Wilmington Historic Preservation Commission Meeting

A regular meeting of the Wilmington Historic Preservation Commission was held on Thursday, August 12, 2021, at 5:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers, Skyline Center. Vice-Chair Joan Keston presided. The commission considered one continued old business item, four new business items, and a resolution regarding special legislation for demolition stays outside local historic districts. All votes are recorded as tallied.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (July 8, 2021): Approved 8-0 with an amendment to expand the description of Commissioner Smith's closing comments.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 1 (117 S. 2nd St.):
  • Kathleen Findlen (121 S. 2nd St.): Opposed the waiver of the 365-day demolition stay, citing concerns about impacts to her property and foundation; requested provisions to protect surrounding structures.
  • Russ Bryan (attorney for Bruce & Sonya Carrell): Argued that the HPC lacked jurisdiction due to a consent order in Superior Court; requested the stay remain at 365 days.
  • Bruce Carrell (120 S. 3rd St.): Opposed demolition, stating the building could be renovated; requested additional time for resolution.
  • Sonya Wall Carrell (120 S. 3rd St.): Opposed the request, arguing the building has historic significance as a former African American school; requested the full 365-day stay.
  • Eileen Ashton: Asked the commission to consider the building's potential historic significance as an African American school.
• Item 5 (708 Market St.):
  • Chris Holcombe (17 S. 7th St.): Expressed concerns about HardyPlank siding, storage space above garage becoming living space, parking difficulties, and the health of a live oak tree.
  • Jenna Holcombe (17 S. 7th St.): Raised concerns about parking, the live oak tree, and unclear fencing plans.
  • Mimi Ashton (16 S. 16th St.): Asked whether the units are condos or apartments.

Discussion Items

1. 117 South 2nd Street – Demolition Waiver (Continued from July 8)

   • Staff summarized the request to demolish a non-contributing brick building. The applicant, Jonah Dicker, provided extensive engineering reports detailing structural failures, water infiltration, and mold. He argued the building is beyond reasonable salvage. Neighbors opposed, citing potential damage, lack of communication, and historic significance. The city attorney clarified the HPC's role is limited to determining the length of the demolition stay (up to 365 days). After deliberation, the commission approved a 90-day stay with conditions (vibration mitigation, salvage coordination, compliance with codes). Motion passed 7-0 (Yermal recused).

2. 207 South 2nd Street – Rear Addition & After-the-Fact Tree Removal

   • Staff presented a proposal for a 249 sq. ft. rear addition to a contributing house, and approval for the accidental removal of a pecan tree (the tree company removed it along with a permitted laurel oak). The applicant, Mark Rhodes, revised window/door products to wood. Neighbors voiced no opposition. The commission approved the addition and tree removal with conditions (wood windows/doors, replacement tree). Motion passed 8-0.

3. 114 North 7th Street – Rear Porch Addition & French Doors

   • Staff described a proposed rear porch with synthetic decking. The agent, Steve Venters, agreed to use wood decking per design standards. No public testimony was offered. Motion passed 8-0 with conditions (clear glazing, wood decking, building code compliance).

4. 115 Ann Street – Front Porch Addition & Landscaping

   • Staff presented a proposal for a 129 sq. ft. front porch and landscaping on a non-contributing townhouse. Applicant Paul Biancardi stated the design was inspired by other porches in the area. Commissioner Wilson expressed concerns about the porch's simplicity and impact on the streetscape. Commissioner Yermal suggested a horizontal soffit. Public testimony from Katherine Biancardi and Eileen Ashton noted HOA approval was pending. Motion passed 7-1 (Wilson voted no) with conditions (4x4 columns if code allows, horizontal soffit, white paint already proposed).

5. 708 Market Street – Rear Addition, Accessory Building, Site Improvements

   • Staff detailed a plan for a rear addition, detached two-story garage, site improvements, and landscaping on a contributing house. Windows were proposed in fiberglass; staff recommended wood. Public testimony raised concerns about HardyPlank siding, future conversion of garage storage, parking, and tree health. The applicant David Lisle confirmed condos and agreed to an arborist review. The commission approved with conditions (wood windows, tree protection fencing, replacement trees, arborist report for unhealthy trees, updated site plan for fence removal). Motion passed 8-0.

Key Outcomes

• Item 1: Approved a 90-day stay of demolition with conditions (7-0).
• Item 2: Approved rear addition and after-the-fact tree removal with conditions (8-0).
• Item 3: Approved rear porch addition and French doors with conditions (8-0).
• Item 4: Approved front porch addition with conditions (7-1).
• Item 5: Approved rear addition, accessory building, and site improvements with conditions (8-0).
• Election of Chair: Vote tied 4-4; Vice-Chair Keston will continue as Interim Chair until January 2022.
• Resolution on Special Legislation: Commissioner Smith presented a resolution urging City Council to pursue state legislation allowing stays of demolition for National Register properties outside locally designated historic districts. After discussion, the commission approved the resolution 7-0 (Wilson absent). The resolution will be sent to City Council for further action.

The meeting adjourned at 9:48 p.m.