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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHPC agenda 092299 AGENDA FL 0 Orange County Historic Preservation Commissio ' ■ . Wednesday, September 22 , 1999 7 : 00 p . m . Planning and Ag Center Conference Room 306 Revere Road Hillsborough , NC 7 : 00 I . Call to Order 7 : 00 II . Additions to the Agenda 7 : 05 III . Approval of Minutes ( August 25 , 1999 ) 7 : 10 IV . Chair Comments 7 : 15 V . Welcome to New Members On September 7 , Rob Golan and Brad Lessler were appointed to the Commission . A new draft roster will be handed out at the meeting . 7 : 20 VI . White Oak Grove School Discussion Representatives from the group working to preserve this school will be present . In August, the HPC suggested that a local landmark designation might be an appropriate course of action for this project . 8 : 00 VII . Joint Master Recreation and Parks Report A work group of elected officials and representatives of school boards , recreation committees , Duke , UNC and OWASA worked to develop this report, which was submitted in May . The Board of Commissioners has asked advisory boards to review and provide comments . 8 : 30 VIII . Adjournment Attachment 1 . 1 MINUTES HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION August 25 , 1999 .Members Present : Tom Allison, Chair Jean Anderson Bob Rich Carolyn Connor Members Absent : Rachel Gaya Staff Present : David Stancil, Environment Resource & Conservation Director Carol Crawford, Administrative Assistant Public Present : Tom Magnuson AGENDA ITEM # 1 : CALL TO ORDER Chairman Allison called the meeting to order at , approximately 7 &. 00 p . m . AGENDA ITEM #2 : CONSIDERATIONS OF ADDITIONS TO AGENDA AGENDA ITEM #3 : APPROVAL OF MINUTES a . July 14, 1999 Anderson noted a correction needed . MOTION : Rich moved to approve the minutes for July 14, 1999 . VOTE : Unanimous . AGENDA ITEM #4 : CHAIR COMMENTS Chairman Allison reported that the BOCC office had sent four applications for HPC membership to him . Two were not eligible due to location. The other two applications were returned to the BOCC for finther movement . Anderson asked if past members might be contacted again. AGENDA ITEM #5 : CONSIDERATION OF PRIORITY LIST — LOCAL LANDMARK AND NATIONAL REGISTER: Each year, the HPC reviews the priority list for these two initiatives and identifies projects to pursue. Copies of the lists are provided as Attachment 1 . Chairman Allison began the discussion by reviewing items ongoing such as the manuscript, and rridor project . It was noted that on the National Register Study List the St . Marys Road Co the Maude Faucette House has been nominated and is now on the National Register List. Anderson Last updated 09/03/99 2 asked about the Cedar Grove properties and if they are included in the District. Allison remarked there might not be a need for all those folks to go to the expense of a separate National Register nomination. Anderson noted that if they want to get the Local Landmark Designation, they would need to complete the National Register nomination. Stancil added that the Local Landmark Designation nominations are submitted to the State for a courtesy review, however are not required to be on the National Register List. Allison added that the State Historic Preservation Office likes to review the Local Landmark Designation nominations , but, they are not binding : For example, the White Oak Grove School could be listed a Local Landmark Designation without being on the National Register List . Stancil mentioned that an ideas of nominating the Arch Jordan House and Maude Faucette House for Local Landmark Designation has been suggested, as they are already on the National Register List. Allison noted the HPC encourages owners of properties on the study list to do local nominations . In the past the HPC has picked a couple sites and attempted to help fund the projects to encourage them. Allison noted that the BOCC favored funding for the nomination for The Oaks District Study . He also noted that citizen input from that district was willing and interested . Considering a study by L1NC students and other work done, the district nomination should be easy for a consultant to put together . Stancil noted that a CLG grant would need to be submitted and that the matching funds are in the budget . Allison noted that the manuscript is the highest priority for budget expenditures . The Oaks project and possibly individual properties were medium priority ideas as budget items . A farmstead with a compliment of out buildings was discussed as being a preferred site for the National Register Study List . Connor reported that previously she had applied for the NRSL for her farm with six outbuildings and was turned down due to a bathroom addition. However, she was encouraged to apply for Local Landmark Designation by Belk . Allison suggested having a consultant such as Pat Dickinson to write a nomination instead of having the state office look at the property as an alternative option . Connor asked if Faucette Mill would be a desirable site to have on the Local Landmark Designation . Allison noted that the owners would need to approach the HPC first. Conner volunteered to contact Mary Wallace , owner of the mill , for possible inclusion on the study list. Allison suggested a community district nomination of the Faucette Mill, Chatwood, and Connor Farm similar to Ray Kenion District in Cedar Grove . This type of community district nomination might interest the state more than a single site nomination approach. Staff to research how to proceed with this idea. Another incentive for owners to pursue the LLD is a fifty- percent reduction in property tax. Stancil suggested the HPC discuss item VII Priorities for the Remainder . of 1999 at this time to determine what projects to pursue . Allison noted that some sites on the study list have had nominations written and accepted and that some owners have declined to participate . As the HPC turns over and staff is replaced there will be very few members familiar with the sites on the list until the manuscript with photos and descriptions is published . A way to assess the sites and get new board members acquainted with the individual sites was noted as a concern . Anderson suggested that the first priority would be to complete the manuscript. In conclusion, a good list of priorities is not feasible at this time and, the HPC needs to be available to property owners to encourage them to participate in the National Register Nomination program and make aware of the Local Landmark program that does have some tax reduction advantages . Stancil asked if the commission would like for staff to make initial contact with the owners of Faucette Mill . Anderson suggested it might be better for Connor to approach the owners about a Last updated 09/03/99 3 Historic Register Nomination for the mill as they are neighbors . Allison encouraged a contact with Pat Dickinson and the owners of the Faucette Mill about a district nomination as she also wrote the Chatwood nomination and familiar with the process and properties . Connor agreed to talk to both parties and report back to the HPC . Allison noted that there are some sites listed on the National Register Study List that probably won ' t be designated on the LLD such as the Paisley Rice Log House because it was moved and altered . Arymount and The Benjamin Duke House were declined by the owners , the Hogan Plantation site doesn ' t have anything left to preserve, and Maple Hill no longer qualifies . Allison suggested that the easier properties have already been done such as Moorefields and Bingham School for LLD , so we need to move into next realm . Anderson noted that The Oaks might be next. Allison suggested that as money had been spent on the White Oak Grove School National Register Nomination be rolled over to a Local Landmark Designation as it has cultural influence and to encourage continued stabilization by the community efforts . Stancil reviewed the HPC ' s priorities the highest being to get the manuscript completed by moving forward withithe contract. The next priority being Local Landmark Designations : White Oak Grove School and a possible National Register Study Nomination for a district including Faucette Mill & Millhouse, Chatwood and Connor Farmstead and, the continuation of St . Mary ' s Road project . Allison noted that the HPC would need to determine whether to pursue a district or corridor study nomination after the final reports are received from Linda Stine and GAI Consultants . Connor suggested that Pat Dickinson might be involved in this project also . Allison noted doubts of getting the project nominated for a National Register Nomination as approximately fifty percent of the structures are non- contributing from the Park Service standpoint. Connor questioned if there was another type of designation . Allison said that Geoff Henry would need to tell the HPC about those options when he presents the final report . It could. be that an archeological designation might be the answer: It was noted . that the viewshed of the St . Mary ' s Road Project is in jeopardy of being heavily developed . Stancil noted the linkage to the BOCC goal of pursuing viewshed protection goals to protect the integrity of significant historic sites and districts . with the Agricultural Districts Advisory Board in conjunction Allison suggested the HPC work with farmland preservation. He further noted this project will be an ongoing long term project starting with receiving and acting on the final report, possibly working with ADAB input, pulling together a coalition of land owners support, reporting to the BOCC and making a recommendation of what we want to do with a protective ordinance . Stancil said he would inform the ADAB of the HPC interest in talking about this topic and include it in the next Environment & Resource Steering Committee meeting . The issue of citizen cooperation was noted to be of great importance for the success of the project. Anderson asked if anyone knew if Nets Anderson was moving forward with having his house nominated for NRSL , noting that landowners along the St . Mary ' s Road could encourage their the overall project in a positive manner. neighbors with Allison suggested sharing the St . Mary ' s Road final reports with the ADAB . Rich suggested inviting the ADAB to the meeting when the final report is to be presented by Linda Stine and Geoff Henry . Stancil to provide information to the ADAB as suggested . Last updated 09/03/99 4 Anderson asked if the public had been invited to submit old photographs for possible use in the manuscript publication to give character to the book. Stancil asked the HPC if the photos should be of rural parts of the County . The group agreed and Allison suggested photos of areas discussed in the book and archival type photos . Stancil suggested a press release . Anderson suggested sending along a documentary photo to get people interested . Allison suggested using the Arch Jordan House file photo . Rich suggested the News of Orange County as a source . Allison added the Chapel Hill section of The Herald might be included as people who had moved into town from rural parts of the County that might have old photographs . AGENDA ITEM #6 : CRITERIA THOUGHTS FOR LANDS LEGACY PROGRAM Stancil explained the Lands Legacy program as development of a program of evaluation, land management structure and options for the BOCC to consider for acquisition of some of the critical resource lands in Orange County . The program is scheduled to go to the BOCC on September 21 " as a report. After initial BOCC feedback the report will come back to HPC in October for formal review. We are now evaluating all the known inventories in the County of natural areas and wildlife habitat, historic preservation purposes , water resources , parks and farmlands and, trying to coordinate all those different functions. As a part of doing this we strive to not only evaluate what data resources we have , but also what we will need . The end result would be the capacity to produce GIS mapping that would give us the ability to overlay every different component to see where overlaps exist and prioritize our activities . We are coordinating our work with existing land trusts and other organizations that are involved in land acquisition. The remainder of the report will suggest the type of criteria to evaluate sites . There might be times when we have the opportunity for acquiring and easement or purchase of a site that has cultural significance to Orange County . Stancil added that we are also exploring different types of management structure such as whether the county will form a land trust as a lot of counties across the nation have done, or whether we will develop an open space authority if we get the approval from the General Assembly or, whether we will have an internal county program under the statutory authority that already exists . Process and management structure are issues the BOCC will be dealing with. Finally, ill access be dealt with, what sort of uses, and stewardship of once lands are purchased, how w those properties would follow. Funding of $ 1 . 85 million dollars in the Capital Improvements Project is allocated for acquisitions . The plan is to use that as matching funds for grants to the Clean Water Management Trust Fund or Parks and Recreation Trust Fund, Farmland Trust Fund and other Federal and State agencies . We also have three million dollars in park bond acquisitions . There may be occasion for purchase of a park that includes a cultural site allowing preservation of two goals at once . We are looking closely at ways of meeting multiple objectives . Another funding possibility is through the School Park Reserve fund . The Land Resource Manager position is planned to be filled in the next couple weeks . This person will have a scientific and acquisition background to evaluate sites, understands acquisitions and the ability to negotiate with property owners . Last updated 09/03/99 5 Stancil asked for the HPC ' s priorities as to the most important for the county in terms of ill be part of the draft report in a section of criteria cultural and historic resources . HPC input w for historic and cultural sites . Allison suggested using the Evaluation Criteria document developed by the Commission about two years ago . Anderson noted that the HPC members actually took a tour and gave each a score to each house to see how the point system worked . Rich added it worked well . The commission noted the criteria would pertain only to structures . Allison noted that the wording could work for land or structures giving example as "the integrity of a house " would apply to the integrity of "land" as to whether it had been timbered or whatever. Anderson added that one reason for developing the form was to rank the properties on the study list so we would know where to begin and have idea of their relevant value . AGENDA ITEM #8 : ADJOURNMENT Rich moved to adjourn the meeting . Allison adjourned the meeting at approximately 8 * 30 p . m . Last updated 09/03/99 00 Attachment 2 North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources James B. Hunt Jr,, Governor Division of Archives and History Betty Ray McCain, Secretary Jeffrey J, Crow, Director July 12; 1999 Donald Belk ' Preservation Planner, Orange County P . O . Box 8181 Hillsborough, NC 27278 RE : White Oak Grove School, Orange County - Dear Don: When consultant Rick Mattson visited our office last week, I happened to talk to him about his current projects, including preparation of a National Register nomination for the former White Oak Grove School,. Rick mentioned that he had questions about the property' s eligibility for listing 'n the National Register due to extensive alterations made when the building was converted to a residence in the 1950s . Consequently, I pulled our survey file on the former school, which the North Carolina National Register Advisory Committee placed on the National Register Study List last October in response to an application submitted by the Orange County Historic Preservation Commission. In reviewing the survey file and Study List application, I discovered that we had 'virtually no information on the interior of the building last October, when we presented the application to the National Register ,Advisory Committee. yWe knew that the 1950s conversion entailed construction of porches, but we did not know that interior alterations included a complete reworking of the plan, with installation of a second floor. The construction of the second floor apparently also necessitated the addition of the prominent wall dormers and other upper-level windows , Placement of a property on the Study List means that the property appears to be potentially eligible for the National Register based upon the information gathered to date. In' order to meet the National Register Criteria for Evaluation, a property must meet standards of historical significance and must be largely intact. While a certain degree of change to historic properties is to be expected, extensive loss of historic physical integrity- in this case, alterations to identifying features of roofline and interior plan.-renders them ineligible under the criteria. Had all of the too changes been known last October, I believe that the former school would not -have been placed on the Study List, ' set Survey and Planning Branch State Historic Preservation Office 4618 CMS Center • Raleigh North Carolina 276994618 Donald Belk - July 12, 1999 Page Two In light of the fact that Orange County has entered into a contract to have a National Register nomination prepared for the property, I telephoned you last week to apprise you of our re- assessment of the former White Oak Grove School. As we, discussed then, it is highly unlikely that the Keeper of the National Register would approve a nomination for the building unless the majority of the changes are reversed. Because there is more latitude regarding standards of Physical integrity for designation of a property as a local landmark and because there is strong recognition in the community of the building's cultural importance, you might consider having Your consultant prepare a local designation report rather than a National Register nomination for the former school;. This letter is likely to disappoint the Orange County Historic Preservation Commission, but I hope that you and the commission will agree that it is better that we apprise you of the building's lack of potential eligibility for the Register now instead of after further effort is expended preparing a nomination. We try to be as confident as possible of our recommendations to the National Register Advisory Committee regarding Study List applications, but this is one of the rage occasions in which an ineligible property is placed on the list. I understand that Rick Mattson has already shared his doubts about the former school's National Register eligibility with members of the community, who indicated that they would continue striving to restore the building regardless of National Register status. I will be happy to answer any questions you, the commission, and members of the community may have about our re- evaluation of the school and potential local designation of the property. " Sincerely, Claudia R. Brown, Supervisor . Survey and Planning Branch State Historic Preservation Office Copy to R. Mattson: CRB/cp t 5 . GENERAL ARCHITECTURAL DESCRIPTION This structure was built in the late 1920 ' s as a community school . In the early 1950 ' s , the building was converted into a private residence . The covered porch was added at this time . The one - and- a-half story structure is two rooms wide and four rooms long and features three gabled dormer windows on the front facade , with the middle being a double window . There are two front doors , six- over- six double -hung windows , gable returns on the gable sides , and the house is sheathed in novelty siding . The attached porch is one story in height and covers a third of the front ( east) facade and wraps around half of the south facade . 6 . HISTORY The Carr community, a traditionally African-American enclave near the Cedar Grove rural crossroads , decided to build a school within their neighborhood because their children were forced to travel several miles to attend segregated schools . The White Oak Grove School was built in the late 1920s , adjacent to the White Oak Grove Church . It officially opened on October 19 , 1927 after contributions from the local community matched an appropriation by the Orange County Board of Education . The building of the school galvanized the community . Numerous fund raisers were conducted in order to match the funding from the County school board . Festivities such as cookouts and bake sales , box sales , and ` womanless weddings ' were organized to raise money for school desks , books , and supplies . School construction was spearheaded by Burnie "Doc " Corbett, scion of the family who donated land for the original White Oak Grove Church in the late 19th century . Mr. Corbett was a prosperous farmer, and was well-known as a philanthropist in the local community . White Oak Grove School served the African-American families of Cedar Grove and Carr for 25 years , until the County constructed a modern, consolidated facility near McDade ' s Crossroads . Around 1952 , Doc Corbett converted the school building into a home for his daughters . Later, James Corbett, lived in the house from 1957 until 1978 . The structure has been vacant since . 7 . REASON FOR REQUEST There is a growing interest in Orange County in identifying and preserving rural school buildings . The White Oak Grove School was a rural, African-American primary school built in the late 1920s by local craftsmen, using local funds . Descendants of these community leaders desire to acquire , rehabilitate , and preserve the structure . Eventually , they hope to raise funds to create a community center . Orange County Historic Preservation Commission Questions & Answers about Historic Landmark Designation In Orange County What is historic landmark designation ? Historic landmark designation is the selection of certain historic properties that meet specific criteria of age, architecture, and historical or cultural significance , as determined by the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) . Landmarks are designated individually or in groupings (historic ' district designation) . Designation occurs by adoption of an ordinance by the Board of County Commissioners . My property is already listed on the National Register of Historic Places. What is the difference ? Local landmark designation should not be confused with listing on the National Register of Historic Places , which is a federal program administered by the State of NC . Although some properties may carry both types of designation, the National Register and local landmark designation are totally separate programs with different requirements and benefits . Why does Orange County designate historic landmarks ? Historic landmark designation is the most important component of a local government ' s historic preservation program . Landmark designation provides regulatory protection of those sites deemed important to a community ' s heritage and history . My property has been identified by the HPC as eligible for landmark designation. Am I required to participate ? No . Orange County ' s landmark designation program is voluntary . ill be invited by the HPC to submit their property for landmark Owners of eligible properties w designation. They may decline participation in this program if they wish. What are the requirements of landmark property owners ? Owners who wish to make certain changes to designated landmark properties must have their plans reviewed and approved by the Historic Preservation Commission. HPC approval, in the form of a Certificate of Appropriateness, must be obtained before a building permit can be issued . Why do I need approval from the HPC to make changes to my landmark property ? HPC review is intended to ensure that changes to the landmark are in keeping with the historic and/or architectural integrity of the structure . The review authority covers the exterior of the historic structure(s) , and extends to the boundaries of the designated site, including the grounds . HPC approval is not required for routine maintenance or repairs that do not involve a change in design, material , or appearance . Furthermore , HPC approval is not required for changes to the interior of buildings or for changes in use . Do I need permission to paint my historic building ? No . The HPC does not review changes in paint color . (over) How does the HPC determine if my proposed change is appropriate ? The Commission will refer to The Secretary of the Interior 's Standards for Rehabilitation when reviewing proposals for changes to landmarks . The Secretary of the Interior 's Standards will serve as the HPC ' s guidelines until the Commission completes work on its own design guidelines . The forthcoming Orange County Design Guidelines will be modeled after the Secretary of the Interior 's Standards, but will be specific to the County ' s architecture . variety and historic landscapes . How long does the approval process take ? Once a completed application for a certificate of appropriateness is submitted to the Planning and Inspections Department, the department has 30 days to review the application and forward it to the HPC . The Commission will consider the application at their first meeting following the 30 - day review period . The HPC then has 45 days to act upon the application. If the HPC fails to take action on the proposal within the 45 - day period, it shall be deemed approved. In most cases , the HPC will act on the application at the first monthly meeting following staff reviews however, the 45 - day period allows the Commission to extend deliberations until the following meeting, if necessary . The review period will be expedited to the greatest extent possible for work required as a result of storm damage or other unexpected calamity . What are the benefits for owners of historic landmarks ? Landmark designation is an honor of distinction for the property owner, who can take pride in knowing that his or her property is important to the history and cultural heritage of Orange County . Owners of designated landmarks are also eligible to apply for an annual 50% property tax deferral for as long as their property ' s historical significance is maintained . (This deferral applies only to the real property . ) Landmark owners will also be provided a bronze marker, pending available funds . The marker may be placed on the property at the owner ' s consent; otherwise , it may be placed on a nearby public right-of--way . What happens if the HPC denies my request to make a change to my property ? A property owner whose application for a COA is denied by the Historic Preservation Commission may appeal to the Board of Adjustment. What if I choose to move or demolish my property ? The HPC cannot deny a certificate of appropriateness for demolition or relocation of a landmark; however, it may delay the action for up to one year . The Commission will use this time to seek an alternative to demolition or relocation. This may include finding an interested buyer to maintain the structure or . adapt it to another use ; or, as a last resort, to relocate the structure . . X..::::....:.:::..4. .A......:..,...:.::..::. H..;. For more information, please contact: Orange County Historic Preservation Commission Post Office Box 8181 Hillsborough, NC 27278 Hillsborough • 7324181 Chapel Hill • 9674251 Durham a 68& 7331 Mebane • 227-2031 ext. 2594