Wilmington Historic Preservation Commission Meeting - June 13, 2019

The Wilmington Historic Preservation Commission met on Thursday, June 13, 2019, at 5:33 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. Vice-Chairman Romero presided over the meeting, which included a presentation on the Sidewalk Tree Root Study, consideration of 10 agenda items, and discussions on policy and procedural matters. The meeting adjourned at 9:37 p.m.

Sidewalk Tree Root Study Presentation

Amy Beatty, Community Services Director, and Emily Blackwell of Stewart, presented a study on balancing healthy street trees and sidewalks. Ms. Blackwell requested that the Commission form a subcommittee to provide input on four study areas: Market Street between Water and Front Streets, Jefferson Street between Michigan and Virginia Streets, the 200 block of Keaton Avenue, and East Lake Shore Drive. A draft report is expected in early September 2019.

Consent Calendar

The following items were approved unanimously without public comment:

• 1705 Chestnut Street: Approved (7-0) the reduction of the 365-day stay of demolition and construction of a new accessory garage, subject to staff conditions.
• 1802 Chestnut Street: Approved (7-0) exterior alterations to the rear elevation, including infilling a door opening with wood shake siding, subject to conditions.
• 613 Walnut Street: Approved (8-0) after-the-fact approval for new wood windows, a new door on the west porch elevation, and a new rear door, subject to conditions.
• 402 South 3rd Street: Approved (8-0) the after-the-fact installation of security cameras, with a condition that the camera on the north elevation be painted and that future replacements be coordinated with staff.
• April 11, 2019 Meeting Minutes: Approved (8-0) with a typographical correction.

Public Comments & Testimony

• 518 Grace Street (paint color): Two neighbors, Lorrie Wagner (519 Grace) and Chris Gore (512 Grace), spoke in support of the proposed Seashell Pink paint color for the house, citing its subtlety and classic look.
• 108 South 2nd Street (new hotel): Scott McAfee (121 South 2nd) spoke in opposition to the four-story height, stating it would dwarf the surrounding properties and was not in harmony with the neighborhood.
• 318 Church Street (exterior alterations): Shirl Bishop (508 South 4th) spoke in favor, expressing relief that the long-neglected house would be restored.

Discussion Items

• 209 North 7th Street (metal roof): The applicant requested a continuance to the July 11, 2019 meeting to obtain additional roof estimates. The Commission granted the continuance (7-0).
• 518 Grace Street (paint color): Commissioner Keiser recused herself as a neighbor. After testimony from the applicant and staff, the Commission approved (5-1, Sulkey voting no) the request to paint the house body Seashell Pink, finding it compatible with the streetscape despite not strictly following the Queen Anne color palette.
• 220 North 5th Avenue (fencing): The Commission approved (6-1, Sulkey voting no) the construction of 4-foot-high wooden fences on a corner lot, matching the adjacent fence, subject to conditions.
• 1419 Market Street (exterior alterations): Discussion centered on the proposed Charleston-style porch enclosure and wrought-iron railing. Commissioners expressed concern about congruity. The applicant agreed to revise the design to use lap siding, a five-panel door, and wood railings. The item was continued (8-0) to the July 11 meeting.
• 108 South 2nd Street (new mixed-use building): A motion to approve the four-story, 45-room hotel with conditions (including planter boxes for softening) failed on a 4-4 tie vote (Sulkey, Smith, Keston, Keiser opposed). Key concerns were the height and scale relative to the block.
• 318 Church Street (exterior alterations): The Commission approved (7-1, Smith voting no) the after-the-fact removal and rebuilding of a chimney, new windows, and other alterations. A condition requiring French doors (instead of sliding glass) was added.
• Items from the Commission: A discussion arose regarding a perceived policy change allowing metal roof replacement with asphalt shingles. Staff clarified that the guidelines (replace with like kind) have not changed and each case is reviewed on its own merits.
• Items from Staff: Staff reported that 20 of 89 applications (22%) in the past year were after-the-fact requests. The need for an updated photographic inventory of the historic district was discussed, but such an inventory would require City Council funding.

Key Outcomes

• Votes: Seven items were approved (some with conditions), two were continued, and one (108 South 2nd) was denied on a tie vote.
• Direction for Staff: Staff will research guidelines for security cameras and work with the Sidewalk Tree Root Study subcommittee.
• Next Meeting: The next regular meeting is scheduled for Thursday, July 11, 2019.