacement of eight historic wood windows with new vinyl (American Craftsman 50 series) and replacement of two existing vinyl windows with the same. She proposed to repair the wood windows and replace only the existing vinyl with the new vinyl. Staff recommended denial per guidelines requiring wood windows. The Commission denied the request 4-2, citing the need to preserve original wood windows. The screen door request was not included in the denial and could be handled administratively.

4. 516 South 5th Avenue – Exterior Alterations (New Window)

The applicant sought to add a 2-over-2 wood window to match previously approved windows on a rear addition. The Commission approved 6-0 with conditions requiring wood trim and matching specifications.

5. 606 Walnut Street – After-the-Fact Exterior Alterations (Remanded from Board of Adjustment)

The Board of Adjustment remanded the case due to insufficient findings on the dormer window, deck, and fence. Assistant City Attorney Melissa Huffman explained the remand and that the finished-side-of-fence issue is a Land Development Code matter, not HPC purview. Applicants Keith Bentley and Cindy Fung presented: they painted the dormer siding white and proposed hidden hinges for the casement window, argued the deck board direction and material are standard for modern decks (not available in 2½" tongue-and-groove), and requested the fence height be retained for privacy (noting tall fences in the district). Staff noted the fence measured up to 8 ft. 10 in. from adjacent grade. The Commission:

• Approved the dormer window with a condition requiring hidden hinges (actual window hardware, not cabinet hardware) – 5-1 (Commissioner Smith voted no).
• Denied the after-the-fact approval of the fence and deck – 6-0, finding the fence height non-conforming (max 6 ft. in HD-R without exceptions) and the deck placement on the property line inconsistent with typical setbacks.

6. 138 North 4th Street – New Commercial Construction (New Hanover County Juvenile Justice Building)

Applicant Chris Steude (Moseley Architects) presented a 3-story, 38,450 sq. ft. professional office building designed to complement the adjacent AT&T building and 320 Chestnut. Three brick options were provided due to public bidding. Staff conditions included HVAC screening (applied using the building parapet, applicant agreed to future screening if needed), archaeological investigation, and landscaping review. Commissioner McCaleb recused himself. The Commission approved 4-1 (Commissioner Keiser voted no) with all staff conditions.

7. 209 North 7th Street – Metal Roof Replacement with Asphalt Shingles

Owner Zach Caudle requested to replace historic standing-seam metal roof with asphalt shingles, citing insurance denial after Hurricane Florence and cost difference (approx. $5,000 for asphalt vs. $17,000–18,000 for metal). Discussion considered precedent, maintenance of metal roofs, and potential loss of historic fabric. The applicant requested a continuance to obtain additional estimates. The Commission continued the item to June 13, 2019 – 6-0.

8. 1705 Chestnut Street – New Construction for Accessory Garage

Staff requested a continuance due to an incomplete application. The Commission continued to June 13, 2019 – 6-0.

9. 317 South 2nd Street – Landscaping Improvements and In-Ground Pool

Applicant Blair Walton (representing the owners) proposed a new pool, water feature, metal gate, HVAC relocation, new parking for two vehicles, and planting (including Cherry Laurels for screening). The property has a rear carriage house rental. The Commission approved 6-0 with conditions including North Carolina Building Code compliance, archaeological investigation if needed during excavation, staff review of lighting and posts, and final inspection.

Routine Actions

10. Meeting Minutes – March 14, 2019

Approved 6-0.

Items from the Commission

Commissioner Hill inquired about missing items from the Board of Adjustment remand (audio and applicant’s PowerPoint were not in the record). Attorney Huffman confirmed the record deficiencies and noted steps to correct for future cases.

Items from Staff

Planning Coordinator Snotherly reminded the Commission that quasi-judicial training would be offered through the School of Government on May 16, 2019.

Key Outcomes

• Approved (unanimous or 6-0): Items 1, 2, 4, 9, minutes.
• Approved with split votes: Item 5 (dormer 5-1), Item 6 (new construction 4-1).
• Denied: Item 3 (window replacement 4-2), Item 5 (fence and deck 6-0).
• Continued: Items 7 and 8 to June 13, 2019.