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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 05-15-2007-3aORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date:. May 15, 2007 Action Agenda Item No. .3 -a SUBJECT: National Historic Preservation Month DEPARTMENT: Environment and Resource PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) Conservation No ATTACHMENT(S): 1) Statement from Richard Moe, President of the National Trust for Historic Preservation 2) National Trust Names Hillsborough One of American's Dozen Distinctive Destinations 3) Photo Contest Brochure & Entry Application 4) Resolution INFORMATION CONTACT: Dave Stancil 245-2590 Tina Moon 969-8959 Cathleen Turner 732-7741 Jennifer Koach 732-2201 PURPOSE: To proclaim May as National Historic Preservation Month. BACKGROUND: For years, the National Trust for Historic Preservation proclaimed a single week in May as National Historic Preservation Week. Two years ago, the Trust extended the program to include the entire month. On May 1, 2007, Richard Moe, President of the National Trust, launched the second annual National Preservation Month with the theme, "Making Preservation Work!" (See Attachment #1.) National Preservation Month offers an opportunity for Orange County and local partners fio reflect on efforts to preserve the built environment and associated heritage. The proclamation is particularly timely this year- on March 7, the National Trust selected the Town of Hillsborough as one of America's Dozen Distinctive Destinations. (See Attachment #2.) The theme, Making Preservation Work, speaks to coalition building and this year the Orange County Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) has partnered with the Orange County Museum to sponsor a photo contest. (See Attachment #3.) Contest winners will be announced in front of the historic courthouse during the "Last Fridays" event for May. The HPC has also prepared an exhibit about preservation and local buildings that will be located in the display cases near the entrance of the Orange County Library in the Whined Building. In addition, the HPC has written a series of articles describing common Orange County buildings that will be published in the News of Orange during the month of May. National Historic Preservation Month offers an opportunity for Orange County and local partners to reflect on efforts to preserve the built environment and associated heritage. The most visible example is the Alexander Dickson House, which serves as the visitor center for the Town of Hillsborough and the headquarters for the Alliance for Historic Hillsborough. The new logo for the Chapel Hill Visitors Center and the Orange County Economic Development Commission 2 features elements of symbolic historic buildings from the three municipalities- Chapel Hill, Carrboro and Hillsborough. Other examples of preservation activity, less visible perhaps but no less important, include: • Emphasizing the importance of designing the new justice facility in a way that respects the historic fabric of downtown Hillsborough, particularly the Greek Revival courthouse attributed to John Berry and known throughout the state as an example of that style; • Conducting a cultural and archaeological survey at the site of the new justice facility and revising the parking layout to protect resources discovered during the survey; • Establishing the Quick Response Team, a partnership between the Historic Preservation Commission (ERCD) and the Building Inspections Division (Planning & Inspections) to document buildings 50 years or older before approving a demolition permit. (Orange County is likely the first county in the state to create such as program.); • Sponsoring cultural and archaeological surveys of County park sites as part of the master design process; • Demonstrating a commitment to historic resource stewardship by recognizing that the existing buildings at County park sites are irreplaceable assets and pursuing the stabilization of those buildings for future use; • Including a chapter on cultural and archaeological resource protection as part of the Natural and Cultural Systems Element of the updated Comprehensive Plan, an important policy document that should help local residents develop a better understanding of the connection between historic buildings and their rural context; and • Publicizing and promoting the County's t_ocal Landmark program, an honorary designation program for local properties with historic and architectural significance. These examples represent a sample of the County's efforts to promote historic preservation and to use preservation for local economic development and coalition building, demonstrating this year's theme, "Making Preservation Work." FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with approval of the proclamation. For the photo contest, Leonard Vogel, a member of the HPC and the North Carolina Society of the American Institute of Building Design (AIBD) arranged for the AIBD to donate $300 for prize money. There was also an internal cost of about $150 associated with printing the brochures and entry forms, which was included in the ERCD departmental budget for 2006-07. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board proclaim the month of May as National Historic Preservation Month with the theme, "Making Preservation Work!" and joins the Board in extending an invitation to the public to participate in the upcoming events. Statement from Richard Moe on Preservation Month 2007 ~ National Trust for Historic Pr... Page 2 of 3 . Community & Countryside . Better Boards . PLT/Advanced . Preservation Leadershp_Training 1VIay Is Preservation IVlonth Statement from Richard Moe, President, National Trust for Historic Preservation Carousel Gardens, New Orleans During Preservation Month 2007, the National Trust and its partners and friends across America have much to celebrate. American enthusiasm for historic preservation is stronger than ever, and we are working more effectively than ever -protecting the places that people care about; sparking a renewed sense of community pride; bringing new investment, new jobs and new economic vitality to historic commercial areas; keeping our history alive and close at hand so we can live with it, learn from it and be inspired by it. This spirit is captured in the theme for Preservation Month 2007: Preservation Works! You don't have to look far for plenty of evidence. All over America, there's hardly a city or town where houses and storefronts haven't been "fixed up" with pride; where underused or obsolete buildings haven't been put to new and sometimes innovative uses; where important older volunteer paints a wooden buildings, neighborhoods and landscapes haven't been inventoried and horse at Carousel Gardens, protected in some way; where historic sites aren't heavily marketed to New Orleans attract tourists. In short, the impact of preservation can be seen almost everywhere, and it is making a real difference in both the appearance and the quality of life in countless communities. Of course we still have much to do: Too many traditional business districts are still being drained of their vitality by sprawl. Too many older neighborhoods are still losing their character to an epidemic of teardowns. Too many historic resources on public lands -especially archaeological sites that link us with the first Americans -are still being damaged or destroyed by looting, vandalism, inappropriate use and inadequate funding. Too many sound older buildings stand vacant while the need for affordable housing has never been greater. Preservation Month is a great time for us to strengthen our determination to find solutions to these and other problems that put our heritage at risk. Equally important, Preservation Month is a great time for us to take a victory lap - to take stock of the many ways in which preservation is working to improve the livability of our communities and ensure a bright future for our past. With this in mind, the National Trust today launches the third annual observance of National Preservation Month, acoast-to-coast celebration of our nation's diverse and unique heritage. I invite everyone to mark the occasion by participating in local and regional events throughout the month - and by supporting the work of the National Trust and other preservation organizations throughout the year. Get Involved Read the Sample National Preservation Month Proclamation, and use it to promote preservation in your community. file://C:\Documents and Settings\mallison\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\OLK2... 4/24/2007 0 NATIONAL TRUST forHISTORIC PRESERVATIONm' i~ ~ 1 ~ 1 ~ ~ l' ~ s ~~ A ~~ - The Alliance far Historic Hil(sborosegh l~TEVVS RELEASE www.nationaltrust.org FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Office of Communications, 202-588-6141 NATIONAL TRUST NAMES HILLSB®ROUGII, N.C., ONE OF AMERICA'S DOZEN DISTINCTIVE DESTINATIONS Annual List Promotes Heritage Tourism Washington, D.C. (March 7, 2007) -- Founded in 1754, Hillsborough, N.C., is a small town with a big history. Laid out on a prime parcel of real estate where the Great Indian Trading Path crosses the Eno River, the town today capitalizes on its distinctive heritage, eye-catching natural beauty and proximity to the nearby business and academic centers of Raleigh-Durham and the Research Triangle. During the town's early years, several royal and elected governors lived in this center of political activity, as did a signer of the Declaration of Independence, William Hooper, whose house still stands. Among its other claims to fame, the town hosted the third Provincial Congress in 1775 and the state's constitutional convention in 1788. Hillsborough remained a political and cultural center in the nineteenth century, and today the home that served as Gen. Joseph E. Johnston's headquarters when he surrendered the largest of the Confederate armies to Gen. William T. Sherman, is the town's visitors' center. The centerpiece of old Hillsborough is Churton St., a picturesque and charming southern byway with a number of inviting restaurants, shops and galleries. The town is a favorite of both Revolutionary War re-enactors and barbecue lovers; who descend each June for the annual Hog Day celebration, and is also the home of the Occoneechee Speedway, one of the first two NASCAR tracks and the only one remaining from the inaugural 1949 season. Outdoor enthusiasts won't want to miss hiking Occoneechee Mountain State Park, the highest point in the area, or the 1-mile Poet's Walk at the National Trust for Historic Preservation's Partner Place, Ayr Mount, an 1815 Federal-era plantation house, magnificently restored and furnished with period antiques and fine art. For these reasons, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the country's largest private, nonprofit preservation organization, today named Hillsborough, N.C., to its 20071ist of America's Dozen Distinctive Destinations, an annual list of unique and lovingly preserved communities in the United States. Hillsborough was selected from 63 destinations in 27 states that were nominated by individuals, preservation organizations and local communities. "Hillsborough is a perfect Southern host -- charming, hospitable and always fun," said Richard Moe, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. "While Hillsborough cherishes its history, this is no staid museum exhibit but a vibrant town with an eye firrnly focused on the future." The 20071ist of America's Dozen Distinctive Destinations includes: Charlottesville, Va. -- In the shadow of the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, Charlottesville, Va., is apicture-perfect college town with vibrant shops, restaurants, wineries and a slew of presidential homes including Jefferson's Monticello, Monroe's Ash Lawn-Highland and Madison's Montpelier, a National Trust Historic site located in nearby Orange, Va. Chatham, Mass. --Beloved by fishermen and sea captains for centuries, the charming coastal town of Chatham, Mass., boasts exquisite natural beauty, a charming, architecturally rich wallcable downtown and some of the best, unspoiled beaches on the East Coast. 0 Chestertown, Md. -- An 18`h-century jewel on Maryland's Eastern Shore, Chestertown was once a thriving Revolutionary-era port and today boasts a treasure trove of perfectly preserved 18`h- and 19`h-century homes, specialty stores, sidewalk cafes and scenic boating, biking and hiking along the drop-dead gorgeous Chesapeake coast. Durango, Colo. -- Nestled between red sandstone bluffs in the lush Animas River Valley, Durango, Colo., offers natural beauty and a colorful history that is today reflected in a charming Victorian downtown and some of the most spectacular and well-preserved Puebloan ruins in the United States. Ellensburg, Wash. -- Located in the heart of the beautiful Kittitas Valley and in the center of Washington State, historic Ellensburg is a wonderfully preserved Victorian town that's home to Central Washington University, a delightful downtown historic district and some of the best fly fishing in the Northwest. Hillsborough, N.C. --A picturesque and charming Southern town that played an important role in both the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, Hillsborough, N.C. boasts a lovely downtown historic district, an original, rare NASCAR speedway from the inaugural 1949 season and festivals for war re-enactors and barbeque lovers. Little Rock, Ark. --With a presidential library, scores of well preserved historic buildings, an important Native American site, a WWII era submarine, the world's longest pedestrian bridge and a site that forever changed race relations in this country, Little Rock, Ark., has it all. Mineral Point, Wis. -- A hidden gem nestled in the rolling hills of southwestern Wisconsin, Mineral Point -- and its Cornish rock houses, Craftsman bungalows, simple log cabins and neoclassical confections -- is an architectural treasure trove, which celebrates its mining heritage and the abundant beauty of its pastoral setting. Morgantown, W. Va. -- Nested along the Monongahela River in northern West Virginia, Morgantown, home to West Virginia University (student enrollment over 27,000), has a vibrant and active downtown, a Riverfront park with an amphitheatre and miles of paved raiUtrail for recreational activities. Providence, R.I. --The capital of one of the nation's 13 original colonies and the home of several prestigious colleges, Providence, R.I., has a colorful four-century history proudly and prominently displayed in landmark structures, aVictorian-era park and a blazing riverfront festival that has revitalized this historic city. West Hollywood, Calif. -- In a sprawling metropolis nicknamed the "City of Angels," West Hollywood, Calif., maintains a unique identity as a quirky yet sophisticated urban village, which boasts diverse historic architecture, people watching along glittering thoroughfares, designer boutiques, hip restaurants and unique tourist attractions such as the 1922 Rudolf Schindler House. Woodstock, Ill. -- Only 45 miles from Chicago, the small, warm, Victorian village of Woodstock, Ill., which served as a stand-in for Punxsutawney, Pa., in the 1992 movie Groundhog Day, has a unique and beguiling charm with a celebrated town square and downtown historic district, a nationally renowned Mozart festival and a Victorian Christmas -- right out of Dickens. In addition, the National Trust recognized the city of New Orleans for exemplary achievement in heritage tourism. The citation reads, "New Orleans is a richly unique, authentic, historic community that is reinventing itself through preservation-based revitalization. The National Trust salutes the unflagging spirit of the people of New Orleans." This is the eighth time the National Trust for Historic Preservation has announced a list of Dozen Distinctive Destinations. To date, there are 96 Dozen Distinctive Destinations located in 41 states throughout the country. To see a complete list, visit www.nationaltrust.orc. In each community, residents have taken forceful action to protect their town's character and sense of place. Whether by enacting a local preservation law to protect historic buildings against demolition, rewriting zoning codes to prevent commercial sprawl, removing regulatory barriers to downtown housing, making downtown areas more walkable, enacting design standards, or taking some other major step that demonstrates a strong commitment to their town, residents have worked hard to preserve the historic and scenic assets of their communities, with rewards that transcend town limits. 0 To download high resolution images of this year's Dozen Distinctive Destinations, please visit www.nationaltrust.org/ddd. The Alliance for Historic Hillsborough is an umbrella organization of seven groups dedicated to the preservation, enhancement, and increased awareness of the historical and cultural heritage of Hillsborough, North Carolina for residents and visitors. Since 1993 the Alliance for Historic Hillsborough has served as the lead tourism agency of the town and receives a portion of a 1% tax on prepared food and beverages to support the operation of the visitors' center, visitor services, coordination of programs and events, and promotion of Hillsborough to the visiting public. The National Trust for Historic Preservation is a private, nonprofit membership organization dedicated to saving historic places and revitalizing America's communities. Recipient of the National Humanities Medal, the Trust was founded in 1949 and provides leadership, education, advocacy, and resources to protect the irreplaceable places that tell. America's story. Staff at the Washington, D.C. headquarters, six regional offices and 28 historic sites work with the Trust's 270,000 members and thousands of preservation groups in a1150 states. For more information, visit the Trust's web site at www.nationaltrust.or~. 0 U ti `.. O .y H .~ U O N H v V ~L G ,~ I.l.! 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Enhanced x $5 Di 'tal 2. Enhanced x $5 Di 'tal Total Enclosed XXX 1. All entries must be received by Sunday, May 6t", 2007 at the Orange County Historical Museum, 201 North Churton Street [near Tryon Street intersection], Hillsborough, NC. 2. Only two [2] entries per person. 3. Please label each entry with atitle/description, your name and contact information. 4. Entries must be accompanied by a completed entry form. 5. All images will be on display through the month of May, and maybe retrieved from the Museum during business hours. Photographs MUST be picked up by June 17tTt, or will become the property of the Museum. 6. Orange County officials and sponsoring entities cannot be held responsible for loss or damage of any entry before, during or after this competition. 7. Please see brochure for eligibility requirements and other rules and regulations. I have read and understood the photographic criteria and entry guidelines for this competition. Date 10 THE ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS NATIONAL HISTORIC PRESERVATION, MONTH PROCLAMATION WHEREAS, historic preservation is an effective tool for managing growth, revitalizing neighborhoods, fostering local pride and maintaining community character while enhancing livability; and WHEREAS, historic preservation is relevant for communities across the nation, both urban and rural, and for Americans of all ages, all walks of life and all ethnic and cultural backgrounds; and WHEREAS, it is important to celebrate the role of history in our lives and the contributions made by dedicated individuals in helping to preserve the tangible aspects of the heritage that has shaped us as a people; and WHEREAS, Orange County has become a strong advocate for the protection of historic, cultural and archaeological resources and continues to pursue partnership opportunities with other preservation advocates to preserve these important and often irreplaceable resources, to seek new and innovative ways to make local history engaging to the public, and to encourage others to do the same; and WHEREAS, Orange County has demonstrated its commitment to historic preservation by using the restored Alexander Dickson House as the Hillsborough visitor center, stabilizing the farmsteads at future county parks, and designating important local properties with historic and architectural significance through the Local Landmark Program; and WHEREAS, "Making Preservation Work!" is the theme for National Preservation Month 2007, cosponsored by the Orange County Board of Commissioners, the Orange County Historic Preservation Commission, the Orange County Historical Museum, the Alliance for Historic Hillsborough and the National Trust for Historic Preservation; and NOW, THEREFORE, the Orange County Board of Commissioners does hereby proclaim May 2007 as National Historic Preservation Month and calls upon the people of Orange County to join their fellow residents across the United States in recognizing and participating in this special observance. This the 15th day of May, 2007 Moses Carey, Chair Orange County Board of Commissioners