HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 09-16-1997 - 8o 1
ORANGECOUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: September 16, 1997
Agenda Abstract
Item# ft.&
SUBJECT: Historic Landmark Designation Program
DEPARTMENT; Planning and Inspections PUBLIC HEARING: Yes X No
BUDGET AMENDMENT REQUIRED: Yes X No
ATTACHMENTS: INFORMATION CONTACT:
Don Belk
1) Preserving the Orange Tradition: Preservation Planner/X2594
A Landmark Designation Program for Orange County
2) Minutes of August 25 Quarterly Public Hearing PHONE NUMBERS:
3) Minutes of August 27 meeting of the Historic Hillsborough 732-8181
Preservation Commission Mebane 227-2031
Durham 688-7331
Chapel Hill 967-9251
PURPOSE: To consider a recommendation from the Historic Preservation Commission to
adopt the proposed Historic Landmark Designation Program.
BACKGROUND: 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, Preserving the Orange Tradition:A Landmarks Designation Program
for Orange County, provides an in-depth discussion of the historic landmarks
designation program. It describes the authority for instituting such a program,
the process of local historic designation, and examines the costs of the
program.
The proposed historic landmarks designation program was presented at the
August 25 public hearing. There were no questions or comments on this item
(see attached public hearing minutes). On August 27, the Historic Preservation
Commission voted unanimously to recommend adoption of the program (see
attached HPC meeting minutes).
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RECONEWENDATION: The Ordinance Creating the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC)
of Orange County, adopted in April 1991, authorizes the HPC to
recommend designation of historic landmarks. The Historic Landmark
Designation Program proposal does not require any changes to existing
ordinances.
Administration Recommendation
The Administration recommends adoption of the Historic Landmark
Designation Program.
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® � ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ORANGE COUNTY PLANNING BOARD
AND
ORANGE COUNTY HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
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 Halklotis and Margaret Brown.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Commissioner Moses Carey, Jr.
O_SANGE COUNTY NiSTORiC COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT, Chair Tom Allison
and members Jean Anderson, Cynthia Satterfield, Patricia Samford,Todd Dickinson and Carl
Uoyd.
QRANGE COUNTY HISTORIC COMMIS510hl MEMBERS ABSENT Robert Rich
ORANGE ggUNrr PLANNING BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Karen Barrows and
members Paul Hoecke, Howard McAdams, Jr., Leo Allison, James Selkirk, Robert Strayhom,
Elizabeth Waiters,Arnie Katz, and Nell Andrews.
ORANGE Cnr INN PLANNING 130ARD MEMBERS ABSENT: S.A.M. Brooks, Renee
Price and Libby Searles
CO INly ATTORNEY PRESENT: Geoffrey Gledhill.
STAFF PRESENT: County Manager John M. Unk, Jr., Deputy Clerk to the Board Kathy
Baker and Planners Mary Willis, Don Belk, Emily Cameron, Slade McCaiip and Eddie Kirk. Other
staff members present will be identfied 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 closed, 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 r
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
Presenting 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.
CO MENTS AND/O UIRE ONS FROM THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS: None
COMMENTS AND/OR QUESTIONS FROM THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION C MMISSION:
None
COMMENTS AND/OR QUESTIONS FROM CITIZENS: None
A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, 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, 1987.
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 listing 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 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
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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 reasons that this area is an excellent candidate for nomination to the National Register of
Historic Places.
COMMFUTS ANplog OUFSTIONS 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 alterative route would be suggested and/or
larger buffers could be recommended to mitigate the road's effect.
!r,nuMENTS ANpfog Q ESTIQNS FROM THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
�IIF�AAFRS_
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.
r•nMMFNTS sNOMR QUESTIONS FROM CITIZENS
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 Uoyd, Elese Nickles
and Crisp Oliver. A copy of this petition is in the permanent agenda file in the Clerk's office.
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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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