Agenda - 03-07-2013 - 6a - Laserfiche WebLink

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22 Finally, Dunaway discussed his finding that unlike Chatham and Guilford counties, has found no court records of one town or county resident going after another for being loyal to the crown. Dunaway said his book is available for purchase, but is also at the county deed office and public library. ITEM #4: ITEMS FOR DECISION a. Local Landmark Application — Capt. John S. Pope Farm (Part 2) Dickinson reminded members of the status of the local landmark application for the Pope Farm. Sandbeck reviewed the owner's revised Part 2 of the application (dated 1/15/13). He explained that the primary revision was the inclusion of three auxiliary buildings that were not included in the National Register nomination: Well House II (c. 1952), House Ruin (c. 1952), and Garage III (c. 1970). Sandbeck then reviewed the revised Statement of Significance, which specifies that the entire- 75 -acre farm would be included in the landmark designation. He noted that the Pope Farm is a "remarkably intact example of a late nineteenth century 1 -house and tobacco farm complex," and is considered by the applicant to be the most intact of similar farm complexes in northern Orange County. Sandbeck also noted that the owner, Mr. Pope, would like the landmark designation to include some of the interior elements of the farmhouse: the mantels; the stair including treads, risers and all components of the handrail assembly; all original wood flooring in the main two story section of the house; all original two - panel doors; and the wide wood sheathing boards on the walls and ceilings. Sandbeck presented maps and aerial photographs of the farm property, and photographs of the house and outbuildings. He pointed out that although there have been changes to the farmhouse, the original floors, walls, and ceilings remain intact. Sandbeck answered questions from HPC members. Gilfillen asked whether it is within the purview of HPC to provide friendly guidance to local landmark owners, such recommending they remove vines or trees immediately adjacent to contributing structures. Sandbeck said he intends to provide that kind of guidance to current and future landmark owners. Sandbeck reviewed the process for landmark designation, including a joint HPC -BOCC public hearing, a formal HPC recommendation to the BOCC, and a final BOCC decision to designate the property a local landmark. Sandbeck suggested requesting a March 7 public hearing with the board of commissioners, but only if the HPC would have a quorum. He said he would poll members as to their availability. Gilfillen motioned that the HPC: request a joint public hearing with the Orange County Board of Commissioners to consider designating the Pope Farm as an Orange County Local Landmark, and that such designation include the entire 75 -acre farm with 20 contributing buildings, and that certain interior elements of the farmhouse will also be specified in such designation, including the original floors, stairway, hand - planed sheathing boards on the walls and ceilings, and the mantels. The motion was seconded by Rankin and approved unanimously. Staff was directed to prepare a draft ordinance and complete a thorough photo documentation prior to designation with special attention given to the outbuildings. b. Public Hearing for National Register Nomination for the Pope Farm Dickinson opened the public hearing for consideration of the Pope Farm being listed in the National Register of Historic Places. He reviewed information about the property, including the farmhouse and outbuildings, photo documentation, and the nomination that was submitted for state approval. There were no members of the public present so Dickinson asked for any comments or discussion from HPC members. Golan said it was evident this is an intact farm of county significance. He noted that it is uncommon for a landowner to be willing and interested to place restrictions on his or her property. Rankin and Ireland agreed, and pointed out that the listing of this farm would be an incentive for the owners of other like farms to consider National Register or local landmark designation. Gilfillen said he was impressed by the owner's interest in pursuing this designation. Dickinson closed the public hearing.