Wilmington Historic Preservation Commission Meeting – September 9, 2021
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Wilmington Historic Preservation Commission Meeting – September 9, 2021
The Wilmington Historic Preservation Commission met on Thursday, September 9, 2021, at 5:33 p.m. in City Council Chambers, City Hall, 102 North 3rd Street, Wilmington, NC. Vice-Chair Joan Keston presided. The meeting adjourned at 9:48 p.m. All votes were 6-0.
Approval of Minutes – August 12, 2021
- The commission approved the August 12, 2021 minutes with a correction on page 12, paragraph 5 (changing "has" to "does"). The motion carried 6-0.
Old Business
- 124 S. Front Street (Parcel # R05308-005-004-000): The applicant requested a continuance to the October 14, 2021 meeting because the owner was out of town. The commission granted the continuance (6-0).
New Business
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209 S. 5th Avenue – Roof Replacement (MJW-22-7): Staff presented a request to replace an existing slate roof with CertainTeed Grand Manor asphalt shingles in Stonegate Gray, after a prior Certificate of Appropriateness (2018) had expired due to lack of funding. The applicant, Layne Patterson, stated the project is the same but materials costs have increased. The commission approved with conditions: (1) coordinate with Historic Wilmington Foundation to salvage usable slate tiles, (2) no new roof or gable vents, (3) compliance with all codes, (4) changes reviewed by HPC or via administrative bypass. Motion carried 6-0.
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100 S. 3rd Street – Major Landscaping (MJW-22-8): Staff detailed a plan for the "Bridgers House" (circa 1905) including removal of two crepe myrtles, relocation of two others, new brick paths, patio, wrought iron fence, water feature, and plantings. The applicant, Nicole Whiteside (SageDesign), confirmed the owner wants to close the driveway due to safety concerns. Commissioner Keiser asked about parking; staff noted ample on-street parking. Public comment: Joe Pollock (302 S. 2nd St.) spoke in support, praising the removal of crepe myrtles that harm the structure, and asked the city to also consider removing trees in the public right-of-way plaza. The commission approved with conditions: (1) final design for inlay, water feature, planter, arbor via administrative bypass, (2) tree removal permit, (3) remove existing driveway apron and plant ground cover, (4) coordinate with city streets division for granite curbing, (5) comply with drawings, (6) all required permits, (7) changes reviewed. Motion carried 6-0. After the vote, Assistant City Attorney Melissa Huffman stated the commission could not act on trees in the public right-of-way but staff would bring it to the city arborist.
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314 Orange Street – After-the-Fact Porch Design and Landscaping (MJW-22-9): Staff explained that a Certificate of Appropriateness issued in January 2021 for porch repairs had been modified without approval (the contractor added trim boards). A stop work order was issued on August 2. The applicant, Jim Luddy, stated the trim was always planned and miscommunication occurred. He proposed a landscaping plan for the rear including river rock, a fire pit, and a flowering plum tree in the public right-of-way (needing a tree permit). Commissioner Sulkey expressed concern about after-the-fact requests; Commissioner Keiser supported the application provided the porch gets painted. The commission approved with conditions: (1) tree permit for right-of-way tree, (2) lighting plan via administrative bypass, (3) all required permits including for fire pit, (4) changes reviewed. Motion carried 6-0.
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617 Chestnut Street – Fence Installation on Corner Lot (MJW-22-10): Staff presented a plan to replace multiple fence sections, including a wood fence to be replaced with brick to match existing, a new shadowbox fence, and a wrought iron fence. The applicant, Jeff Porter, noted the fence line would be moved three feet inward to allow neighbor extra parking. A fig tree would be removed. Staff corrected that a tree removal permit condition was needed. The commission approved with conditions: (1) tree removal permit, (2) plant a replacement tree from Appendix C, (3) all required permits, (4) changes reviewed. Motion carried 6-0.
Items from Staff
- Rules of Procedure: Senior Planner Christine Hughes presented minor amendments due to the new Land Development Code. The commission will vote on the revised rules at the October 14 meeting.
Items from the Commission
- Resolution for Special Legislation (Commissioner Smith): Commissioner Smith updated on efforts to obtain special state legislation to protect historic structures outside locally designated historic districts from demolition. He contacted Cary (where legislation passed but not adopted) and Wake Forest (still researching). Historic Wilmington Foundation supports the effort; SHPO will engage at the state level. The City Manager requested a presentation to City Council at one of their October meetings. Commissioner Smith was recommended to present. The legislative agenda is set in December, and the General Assembly would consider it as early as May 2022. Commissioner Wilson suggested researching coastal towns like Edenton and Elizabeth City. There was discussion about follow-up on Certificates of Appropriateness; staff noted work must commence within six months and applicants must request inspection. COVID-related legislation has extended permits for the Arrive Hotel.
Key Outcomes
- All new business items approved 6-0 with conditions as noted.
- Continuance granted for 124 S. Front Street to October 14, 2021.
- Rules of Procedure changes will be voted on in October.
- Special legislation resolution will be presented to City Council in October; further research and a supporting letter are needed before the December legislative agenda deadline.
Meeting Transcript
You'd so grand at the game. So can we do that it does the motion that you can see your future with me? Because you'd be all so easy. Good evening. Welcome to the historic preservation commission meeting this Thursday, September 9th, 2021. Hearings before the Historic Preservation Commission are quasi-judicial in nature. This is a design review process to determine if the proposed project is congruous with the special character of the district historic district or landmark. Decisions of the commission are based on the record record of these proceedings, the Wilmington design standards for historic districts and landmarks, and the Secretary of the 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 then to Superior Court and are based on the record. Appeals must be filed within 30 days of the date of the commission's action. Evidence is received during the evidentiary hearing portion of an agenda item. Those who want to address the commission are sworn as witnesses to present material and substantial evidence to the commission. The chair recognizes those who want to submit such evidence during the evidentiary hearing. 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, state 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 the respect to the protection and preservation of properties in the city's designated historic district. We are held to the standards of the Wilmington design standards for historic districts and landmarks and for applicable North Carolina state law to determine if exterior changes are congruous with the special character of the city's historic districts. Please remember that our deliberation should be centered on how a project meets the design standards and whether the proposed change is congruous or is not congruous. Commissioners, if you have received or been made aware of any outside evidence related to any of the matters, please recuse yourself. Michael Smith. It's page 12. And it was just a typo thing. Attorney, it's in the fifth paragraph down. Attorney Hoffman confirms City Council. Gets attacked by their um whatever this is. I'm sorry. Um confirm that the city council has not authority over property. I think I think that's supposed to be does not have authority over properties located outside the city. No. Correction has been noted. That was it. Thank you. Let me just say I touch it. Okay. Anything else? Anyone wants to make a motion? Accept the minutes. Second. Second. All in favor? Aye. Aye. Proposed? None. Okay, item number one. We have a continuance. The owner of the building has requested a continuance to a date certain. He requests it to our HPC meeting for October 14th, 2021.
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