Wilmington Historic Preservation Commission Meeting - January 12, 2023

The Wilmington Historic Preservation Commission held a regular meeting on Thursday, January 12, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers, Skyline Center, 929 North Front Street, Wilmington, NC. Vice-Chair Christopher Yermal presided. The meeting included evidentiary hearings on four agenda items: one continuation from December (old business), and three new business items. The meeting adjourned at 7:22 p.m.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes – December 8, 2022: The minutes were approved unanimously (6-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Travis Gilbert, Historic Wilmington Foundation: Spoke on Item 1 (19 S 6th Street), noting the existing striated roof is incongruent with standards and that an asphalt shingle roof would also be inappropriate, though affordable. He offered potential financial assistance through the Preservation Equity Fund if the property remains affordable housing and negotiated with the city. Also spoke on Item 4 (2 Church Street), stating the Foundation considers itself an “other party” and offered to work with the commission, staff, and property owner over the 365-day period to preserve the building.
• Alan Smith, 5 Church Street: Spoke in favor of the 365-day stay on Item 4, expressing that neighbors are mystified by the property owner’s situation and supporting negotiations to preserve the house.

Discussion Items

1. 19 S 6th Street (Old Business) – After-the-Fact Roof Replacement

Staff presented the request for after-the-fact approval of a new striated standing seam metal roof. The applicant’s agent, Beverly Femia, explained that the owner, Mrs. Walsh, acted in good faith during hurricane season, unaware of historic district regulations. The original roof was metal shingle, not standing seam. The roof remains incomplete, and structural engineering reports (by Chris Holmes Engineering) are pending, suggesting possible structural reinforcement needs. Costs discussed: approximately $16,000 already spent, with estimates ranging from $14,000 to over $30,000 for a compliant metal roof. The applicant expressed preference for an asphalt shingle roof to match rear additions, citing affordability. After public comment and deliberation, the commission voted unanimously (6-0) to continue the hearing to the April 13, 2023 meeting to allow time for the engineering report and exploration of funding options through Historic Wilmington Foundation and city community services. No enforcement action will be taken during the continuance.

2. 121 S 4th Street – Alteration of Pool Deck

The applicant, Bruce McGuire, proposed replacing a failing tile pool deck with Fiberon Veranda capped composite decking (gray). The pool and deck are not original; the pool was approved in 1975, and current tiles were installed without a COA in 2007 and are now a safety hazard. The deck area is not visible from any public street or sidewalk per notarized neighbor affidavits. Staff noted the Design Standards require pressure-treated lumber or hard insect-resistant woods for decks, with no guidance on composite materials. Initial vote on the composite deck motion failed 3-3 (Vice-Chair Yermal, Mr. Sulkey, Mr. Wilson opposed). After further discussion, a new motion was made approving a treated wood deck with conditions (construction from pressure-treated lumber, compliance with building codes, and staff review of minor changes). This motion passed 5-0 (Ms. Wilson abstained).

3. 219 McRae Street – After-the-Fact Exterior Alterations

The applicant (contractor Dana Sherron) sought after-the-fact approval for Hardie board siding installed on the rear façade and proposed front porch repairs, including replacing non-original metal columns and balustrade with wood, repairing vinyl soffit/fascia (which existed previously), and restoring the historic front door. Staff noted a stop work order was issued after Hardie board installation began without a COA. The commission debated the appropriateness of Hardie board on a contributing resource; it had only been approved for new construction, not replacement on main structures. After discussion, a motion approved the request with conditions, including removal of the Hardie board siding on the rear and replacement with wood lap siding, provision of specifications for repair siding and gutters, payment of after-the-fact fees, bypass approval for exterior lighting, and compliance with building codes. The motion passed 6-0.

4. 2 Church Street – Demolition of Dwelling

The applicant sought a Certificate of Appropriateness to demolish the contributing dwelling without waiving the 365-day stay of demolition. Staff and Assistant City Attorney Huffman explained that pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. §160D-949, the commission cannot deny demolition of a non-statewide-significant structure. The owner did not request a reduction of the 365-day period. After public comment from Travis Gilbert (offering to negotiate) and Alan Smith (neighbor supporting preservation efforts), the commission voted 6-0 to approve the demolition while maintaining the full 365-day stay to allow for negotiations and preservation efforts.

Key Outcomes

• Item 1 (19 S 6th Street): Continued to April 13, 2023 meeting (6-0). No enforcement action during continuance.
• Item 2 (121 S 4th Street): Approved with conditions for a treated wood pool deck (5-0, one abstention). Composite deck motion failed 3-3.
• Item 3 (219 McRae Street): Approved with conditions, including removal of after-the-fact Hardie board and replacement with wood siding (6-0).
• Item 4 (2 Church Street): Approved demolition with 365-day stay (6-0). Staff noted future code revisions will remove the requirement for a full commission vote on such demolitions, allowing bypass approval with notification.
• Other Business: None.