A new look: Project would improve lot next to library
Published 8:32 pm Monday, May 4, 2015
Washington’s Historic Preservation Commission, during its meeting today, will consider issuing a certificate of appropriateness for an Eagle Scout project that would improve the grounds of the Beaufort-Hyde-Martin Regional Library headquarters in downtown Washington.
Huber Nichols is seeking the certificate. The project calls for replacing plants and mulch and adding stepping stones, a bench and an arbor in the vacant lot next to the library, according to the agenda for the commission’s meeting. Because the project is considered a major work, the commission must issue the certificate for the project to proceed.
The project has been endorsed by Beaufort County.
A project classified as a minor work may proceed with approval from city planners, with the commission informed of any projects that receive such approval.
Several other projects — major works and minor works — are on the commission’s agenda. Exterior changes to structures in the city’s historic district or construction of new structures in the historic district go before the commission for approval.
The City of Washington is seeking a certificate of appropriateness to build a new sewer lift station upgrade in the parking lot at Water and South Bonner streets.
A.L. Crisp is seeking a certificate of appropriateness to demolish the structure at 416 Water St.
The City of Washington governs land use and building activities in the historic district to protect the area’s historic and cultural resources. The goal is to discourage development or alterations that would not be in keeping with the historic period these buildings represent. People who live in the historic district can be assured that the uniformity of the houses and character of the neighborhood will not change, according to city documents.
The commission, following established policies and guidelines, rules on proposed changes, additions and other modifications to structures in the Historic District. The commission also helps enforce the city’s demolition-by-neglect ordinance, with the goal of preserving historic structures instead of seeing them demolished when possible.
The Historic Preservation Commission meets at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building, 102 E. Second St.