Council backs resolution supporting Presley House local landmark designation

Belmont's council voted to adopt a resolution supporting Gaston County's nomination to designate the Dr. John M. and Laura Watt Presley House at 16 West Woodrow Avenue as a local historic landmark.

Jamie Coku, identified in the hearing as a planning director with Gaston County planning staff, told the council the property lies within Belmont's National Historic District and is proposed for designation because of its cultural, architectural and historical significance. Coku said the 1920 principal structure is a high-integrity example of the four-square residential form, with a pyramidal roof, wraparound porch and six-over-six windows, and that the site includes surviving servant quarters from 1925.

The nomination packet, prepared by the property owners and reviewed by the Gaston County Historic Preservation Commission, also documents Dr. John M. Presley's civic contributions: he served Belmont as a physician, helped create Davis Park and the city's first public library, and was active as a commissioner and a World War I veteran. County staff said the nomination was presented to the county after state comments were received and that the commission voted to forward the request to city councils for local action.

Council members questioned tax consequences and the mechanics of the county's tax-deferment program. Coku said the program is not an automatic tax reduction but a deferred-tax program available under state statute: an approved historic property is assessed on 50% of its true value for the real property tax exclusion and owners must apply to the county tax department to enroll. County staff explained that if a disqualifying event occurs — for example, undertaking exterior work without a required certificate of appropriateness — deferred taxes may be reclaimed; staff said repayment typically covers the prior three years.

Property owners Sandra and Richard Cromlish, who filed the nomination, spoke in support of designation, recounted family ties to the property and confirmed the house currently contains four rental apartments and a garage apartment. John Russell, a Belmont resident and member of the Gaston County Historic Preservation Commission, described how local landmark designations and certificates of appropriateness have supported rehabilitation and reinvestment in both residential and commercial properties in Belmont and surrounding communities.

After public comment, Councilmember Al moved and Councilmember Catherine seconded a motion to adopt a resolution supporting the landmark designation. The motion passed unanimously. County staff said if the city approves, the nomination will next be considered by the Gaston County Board of Commissioners after its October 22 meeting; if designated by the county the commission will record the resolution and work with the owner on signage.

The council did not take formal tax or certificate decisions at the meeting; county staff said their office and the tax department will handle tax enrollment and administration and that designation itself runs with the property while participation in the deferment program must be applied for by each owner.

The council's action is a supporting local resolution; the Presley House's final local landmark status depends on the Gaston County Commissioners' formal designation.