Wilmington Historic Preservation Commission Meeting – February 13, 2025
Wilmington Historic Preservation Commission Meeting – February 13, 2025
The Wilmington Historic Preservation Commission met on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers, Skyline Center. The meeting included approval of minutes, a fencing proposal at 502 Red Cross Street, and a study list application for New Hanover High School. The commission also re-elected officers and reviewed the annual report.
Consent Calendar
- Approval of Minutes – January 9, 2025: A motion to approve the minutes as presented was made by Mr. Sulkey, seconded by Ms. Wilson, and carried 6-0.
Public Comments & Testimony
- New Hanover High School Study List:
- Gene Merritt (applicant): Spoke in favor of landmark designation, emphasizing the school's architectural and historical significance. He expressed that the main building should be protected from demolition and initially argued against including Brogden Hall, but later acknowledged it could be considered.
- Chris Barnes (Interim Superintendent, New Hanover County Schools): Provided an update on a facility study (due April 2025) to assess the building's long-term feasibility. He noted ongoing structural repairs and that no demolition decision has been made. He did not oppose the study list but highlighted financial and safety considerations.
- Eddie Anderson (Assistant Superintendent for Operations): Described serious structural issues with the front wall, temporary classroom relocations, and active repairs. He confirmed the building is currently safe but emphasized the need for a comprehensive study.
- Pat Bradford (School Board Member): Invited commissioners to tour the school to see the interior condition and ongoing work.
Discussion Items
- 502 Red Cross Street – Fencing on a Corner Lot: Staff presented a proposal to install a 5-foot black aluminum fence along the south and east sides of St. Stephen AME Church's parking lot. The fence would be 123 feet long, with no removal of trees or historic landscaping. The applicant was not present. The commission discussed that the fence design is consistent with neighborhood examples. No public comment was offered.
- New Hanover High School Study List Application: The commission considered adding the school (and potentially Brogden Hall) to the landmark study list. Extensive discussion occurred regarding Brogden Hall's inclusion; applicant Merritt initially opposed it, but commissioners argued it is an integral part of the campus and designed by the son of the original architect. Staff clarified that the study list is a preliminary step and that final landmark designation would require a formal application from the property owner (school board). The commission ultimately voted to include both the main building and Brogden Hall. Commissioner Yermal cautioned about potential bias in structural engineering reports based on intent.
Key Outcomes
- Approval of Minutes: Carried 6-0.
- 502 Red Cross Street Fencing: Motion to approve with conditions (fence design, no tree removal, compliance with codes) carried 6-0.
- New Hanover High School Study List: Motion to add New Hanover High School and Brogden Hall to the study list carried 6-0.
- Election of Officers: Vice-Chair Yermal nominated Chair Egan to remain as Chair and himself as Vice-Chair. The motion was seconded by Ms. Wilson and carried 6-0.
- Annual Report: Presented for information. Vice-Chair Yermal noted a decrease in after-the-fact applications, attributing it to ongoing education efforts.
- Meeting adjourned at 6:19 p.m.
Meeting Transcript
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 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 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 for the basis of 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. We will begin the meeting with the introduction of city staff who assist us with these meetings. And Gina Esse, who is our assistant city attorney. Wait a second. Ben Riggles, who is our planning manager, and Amy Bradshaw. All right, let's see. Amy Bradshaw, who is our planning coordinator. We will begin with the administrative portion of the meeting. I am Kathleen Egan, the Commission Chair. And my fellow commissioners will introduce themselves. And the other commissioners attending the meeting tonight are Joan Keston. Stephen Sulkey. Ashley Wilson. Chris Herbal. Allison Watts. 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, if you will be speaking this evening, you need to please stand up and raise your right hand. You must be sworn in in order to speak. You have to stand. Sorry. 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've received a draft of the minutes from the January 9th meeting. If there are any suggested edits or corrections to the draft minutes from our last meeting, please bring them to our attention now. No, we're good. Okay, could I have a motion then to approve the minutes of the presentation? I motion to approve. Second. All in favor. Aye. We will now begin the evidentiary portion of the meeting. And we will move to new business. And the first order of new business is 502 Red Cross Street. Um the applicant proposes to install a black metal fence around the boundary of St.
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