Wilmington Historic Preservation Commission Meeting - February 11, 2021

The Wilmington Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) held a regular meeting on Thursday, February 11, 2021, at 5:30 p.m. in the Wilmington Convention Center (agenda stated City Council Chambers but minutes note Convention Center; meeting called to order at 5:32 p.m.). The meeting covered six agenda items: one old business item continued from January 14, five new business items, and staff reports on the FY2020 annual report and proposed Land Development Code changes. All applicants were sworn in, and evidentiary hearings were held with no public testimony beyond the applicants and their representatives.

Old Business

1) 515 Princess Street and 101 North 6th Street – Construct porch addition, fence, pool, patio, parking pad, and two accessory buildings (MJW-21-32)

• Applicant: Dr. Dominador Gobeleca, representing the owner, sought approval for extensive site work to return the historic Italianate-style Bissinger House (c. 1890) to residential use. The project included a side porch, pool house, breezeway, brick retaining wall extension, aluminum fence with brick piers, and a parking pad.
• Commission Deliberation: Concerns were raised by Commissioner Smith about the fence design being more typical of new construction, and by Commissioner Wilson that the pool house too closely mimicked the original house. Others noted that new materials and the pool would differentiate old from new. The applicant stated the intent was to be consistent and congruent, not exact.
• Outcome: Motion to conditionally approve with 19 conditions (e.g., pool house height ≤18 ft, fence max combined height 6 ft, landscaping plan required, materials consistent with findings of fact). Passed 7-1 (Mr. Smith opposed).

New Business

2) 307 South 2nd Street – Construct rear second story addition (MJW-21-35)

• Applicant: Charlie and Diane Connor, owners, proposed a 10’2” x 18’8” second-floor addition and a box window on the rear to add a bathroom and bedroom, citing functional need and restoration of a previous addition removed in 1975.
• Commission Questions: Addressed roof pitch (metal standing seam), ceiling height (10 ft), and siding (pine, with pre-priming advice). Applicant accepted all staff conditions.
• Outcome: Motion to conditionally approve with 6 conditions (dimensions, materials, clear glass, compliance). Passed 8-0.

3) 2 South Water Street – Remove covered pavilion and seating area at Riverwalk visitor center (MJW-21-36)

• Applicant: Everett Pannkuk (Statute Engineering) for the City, sought to waive the 365-day stay of demolition and obtain after-the-fact approval for removal of a picnic pavilion and seating (removed Sept. 24, 2020) to open river views. City Council had briefed on Jan. 4, 2021.
• Commission Deliberation: Some members expressed concern that the remaining building would look disproportionate, but others supported removal for safety and light. The applicant noted the structure houses the only public restrooms on the Riverwalk, limiting redesign options.
• Outcome: Motion to conditionally approve with 5 conditions (waive stay, finish to match existing materials, use alternative #2 design, compliance). Passed 8-0.

4) 121 North 8th Street – After-the-fact front door installation (MJW-21-37)

• Applicant: Steven and Helen Bath, purchased the house in May 2020, installed a metal six-light glass door without a COA, citing security. The house is non-contributing (built 1997).
• Commission: No objections after staff presentation.
• Outcome: Motion to conditionally approve (door to remain as installed, clear glass, no tint). Passed 8-0.

5) 312 North 6th Street – After-the-fact installation of eight-foot tall fence (MJW-21-38)

• Applicant: Hannah Highfill, sought approval to retain an 8-ft wood shadowbox fence along 40 ft of the south property line, installed without a COA. The fence had been partially cut to 6 ft after a zoning violation notice on Jan. 14, 2021, but an 8-ft section remained. Applicant cited privacy from neighbors’ elevated deck.
• Commission Deliberation: Concerns included the fence height (exceeding 6-ft standard), style (stockade-like), and lack of proper process. The applicant declined a continuance and requested a decision.
• Outcome: Motion to deny based on incongruity with the district, improper process, and height exceeding allowable standard. Passed 8-0. The applicant will work with staff to bring fence into compliance.

6) 119 South Water Street – Install functional garage door in place of existing garage-style window (MJW-21-36)

• Applicant: Brad Nuznoff (owner of The Cheese Board) proposed a steel Clopay sectional garage door with four glass panels to replace a fixed, deteriorating wood-framed plexiglass window, allowing open-air seating. The building is contributing but has undergone serious alterations.
• Commission Questions: Addressed door color (white), material (aluminum/steel vs. wood for weight and safety), and operation (only top panels raise).
• Outcome: Motion to conditionally approve (materials per findings, clear glass, compliance). Passed 8-0.

Staff Reports

FY2020 Annual Report – Presented by Ivy Freitag. Major works applications totaled 51 (down from 75), minor works (bypass) totaled 223 (up from 200), attributed partly to COVID-19 cancellations. Highlights included new construction approvals (e.g., 622 Ann Street, 138 N 4th St), the Solomon Building restoration, and the designation of the Kazoo Williams Crow House as a local landmark. Demolition-by-neglect cases dropped to 72 open cases. Commission commended progress.

Land Development Code (LDC) Rewrite Discussion – Staff sought feedback on two potential changes: 1) moving corner-lot fence approvals to the administrative bypass process, and 2) removing paint color from COA review. After extensive discussion:

• Fences on corner lots: Commissioners expressed mixed views; some favored streamlining with clearer standards, but others wanted to retain HPC review due to site-specific impacts. Consensus: no change at this time; further standards clarification needed.
• Paint colors: Strong opposition to removal; commissioners argued color is integral to historic character and feared chaos (e.g., neon colors). Suggestions included developing an approved palette for administrative bypass. Staff noted that the LDC draft will be available for public comment by April 1, 2021.

Key Outcomes

• All new business items approved with conditions (items 2,3,4,6) or denied (item 5) as noted.
• The old business item (item 1) was conditionally approved.
• Minutes from January 14, 2021, approved 8-0.
• No changes to current fence or paint color review requirements; further workshops and LDC revisions will address ambiguities.