Historic Preservation Commission

TOWN OF SWANSBORO HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION AUGUST 16, 2022 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Call to Order The meeting of Swansboro Historic Preservation Commission was called to order at 5:30PM. Those in attendance were Patrick Larkin, Kim Kingrey, Christina Ramsey, Ed Binanay and Jonathan McDaniel. Approval of Minutes On a motion by Kim Kingrey, seconded by Ed Binanay, the July 19, 2022 regular meeting minutes were unanimously approved. Witnesses Sworn In Planner Jennifer Ansell, Helen Solterer, Mike Crose, Chris Zuehlke and Debbie Wilson were sworn in. Old Business Certificate of Appropriateness 2022-02/209 Main Street New property owners of 209 Water Street had applied to demolish an accessory building on the property, claiming its lack of maintenance/deterioration had become a hazard. They did plan to leave the foundation and keep the exterior doors for future use. Planner Ansell shared that State Historic Restoration Specialist John Wood had visited the property and comments from his memo indicated that, “…overall the building did not appear original to the site. However, because the structure was an example of the 1800 period, it should be salvaged if possible.” Mr. Crose of 220 Water Street (also in the historic district) was interested in moving the structure to his property and could absorb the cost of a new foundation but, inquired whether the Town could assist with other costs to move the building. - cost of moving structure, approximately $5000 - cost of tree trimming - unknown - cost of lifting power lines and fiber cables - unknown On a motion by Christina Ramsey, seconded by Ed Binanay, the vote was unanimous to approve removal of the building with a 365-day delay to search out funding opportunities for the removal. The approval was based on criteria provided in Section 22 Demolition of Buildings with reference made to Mr. Wood’s assessment. Staff would assist in researching funding opportunities. New Business Certificate of Appropriateness 2022-06/209 Water Street Property owner Debbie Wilson spoke on behalf of herself and her sister, also a property owner. Their request was to demolish the house that had been severely damaged during Hurricane Florence in 2018. Attempts to sell the property had been unsuccessful. The house was non- contributing, zoned commercial, and within the VE Zone. Planner Ansell stated that the property was subject to the VE flood zone requirements where substantial damage/improvement calculations would be required. If improvements totaled more than 50% of the value, then the entire structure would have to be brought current with the NC Building Code. Specifics from State Historic Restoration Specialist John Wood’s memo included: - The structure appeared to retain many original historic exterior features in good condition but obscured by modern materials. - Modern exterior materials could be removed, which would exhibit a high degree of historic integrity and may make the property more marketable and possibly aid in a contributing status designation. - Since the owners do not reside in the home, perhaps they would consider working with the HPC/Town/Preservation NC to increase marketing efforts and/or explore preservation options. - The HPC could (on behalf of the owner) work with the Town/County to defer taxes during the time the property was marketed/working to preserve it. - Option to delay demolition 365-days to explore options above On inquiries from the Board, the following facts/statements were made. - The house was listed as non-contributing to the district. However, the new architectural survey may suggest otherwise – due in September. - The parcel was zoned B2HDO where single family dwellings were not currently a permitted use but allowed as a secondary use, the primary must be commercial. Planner Ansell clarified that the home existed as a non-conforming use. Because it had been vacated for more than 180 days, the primary use could no longer be a residence. She also indicated that a variance could only be considered if the home was a contributing structure to the district. - Mrs. Wilson made it clear they did not intend to spend any more money on the home, even if the survey revealed it was now contributing, due to the substantial costs involved with the flood zone requirements. She did not want a delay in demolition. - A 30-day delay (to see if the structure status changed in the survey) may make a difference in any potential tax breaks or grants. - Mrs. Wilson inquired if the home was listed as contributing under the new survey, could it still be demolished and the answer was yes, but it could be delayed 365 days to allow opportunity for someone to purchase it and move it to another location. Ed Binanay shared concerns that the historic district had lost twenty or so homes with sixteen new buildings constructed since 1988. He would like the Board to step back and revisit its Rules and Regulations to better protect the historic district. On a motion by Ed Binanay, seconded by Christina Ramsey, the demolition request was approved, with a delay of 30 days or when we receive the survey report. The vote was unanimous. Chairman/Board/Staff Comments None were provided. Public Comments Helen Solterer understood the financial struggles in making improvements but hoped resources would be found to assist in salvaging the structure. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 6:29pm.