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Director's Report

May 8, 2000

A. Action Items.

 

1. As a Certified Local Government, the Historic Landmarks Commission must comment upon proposed listings from Mecklenburg County in the National Register of Historic Places. The Division of Archives and History staff has reviewed a proposed expansion of the Dilworth National Register Historic District and will recommend it to the National Register Advisory Committee. I have reviewed the nomination. I hereby request a motion authorizing me to notify the Division of Archives and History that the Commission endorses the proposed expansion of the Dilworth National Register Historic District.

2. The Catawba Lands Conservancy has requested that the Historic Landmarks Commission endorse an effort to secure public ownership of land in the Gar Creek Basin. I have met with Ron Altman, Director of the Conservancy. Several prospective historic landmarks, including the McCoy Slave Cemetery, would be safeguarded by this effort. I hereby request a motion authorizing me to notify the Catawba Lands Conservancy that the Historic Landmarks Commission endorses efforts to increase public land ownership in the Gar Creek Basin.

 

B. Information Items.

 

1. The Joint Public Hearing with the County Commission to consider the designation of the Gluyas House as an historic landmark will occur during the evening of June 6^th. This will count on your record of attendance. I will let you know the scheduled time when that becomes available. By the way, I drove by the house on Sunday. The new owners are busily at work.

2. The Historic Preservation Workshop sponsored by the Commission will occur on Friday, June 16^th. This will be an excellent opportunity for you to learn about the activities of other historic preservation agencies and to fulfill your Certified Local Government education requirements. Registration fee is $35 per person. A brochure with registration information is at your seat.

3. The City Council will be selecting a replacement for Barry Miller at its meeting tonight. Commissioner Deborah Cox has been appointed for her second three-year term.

4. Progress continues at the W. T. Alexander property. Closing is tentatively scheduled for May 15^th. There are several items under the Projects Committee report that will impact this property.

5. There are still a few items to take place at the Croft Schoolhouse. These largely involve completing the landscaping. Tax Certification forms are being prepared, and we are making arrangements for yard care. Roper Land Co.'s contract expires on May 31^st. A subcommittee of the Projects Committee will decide whether this should be renewed.

6. I had a talk with Fred Bolt of Pappas Properties. He told me that Pappas Properties would be returning to the Commission with a proposal regarding how the HLC will participate in the development of the Charlotte Cotton Mills. Stay tuned.

7. I fully anticipate that the HLC will have an opportunity to acquire the Palmer Fire School from the County. Wanda Towler, Assistant County Manager, has told me that she will be in contact with me once the City decides whether or not it wishes to acquire the property.

8. The announcement will occur this week about a joint venture project between Pappas Properties and Crescent Land Company. It involves a substantial project in the block bounded by South Boulevard, Bland St., and the railroad/trolley track. A portion of the trolley barn will be restored and rebuilt. This will become the new home for Charlotte Trolley. The rest of the 5-story project will be office, retail, and apartments. Look for an article in the newspaper soon.

9. The County has informed me that it continues to solicit applications for the Project Management position. In the meantime it will provide assistance as needed with projects. I plan to contact the County about assistance with the W. T. Alexander property.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Dr. Dan L. Morrill