Agenda - 05-26-1998 - C-2(a-d) - Laserfiche WebLink

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U r ,? BACKGROUND: constructed of white flint rubble rock. The house is known in local folklore as the (continued) center of Prohibition bootlegging activity in Orange County. It was built for Mack Rigsbee, one of Hillsborough's most colorful characters during the 1930's and 1940's. The house interior contains unusual architectural features that created large internal storage areas, providing possible corroboration for the Rigsbee moonshine legend. Rigsbee's Rock House was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on October 20, 1988. Draft ordinances designating these properties as Orange County Historic Landmarks are attached. Designation as a Local Historic Landmark has several significant benefits. Local landmark designation provides a higher level of protection than National Register listing alone. Landmark designation effectively protects the historic resource against inappropriate changes that would lessen the site's significance. Owners of historic landmarks who wish to make changes to the exteriors of their properties must receive approval from the Historic Preservation Commission before commencing work. As compensation for accepting the responsibilities of landmark status, owners of locally designated properties are eligible for a fifty percent property tax deferral, which will remain in effect as long as landmark status is maintained. Owners of local historic landmarks are also given extra consideration during the development review process. Finally, local landmark designation is a prestigious honor. Landmark property owners can take pride in knowing their property is important to the heritage of the County. RECOIVIII~IENDATTON: The Ordinance Creating the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) of Orange County, adopted in April 1991, authorizes the HPC to recommend designation of historic landmarks. The four (4) proposed Orange County Historic Landmarks will be the first properties to be designated in accordance with this Ordinance. Administration Recommendation The Administration recommends that ordinances for the designation of four (4) proposed Orange County Historic Landmarks be referred to the Historic Preservation Commission for recommendations to be returned to the Board of County Commissioners no sooner than June 22, 1998. .u . ;