Historic Preservation Commission

Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes September 14, 2023 This meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) was held at the Parks, Recreation & Tourism (PRT) Office at 1224 Progressive Drive on September 14, 2023. Chairperson Knight called the meeting to order at 5:05 PM. ANNOUNCEMENTS Chairperson Knight reminded the Commission that the City Council’s review of the PLN-REZ-2022-015, Proposed Rezoning at 4168 S. Military Highway was postponed to September 19, 2023. She requested that Ms. Cosmas confirm with the City Clerk’s office that HPC’s letter regarding PLN-REZ-2022-015 would be included in the meeting’s packet to the City Council. Commissioner Wallace was nominated by Chair Knight to speak on behalf of the HPC at the upcoming Council meeting. Commissioner Wallace agreed and said she planned to discuss Sunray’s social, cultural, and economic capital and the “power of place” during her address to Council. Chairperson Knight said that a citizen spoke to her about a Civil War-era burial ground near 3151 Cedarville Road. The citizen was concerned the burial ground was being disturbed based on equipment seen in the neighboring yard. Ms. Cosmas conducted a site visit and observed that the reported equipment was not being used near the burial ground. Ms. Cosmas noted that the burial ground is within a conservation easement and not part of the aforesaid neighboring yard. Members Present: Ms. Jennifer Knight; Ms. Amelia Wallace Dr. George Reed; Mr. Ernest Lowery; Mr. Gerald Martin. Members Absent: Mr. Kyle Taduran; Mr. James “Ervin” Young. Staff Present: Zoning Plans Examiner I Joseph Gardner; Historical Services Office Specialist Kimberly Putland; Historical Services Manager Jessica Cosmas; Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Department Chair Mike Barber. Ms. Cosmas called the roll. Attendance reflected a quorum with 5 voting members present, and 2 voting members absent. MINUTES: Approval of Meeting Minutes: Chairperson Knight asked if there were any corrections to the August 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. Staff met with consultants on-site to discuss the bats in the Superintendent’s House. Plans for possible alternative roosts were considered. The consultants remained on site to conduct an  emergence survey, i.e. observing the bats as they exited the building. The consultants returned to enter the structure and conduct a visual assessment of the bats and their habitat. The consultants will produce a report based on their observations, including specific recommendations to humanely rehome the bats. b. Three bids for the Cornland School rehabilitation were submitted and reviewed. The lowest bid was submitted by Brock Construction of Farmville, VA. Brock Construction recently completed a rehabilitation of the Jefferson Baths at Warm Springs, VA; a site that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, a designation shared with the Cornland School. The rehabilitation of Cornland is expected to be complete by June 2024. c. The Cornland School Foundation recently submitted its ideas for interpretive panels to be installed in the school’s interior. The exhibit designer will create drafts of the panels based on the Foundation’s submission. The final exhibit design will be subject to the Foundation’s review. II. Earthwork Fort at Jolliff Road The archaeological consultants recently concluded their Phase I investigation of the site. They expect to submit a report of their findings to City staff in November 2023. III. VA250 and Battle of Great Bridge Reenactment Staff announced the City of Chesapeake’s involvement with VA250, a statewide initiative for events and educational programs relating to the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. Ms. Cosmas has been named Chesapeake’s representative. She is tasked with creating a committee to organize affiliate events. She has drawn on contacts related to the annual Battle of Great Bridge Reenactment, but she would appreciate the commission’s help in recruiting others to Chesapeake’s VA250 committee. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Historic Preservation Month 2023 Video Series Commissioner Wallace reminded the commissioners of the video series and encouraged members to report progress on their contributions to the series. HEARING OF BOARD MEMBERS: None. NEW BUSINESS: Commissioner Reed announced the Annual Black Tie Scholarship & Achievement Gala sponsored by the Norfolk Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Save Our Youth Foundation. The gala will take place on Saturday, October 14, 2023, at 725 Woodlake Drive, Chesapeake. Commissioner Reed also reminded the group of a mentor program at Dr. Cuffee Community Center that he is participating in with the New Chesapeake Men For Progress. The mentorship takes place on the first and third Wednesday of every month from 6 PM to 8 PM at the center. The program is intended to match students with mentors so they may develop leadership skills. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 6:07 PM. NEXT MEETING: The next meeting will be on Thursday, October 12, 2023, at 5:00 PM at PRT Office at 1224 Progressive Drive. Minutes submitted by Kimberly Putland, Secretary. 2