Historic Preservation Commission

Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes May 11, 2023 This meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission was held at the Parks, Recreation & Tourism (PRT) Office at 1224 Progressive Drive on May 11th, 2023. Chairperson Knight called the meeting to order at 5:00 PM. ANNOUNCEMENTS Citizen Brad Moore reached out to Chairperson Jennifer Knight over concern about artifacts held at the Portlock School. Historical Services Manager Jessica Cosmas spoke with Mr. Moore to assure that the building is climate controlled and treated for pests. Also, most artifacts being held there are not originals, but copies of documents held at other sites. Commissioner Ernest Lowery announced the 2023 Chesapeake Juneteenth Luncheon will be held at the Greenbrier Country Club on Saturday, June 17, 2023. The event will begin at noon. Members Present: Ms. Jennifer Knight; Ms. Amelia Wallace; Dr. George Reed; Mr. Ernest Lowery; Mr. Kyle Taduran. Members Absent: Mr. Gerald Martin; Mr. James “Ervin” Young. Staff Present: Planner II Kevin Finn; Code Compliance Inspector I Carlos Rodriguez; City Attorney Joshua Johnson (attended virtually). PRT Director Mike Barber, PRT Planning Administrator Ana Elezovic; Historical Services Office Specialist Kimberly Putland; Historical Services Manager Jessica Cosmas; Ms. Cosmas called the roll. Attendance reflected a quorum with 4 voting members present, and 3 voting members absent. MINUTES: Approval of Meeting Minutes: Chairperson Knight asked if there were any corrections to the April minutes as presented. There were no corrections. The minutes stand approved. HEARING OF CITIZENS: None. REPORTS: A. Staff Reports: I. Historical Village at the Dismal Swamp a. Between April 17 and 25 2023, Commonwealth Heritage Group conducted a Phase II archaeological investigation that included shovel testing, test unit excavation, and a pedestrian overview survey at the Dismal Swamp Superintendent’s House. They are currently working on a full report, but at this point, they have concluded that they recovered artifacts from  approximately 1840-1890, including hand-painted ceramic sherd, bottle glass fragments, pipe stem fragments, and an intact blown inkwell. b. The Virginia Department of Historic Resources submitted a letter on April 27, 2023, stating “…that the rehabilitation plans for the Cornland School generally meet the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards of Rehabilitation.” c. Construction documents for the Cornland School are being finalized. Plans to regrade the area around the school and begin groundwork for the parking lot and stormwater pond were submitted to City Development and Permits Office. The contractor is currently working on updating documents to reflect City comments. d. Bid Documents for the Cornland School Rehabilitation and the groundwork around the school are under development. II. Sunray School Building Joseph Freeman of RRMM Architects has submitted elevations and drawings of the current building to document the current conditions of the structure. He is working on a coordinating narrative report that will include recommendations for rehabilitating the structure. III. Upcoming Events a) Space is still available for the Spring Bus Tour, departing from 1224 Progressive Drive at 8:30 am on Friday, May 12, 2023, and Saturday, May 13, 2023. The Historical Services Manager will co-lead the Saturday tour with PRT Deputy Director Monica Christensen. Please call PRT at 757-382-6411 to reserve a spot. b) Space is also still available for the Bike Ride through Historic South Norfolk, departing from South Norfolk Memorial Library at 801 Poindexter Street on Saturday, May 20, 2023. The ride begins at 10 am. Bikes are available to rent for this event. Please call 757-382-1360 to reserve a spot. IV. HARB South Norfolk Design Guidelines Kevin Finn announced that Commonwealth Preservation Group has signed the contract for the design guidelines. An internal kick-off meeting between City Staff and the consultants is scheduled for Wednesday, May 17, 2023. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: A. PLN-REZ-2022-015, Proposed Rezoning at 4168 S. Military Highway (includes parcels within Sunray Agricultural Historic District) The City Council’s review of this application has been delayed to May 16, 2023. B. May 2023 Historic Preservation Month Video Series a. Vice Chair Amelia Wallace recommended the preservation video series be extended outside of the month of May to accommodate commissioner schedules. Other Commissioners found this idea favorable. b. Chairperson Knight suggested that Commissioners Reed and Lowery work on adapting a Black History Month program they previously worked on with the non-profit group the New Chesapeake Men for Progress (NCMFP) into a video for HPC. HEARING OF BOARD MEMBERS: Commissioner Reed announced a new program that he is participating in with NCMFP, that will take place on the first and third Wednesday every month from 6 to 8 pm at the Dr. Cuffee Community Center. The program is intended to match students with mentors so they may develop leadership skills. Commissioner Reed thanked Director Barber for the Department's assistance in providing a meeting place. 2 NEW BUSINESS: Kevin Finn introduced a draft of the text amendment regarding to the Williamson Farmhouse in the Chesapeake Arboretum Historic and Cultural Preservation Overlay District. Mr. Finn requested the commissioners review the text and submit a letter in support of the amendment for the June meeting of the Planning Commission. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 5:53 PM. NEXT MEETING: The next meeting will be on Thursday, June 08, 2023, at 5:00 PM at PRT Office at 1224 Progressive Drive. Minutes submitted by Jessica Cosmas, Secretary. 3