HomeMy Public PortalAbout12-02-2015 Minutes Regular MeetingPage 1 of 11
MINUTES
HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
Wednesday, December 2, 2015, 7:00 PM,
Town Barn
Present: Chairman Anna Currie, Vice Chairman Reid Highley, Candice Cobb, Brad Farlow, David
McCullough, Jill Heilman
Staff: Stephanie Trueblood
Guests: Kay Singer, Lee Kane, Leslie Powell, David Payne, Liz Waters, John Shoneman, Howard Staab
ITEM # 1: Call to order, roll call, and confirmation of quorum
Chairman Currie called the meeting to order. Ms. Trueblood called the roll and confirmed the presence of a
quorum.
ITEM # 2: Reading of the Commission’s Mission Statement
Chairman Currie read the Commission’s Mission Statement and explained the processes.
ITEM # 3: Additions to the agenda and agenda adjustment
There were none.
ITEM # 4: Approval of minutes from the November 4, 2015 meeting
Motion: Mr. Highley made a motion to approve the minutes with changes noted below.
Second: Ms. Heilman seconded.
Vote: Unanimous
Changes: Pg 3, 4th paragraph: eliminate “or whenever the lots were swapped.” Pg. 13, 1st Motion: add
with “minor editorial” changes
ITEM # 5: Continuation of application for a Certificate of Appropriateness for Lee Kane of Trinity Design
Build on behalf of Mike Humphreys to demolish the existing shed and construct an 8’ x 16’
garage and extend the gravel driveway at 405 N. Churton Street (PIN 9874-08-3223)
Motion: Ms. Cobb moved to open the public hearing.
Second: Mr. McCullough seconded.
Vote: Unanimous
Chairman Currie asked whether anyone on the board felt he or she had a conflict of interest regarding this
application. No one did.
Lee Kane was sworn in.
Ms. Trueblood stated that this application is regarding 405 N. Churton Street. There are mostly Contributing
structures in the vicinity.
The architecture is: Contributing: Garage c. 1922, House c. 1922. Garage: Front-gabled, frame garage with shed-
roofed bay on the right (north) elevation has vertical metal sheathing and a 5V metal roof. House: This large,
one-and-a-half-story, side-gabled, Craftsman-style bungalow is three bays wide and double-pile with a full-
width, shed-roofed rear wing. The house has aluminum siding, two interior brick chimneys, and replacement
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windows throughout, though original two-over-two wood-sash windows remain in the side gables and in a shed-
roofed dormer centered on the façade. The nine-light-over-two-panel door has one-light-over-one-panel
sidelights and is sheltered by a full-width engaged, shed-roofed porch supported by square columns with an
original wood railing. County tax records date the building to 1922 and the house and outbuilding are present on
the 1924 Sanborn map.
The applicant is proposing to demolish the existing shed and construct an 8’ x 16’ garage and extend the gravel
driveway. New outbuilding materials include concrete slab foundation and CMU block, beveled wood siding,
wood trim, 5V metal roof, wood doors, wood frame windows. The driveway extension will be gravel.
Agenda packets included: Notification information and vicinity map, narrative with material list included, site
plan, floor plan, elevations, building sections, perspective views, and photos of existing shed. You also have this
month a letter from Dwayne Fails at Fails Safe Construction who inspected the existing shed and found that the
shed could not be moved intact.
The applicable Design Guidelines are: New Construction of Outbuildings and Garages, Demolition of Existing
Buildings, Walkways, Driveways, and Off-street Parking.
Ms. Trueblood noted she had received a letter from property owner Mike Humphreys that came after the
packets were assembled. She read the letter to the commission.
Mr. Kane said it cannot be moved and he doesn’t think anything can be salvaged. The wood is rotting.
Chairman Currie asked whether there was anyone in the audience who would like to speak for or against the
application.
Leslie Powell was sworn in.
Ms. Powell said she would be in favor of it being removed because it encroaches on her property. She had a
question about the siting of the gravel driveway. Ms. Trueblood stated that according to the site plan, the gravel
driveway would not encroach on her property.
Mr. Kane confirmed that no trees needed to be removed. The roofline of the new shed would be similar. It
would be a larger version of the same shape, he said.
Motion: Mr. Highley moved to close the public hearing.
Second: Mr. Farlow seconded.
Vote: Unanimous
Motion: Ms. Cobb moved to find as a fact that the Lee Kane application is in keeping with the overall
character of the Historic District and complies with all relevant standards of evaluation based on the Board’s
discussion of the application and the standards of evaluation in section 3.12.3 of the Unified Development
Ordinance because the plans are consistent with Design Guidelines: New Construction of Outbuildings and
Garages, Demolition of Existing Buildings, Walkways, Driveways, and Off-street Parking.
Second: Mr. Farlow seconded.
Vote: Unanimous
Motion: Ms. Cobb moved to approve the application.
Second: Mr. Highley seconded.
Vote: Unanimous
Conditions: None
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ITEM # 6: Application for a Certificate of Appropriateness for Kay and Phil Singer to remove the current
asphalt driveway and install brick pavers at 120 E. Union Street (PIN 9874-17-0933)
Motion: Ms. Heilman moved to open the public hearing.
Second: Mr. Farlow seconded.
Vote: Unanimous
Chairman Currie asked the board members whether anyone felt he or she had a conflict of interest. No one did.
Kay Singer was sworn in.
Ms. Trueblood stated that this application is regarding 120 E. Union Street. There are mostly Contributing
structures in the vicinity.
The architecture is: Contributing. c. 1942, 1989. This one-and-a-half-story, front-gabled bungalow is three bays
wide and triple-pile with a shed-roofed dormer on the left (east) elevation. The house has a brick veneer, vinyl
siding in the gables, and six-over-one wood-sash windows. The fifteen-light French door, centered on the
façade, is sheltered by a two-bay-wide, front-gabled porch supported by tapered wood posts on brick piers with
a pair of six-over-one windows in the gable. There is an exterior brick chimney on the right (west) elevation, a
projecting gabled bay on the right elevation, and a side-gabled hyphen at the right rear (southwest) that
connects to a front-gabled garage. The garage wing has vinyl siding and two overhead doors on the north
elevation. County tax records date the building to 1947; however, house appears on the 1943 Sanborn map. The
garage was constructed in 1989 [HDC].
The applicant is proposing to remove the current asphalt driveway and install brick pavers
Agenda packets included: Notification information and vicinity map, narrative, site plan, photos of existing
conditions, photos of proposed brick pavers
The applicable Design Guidelines are: Walkways, Driveways, and Off-street Parking.
Chairman Currie asked whether there was anyone in the audience to speak for or against the application. There
was no one.
Ms. Singer said the new driveway will have more pitch for better drainage.
Motion: Mr. McCullough moved to close the public hearing.
Second: Ms. Cobb seconded.
Vote: Unanimous
Motion: Mr. Farlow moved to find as a fact that the Singer application is in keeping with the overall
character of the Historic District and complies with all relevant standards of evaluation based on the Board’s
discussion of the application and the standards of evaluation in section 3.12.3 of the Unified Development
Ordinance because the plans are consistent with Design Guidelines: Walkways, Driveways, and Off-street
Parking.
Second: Mr. Highley seconded.
Vote: Unanimous
Motion: Mr. Farlow moved to approve the application as submitted.
Second: Ms. Cobb seconded.
Vote: Unanimous
Conditions: None
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ITEM # 7: Application for a Certificate of Appropriateness for Julie Smith to install a 4’6” x 5’8” wood
frame and metal panel sign in the front yard at 128 W. Margaret Lane (PIN 9874-06-2054)
Motion: Ms. Heilman moved to open the public hearing.
Second: Ms. Cobb seconded.
Vote: Unanimous
Ms. Trueblood reported to the board that she had received communication before the meeting that Ms. Smith
was having car trouble and may not make it to the meeting but would like the board to proceed.
Ms. Trueblood stated that this application is regarding 128W. Margaret Lane. There are a mixture of
Contributing, non-Contributing and Vacant lots in the vicinity.
The architecture is: Non-Contributing. c. 1952. c. 1980. This one-story, side-gabled house was likely constructed
as a Minimal Traditional-style house and expanded to its current four-bays-wide form later. The house is double-
pile with a replacement windows located in low gable centered on the façade. It has vinyl siding and windows
and an interior brick chimney. A picture window and six-panel door on the left (west) end of the façade are
recessed slightly and sheltered by an aluminum awning on square wood posts. There is a gabled ell at the left
rear (northwest) and a shed-roofed overhang at the right rear (northeast). County tax records date the building
to 1952.
The applicant is proposing to install a 4’ 6” x 5’ 8” wood frame and metal panel sign in the front yard. The
reason this sign is not being reviewed as a minor work is due to the proposal of using metal panels. The minor
work guidelines only allows staff to approve signs that are sandblasted or painted wood or non-printed metal.
Agenda packets included: Notification information, vicinity map, narrative, drawing and specs for sign
application, site plan
The applicable Design Guidelines are: Signage.
Chairman Currie asked whether there was anyone in the audience to speak for or against the application.
David Payne was sworn in. Mr. Payne stated that he is a neighbor. He expressed concern that the proposed sign
is not in keeping with the character of the neighborhood due to size and proposed materials.
Ms. Trueblood said because the lot frontage is long, the total square footage of the sign could be as large as 32
SF.
Ms. Cobb agreed with Mr. Payne’s concern of the size. Ms. Heilman agreed and expressed concern that the
proposed orientation of the sign would obscure the view of the Cedar Walk and Mr. Payne’s house from the
street. Chairman Currie said that the proposed sign appeared contemporary to her and she felt the larger sign
with metal inserts would not be compatible with the Historic District. Mr. McCullough said the mass of it is a
concern. Although this building is now commercial, the block quickly turns residential and the sign doesn’t fit the
spirit of the block.
Ms. Trueblood reminded the board that there can only be one freestanding sign at each property.
Mr. Farlow suggested turning the proposed sign 90 degrees. Ms. Cobb felt it would still be disproportionate to
the neighborhood.
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Motion: Mr. Highley moved to close the public hearing.
Second: Mr. McCullough seconded.
Vote: Unanimous
Motion: Chairman Currie moved to find as a fact that the Julie Smith application is not in keeping with
the overall character of the Historic District and does not comply with all relevant standards of evaluation based
on the Board’s discussion of the application and the standards of evaluation in section 3.12.3 of the Unified
Development Ordinance because the plans are consistent with Design Guidelines: Signage.
Second: Ms. Cobb seconded.
Vote: Unanimous
Motion: Chairman Currie moved to deny the application as submitted.
Second: Ms. Cobb seconded.
Vote: Unanimous
Conditions: None
ITEM # 8: Application for a Certificate of Appropriateness for Liz Waters on behalf of First Baptist Church
to install a 20’ x 20’ unit of play equipment at 201 W. King Street (PIN 9864-96-4185)
Motion: Ms. Heilman moved to open the public hearing.
Second: Ms. Cobb seconded.
Vote: Unanimous
Chairman Currie asked whether anyone on the board felt he or she had a conflict of interest regarding this
application. No one did.
Liz Waters was sworn in.
Ms. Trueblood stated that this application is regarding 201 W. King Street. There are mostly Contributing
structures in the Vicinity.
The architecture is: Contributing. 1860-1870, 1889, 1924, 1952. Designed by Virginia architect, William Percival,
the Romanesque Revival-style First Baptist Church has a front-gabled sanctuary that faces South Wake Street
with a symmetrical side-gabled educational wing at the rear (west) elevation of the sanctuary. The brick
structure is three bays wide and four bays deep with a corbelled gabled brick parapet on the façade and brick
pilasters with brick caps separating the side bays. A double-leaf arched entrance is located in a projecting, front-
gabled entrance bay with a corbelled, gabled brick parapet and is flanked by arched stained-glass windows.
There is a rose window in the front gable, arched stained-glass windows on the side elevations with arched
lighter-brick surrounds, and eight-over-eight wood-sash windows at the basement level. A brick elevator shaft to
the left (south) of the entrance steps provides access to the basement. A square bell tower at the northeast
corner of the building has a large and steeply-pitched four-sided copper steeple, arched louvered vents at the
second stage, narrow round-arched stained-glass windows, and, on the north elevation, a double-leaf entrance.
A large, two-story, side-gabled education wing extends across the rear of the sanctuary. The brick wing has six-
over-six wood-sash windows, a wide wood cornice, and two-story entrance bays on the east elevation flanking
the sanctuary. These entrance bays have arched brick colonnades sheltering inset entrances on the ground-floor
level and six-over-six wood-sash windows at the second-floor level. A 1952 projecting gabled section at the rear
(west) has a one-story brick colonnade along its south elevation. The First Baptist Church was organized in
Hillsborough on November 19, 1853. Its congregation met at the old 1790 courthouse building (now Dickerson's
Chapel) until 1862. Between 1854 and 1860 the church acquired its present site, Lot 130, apparently by deed of
gift from John J. Freeland. The present church was designed by William Percival, a Virginia architect who set up a
branch office in Raleigh in 1857. Percival left Raleigh before the church was completed, and in the meantime the
church lost its savings. The original builder, D. Kistler, was replaced by local builder John Berry, who completed
the building in 1870. The interior retains its high open ceiling with carved beams, and a generous use of rounded
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Romanesque arches. In 1889 the church building was completely repaired, including reinforcing the walls with
rods. In 1924 the steeple was replaced. The rear brick educational building was added in 1952.
Proposed Work: Install a 20’x 20’ unit of play equipment in the fenced play yard to the south of the building
along West Margaret Lane.
Agenda packets included: Notification information and vicinity map, narrative, photos of playground equipment
The applicable Design Guidelines are: Site Features and Plantings.
Ms. Waters said the playground equipment had been donated to the church and the church had asked her to
come talk with the HDC about the possibility of using the playground equipment. The church could be willing to
leave off the capping at the top of the structures if it wo uld still be structurally sound. If the HDC turns down the
playground, the church will sell it. The playground equipment is metal and plastic. It is 10-12 feet tall.
Ms. Trueblood reviewed that there are three playgrounds in the district that come to mind. Turnip Patch Park is
mostly wooden with a plastic slide and was issued a COA. Hillsborough Elementary has a new blue and red
playground and no one from the school applied for a COA. The other is behind the Whitted Building that has one
slide element that is plastic and has similar colors to this proposal. If there is a COA for that, it pre -dates Ms.
Trueblood’s time with the town.
Ms. Waters noted the property slopes and there is a fence and vegetation that would obscure the view.
Chairman Currie asked whether there was anyone in the audience to speak for or against the application. There
was no one.
Ms. Trueblood stated that in her experience the toppers/caps with this type of equipment are removable. She
doesn’t know this brand in particular. There was a question posed to Ms. Waters whether the church was
interested in using the toppers. Ms. Waters said the congregation may vote to sell the equipment.
Ms. Cobb said she would vote in favor of painting it a more neutral color so that it blends in with the
environment better. She cited Guideline 10 that suggests not compromising the historic character of the site or
district. There was discussion that it will be visible from the street, particularly Wake Street. It was pointed out
that Turnip Patch Park is visible and was approved. There was acknowledgement that it would be seen as people
walked up the steps to the church.
There was discussion that included acknowledgement that playground equipment is somewhat whimsical and
temporary but that this particular set has a lot of plastic on it. This configuration is not one that the majority of
the commission would approve.
Motion: Ms. Heilman moved to close the public hearing.
Second: Mr. McCullough seconded.
Vote: Unanimous
Motion: Ms. Heilman moved to find as a fact that the First Baptist Church application is not in keeping
with the overall character of the Historic District and does not comply with all relevant standards of evaluation
based on the Board’s discussion of the application and the standards of evaluation in section 3.12.3 of the
Unified Development Ordinance because the plans are consistent with Design Guidelines: Site Features and
Plantings.
Second: Mr. Highley seconded.
Vote: Unanimous
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Motion: Ms. Heilman moved to deny the application.
Second: Ms. Cobb seconded.
Vote: Unanimous
Conditions: None
ITEM # 9: Application for a Certificate of Appropriateness for John Shoneman on behalf of Kevin and
Colleen St. John to demolish the existing rear wood deck and replace with a new metal stair
and concrete slab at 108 S. Churton Street (PIN 9874-06-4153)
Motion: Mr. Farlow moved to open the public hearing.
Second: Ms. Cobb seconded.
Vote: Unanimous
Chairman Currie asked whether anyone on the board had a conflict of interest. Mr. Highley said he does. He is
the architect for the project next door and he prepared the application materials.
John Shoneman was sworn in.
Motion: Mr. McCullough moved to excuse Mr. Highley from this application.
Second: Ms. Cobb seconded.
Vote: Unanimous
Ms. Trueblood stated that this application is regarding 108 S. Churton Street. There are a mixture of
Contributing and Non-Contributing structures in the vicinity.
The architecture is: Contributing. c. 1923. Part of the same building campaign as the two commercial buildings
to the north, this two-story, brick commercial building has two storefronts on the first floor and grouped six-
over-six wood-sash windows with arched transoms composed of four three-light Craftsman-style wood windows
in a segmental-arched brick surround on the second floor. Bands of soldier-course brick at the cornice and
between the first and second floors also matches that on 100 and 106 South Churton Street. The two storefronts
are mid-century replacements with twenty-light display windows on a low brick knee wall with soldier-course
brick band. The one-light doors are recessed slightly and each has a three-light transom. A full-width transom
that spans the entire storefront has been covered with a signboard. A stairwell to the second floor is located
behind the south entrance. A different building is shown on Sanborn maps from 1911 and earlier. This building
was likely constructed in the early 1920s and appears on the 1924 and 1943 Sanborn maps. The 1924 Sanborn
maps notes the building’s use as “auto repair.” According to Bellinger this was once used as a men's clothing
store and a jewelry store.
The applicant is proposing to demolish the existing rear wood deck and replace with a new metal stair and
concrete slab.
Agenda packets are: Notification and vicinity information, vicinity map with narrative and proposed materials,
site plan, photos of existing conditions including deck, slab and stairs, plans for proposed stair.
The applicable Design Guidelines are: Decks, Paint and Exterior Color, Accessibility and Life Safety
Considerations, Additions to Existing Buildings, Porches, Entrances and Balconies.
Mr. Shoneman added that he is doing work on the lower building and in order to comply with the ADA
regulations, the new concrete walkway enables that to happen. At the end of the walkway, there is a grate that
would probably be extended on the new slab as well. The new slab will come out and line up with the new
walkway. The new slab is lower than the walkway. The existing wood stairs would be removed and replaced with
metal stairs, similar to what is behind Panciuto’s. This configuration will expand the opportunity for outdoor
dining. The metal stairs will be painted black. Bolts will be used to fasten the stairs to the bricks.
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Board members said it will be a great improvement to the alley.
Motion: Mr. Farlow moved to close the public hearing.
Second: Mr. McCullough seconded.
Vote: Unanimous
Motion: Ms. Cobb moved to find as a fact that the John Shoneman application is in keeping with the
overall character of the Historic District and complies with all relevant standards of evaluation based on the
Board’s discussion of the application and the standards of evaluation in section 3.12.3 of the Unified
Development Ordinance because the plans are consistent with Design Guidelines: Decks, Paint and Exterior
Color, Accessibility and Life Safety Considerations, Additions to Existing Buildings, Porches, Entrances and
Balconies.
Mr. Shoneman clarified that the concrete slab will extend as far as the walkway so that pedestrians aren’t
stepping into the swale.
Second: Ms. Heilman seconded.
Vote: Unanimous
Motion: Ms. Cobb moved to approve the application as submitted.
Second: Mr. Farlow seconded.
Vote: Unanimous
Conditions: None
ITEM # 10: Application for a Certificate of Appropriateness for Howard Staab to construct a new 1150 SF
home with cypress siding, 5V galvanized roofing, and wood windows and doors at 216 W.
Orange Street (PIN 9864-98-0597)
Motion: Ms. Cobb moved to open the public hearing.
Second: Mr. Farlow seconded.
Vote: Unanimous
Chairman Currie asked whether anyone had a conflict of interest. No one did.
Howard Staab was sworn in.
Ms. Trueblood stated that this application is regarding 216 W. Orange Street. There is a mixture of Contributing
and Non-Contributing structures and Vacant lots in the vicinity.
The architecture: Non-Contributing. Vacant Lot. No information in inventory.
The applicant was proposing construct a new 1150 SF home with cypress siding, 5v galvanized roofing, and wood
windows and doors
Agenda packets included: Notification information, vicinity map, site plan, narrative, floor plan, elevations
The applicable Design Guidelines are: New Construction of Primary Buildings, Site Features and Plantings,
Walkways, Driveways, and Off-street Parking.
Chairman Currie asked whether there was anyone to speak for or against the project. There was no o ne.
Chairman Currie asked Mr. Staab to let the Commission know if he finds any Native American artifacts while
building. Mr. Staab answered a few more questions from the board. He confirmed he doesn’t have to do any
grading. He said he doesn’t have a landscaping plan because the owner would like to keep as many of the trees
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as possible. The lot is heavily wooded. The house faces the street. The foundation wall will be finished with
stucco in a neutral color.
Motion: Ms. Heilman moved to close the public hearing.
Second: Mr. McCullough seconded.
Vote: Unanimous
Motion: Mr. Farlow moved to find as a fact that the Howard Staab application is in keeping with the
overall character of the Historic District and complies with all relevant standards of evaluation based on the
Board’s discussion of the application and the standards of evaluation in section 3.12.3 of the Unified
Development Ordinance because the plans are consistent with Design Guidelines: New Construction of Primary
Buildings, Site Features and Plantings, Walkways, Driveways, and Off-street Parking.
Second: Ms. Cobb seconded.
Vote: Unanimous
Motion: Mr. Farlow moved to approve the application as submitted.
Second: Mr. Highley seconded.
Vote: Unanimous
Conditions: None
ITEM # 11: Application for a Certificate of Appropriateness for the Town of Hillsborough to make
improvements to the public sidewalk by installing brick pavers in the utility strip and locating
three above ground tree planters in the right-of-way on the north side of W. King Street
(ROW)
Motion: Ms. Cobb moved to open the public hearing.
Second: Mr. McCullough seconded.
Vote: Unanimous
Chairman Currie asked whether anyone on the board had a conflict of interest. No one did.
Ms. Trueblood state that this application is regarding the West King Street Right-of-Way. There are a mixture of
Contributing and Non-Contributing structures and Vacant lots in the vicinity.
The architecture is Right-of-Way. No description in inventory.
The applicant proposed to make improvements to the public sidewalk by installing brick pavers in the utility strip
and locating three above-ground planters in the right-of-way on the north side of W. King Street.
Agenda packets included: Notification and vicinity information, images showing approximate location for
improvements, narrative with photos of proposed work, photo of proposed pavers, photos of proposed
planters, color selection document for planters, finish selection document for planters.
Ms. Trueblood explained that water collects there and it becomes muddy and slippery and in the summer when
it needs mowing, people call to complain that it’s being mowed at a time of day when they want to sit in the
area.
The applicable Design Guidelines are: Public Right-of-Way, Site Features and Plantings.
Chairman Currie asked whether there was anyone in the audience to speak for or against the application. There
was no one.
The planters will contain small trees that may help provide shade. They will be maintained by the towns. The
pavers can be pulled up if utility work needs to be done (another reason for choosing pavers over concrete).
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Motion: Mr. McCullough moved to close the public hearing.
Second: Ms. Cobb seconded.
Vote: Unanimous
Motion: Chairman Curried moved to find as a fact that the to find as a fact that the Town of Hillsborough
application is in keeping with the overall character of the Historic District and complies with all relevant
standards of evaluation based on the Board’s discussion of the application and the standards of evaluation in
section 3.12.3 of the Unified Development Ordinance because the plans are consistent with Design Guidelines:
Public Right-of-Way, Site Features and Plantings.
Second: Mr. Farlow seconded.
Vote: Unanimous
Motion: Chairman Currie moved to approve the application as submitted.
Second: Ms. Cobb seconded.
Vote: Unanimous
Conditions: None
ITEM # 12: Interview Joe Griffin for HDC vacancy
Mr. Griffin told the board that he is a Hillsborough native. He worked in law enforcement for 20 years and then
went to culinary school and became a cook. He moved into the Historic District three years ago and did some
minor work on the outside including replacing the metal posts with wooden ones. He answered board questions
and he said that his experience in law enforcement has trained him to be objective and to uphold the guidelines
whether or not he likes a particular project. Mr. Griffin said he can make the time to prepare for each meeting.
The board voted on recommending Mr. Griffin after Item # 14.
Motion: Mr. Farlow moved to recommend that the Town Board appoint Joe Griffin to the Historic District
Commission.
Second: Ms. Cobb seconded.
Vote: Unanimous
ITEM # 13: Interview Virginia Smith for HDC vacancy
Ms. Smith said that she grew up in an 18th century house in Eastern North Carolina and now lives in one in
Hillsborough. She understands the frustration of homeowners who learn they have to follow these Guidelines,
but she also appreciates the Guidelines. She researched the history of her house for her Master’s thesis and
appreciates not only it but the 1950s ranch house behind it and the houses from different time periods around
town. She understands the time commitment. Ms. Smith said she would keep a close eye on herself regarding
not showing favoritism toward people she knows. She said she volunteered to serve on this board because it’s
the neighborly thing to do. She felt that it was her turn to serve.
The board voted on recommending Ms. Smith after item # 14.
Motion: Mr. McCullough moved to recommend that the Town Board appoint Virginia Smith to the
Historic District Commission.
Second: Mr. Farlow seconded.
Vote: Unanimous
ITEM #14: Updates
Alliance for Historic Hillsborough: Anna Currie
Chairman Curried shared the Alliance’s new vision and mission statements. The
Alliance is talking about how to rebuild their board with more loyalty to the Alliance.
Staff updates
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As soon as the construction authorization comes through from Federal Highways,
Churton Street Access Plan and CMAQ will go out to bid. She is waiting for the
paperwork. The Stickwork project is complete. Tom Magnuson has been working on
an archaeological inventory for town properties for a couple of years. He will come to
this January meeting and present to the Town Board in January, too. She reviewed
that this board is holding a special meeting on Dec. 10. She is in the middle of a
Certified Local Government (CLG) report.
Also, Orange County’s Cultural Resources Coordinator Peter Sandbeck is still
interested in pursuing a book project. If this board is interested, then the board
needs to ask for money for the next budget cycle now. The board members discussed
this project and agreed it was something they wanted to pursue.
Ms. Trueblood also suggested a project that would place some type of card in some
businesses that lets people know the former uses of that particular building, using
the Sanborn maps as the source of information. She suggested this would be a good
project to pursue in partnership with the Alliance and said she would contact staff.
ITEM #15: Adjourn
The board and Ms. Trueblood thanked Mr. McCullough and Ms. Cobb for their service on this board.
Motion: Mr. Highley moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:30 p.m.
Second: Ms. Cobb seconded.
Vote: Unanimous