Agenda - 05-15-2007-3a - Laserfiche WebLink

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2 features elements of symbolic historic buildings from the three municipalities- Chapel Hill, Carrboro and Hillsborough. Other examples of preservation activity, less visible perhaps but no less important, include: • Emphasizing the importance of designing the new justice facility in a way that respects the historic fabric of downtown Hillsborough, particularly the Greek Revival courthouse attributed to John Berry and known throughout the state as an example of that style; • Conducting a cultural and archaeological survey at the site of the new justice facility and revising the parking layout to protect resources discovered during the survey; • Establishing the Quick Response Team, a partnership between the Historic Preservation Commission (ERCD) and the Building Inspections Division (Planning & Inspections) to document buildings 50 years or older before approving a demolition permit. (Orange County is likely the first county in the state to create such as program.); • Sponsoring cultural and archaeological surveys of County park sites as part of the master design process; • Demonstrating a commitment to historic resource stewardship by recognizing that the existing buildings at County park sites are irreplaceable assets and pursuing the stabilization of those buildings for future use; • Including a chapter on cultural and archaeological resource protection as part of the Natural and Cultural Systems Element of the updated Comprehensive Plan, an important policy document that should help local residents develop a better understanding of the connection between historic buildings and their rural context; and • Publicizing and promoting the County's t_ocal Landmark program, an honorary designation program for local properties with historic and architectural significance. These examples represent a sample of the County's efforts to promote historic preservation and to use preservation for local economic development and coalition building, demonstrating this year's theme, "Making Preservation Work." FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with approval of the proclamation. For the photo contest, Leonard Vogel, a member of the HPC and the North Carolina Society of the American Institute of Building Design (AIBD) arranged for the AIBD to donate $300 for prize money. There was also an internal cost of about $150 associated with printing the brochures and entry forms, which was included in the ERCD departmental budget for 2006-07. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board proclaim the month of May as National Historic Preservation Month with the theme, "Making Preservation Work!" and joins the Board in extending an invitation to the public to participate in the upcoming events.