Historic Preservation Commission

1 TOWN OF SWANSBORO HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES August 4, 2022 Town Hall Community Room Thursday 5:30 PM 601 W. Corbett Avenue Call to Order The special meeting of Swansboro Historic Preservation Commission was called to order at 5:32 PM. Those in attendance were Patrick Larkin, Kim Kingrey, Christina Ramsey, Edward Binanay, Joan Deaton and April Clark, ALT, (not voting). Witnesses Sworn In Tim Simpson, Ann Shuler, and Helen Solterer by Darla Howard. Old Business A. COA 2022-01 147 Front Street / Jack Harnatkiewicz Request for Certificate of Appropriateness for dock extension. Tim Simpson stated that three Board of Commissioners voted against the project, due to the safety concerns. Boats and docks have always worked together on the shore to navigate safely in and out of slips. He added that there has never been any boat lifts in the historic district. The lifts would obstruct the view if you were downtown. Attorney John M. Genest representing Mr. Harnatkiewicz objected to Mr. Simpson’s statement, stating that his information was not factual testimony. Ann Shuler, property and dock owner in the historic district stated that the waterfront is the history of Swansboro. She stated since the bridges were built, and fill added, it has made the currents stronger along the waterfront. Bake, Bottle and Brew has a right to expand their dock but I believe if they would reduce the expansion everyone could maneuver safely and properly. Attorney John M. Genest representing Mr. Harnatkiewicz objected to Mrs. Shuler’s statement, stating that the information was not factual testimony. Helen Solterer, property owner in the historic district expressed her concern for the town’s historic waterfront. She asks that this Board consider the rising water level and impact on increased boat traffic in this area. Attorney John M. Genest representing Mr. Harnatkiewicz objected to Ms. Solterer’s statement, stating that the information was not factual testimony.  Board discussions: - Chairman Patrick Larkin read through the criteria in Section 24.1 Dock, Piers, and Boardwalks – standards - on a question of how many boat lifts existed currently, Mr. Harnatkiewicz stated that there were three. - on a question of how the slips would be utilized, Mr. Harnatkiewicz stated some would be rented annually, others used for visitors. - Board members expressed disappointment that a better compromise had not been accomplished. The job of the Historic Preservation Commission was to act on the standards provided in the Unified Development Ordinance. - Ed Binanay read a letter of disappointment on the project outcome. Kim Kingrey made a motion to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness 2022-01 based on the standards provided in 24.1 Docks, Piers, and Boardwalks – Standards. 1) Locate and construct docks, piers, and boardwalks to be compatible with the historic district in terms of design, materials, size, scale, and details. Must meet best engineering practices and blend with the overall waterfront plan. 2) Use a design that is simple, functional, and utilitarian. Traditional docks were built of post-and-lintel construction, using wood pilings, cross-members, and decking. Avoid the use of railings or other non-historic features that extend above the deck floor line, unless required by law for safety reasons. 3) Use unpainted treated wood for docks, piers, and boardwalks. 4) Built-in features such as benches or roofed structures such as pavilions, gazebos, or screened rooms, or other types of roofed structures such as boat sheds are not appropriate. 5) The design for any related bulkhead or other construction shall be submitted to the SHPC for review with the application for a Certificate of Appropriateness for a dock, pier, or boardwalk. The motion was seconded by Christina Ramsey. Ayes were Kim Kingrey and Christina Ramsey. Nays were Ed Binanay and Joan Deaton. Chairman Larkin voted in favor. The motion carried. Chairman/Board Thoughts/Staff Comments - Chairperson Patrick Larkin stated that our town has been through some adversity since 2018 and each and every time we end up pushing through and becoming prosperous. He believed we would continue to be prosperous. - Joan Deaton read a statement of resignation for the record. Public Comments None Adjournment On a motion by Joan Deaton the meeting was adjourned at 6:19 PM.