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Hertford council hears property-owner concerns at public hearing on proposed local historic district
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Summary
At a March 9 public hearing, residents and nonprofit representatives asked whether proposed Local Historic District rules would require review of routine exterior maintenance and worried designation could be financially burdensome; the Historic Preservation Commission said designation aims to preserve downtown character and that certification helps access grants.
The Town of Hertford on March 9 held a public legislative hearing on a proposal to designate a Local Historic District, and residents raised questions about how the rules would affect routine repairs and renovations. Mayor Ashley Hodges opened the hearing, noting the process and statutory authority under North Carolina General Statutes 160D-940 through -951A.
"If you have to change materials, it will come before the Historic Preservation Commission," said Janice Cole, who explained that replacement materials that differ from originals would be considered by the commission. Rachel Gunther asked for confirmation that "exterior repairs or routine maintenance using the same materials would not require review by the HPC," and sought clarification about the review process "if a different material had to be used." Gunther warned that owning property in a historic area "can feel punitive when maintaining properties that are meant to generate profit," adding that she did not want the designation to be "an obstacle or financial burden to businesses in the historic district."
Charles Purser said he worried a district could become so restrictive that renovations would be financially infeasible for property owners, and asked when any new rules would take effect given ongoing renovations he is undertaking. Tammy Miller-White, speaking on behalf of PAL, said nonprofit-owned buildings face the same challenges and may lack funds to restore or rehab exteriors to match historic materials.
Frank Jaklic, chair of the Historic Preservation Commission, told the Council the commission's intent is to "preserve the charm of Hertford," an aim vice-chair Sid Eley echoed as he described the commission's goal of maintaining the "quaintness of Historic Downtown Hertford." Town Manager Doris Walton said the town is seeking certified-local-government status, which staff said would help the Town compete for grant funding after the commission has been in operation for a full year.
Mayor Hodges closed the public hearing at 6:36 PM and instructed staff to follow up: Manager Walton said she would email the proposed district map to speakers who had requested it. The council did not take immediate action on the designation at the March 9 meeting; further notice and formal zoning amendments would be required before any local historic district is established.