Wilmington Historic Preservation Commission Meeting - November 14, 2024
Wilmington Historic Preservation Commission Meeting - November 14, 2024
The Wilmington Historic Preservation Commission met on Thursday, November 14, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers, Skyline Center, 929 North Front Street, Wilmington, NC. Due to only four commissioners being present, a unanimous vote was required for each item. The meeting addressed seven evidentiary hearings, approval of minutes, and staff announcements. The meeting adjourned at 6:21 p.m.
Approval of Minutes - October 10, 2024
- Motion to approve as presented carried 4-0.
Public Comments & Testimony
- 214 McRae Street (Item 2): Anthony Demings of 812 Macumber Alley expressed concern that the proposed 12'x12' shed with French doors could be used as a dwelling unit and questioned the setbacks. Commissioners clarified that use and setback approvals are outside their purview (handled by zoning and Land Development Code).
- 812 Macumber Alley (Item 3): Applicant Anthony Demings argued that the carport (described as a gazebo) was designed to conform with neighborhood aesthetics and that other properties have unappealing front-yard parking. He noted that alley parking is not feasible due to road classification. Commissioners reiterated that design standards clearly prohibit carports in front yards.
Discussion Items
1. 114 North 7th Street - Accessory Structure and Driveway (Theater District)
- Staff presented a proposal to install brick pavers with crushed oyster shells over an existing driveway and add a 15'x20' pergola. Applicant Robert Gazak expressed flexibility on materials (oyster shells or alternatives). Commissioners approved with conditions including a running bond brick pattern and requiring the pergola to be entirely within the property lines. Passed 4-0.
2. 214 McRae Street - Accessory Structure (Historic District-Residential)
- A 12'x12' shed on a concrete slab with cement fiberboard siding and a charcoal roof. The applicant was absent but had accepted a staff condition for siding reveal. A public speaker raised concerns about use and setbacks. Commissioners approved with conditions, noting that use and setbacks are not in their purview. Passed 4-0.
3. 812 Macumber Alley - Accessory Structure (Historic District-Residential)
- A proposed 12'x16' metal carport with a hipped roof in the front yard. Staff noted that design standards prohibit carports in front yards. The applicant explained space constraints and limited alley access. Commissioners denied the request, citing clear standards and a prior similar denial. Passed 4-0.
4. 710 Walnut Street - Chimney Removal (Historic District-Residential)
- Removal of a faux chimney installed without prior approval, causing interior water damage. The chimney was identified as veneer, not historical. Commissioners approved with a condition to repair the roof to match existing. Passed 4-0.
5. 307 North 18th Street - Change in Materials on Perimeter Wall (Carolina Heights/Winoca Terrace Overlay)
- Covering a 132-foot-long, 5-foot-tall cinder block wall with red brick to match the adjacent wall. The wall is 125 years old and will be repaired first. Approved with standard conditions. Passed 4-0.
6. 119 South 5th Avenue - Screened Porch Addition and Exterior Alterations (Historic District-Residential)
- Adding a 20'x12' rear screened porch, replacing front and side doors, repainting, and reglazing windows. The shed roof was chosen to avoid interfering with windows. Commissioners praised the design and approved with a condition that all glass be clear. Passed 4-0.
7. 409 North 15th Street - Addition and Renovation (Carolina Heights/Winoca Terrace Overlay)
- After a fire, a two-story rear addition, new roof, windows, and doors are proposed. The front door will have a 4-over-4 mullion pattern to match existing. The applicant agreed to staff conditions. Approved 4-0.
Other Business
- Staff announced that the historic preservation team is now fully staffed: Ben Riggle (Planning Manager) and Monica Davis (Historic Preservation Planner) have joined. They will present at the December meeting. Commissioners expressed appreciation for the interim staff (Brian Chambers, Catherine Thurston, Linda Painter) who handled cases during the transition.
Key Outcomes
- Minutes approved 4-0.
- Items approved (all 4-0): 114 N 7th St (accessory structure/driveway), 214 McRae St (accessory structure), 710 Walnut St (chimney removal), 307 N 18th St (perimeter wall materials), 119 S 5th Ave (screened porch/exterior alterations), 409 N 15th St (addition/renovation).
- Item denied (4-0): 812 Macumber Alley (carport in front yard).
- Next meeting: Thursday, December 12, 2024.
Meeting Transcript
Good evening, everybody. Welcome to the November 14th 2024 meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission. Hearings before this commission are quasi judicial in nature. It 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's 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. 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 assist 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 this 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 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 landmarks 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 a 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 related 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 start with the introduction of city staff. Brian Chambers is our assistant planning director. Amy Bradshaw is our planning coordinator. We have Gina Esse, who is the assistant city attorney. Catherine Thurston is our zoning administrator, and Linda Painter is our planning director. And I am Kathleen Egan, the Commission Chair, and my fellow commissioners will now introduce themselves. Stephen Sulkey. Ashley Wilson, Alison Watts. We will now thank you. We will now swear in those present who wish. No, I'm sorry. Yes, that's right. The next thing is we need to swear in those present who wish to present evidence related to an agenda item. If I could have all staff, members of the public or applicants please stand up. If you wish to speak this evening, you must be sworn in. Stand up 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. And for the record, I'm announcing that there is a quorum present with four members present. And this is a notice to all present at this hearing that a unanimous vote must occur in order to pass a matter. Thank you. The commission has received a draft of the minutes, and are there any suggestion, suggested edits or corrections? Could I have a motion then to approve those minutes? I motion to approve. Second. All in favor aye. The minutes are approved. We will now move on to the evidentiary portion of the meeting and the agenda for tonight. And the first item is 114 North 7th. And Catherine Thurston is going to walk us through it.
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