HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 09-16-1997 - 8j a
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ORANGECOUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: September 16, 1997
Agenda Abstract
Item#�
SUBJECT: HP-1-97 CEDAR GROVE RURAL CROSSROADS HISTORIC DISTRICT
NATIONAL REGISTER NOMINATION
DEPARTMENT: Planning and Inspections PUBLIC HEARING: Yes X No
BUDGET AMENDMENT REQUIRED: Yes X No
ATTACHMENTS: INFORMATION CONTACT:
Donald R. Belk
1) Draft National Register Nomination(provided in 8125197 Preservation Planner/X2594
Public Hearing agenda)
2) Draft Minutes of August 25, 1997 Public Hearing
3) Draft Minutes of August 27, 1997 HPC Meeting NUMBERS:
Hillsborough 732-8181
Mebane 227-2031
Durham 688-7331
Chapel Hill 967-9251
PURPOSE: To consider a recommendation from the Historic Preservation Commission to
forward the draft National Register nomination of the Cedar Grove Rural
Crossroads Historic District to the State Historic Preservation Office for review
and approval.
BACKGROUND: The National Register of Historic Places, established by the National Historic
Preservation Act of 1966, is the nation's official list of buildings, structures, sites,
and districts that are worthy of preservation for their significance in American
history, architecture, archeology, and culture. There are over 62,000 listings
across the United States and its territories. In North Carolina, there are
approximately 1,900 listings, including some 250 historic districts.
For owners of historic properties, National Register listing is a prestigious
honor, for a property that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places
has been deemed important to the Nation's heritage. The listing of a property
in the National Register places no obligation or restriction on the private
landowner using private resources to maintain or alter the property. Owners of
National Register sites may benefit from the availability of federal tax credits
for rehabilitation of income-producing properties, such as rental and
commercial buildings. Eligible private residences within a National Register
district can also qualify for state income tax credits. National Register sites are
given a higher level of review by the state and federal government when
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federally funded projects, such as road construction, may adversely affect the
area.
BACKGROUND: Following is a chronology of significant events in the effort to nominate the
(continued) Cedar Grove Rural Crossroads Historic District to the National Register:
1992-1993 Inventory of Orange County historic architecture; Cedar
Grove identified as potentially eligible for National
Register of Historic Places.
July 1993 Cedar Grove placed on the National Register Study
List by the North Carolina Department of Cultural
Resources.
January-May 1995 Draft National Register Nomination project conducted
by planning intern, Shannon Sexton, as a graduate
student project.
May 1995 Orange County Historic Preservation Commission
(HPC) holds series of community meetings to gather
public comment on the Historic Preservation Element
of the Orange County Comprehensive Plan. Cedar
Grove crossroads area cited by citizens as one of
County's most treasured historic resources.
October 1995 State Historic Preservation Office(SHPO)conducts
field trip to Cedar Grove crossroads as part of annual
historic preservation consultants' workshops.
October 1996 HPC holds monthly meeting at Cedar Grove United
Methodist Church; presents National Register
nomination proposal to area property owners.
November 1996 Orange County Planning Department mails a "straw
poll" form to property owners within the proposed
National Register Historic District to gauge interest in
the nomination. Responses run 2 to 1 in favor of the
National Register listing. Local churches submit
petitions in support of nomination.
April 1997 HPC selects consultant Kaye Graybeal, a rural historic
district specialist, to complete National Register
nomination.
June-July 1997 HPC meetings held at Cedar Grove Methodist and Eno
Presbyterian Church. Kaye Graybeal presents findings;
residents provided information about benefits of National
Register listing.
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August 1997 Cedar Grove nomination considered at August 25 public
hearing; several property owners attend in support.
NEXT STEPS IN THE NOMINATION PROCESS
If BOCC approves the Historic Preservation Commission's recommendation on
September 16, the Cedar Grove Rural Crossroads National Register nomination
will proceed as follows:
September 16 Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) considers
HPC recommendation. If approved, draft nomination
will be forwarded to SHPO for review and approval.
November 10 SHPO notifies Orange County of acceptance and
approval of nomination; commences 60-day review
period for comment on the nomination.
November 25 HPC holds public hearing on nomination as required
by the Certification Agreement for Local Governments;
forwards recommendation for approval to BOCC.
December 1 BOCC comments on final, state-approved
nomination; forwards recommendation to SHPO.
January 8, 1998 Nomination considered by National Register Advisory
Committee (NRAC)
If approved by the NRAC, the nomination will be considered by the National
Park Service and the Keeper of the National Register. If approved by the
National Park Service, official listing on the National Register of Historic Places
could occur in March, 1998.
The proposed Cedar Grove Rural Crossroads Historic District National Register
nomination was presented at the quarterly public hearing held on August 25,
1997 (see attached public hearing minutes). Several citizens owning property
within the boundary of the proposed district attended in support of the
nomination. Marie Vargo-Flynn, a property owner, spoke on behalf of those
citizens. Rev. Robert Brizendine, pastor of the Eno Presbyterian Church, also
spoke in support of the nomination. In November 1996, the church submitted a
petition of support (see p. 69 of the August 25 Public Hearing Agenda).
Commissioner Gordon asked if National Register listing would impose any
restrictions on property owners. Commission Brown asked about the property
owners who have stated their opposition to the proposed nomination. These
property owners, the Thomas and Lela Oliver Heirs, previously submitted a letter
of opposition to the Board of Commissioners (see p. 79 of the August 25 Public
Hearing Agenda). However, no persons at the public hearing spoke in opposition
to the proposed nomination.
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The Historic Preservation Commission met on August 27, 1997 to consider the
comments made at the public hearing. They voted voted unanimously to
recommend forwarding the proposed Cedar Grove Rural Crossroads Historic
District National Register nomination to the State Historic Preservation Office
for review and approval (see attached HPC meeting minutes).
RECOMMENDATION:
Administration Recommendation
The Administration recommends the Cedar Grove Rural Crossroads Historic
District National Register nomination be forwarded to the State Historic
Preservation Office for review and approval.
xr-u,j-ly'J7 1709 SOCC/MANAGER 9196443004 P.02/05
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b ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ORANGE COUNTY PLANNING BOARD
AND
ORANGE COUNTY HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
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AUGUST 25, '1997
MINUTES
The Orange County Board of Commissioners,the Orange County Planning Board, and the
Orange County Historic Preservation Commission met in joint session on Monday,August 25,
1997 at 7:30 p.m. in the Superior Court Room, Hillsborough, North Carolina, for the purpose of
holding a joint public hearing.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair William Crowther, and
Commissioners Alice Gordon, Steve Halkiotis and Margaret Brown.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Commissioner Moses Carey, Jr.
QgANGE COUNTY HISTORIC COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Tom Allison
and members Jean Anderson, Cynthia Satterfield, Patricia Samford, Todd Dickinson and Carl
Uoyd.
QRA?IGE COUNTY HISTORIC COMMISSION MEMBERS ABSENTS Robert Rich
QRANGE COUNTY PLANNING BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Karen Barrows and
members Paul Hoecke, Howard McAdams, Jr., Leo Allison, James Selkirk, Robert Strayhom,
Elizabeth Walters,Arnie Katz,and Nell Andrews.
ORANGE C!DUNTY PLANNING BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: S.A.M. Brooks, Renee
Price and Libby Searle
COUNTY ATTORNEY PRESENT: Geoffrey Gledhill.
STAFF PRESENT: County Manager John M. Link, Jr., Deputy Clerk to the Board Kathy
Baker and Planners Mary Willls, Don Belk, Emily Cameron, Slade McCalip and Eddie Kirk. Other
staff members present will be identified in the minutes as appropriate.
A. OPENING REMARKS FROM THE CHAIR
Chair Crowther convened the meeting. He indicated that Tom Allison, Chair of the
Historic Preservation Commission would preside over the first two agenda items and Karen
Barrows, Chair of the Planning Board would preside over the third item on the agenda. At that
time the Public Hearings will be dosed, except for written comment. The Board of Commissioners
will then reconvene to hear several items from the August 20th Regular meeting.
B. PUBLIC CHARGE
Chair Crowther dispensed with the reading of the Public Charge.
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C. PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS
1. HISTORIC LANDMARKS DESIGNATION PROGRAM
Chair Allison introduced Planner Don Belk and requested that he present the first
item. Don Belk presented this item in order to receive citizen comment on the proposed Historic
Landmark Designation Program. He mentioned that the Ordinance creating the Historic
Preservation Commission (HPC)of Orange County, adopted in April 1991, authorizes the HPC to
recommend designation of individual buildings, structures and sites as"historic landmarks.' Local
landmark designation is the formal recognition of a property's importance to the history and cultural
heritage of Orange County, and is fundamental to implementing the goals and objectives of the
Historic Preservation Element of the Comprehensive Plan. A report was presented, entitled
Preserving the Orange Tradition:A Landmarks Designation Program for Orange County, which
provides an in-depth discussion of the historic landmarks designation program. This report
reviews the authority for instituting such a program, the process of local historic designation, and
examines the costs of the program.
GO MENTS ANDIOROUESTIONS FROM THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS: None
CoMMEI Ts AND/OR QUESTIONS FROM THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION*
None
COMMENTS AND/OR OUIESTIONS FROM CITIZENS: None
A motion was made by Commissioner Halklotis, seconded by Commissioner Brown, to refer
the Historic Landmark Designation Program to the Historic Preservation Commission for a
recommendation to be returned to the Board of County Commissioners no sooner than September
16, 1997.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
2. NATIONAL REGISTER NOMINATION
(a) HP-1-97 Cedar Grove Rural Crossroads Historic District
This item was presented by Don Belk, to receive citizen comment on the
nomination of the Cedar Grove Rural Crossroads Historic District to the National Register of
Historic Places. He introduced Kaye Graybeal, a Rural Historic District Specialist, and the author of
this nomination. Ms. Graybeal stated that the National Register of Historic Places, established by
the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, is the nation's official list of buildings, structures,
sites, and districts that are worthy of preservation for their significance in American history,
architecture, archeology, and culture. There are over 62,000 listings across the United States and
its territories. In North Carolina, there are approximately 1,900 listings, including some 250 historic
districts. For owners of historic properties, National Register fisting is a prestigious honor. A
property that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places has been deemed important to
the Nation's heritage. The listing of a property in the National Register places no obligation or
restriction on the private landowner using private resources to maintain or after the property.
Owners of National Register sites may benefit from the availability of federal tax credits for
rehabilitation of income-producing properties, such as rental and commercial buildings. Eligible
private residences within a National Register district can also qualify for state income tax credits.
National Register sites are given a higher level of review by the state and federal government
xr-O'y-1997 17:10 BOCC/MANAGER 9196443004 P.04/05
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when federally funded projects,such as road construction, may adversely affect the area. Ms.
Graybeal mentioned that the Cedar Grove community is one of these beautiful resources which
could be protected by this program. She described the geography of the district and discussed the
many masons that this area is an excellent candidate for nomination to the National Register of
Historic Places.
COMMENTS ANDIOR Q IESTreNS FROM THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Commissioner Gordon asked for clarification on whether or not restrictions would be placed
upon the community as a result of this designation.
Don Belk indicated that there are no restrictions placed on homeowners as a result of this
designation. The home or landowner is in no way restricted in terms of alterations and/or
demolition of structures on their property. He also mentioned that if a project,such as a new
highway,were to be considered for an area with a Historic District designation, the area would
receive a higher level of review. It is possible that an alternative route would be suggested and/or
larger buffers could be recommended to mitigate the road's effect.
!gnMMENTS ANOioR QUESTrONa FROM T#IE HISIQRIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
�i�.EeABEB`'
Tom Allison mentioned that this area was identified in 1994 as a candidate for this
designation. The Board of Commissioners allocated funds to hire a consultant to prepare a report
on the nomination of the Cedar Grove Rural Crossroads Historic District to the National Register of
Historic Places. Kaye Graybeal met with the HPC several times over the last several years and
has prepared the nomination for this designation.
Marie Vargo-Flynn, a resident of Cedar Grove, spoke in support of this designation. A copy
of her letter is in the permanent agenda file in the Clerk's office.
Reverend Robert Brizendine, the minister of the Eno Presbyterian Church in Cedar Grove
spoke in support of this project. He mentioned that he was speaking for himself and for other
members of his church.
A petition in support of this designation,with 29 signatures, has been received from the
Eno Presbyterian Church of Cedar Grove. A copy is in the permanent agenda file in the Clerk's
office.
A petition in support of this designation, with 35 signatures, has been received from the
Cedar Grove United Methodist Church of Cedar Grove. A copy is in the permanent agenda file in
the Clerk's office.
A petition in opposition to this designation was received from several residents of the Cedar
Grove area. Those residents were Sallie Mae Ligon, Irene Pender, Pauline Lloyd, Elese Nickles
and Crisp Oliver A copy of this petition is in the permanent agenda file in the Clerk's office.
xr-UV-a77r lz" 11 BUCC/mONRGER 91%443004 P.05/05
A motion was made by Commissioner Brown, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis, to refer
the Cedar Grove Rural Crossroads Historic District National Register nomination to the Historic
Preservation Commission for a recommendation to be returned to the Board of County
Commissioners no sooner than September 16, 1997.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
TOTAL P.05
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MINUTES
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
August 27, 1997
Members Present: Tom Allison, Chair
Jean Anderson
Todd Dickinson
Carl Lloyd
Cynthia Satterfield,Vice Chair
Members Absent: Robert Rich
Patricia Samford
Staff Present: Don Belk
AGENDA ITEM#1: CALL TO ORDER
Allison called the meeting to order at approximately 7:00 p.m.
AGENDA ITEM#2: CONSIDERATION OF ADDITIONS TO AGENDA
AGENDA ITEM#3: APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a. July 23, 1997
MOTION: Anderson moved to approve the minutes of July 23, 1997. Seconded by Dickinson.
VOTE: Unanimous.
AGENDA ITEM#4: CHAIR COMMENTS
Allison thanked all Commission members for attending the Board of Commissioners meeting on
Monday night.
AGENDA ITEM#5: ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION AND/OR DECISION FROM
THE AUGUST 25 PUBLIC HEARING
a. Cedar Grove Rural Crossroads Historic District National Register Nomination
Allison stated that aside from the letter from the Oliver family, no negative comments have been
heard.
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MOTION: Anderson moved to send this nomination forward. Seconded by Satterfield.
VOTE: Unanimous.
Belk stated that the Board of Commissioners will vote on this nomination on September 16th. It
will then be officially shipped to Raleigh, who will review it and notify the Commission by
letter. Raleigh will then open a 60-day review and comment period. The November
Commission meeting will be held in Cedar Grove to provide another public hearing with Linda
Edmisten and several more from the State Office attending to answer questions.
b. Preserving the Orange Tradition: A Landmark Designation Program for Orange County
Belk stated that with no questions from the Board of Commissioners,this program is ready to go.
MOTION: Dickinson motioned that the Board of Commissioners move forward with this
program. Seconded by Anderson.
VOTE: Unanimous.
AGENDA ITEM#6: OTHER ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
a. Design Guidelines
Allison stated that the Commission has read over the subcommittee's recommendations and
noted that there is a copy of the Wake County guidelines here tonight.
Belk reported that he has spoken with Wake County. They said that one of the
stipulations/purposes of getting the grant money they got to do this publication was so that other
local governments would not have to go through the trial and error of putting together design
guidelines. Other than the acknowledgment that needs to be given to Wake County and Jo
Leimenstoll, Orange County may use this as its format. Belk stated that he will start the project
and enlist help from the Commission for photographs and examples of exterior features. The
Planning Department now has a digital camera, so this should turn out to be a pretty nice
document once it is put together.
Belk stated that the Commission, in order to begin designating properties, will have to have some
type of design guidelines. The Commission can vote to adopt the Secretary of the Interior's
Standards for Rehabilitation as their official guidelines. There are a few local governments that
have done that and this is how they review landmarks. This is an issue that can be taken care of
at next month's meeting.
b. Timetable for Initial Landmark Designations
Belk stated that he has spoken with Melinda Coleman about the things that the HPC and SHPO
must do to get designation documentation prepared. If the Commission moves quickly, our
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selected properties can be considered at the next quarterly public hearing, which will be in
November. That November public hearing will be held on Monday, November 24th with the
Commission's regular meeting being the next night. Then the official ordinance for designation
can be adopted by the Board of Commissioners at their next meeting in December.
c. Letter to Lloyd Childers
Anderson stated that she wrote a letter to Lloyd Childers, not involving the Commission, but
from her own point of view, about what troubles her about the role that the Commission is
expected to play. She gave Belk a copy of the letter to include in next month's meeting packet.
Anderson stated that she has not had any response from Ms. Childers, though the letter was
mailed August 1 st. Commissioner Crowther asked for copies for the Board of Commissioners so
they could see what the problem is.
Anderson stated that this has to do with what she sees as a deceitful situation for the Commission
to be in; holding a public hearing, getting input from the public under oath, and unable to act on
either their own judgments or other information because SHPO has already decided that it should
pass. If the Commission is allowed to have an independent judgment and SHPO overrules it,
that is fine. But the Commission should be in a position of having an actual hearing which will
affect the Commission's vote; what the Commission members know themselves, what they hear
from the public, should all be factored into the way the Commission votes. The Commission
should not be expected to follow something that has already been determined by SHPO and
pretend that the Commission is having a hearing. This disparity between the fact and the fiction
is what bothers Anderson. Anderson stated that she has asked Ms. Childers to fix the procedure
in her office so that the Commission could be honest about what they do.
AGENDA ITEM#7: INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
a. Newsletter from the Alliance for Historic Hillsborough
b. Newsletter from the Raleigh Historic Districts Commission
c. Newsletter from Department of Housing and Community Development, City of
Greensboro
d. Letter from David Brook,Deputy SHPO re: Damascus Church Road Widening Project
e. Brochure on 1997 Preservation/NC Conference: Preservation at the Crossroads,
September 25-28,Rocky Mount and Tarboro,NC (To be distributed at the meeting)
AGENDA ITEM#8: ADJOURNMENT
Allison adjourned the meeting at 7:38 p.m.
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