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CHARLOTTE-MECKLENBURG HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION MINUTES February 10, 2003
Location: 2100 Randolph Road, Charlotte, N. C. Time: 6:00 p.m. - 8:05 p.m. Present: Ms. Tattie Bos/Mayor, HLC Treas., Finance Com. Chair, Projects Vice-Chair Mr. Jeff Bradsher/County, HLC Chair Ms. Deborah Cox/County, Survey Committee Chair Ms. Amy Hockett/City, Design Review Com. Vice-Chair Ms. Yolanda Johnson-Gess/City, Nominating Committee Chair Mr. Joseph B. C. Kluttz/County, Survey Committee Vice-Chair Mr. John E. Misenheimer/County, HLC Vice-Chair, Rural Hill Schoolhouse Com. Chair Mr. Len Norman/County Mr. John J. Parker, III/Mayor, Projects Committee Chairman Mr. Mike Sullivan/County, Education Com. Chair Dr. Dan L. Morrill, HLC Consulting Director Mr. Bryan Turner, HLC Projects Manager Mr. Stewart Gray, HLC Consultant Ms. Mary Lynn Morrill, HLC Recording Consultant Absent: Mr. Scott Hirsch/City, Design Review Committee Chair Ms. Ross Richardson/County, Education Committee Chair Visitors: J. Hatcher, Cole Manufacturing Morry Johnston, Attorney, Cole Manufacturing John Morris, Cole Manufacturing Jerry & Joyce Dellinger, Ford Motor Co. John Sleet Jim Schumacher, Elmwood/Pinewood Cemetery
Item #1 - Approval of Minutes MS. BOS PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. MISENHEIMER THAT THE MINUTES FOR JANUARY 13, 2003, BE APPROVED AS DISTRIBUTED. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION. MR. MISENHEIMER PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MS. COX THAT THE EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES FOR JANUARY 13, 2002, BE APPROVED AS DISTRIBUTED. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.
Item #2 - Chairman’s Report: Mr. Bradsher Mr. Bradsher welcomed everyone to the meeting. He thanked Commissioners for their contributions to the HLC and reminded them that attendance started over January 1, 2003.
Item #3 - Director’s Report: Dr. Morrill Dr. Morrill said that the owners of the Washam Farm are willing to support a portion of the property’s being considered for historic designation. MR. KLUTTZ PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. MISENHEIMER THAT THE HLC WILL WAIT 90 DAYS, OR UNTIL THE TOWN OF HUNTERSVILLE ENACTS THEIR OPEN- SPACE ORDINANCE, BEFORE THE HLC WILL BEGIN PROCESSING THE WASHAM FARM PROPERTY, 15715 DAVIDSON-CONCORD ROAD, FOR HISTORIC DESIGNATION AS RECOMMENDED BY STAFF, ALL CONTINGENT UPON THE HLC’S RECEIVING A LETTER FROM THE PROPERTY OWNERS STATING THAT THE PROPERTY WILL NOT BE ALTERED BEFORE THE ENACTMENT OF THE ORDINANCE. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION. Mr. Schumacher with the City of Charlotte Engineering Department told the Commissioners about the City’s position regarding prospective historic designation for the Elmwood/Pinewood Cemetery. MS. COX PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. NORMAN THAT THE HLC DEFER A DECISION CONCERNING HISTORIC DESIGNATION FOR ELMWOOD/PINEWOOD CEMETERY UNTIL STAFF PHOTOGRAPHS AND IDENTIFIES THE 100 FEET OF THE CEMETERY ABUTTING THE RAILROAD TRACK THAT THE CITY WISHES TO EXCLUDE FROM CONSIDERATION FOR HISTORIC DESIGNATION. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION. Dr. Morrill reported that the HLC postponed its recommendation regarding the prospective designation of Bryant Park as a historic landmark, so that the owner (Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation) could formulate its reaction to the prospect of designation. Dr. Morrill said that a letter to the HLC has been received from the owner saying that historic landmark designation for Bryant Park will be acceptable to the owner except for the rock wall which borders W. Morehead Street. Ms. Cox, Chairman of the HLC’s Survey Committee, said that the Committee had endorsed the inclusion of the rock wall. MR. PARKER PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. MISENHEIMER THAT THE HLC PROCESS BRYANT PARK, 1701 WEST MOREHEAD STREET, CHARLOTTE, N. C., (6.6 ACRES ASSOCIATED WITH TAX PARCEL 67-014-01 AND ALL ORIGINAL STONEWORK AND LANDSCAPING ON THE PROPERTY EXCEPT FOR THE ROCK WALL BORDERING WEST MOREHEAD STREET), FOR HISTORIC DESIGNATION. THE COMMISSION APPROVED THE MOTION WITH THE FOLLOWING VOTE: ABSTAIN: NONE FAVOR: BOS, BRADSHER, HOCKETT, JOHNSON-GESS, KLUTTZ, MISENHEIMER, NORMAN, PARKER OPPOSE: COX, SULLIVAN. Dr. Morrill reported that the issue of the Trolley barn continues to evolve. Charlotte Area Transit and Charlotte Trolley are discussing operational issues, including the Trolley Barn. Whether the HLC will need to be involved in seeking final approval for the use of Land Bond funds to purchase the building is still unclear. Mr. Ron Tober, Director of CATS, will be presenting his proposed capital budget to the Metropolitan Transit Commission on February 24th. The outstanding issues will have to be resolved by then. Dr. Morrill told the Commissioners that he will keep them informed. Dr. Morrill reported that he has received inquiries from members of the Charlotte City Council about the process City Engineering used in determining that the older buildings on the Arena site will have to be demolished. He said that he has outlined a process as to how the HLC might be involved in assisting the City in rethinking this issue. Ms. Blake Holtz told the HLC about the workshop which is addressing the concerns of citizens. She encouraged HLC members to attend the third Arena workshop which will be held February 18, 2002 at 6:00 p.m. MR. KLUTTZ PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. NORMAN THAT HLC STAFF BE DIRECTED TO PERFORM A RECONNAISSANCE STUDY TO DETERMINE THE HISTORICAL BACKGROUND ON THE EAST TRADE STREET PROPERTIES THAT WILL BE AFFECTED BY THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEW ARENA AND THAT THE HLC’S REPORT RESULTING FROM THE RESEARCH BE E-MAILED TO HLC MEMBERS AND TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION. Dr. Morrill reported that budget deliberations have begun with Mecklenburg County for the upcoming fiscal year. The HLC will be asking for major betterments which may not be easy to obtain. Dr. Morrill reported that the issue of a National Register of Historic Places listing for the buildings at the Charlotte Cotton Mills continues to fester. Dr. Morrill said that he will be traveling to the National Parks Service in Washington, D. C. on February 18th with Pappas Properties to review the situation and that he will keep the HLC informed. Dr. Morrill reported that he met recently with Mr. Bryan Barwick, purchaser of the Palmer Fire School, and Mr. Doug Smith, Charlotte Observer business writer, to discuss the upcoming sale and development of the Palmer Fire School property. The article appeared in the Charlotte Observer on Sunday, February 9th. Dr. Morrill reported that Staff is working to schedule joint public hearings with City Council to consider historic landmarks designation for the following properties; 1) Armature Winding Company 2) Parks Hutchinson School 3) Newcombe-McElwee House 4) White Oak Boundary Extension 5) Grand Theater and 6) Bryant Park - subject to final approval.
Item #4 - Design Review Committee: Mr. Hirsch Dr. Morrill reported that the Design Review meeting is scheduled to meet February 25.
Item #5 - Survey Committee Report: Ms. Cox Ms. Cox reported that the Survey Committee met Thursday, January 30, 2003 at 6:00 p.m. at the HLC office. THE SURVEY COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT SURVEY AND RESEARCH REPORTS BE PREPARED AS FOLLOWS: A) STANDARD OIL OF NEW JERSEY BUILDING, 901 WEST FIRST STREET, CHARLOTTE, N. C., AND SOUTHERN SPINDLE & FLYER BUILDING, 821 WEST FIRST STREET, CHARLOTTE, N. C., SURVEY & RESEARCH REPORT TO BE PREPARED BY KAREN COX FOR A CONSULTING FEE OF $2500 B) FRANK LYTLE HOUSE ON THE HUNTERSVILLE-CONCORD ROAD, HUNTERSVILLE, N. C., SURVEY & RESEARCH REPORT TO BE PREPARED BY CONSULTANTS STEWART GRAY & PAULA STATHAKIS FOR A FEE OF $1500 C) ARTHUR SAMUEL GRIER HOUSE, 921 MONTROSE STREET, CHARLOTTE, N. C. D) MARTIN GROCERY, 2718 MONROE ROAD, CHARLOTTE, N.C. SURVEY & RESEARCH REPORTS TO BE PREPARED BY CONSULTANTS STEWART GRAY & PAULA STATHAKIS FOR A CONSULTING FEE OF $2250 E) CHARLOTTE MEMORIAL STADIUM, INDEPENDENCE BOULEVARD, CHARLOTTE, N. C. SURVEY & RESEARCH REPORT TO BE PREPARED BY CONSULTANT DAN L. MORRILL FOR A CONSULTING FEE OF $1500. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION. THE SURVEY COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT THE SOUTH 21 DRIVE-IN (INTERIOR, EXTERIOR AND LAND ASSOCIATED WITH THE TAX PARCEL), 3631 SOUTH BOULEVARD, CHARLOTTE, N. C., BE PROCESSED FOR HISTORIC DESIGNATION. MS. COX PRESENTED A SUBSTITUTE MOTION SECONDED BY MR. MISENHEIMER THAT THE HLC DEFER CONSIDERING THE SOUTH 21 DRIVE-IN, 3631 SOUTH BOULEVARD, CHARLOTTE, N. C., FOR HISTORIC DESIGNATION TO THE HLC’S MARCH 10, 2003 MEETING. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION. THE SURVEY COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT THE COLE MANUFACTURING COMPANY PLANT (INTERIORS AND EXTERIORS OF THE ASSEMBLY BUILDING, THE MACHINE SHOP, AND THE HEATING PLANT BUILDINGS AND THE LAND ASSOCIATED WITH TAX PARCEL NUMBER 081-177-22), 1318 CENTRAL AVENUE, CHARLOTTE, N. C. , BE PROCESSED FOR HISTORIC LANDMARKS DESIGNATION. Mr. Hatcher, owner of the property, and Mr. Johnston, attorney, were present to oppose historic designation for the property. The Commissioners were reminded that interior historic designation can not be recommended without owner consent. MR. NORMAN PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MS. COX TO PRESENT A SUBSTITUTE MOTION THAT THE COLE MANUFACTURING COMPANY PLANT (EXTERIORS OF THE ASSEMBLY BUILDING, THE MACHINE SHOP, AND THE HEATING PLANT BUILDINGS AND THE LAND ASSOCIATED WITH TAX PARCEL NUMBER 081-177-22) BE PROCESSED FOR HISTORIC DESIGNATION. THE MOTION FAILED WITH THE FOLLOWING VOTE: FAVOR: COX, NORMAN ABSTAIN: NONE OPPOSE: BOS, BRADSHER, HOCKETT, JOHNSON-GESS, KLUTTZ, MISENHEIMER, PARKER, SULLIVAN. Mr. and Mrs. Dellinger were present in support of historic designation for the Ford Motor Company Plant. THE SURVEY COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY PLANT (ALL BUILDINGS BOUNDED BY STATESVILLE AVENUE, NORTH GRAHAM STREET AND WOODWARD AVENUE AND THE LAND ASSOCIATED WITH THE TAX PARCELS), 1830 STATESVILLE AVENUE, CHARLOTTE, N. C., BE PROCESSED FOR HISTORIC LANDMARKS DESIGNATION. THE COMMITTEE UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION. THE SURVEY COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT THE HOUSE AT 1623 EAST MOREHEAD STREET, CHARLOTTE, N. C., BE PLACED ON THE HLC’S INVENTORY LIST. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.
Item #6 - Projects Committee Report: Mr. Parker Mr. Parker reported that the Projects Committee met February 3, 2003. Minutes from the meeting can be found on the HLC’s website - www.cmhpf.org - and on file at the HLC office. Mr. Turner distributed a draft RFP (Request for Proposals) for the "Preservation and Residential/Business Infill Development of the W. T. Alexander Plantation, 216-218 West Mallard Creek Church Road, Charlotte, NC." MR. PARKER PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MS. JOHNSON-GESS THAT THE RFP FOR THE W. T. ALEXANDER PLANTATION BE APPROVED AND DISTRIBUTED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO DEVELOPERS SUBJECT TO APPROVAL OR AMENDMENT BY HLC ATTORNEY PATRICIA NYSTROM REGARDING THE HLC’S RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION. Mr. Parker asked that the Commission consider the Projects Committee’s motion concerning the Davidson Schoolhouse at Rural Hill. THE PROJECTS COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION CONTRACT WITH DE BROWN BUILDERS AND ALLOCATE AN ADDITIONAL $15,000 FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SECOND BATHROOM AT THE PAVILION FOR THE DAVIDSON SCHOOLHOUSE AT RURAL HILL, THAT A REGULAR AS OPPOSED TO A WATERLESS URINAL BE INSTALLED, AND THAT THE TOTAL CONTRACT PRICE NOT EXCEED $115,000. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION. Mr. Parker reported that the Croft Schoolhouse would be considered under Old Business.
Item #7 - Education Committee Report: Ross Richardson and Mike Sullivan Mr. Sullivan reported that he and Ms. Hockett have been working on behalf of the Committee on a public relations event scheduled for early April at the Charlotte Cotton Mills. Ms. Johnson-Gess reported that she continues to work on the traveling Black history exhibit (posters, billboards, time lines, etc.) scheduled to begin at Harding High School next week. This exhibit will be designed for high school students. Radio talk shows are also scheduled to highlight the African American Survey.
Item #8 - Rural Hill Schoolhouse Report: Mr. Misenheimer Mr. Misenheimer distributed copies of the winter newsletter 2003 Rural Hill Farm Piper published by the Catawba Valley Scottish Society. An article about and a photograph of the Davidson Schoolhouse at Rural Hill appeared in the newsletter.
Item #9 - Treasurer’s Report: Tattie Bos Ms. Bos distributed copies of the current financial report for the Revolving Bond Fund.
Item #10 - Old Business Mr. Parker asked that the HLC convene in Executive Session to consider Projects Committee Executive Session business. MR. PARKER PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MS. COX THAT THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION CONVENE IN EXECUTIVE SESSION. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION. MS. BOS PRESENTED A MOTION BY MR. PARKER THAT THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION RECONVENE IN REGULAR SESSION. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION. In Executive Session, the HLC approved a motion to sell the Croft Schoolhouse for a fixed price.
Item #11 - New Business There was no new business. The meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m.
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