BC 2005 09 19 REG. CORRECTED - Laserfiche WebLink

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September 19, 2005 (Regular Meeting) Page 332 office and buildings on Barbrick Avenue, that have been demolished and replaced wi th parking lots or new buildings. Stating a prior Board found a way to preserve the historic courthouse 30 years ago, Mr. McKay asked the Board to preserve the Tribune Building along with the Cline and Propst houses. Cary Hocutt, resident of Union Street and member of the Concord Historic Preservation Commission, encouraged the Board to consider options to "spare" the Tribune Building. He cited the importance of the Tribune Building to the City's history and stated it may merit inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places. John Snuggs, resident of Union Street, stated he was speaking on behalf of the Residents of Historic Concord (\\Residents"), a homeowners association consisting of 262 households. He said the Residents have never opposed what will eventually be a 1,000-bed jail but are asking for consideration on how the jail will look and what buildings will be demolished. He reviewed the 2002 Concord Historical Survey Update by Dr. Kingston Heath and offered assistance with the process to get the Tribune Building placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Mr. Snuggs stated the Residents endorse Option 2 and encouraged the Board to save the Tribune Building. Finally, Mr. Snuggs expressed concerns about the South Union Street fa9ade and the lack of a plan for the corner of Union Street and Corban Avenue. Zac Moretz of the Concord Downtown Development Corporation spoke in support of Option 2. He stated the estimated cost of $500,000.00 to preserve the building was a very small percentage of the total project cost. Also, Mr. Moretz objected to plans for a park at the corner of Corban Avenue and Union Street and stated a commercial building should be constructed at that site. Richard Allan Smith, Trustee of property located at 142 Union Street South, expressed concern about the Union Street elevation and the view of the Jail facility from his house. He stated the need to screen the entire area. Larry Marlow, resident of Odell School Road, stated he was not for or against the Tribune Building. However, he stated he worked in the building for a number of years and cited concerns about the lead plates, asbestos covers and other environmental concerns in the building. Finally, he encouraged the Board to get the jail stated immediately. Chairman Carpenter closed the public comment period regarding the Tribune Building. Sheriff Brad Riley responded to questions about overcrowding in the existing jail. He stated he could not speak on behalf of the State Inspector as to the delay of several months and any action that may be taken by the State to address the overcrowding. Commissioner Privette made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Freeman, to adopt Option 2. There was lengthy discussion regarding the following issues: (1) Undetermined cost to remove the back portion of the Tribune Building and shore up the remaining structure; (2) Historical significance of the Tribune Building; (3) Lengthy process in planning the new jail; (4) Cost to bring the Tribune Building up to code; and (4) Loss of parking spaces if the Cline and Propst houses are moved to a site adjacent to the Lutheran Cemetery. UPON MOTION of Commissioner Privette, seconded by Commissioner Freeman with Commissioners Privette and Freeman, Chairman Carpenter and Vice Chairman Carruth voting for and Commissioner Juba voting against, the Board approved Option 2 as presented; approved an amendment to the contract with Ware Bonsall Architects for the firm to hire and supervise a structural engineer to do a thorough assessment of Option 2 with the study to be completed in 30 days and results of the study to be brought back to the Board; and authorized the appropriate budget amendment to fund that study at an amount not to exceed $300,000.00. UPON MOTION of vice Chairman Carruth, seconded by Chairman Carpenter and unanimously carried, the Board directed staff to develop a proposal for the establishment of a Historic Preservation Advisory Committee to advise the Board and the Planning and Zoning Commission as to a way to better catalog and identify historical sites in Cabarrus County. Chairman Carpenter recessed the meeting at 9:45 p.m. for a short period. Chairman Carpenter reconvened the meeting at 10:00 p.m.