The Historic District Commission only had one Level II application on the agenda for Dec. 3, and the second meeting of the month, originally scheduled for Dec. 17, was cancelled. In past years, commissioners have skipped the second December meeting unless they had pending applications.
Last week, the HDC granted quick approval for a project at 23 Bridge St. Applicant Daniel Ledbetter represented owners David and Becky Rainwater, who asked to add a rear deck at the main floor level. The project also called for removing two windows to make room for a sliding glass patio door to access the deck. A horizontal wire rail will surround the deck, which will be constructed of treated wood with composite decking.
The use of composite decking provoked some questions from commissioners, but Cassie Dishman, director of Planning and Community Development, explained that the deck will be behind the house, with little visibility in any direction. She also explained that although the house was built in 1923, it is not considered contributing.
The remainder of the meeting dealt with commission business. Dishman explained that the city clerk will no longer process the commission’s minutes, and none of the commissioners at the table volunteered to write up minutes in the future. They may use an artificial intelligence program to transcribe proceedings.
A workshop is scheduled for Jan. 29-31 to refinish the floor in the basement of The Aud, where city meetings are held.
Commissioners discussed an upcoming statewide training session for HDC members. The one-day session is scheduled for March 27 in Fayetteville.
With the Dec. 17 meeting cancelled, the HDC will next meet at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 7. Level III applications are due Dec. 24, and Level II applications are due by Dec. 31.
Several commission officers have completed their term limits, and elections for commission officers will be held at the Jan. 7 meeting.
Chair Dee Bright confirmed that Magi Hayde has resigned from the commission, and Bright thanked her for her service. Commissioner Debbie Davis agreed, saying, “We’re going to miss Magi.” Cory Ohara was approved as a commissioner at the Dec. 8 city council meeting.