Historic Preservation Commission Meeting – December 10, 2020
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Historic Preservation Commission Meeting – December 10, 2020
The Wilmington Historic Preservation Commission met on Thursday, December 10, 2020 at 5:30 p.m. at the Wilmington Convention Center. The meeting included a single quasi-judicial hearing for a storefront alteration at 28 North Front Street, followed by commissioner comments and staff announcements regarding digital meeting materials and code enforcement procedures.
Discussion Items
- 28 North Front Street (Parcel # R04720-009-004-001) – Exterior Storefront Alteration: The applicant, Dino Psilos (owner/operator of I Love NY Pizza), sought permanent approval of a slider window temporarily installed in May 2020 due to COVID-19. The window is a clear anodized aluminum unit measuring 48 inches wide by 36 inches tall, located on the north storefront bay. Staff planner Ivy Freitag noted the window does not reduce the overall display window or significantly alter the historic character. The Wilmington Design Standards recommend not reducing display windows but acknowledge storefront changes are common. Commissioner Michael Smith asked whether other properties had received temporary slider windows; staff replied no other slider windows had been requested, but similar storefront alterations had been approved.
- Commissioner Tribute: Commissioner Christopher Yermal recognized Beth Rutledge, outgoing executive director of Historic Wilmington Foundation, praising her leadership on programs like Legacy Architectural Salvage, the Florence Fix It Grant, and the Cape Fear Community College historic preservation certificate program.
- Digital Meeting Materials: Staff announced that paper packets would no longer be provided; materials would be posted online via Granicus. Several commissioners (Joan Keston, Ron Wilson, Michael Smith) objected, stating the change shifts printing costs and burdens commissioners, especially for detailed drawings. Commissioner Christopher Yermal demonstrated his workflow using an iPad. Staff agreed to trial the digital-only approach and re-evaluate.
- Code Enforcement Update: Staff explained that code enforcement for certificate of appropriateness (COA) violations is now handled by sworn officer Cynthia Roush. Commissioners inquired about follow-up and reporting. Staff said violation reports can be submitted online or directly to Ms. Roush, and unresolved issues will be brought back to the commission. Commissioner Ashley Wilson noted separating the enforcement role reduces conflicts.
Key Outcomes
- Motion to Approve Storefront Alteration (28 North Front Street): Commissioner Mary Ann Keiser moved to approve the permanent slider window with three conditions: (1) all windows shall remain clear with no tinting; (2) construction shall comply with all applicable laws and codes; (3) any project changes must be reviewed by the commission or via administrative bypass. The motion was seconded by Stephen Sulkey and carried 9-0.
- 2021 Meeting Calendar: The commission unanimously approved the proposed 2021 meeting calendar.
- Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 6:04 p.m. The next regular meeting is scheduled for January 14, 2021.
Meeting Transcript
Treasure snow crunch. See the kids but this is Santa Smith. And above all the buzz of you're gonna hear. You're gonna hear silver bills. Silver bill. Silver bill. Silver bits. It's Christmas time in the city. Ring a link. Hear them sing. Can I see soon? Can we be Christmas Day? Soon it will be a Christmas day. Silverville. So it's bedside type. Snow is with a beautiful side. We're happy to night. Walking in a winter wonderland. Here to stay is a new bird. He sings a less song as we go along. Walking in a winter wonderland. In the middle, we can build a snowman. Then pretend that he is awesome brown. We'll say no man. But you can do the job when you're in town. We'll conspire. Yeah. Okay. All right. Hello, everybody. Welcome to this December 10th Store Preservation Commission meeting. Hearings before the Store Preservation Commission are quasi-judicial nature. This is a design review process to determine if the proposed project is congruent with special character of the Storic District or Landmark. Decisions of the Commission are based on the record of these proceedings. Wilmington Design Standards for Historic Districts and Landmarks and Secretary of Interior Standards for Rehabilitation. Evidence submitted to the Commission for Review becomes part of the record. Appeals of commission decisions are to the Wilmington Board of Adjustment and the two and then to Superior Court and are based on the record. Appeals must be filed within 30 days. Evidence should be directed to the commission to ensure that evidence is properly recorded. Please come to the podium in the hall to address the commission, say your name and address, and speak clearly. A brief reminder that members of the HPC are appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the city council. Our charge is with respect to the protection and preservation of properties in the city's designated historic district. Commissioners, if you've if you've received or been made aware of any outside evidence related to any of the matters, any of these matters, please recuse yourself. At this time, I would like to request that all cell phones be either be turned off or silence mode. Alright, this time I'd like our commissioners to introduce themselves, starting with Mr. Yermal. Is your mic on, Chris? Go ahead and do that again. Christopher Yermal. Stephen Salke.
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