Wilmington Historic Preservation Commission Meeting - July 11, 2024
Wilmington Historic Preservation Commission Meeting - July 11, 2024
The Wilmington Historic Preservation Commission met on Thursday, July 11, 2024, at 5:33 p.m. in City Council Chambers, City Hall, 102 North 3rd Street, Wilmington, North Carolina. Chair Kathleen Egan presided over the meeting, which adjourned at 6:49 p.m. All six present members voted unanimously on each agenda item. The commission considered three evidentiary hearings: one old business (driveway installation) and two new business (after-the-fact driveway and planters, and new residential infill construction).
Consent Calendar
- Approval of Minutes – June 13, 2024: The minutes were approved as presented by a 6-0 vote (motion by Mr. Sulkey, second by Ms. Wilson).
Public Comments & Testimony
- Item 3 – 111 N 7th Street: Three members of the public spoke in support of the new infill construction project. Mr. John Stafford (neighbor) expressed support and noted he had cleaned tree limbs from the lot for five years. Mr. Dave Webb (owner of adjacent property at 113 N 7th) supported the project, citing concerns about the laurel oak tree leaning toward his house and compromised roots. Mr. Gary Fossum (resident at 110 N 7th) stated the design is congruous with the neighborhood and urged approval.
- Item 2 – 216 S 3rd Street: A letter from a neighbor regarding stormwater runoff was submitted and entered into the record. No additional public testimony was offered.
Discussion Items
- Old Business: 416 N 5th Avenue – Driveway Installation: Staff presented a revised proposal to install an 8-foot-6-inch-wide gravel driveway (granite 57 stone) with a concrete sidewalk and landscaping. The project had been modified from a previous concrete pad proposal. Commissioners noted the improvement and approved with conditions.
- New Business: 216 S 3rd Street – After-the-Fact Driveway and Planters: The applicant, Ms. Lynda Sheehan (resident for 50 years), sought approval for a 1,350-square-foot concrete parking pad and three 170-gallon metal planters installed without prior approval. She argued the pad was necessary for off-street parking due to frequent vehicle damage on Third Street and that previous crush-and-run surfaces were short-lived. Commissioners expressed concern about the pad covering approximately 80% of the rear yard, zero setbacks from side property lines, and potential stormwater runoff. Staff recommended a 50% reduction in size and added landscaping. Ms. Sheehan objected to altering the pad at her expense. After deliberation, the commission voted 6-0 to continue the item to the August 8, 2024 meeting, allowing the applicant to work with staff on a revised plan with reduced concrete and more landscaping. Staff agreed to consult with city engineering on permeable material options.
- New Business: 111 N 7th Street – New Residential Infill Construction: The applicant, Mr. Libby Beccarino (Shelter Rock Builders), proposed a two-story single-family residence on a vacant lot. Key features included smooth HardiePlank siding, a double-tiered front porch with 8x8 posts, two-over-one windows, and a 6-foot-tall board-on-board wood fence. The project required removal of a laurel oak tree along the north property line. The applicant testified that multiple arborists, the city arborist, and a past member of the Tree Commission recommended removal due to root damage from the adjacent house and the tree exceeding its 60-year life expectancy. Commissioners approved the project with 11 conditions, including tree mitigation through administrative bypass, approval of mechanical equipment and utilities, clear low-E glazing, and proper fence installation.
Key Outcomes
- 416 N 5th Avenue: Approved 6-0 with conditions (right-of-way permits, compliance with codes, minor changes via administrative bypass).
- 216 S 3rd Street: Continued 6-0 to August 8, 2024, for a revised plan with reduced concrete (at least 50% reduction) and landscaping. Staff to coordinate with city engineering on permeability.
- 111 N 7th Street: Approved 6-0 with 11 conditions, including tree mitigation and administrative bypass for several details.
- Staff Update: The Historic Preservation Manager position advertisement was closing soon; interviews would begin after review.
The next regular meeting is scheduled for Thursday, August 8, 2024.
Meeting Transcript
Okay. Good evening and welcome to the July 11th, 2024 meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission. Hearings before this commission are quasi-judicial in nature. This is a design review process to determine whether a proposed project is congruous with the special character of the historic district or landmark in which it is located. Decisions of the Commission are based on the record of these proceedings, the Wilmington Design Standards for Historic Districts and Landmarks, and the Secretary of Interior Standards for Rehabilitation. Evidence submitted to the Commission for review will become part of the record. Appeal of a commission decision must be submitted to the Wilmington Board of Adjustment within 30 days of the date of the Commission's action, and further appeal must be submitted to Superior Court. Evidence pertaining to an agenda item must be presented during the evidentiary portion of that item. Individuals who wish to address the commission will be sworn in as witnesses to present material and substantial evidence. The chair will recognize each witness who wishes to address the commission during the evidentiary portion. In order to ensure that witness evidence is properly recorded, each individual should come to the podium and clearly state their name and address before addressing the commission. As a brief reminder, members of the commission are appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the city council. Our charge is with respect to the protection and preservation of properties located within the city's designated historic districts. The commission is held to the requirements of the Wilmington Design Standards for Historic Districts and Lmarks, as well as the applicable North Carolina state law. We are to determine whether exterior changes to a building are congruous with the special character of the city's historic districts. It is important that the commission deliberate the merits of each request in a manner that provides a record of the basis for our decisions. Please remember our deliberation should be centered on how our project meets the Wilmington design standards and whether the changes are congruous. Commissioners, if you have received or been made aware of any information outside this evidentiary hearing relating to any agenda item before the commission, please recuse yourself from that agenda item. Before the meeting begins, please ensure that all cell phones are in silent mode or turned off. I will begin by the introduction of city staff. We have Ms. Amy Bradshaw, Planning Coordinator, Brian Chambers, Assistant Planning Director, Megan Basick, our associate planner, Whitley Stavish, a city attorney, and Gina Esse, another city attorney who are all going to help us navigate this meeting tonight. I am Kathleen Egan, the Commission Chair, and my fellow commissioners will now introduce themselves. Joan Keston. Stephen Sulke. Ashley Wilson. Christopher Yermel. Allison Watts. Thank you. We will now swear in those present who wish to present evidence related to an agenda item. If I could have all staff applicants and members of the public, please stand and raise your right hand. Do you swear that the testimony you're about to give is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth? Thank you. Thank you. We will now open the evidentiary meeting. Oh no, not yet. The commission members have received drafts of the minutes from our last meeting. Are there any suggested edits or corrections? No. Okay. Could I have a motion to approve? I saw a motion. Second. All in favor? Aye. Okay. The minutes are approved. Now we will go to the evidentiary portion of the meeting, and we will begin with old business, which is 415 North Fifth. The subject property is located on the east side of North Fifth Avenue between Red Cross and Walnut Streets and is a contributing resource to Historic District residential revisions off facades of the building and site are subject to design review in this district. Revisions all facades of the building and site are subject to design review in this district.
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