2021-03-15 RM Exhibits I
Exhibi L •, Book age I I
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AGENDA: March 15,2021
i NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
i AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE FISCAL YEAR 2021 BUDGET
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BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of County Commissioners of New Hanover County,North Carolina,that the
following Budget Amendment(s)be made to the annual budget ordinance for the fiscal year ending June 30,2021.
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I Section 1: Details of Budget Amendment
Strategic Focus Area: Superior Public Health&Safety
Strategic Objective(s): Sustain the community capacity to prepare for and respond to public safety demands
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Fund: General
1 Department: Stormwater Services
Expenditure: Decrease Increase Total
BA 21-056 Capital Outlay-Motor Vehicles $ 527,400 $ 527,400
BA 21-056 Capital Outlay-Equipment $ 1,147,112 $ 1,147,112
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Total $ - $ 1,674,512J$ 1,674,512
Revenue: Decrease Increase Total
BA 21-056 Installment Loan Proceeds 5 1,674,512 $ 1,674,512
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Total $ - _$ 1,674,512 $ 1,674,512
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Prior to Total if Actions
Actions Today Taken
Departmental Budget I $ 598,234 I $ 2,272,746 ■
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ISection 2: Explanation
BA 21-056 will budget loan proceeds to borrow funds for the purchase of vehicles and specialized equipment for the
1 Stormwater Services Program which will begin July 1,2021.
1
Section 3: Documentation of Adoption
1 This ordinance shall be effective upon its adoption.
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of New Hanover County,North
;I Carolina,that the Ordinance for Budget Amendment(s)21-056 amending the annual budget ordinance for the fiscal„_„..,,a.
,„,„,„year ending June 30,2021, is adopted.
Adopted,this 15th day of March,2021.
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Exhibi
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RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE COUNTY OF NEW HANOVER, NORTH CAROLINA,
APPROVING THE ISSUANCE BY THE PUBLIC FINANCE AUTHORITY OF ITS RETIREMENT FACILITIES REVENUE BONDS IN
ONE OR MORE SERIES USING A DRAW-DOWN LOAN STRUCTURE IN AN AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT NOT TO
EXCEED$65,000,000
WHEREAS, Cornelia Nixon Davis, Inc. (the "Borrower") has requested that the Public Finance Authority, a public
authority existing under the laws of the State of Wisconsin (the "Authority"), issue its retirement facilities revenue
bonds(the "Bonds"), in one or more series using a draw-down loan structure in an aggregate principal amount not
to exceed$65,000,000 for the following purposes:
(a) to finance all or a portion of the costs of(i)construction of a new independent living facility,which
will consist of approximately 32 duplex/triplex cottages,(ii)construction of a new Central Services
Building, (iii) construction of a new multi-story apartment building which will include
approximately 139 senior living units,(iv)construction of a new wellness center facility,which will
include, without limitation, a pool, a gymnasium, locker rooms and other related facilities, (v)
construction of a new Community Center to provide entertainment, dining and other activities
for residents, families and visitors, including, without limitation, (A) porch and patio areas, (B) a
common activity space, with a stage, (C) a library, (D) a theatre room for movies, (E) meeting
spaces, (F)related site work and site improvements and(G)miscellaneous furniture,fixtures and
equipment for the new Community Center, (vi) construction of new parking facilities related to
any of the foregoing, (vii)various real and/or personal property improvements related to any of
the foregoing and (viii)other equipment or other routine capital expenditures to be used by the
Borrower related to any of the foregoing(collectively,the "2021 Projects");and
(b) to finance costs of issuance of the Bonds.
4
WHEREAS,the 2021 Projects will be owned and operated by the Borrower.The proceeds of the Bonds will be used
by the Borrower to finance the 2021 Projects;and
A
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 147(1)of the Code,prior to their issuance,the Bonds are required to be approved by
the "applicable elected representative" of a governmental unit having jurisdiction over the area in which the 2021
Projects are located, after a public hearing held following reasonable public notice;and
WHEREAS,the Board of Commissioners(the"Board")of the County of New Hanover, North Carolina(the"County")
is the"applicable elected representative"of the County for the 2021 Projects located within the County;and
WHEREAS, the Borrower has requested that the Board approve the Authority's issuance of the Bonds and the
j financing of the 2021 Projects located within the County in order to satisfy the requirements of Section 147(f)of the
Code;and
i
WHEREAS,pursuant to Section 66.0304(11)(a)of the Wisconsin Statutes,prior to their issuance,bonds issued by the
Public Finance Authority must be approved by the governing body or highest ranking executive or administrator of
the political jurisdiction within whose boundaries the project is to be located;and
WHEREAS,the Board,following notice duly given in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A(the"TEFRA Notice"),held
a public hearing today regarding the Authority's issuance of the Bonds and the financing of the 2021 Projects and
now desires to approve the Authority's issuance of the Bonds and the financing of the 2021 Projects in accordance
with the Code.
NOW, THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED by the Board as follows:
Section 1. Pursuant to and in satisfaction of the requirements of Section 147(f) of the Code and in accordance with
1
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and pursuant to Section 66.0304(11)(a) of the Wisconsin Statutes, the Board hereby approves (a) Authority's
y pproves a the Authorit s
issuance of the Bonds using a draw-down loan structure in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed$65,000,000
and(b)the financing of the 2021 Projects located in the County.
Section 2. The County has no responsibility for the payment of the principal of or interest on the Bonds or for any
costs incurred by the Borrower with respect to the Bonds or the 2021 Projects.
Section 3.This resolution is effective immediately on its passage.
ADOPTED this the 15th day of March, 2021.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY
G0uNT"4,
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1- Ju ' Ison-Bos:,. an,Chair
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Kym rleigh G.Crow Clerk to the Board
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Exhibit A
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE COUNTY OF NEW HANOVER,NORTH CAROLINA
WITH RESPECT TO RETIREMENT FACILITIES REVENUE BONDS
TO BE ISSUED BY THE PUBLIC FINANCE AUTHORITY
IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED
$65,000,000
Notice is hereby given that on March 15, 2021, a public hearing, as required by Section 147(f) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), will be held by the Board of Commissioners of the County of
New Hanover,North Carolina(the"Board")with respect to the proposed issuance by the Public Finance Authority,
a commission organized under and pursuant to the provisions of Sections 66.0301, 66.0303 and 66.0304 of the
Wisconsin Statutes,as amended,of its retirement facilities revenue bonds in one or more series using a draw-down
loan structure(the"Bonds"),in an amount not to exceed$65,000,000,the interest on which will be excludible from
gross income for federal income tax purposes. The hearing will commence at 9:00 a.m.,or as soon thereafter as the
matter can be heard,and will be held in Room 301 of the New Hanover County Courthouse,24 North Third Street,
Wilmington,NC.
The Bonds will be qualified 501(c)(3)bonds as defined in Section 145 of the Code.The proceeds of the Bonds will
be loaned to Cornelia Nixon Davis,Inc.(the"Borrower")and used by the Borrower to finance additional retirement
facilities,including but not limited to,(a)all or a portion of the costs of(i)construction of a new independent living
facility,which will consist of approximately 32 duplex/triplex cottages, (ii)construction of a new Central Services
Building, (iii) construction of a new multi-story apartment building which will include approximately 139 senior
living units, (iv) construction of a new wellness center facility, which will include, without limitation, a pool, a
gymnasium, locker rooms and other related facilities, (v) construction of a new Community Center to provide
entertainment,dining and other activities for residents,families and visitors,including,without limitation,(A)porch
and patio areas,(B)a common activity space,with a stage,(C)a library,(D)a theatre room for movies,(E)meeting
spaces,(F)related site work and site improvements and(G)miscellaneous furniture, fixtures and equipment for the
new Community Center, (v)construction of new parking facilities related to any of the foregoing, (vi)various real
and/or personal property improvements related to any of the foregoing and (vii) other equipment or other routine
capital expenditures to be used by the Borrower related to any of the foregoing(collectively, the"2021 Projects")
and(b)to pay all or a portion of the costs of issuance of the Bonds.
The 2021 Projects are or will be located at 1011 Porters Neck Road, Wilmington, North Carolina 28411 and are
and will be owned and operated by the Borrower.
The Bonds will be special limited obligations of the Public Finance Authority, payable only from the loan
repayments to be made by the Borrower to the Public Finance Authority, and certain accounts established by the
agreement under which the Bonds will be issued.
The public hearing will provide an opportunity for all interested persons to express their views,both orally and in
writing,on the proposed issuance of the Bonds and the financing of the 2021 Projects. Any person interested in the
issuance of the Bonds may appear and be heard or submit written comments. Any person wishing to submit written
comments regarding the proposed issuance of the Bonds,the financing and refinancing of the 2021 Projects or any
matter related thereto should do so within 10 days after the date of publication of this notice by mailing said written
comments to the Board of Commissioners for New Hanover County, North Carolina, 230 Government Center
Drive, Suite 175, Wilmington, NC 28403, Attention Clerk to the Board. This notice is given pursuant to the
provisions of Section 147(f)of the Code and Section 66.0304(11)(a)of the Wisconsin Statutes and Section 4 of the
Amended and Restated Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement Relating to the Public Finance Authority. Additional
information concerning the 2021 Projects may be obtained from Stephen L. Cordell, Esq., 227 West Trade Street,
Suite 1550,Charlotte,NC 28202; Phone(704) 338-5337; Email Address: scordell @nexsenpruet.com.
/s/Kymberleigh G. Crowell
Clerk to the Board of Commissioners
New Hanover County,North Carolina
�Page Book �/o n 1� Pa ��:t t
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EXTRACTS FROM MINUTES OF BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
The Board of Commissioners for the County of New Hanover, North Carolina(the"Board") met
in regular session on March 15, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. in Room 301 of the New Hanover County Courthouse,
24 North Third Street,in Wilmington,NC,and the following members were present or absent.
Present: Chair Julia Olson-Boseman; Vice-Chair Deb Hays; Commissioner Jonathan Barfield,Jr.;
Commissioner Bill Rivenbark; and Commissioner Rob Zapple.
Absent: None.
Staff present: County Manager Chris Coudriet; County Attorney Wanda M. Copley; and Clerk to
the Board Kymberleigh G. Crowell.
The Chairman announced that this was the date,place and hour fixed by the Board to hold a public
hearing and would hear anyone who wished to be heard on the proposed issuance by the Public Finance
Authority, a public authority existing under the laws of the State of Wisconsin (the "Authority"), of its
retirement facilities revenue bonds (the"Bonds"), in one or more series using a draw-down loan structure
in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $65,000,000, the proceeds of which will be loaned to
Cornelia Nixon Davis,Inc. (the"Borrower")for the following purposes:
(a)to finance all or a portion of the costs of(i)construction of a new independent living
facility,which will consist of approximately 32 duplex/triplex cottages,(ii)construction of a new
Central Services Building, (iii) construction of a new multi-story apartment building which will
include approximately 139 senior living units,(iv)construction of a new wellness center facility,
which will include, without limitation, a pool, a gymnasium, locker rooms and other related
facilities,(v)construction of a new Community Center to provide entertainment,dining and other
activities for residents, families and visitors, including, without limitation, (A) porch and patio
areas,(B)a common activity space,with a stage,(C)a library,(D)a theatre room for movies,(E)
meeting spaces, (F) related site work and site improvements and (G) miscellaneous furniture,
fixtures and equipment for the new Community Center,(vi)construction of new parking facilities
related to any of the foregoing, (vii) various real and/or personal property improvements related
to any of the foregoing and(viii)other equipment or other routine capital expenditures to be used
by the Borrower related to any of the foregoing(collectively,the "2021 Projects"); and
(b)to finance costs of issuance of the Bonds.
The 2021 Projects will be owned and operated by the Borrower and are all located at 1011 Porters
Neck Road,Wilmington,North Carolina 28411.
The Chairman opened the public hearing and announced that the Board would immediately hear
anyone who might wish to be heard on such matter.
On March 5,2021, a notice of public hearing was published in the Wilmington Star News, a copy
of the affidavit of publication being attached as Exhibit A, setting forth a general, functional description of
the type and use of the facilities to be financed, the maximum principal amount of the Bonds, the initial
owner and operator of the facilities and the location of the facilities,among other things.
The names,address and testimony of the persons who were present and who offered comments on
1
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the proposed issuance of the Bonds or who responded in writing to the notice of public hearing are as
follows: None.
The Chairman inquired elsewhere in and around the meeting room to determine whether there were
any other persons who wished to speak at the public hearing. The Chairman determined that no other
persons who wished to speak at the public hearing were found.
Hearing no further discussion, Chair Olson-Boseman closed the public hearing and asked for
direction from the Board on the following resolution,a copy of which was included in the Board's agenda
packet:
RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE COUNTY OF NEW HANOVER,
NORTH CAROLINA,APPROVING THE ISSUANCE BY THE PUBLIC FINANCE AUTHORITY
OF ITS RETIREMENT FACILITIES REVENUE BONDS IN ONE OR MORE SERIES USING A
DRAW-DOWN LOAN STRUCTURE IN AN AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT NOT TO
EXCEED$65,000,000
WHEREAS, Cornelia Nixon Davis, Inc. (the "Borrower") has requested that the Public Finance
Authority, a public authority existing under the laws of the State of Wisconsin(the "Authority"), issue its
retirement facilities revenue bonds(the "Bonds"), in one or more series using a draw-down loan structure
in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed$65,000,000 for the following purposes:
(a)to finance all or a portion of the costs of(i)construction of a new independent living
facility,which will consist of approximately 32 duplex/triplex cottages,(ii)construction of a new
Central Services Building, (iii) construction of a new multi-story apartment building which will
include approximately 139 senior living units, (iv)construction of a new wellness center facility,
which will include, without limitation, a pool, a gymnasium, locker rooms and other related
facilities,(v)construction of a new Community Center to provide entertainment,dining and other
1 activities for residents, families and visitors, including, without limitation, (A) porch and patio
areas,(B)a common activity space,with a stage,(C)a library,(D)a theatre room for movies,(E)
meeting spaces, (F) related site work and site improvements and (G) miscellaneous furniture,
fixtures and equipment for the new Community Center,(vi)construction of new parking facilities
related to any of the foregoing, (vii)various real and/or personal property improvements related
to any of the foregoing and(viii)other equipment or other routine capital expenditures to be used
by the Borrower related to any of the foregoing(collectively,the "2021 Projects"); and
(b)to finance costs of issuance of the Bonds.
WHEREAS, the 2021 Projects will be owned and operated by the Borrower. The proceeds of the
Bonds will be used by the Borrower to finance the 2021 Projects.
WHEREAS,pursuant to Section 147(f)of the Code,prior to their issuance,the Bonds are required
to be approved by the"applicable elected representative" of a governmental unit having jurisdiction over
the area in which the 2021 Projects are located, after a public hearing held following reasonable public
notice;
WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners (the "Board") of the County of New Hanover, North
} Carolina (the "County") is the "applicable elected representative" of the County for the 2021 Projects
located within the County;
WHEREAS, the Borrower has requested that the Board approve the Authority's issuance of the
1
Bonds and the financing of the 2021 Projects located within the County in order to satisfy the requirements
of Section 147(f)of the Code;
WHEREAS,pursuant to Section 66.0304(11)(a)of the Wisconsin Statutes,prior to their issuance,
bonds issued by the Public Finance Authority must be approved by the governing body or highest ranking
executive or administrator of the political jurisdiction within whose boundaries the project is to be located.
WHEREAS, the Board, following notice duly given in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A
(the"TEFRA Notice"),held a public hearing today regarding the Authority's issuance of the Bonds and the
financing of the 2021 Projects and now desires to approve the Authority's issuance of the Bonds and the
financing of the 2021 Projects in accordance with the Code;
BE IT RESOLVED by the Board as follows:
Section 1. Pursuant to and in satisfaction of the requirements of Section 147(f) of the Code
and in accordance with and pursuant to Section 66.0304(11)(a)of the Wisconsin Statutes,the Board hereby
approves (a) the Authority's issuance of the Bonds using a draw-down loan structure in an aggregate
x principal amount not to exceed$65,000,000 and(b)the financing of the 2021 Projects located in the County.
Section 2. The County has no responsibility for the payment of the principal of or interest on
the Bonds or for any costs incurred by the Borrower with respect to the Bonds or the 2021 Projects.
Section 3. This resolution is effective immediately on its passage.
Commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chair Hays, the foregoing resolution entitled
"RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE COUNTY OF NEW HANOVER, NORTH
CAROLINA, APPROVING THE ISSUANCE BY THE PUBLIC FINANCE AUTHORITY OF ITS RETIREMENT
FACILITIES REVENUE BONDS IN ONE OR MORE SERIES USING A DRAW-DOWN LOAN STRUCTURE IN
AN AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED$65,000,000"was duly adopted by the following
vote:
AYES: Chair Julia Olson-Boseman
Vice-Chair Deb Hays
Commissioner Jonathan Barfield,Jr.
Commissioner Bill Rivenbark
Commissioner Rob Zapple
NAYS:NONE.
5
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STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA )
ss:
COUNTY OF NEW HANOVER )
I,Kymberleigh G. Crowell, Clerk to the Board of Commissioners of the County of New Hanover,
North Carolina,DO HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing is a true copy of so much of the proceedings
of said Board of Commissioners of the County of New Hanover,North Carolina at a regular meeting held
on March 15, 2021, as it relates to the adoption of a resolution entitled"RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF
COMMISSIONERS OF THE COUNTY OF NEW HANOVER,NORTH CAROLINA,APPROVING THE ISSUANCE
BY THE PUBLIC FINANCE AUTHORITY OF ITS RETIREMENT FACILITIES REVENUE BONDS IN ONE OR
MORE SERIES USING A DRAW-DOWN LOAN STRUCTURE IN AN AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT NOT
TO EXCEED$65,000,000,"and the holding of a public hearing related thereto, and that said proceedings
will be recorded in the minutes of the Board of Commissioners of the County of New Hanover, North
Carolina.
WITNESS my hand and the seal of the County of New Hanover,North Carolina,this the 15th day
of March,2021.
‘K I IA A
•
K LC,erleigh G. Cr.°,ell
Clerk to the Board of Commissioners
LOV N T Y•moo County of New Hanover,North Carolina
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Exhibit A
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE COUNTY OF NEW HANOVER,NORTH CAROLINA
WITH RESPECT TO RETIREMENT FACILITIES REVENUE BONDS
TO BE ISSUED BY THE PUBLIC FINANCE AUTHORITY
IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED
$65,000,000
Notice is hereby given that on March 15, 2021, a public hearing, as required by Section 147(f) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), will be held by the Board of Commissioners of the County of
New Hanover,North Carolina(the"Board")with respect to the proposed issuance by the Public Finance Authority,
a commission organized under and pursuant to the provisions of Sections 66.0301, 66.0303 and 66.0304 of the
} Wisconsin Statutes,as amended,of its retirement facilities revenue bonds in one or more series using a draw-down
loan structure(the"Bonds"),in an amount not to exceed$65,000,000,the interest on which will be excludible from
gross income for federal income tax purposes. The hearing will commence at 9:00 a.m.,or as soon thereafter as the
'$ matter can be heard,and will be held in Room 301 of the New Hanover County Courthouse,24 North Third Street,
Wilmington,NC.
The Bonds will be qualified 501(c)(3)bonds as defined in Section 145 of the Code.The proceeds of the Bonds will
be loaned to Cornelia Nixon Davis,Inc.(the"Borrower")and used by the Borrower to finance additional retirement
facilities,including but not limited to,(a)all or a portion of the costs of(i)construction of a new independent living
facility,which will consist of approximately 32 duplex/triplex cottages, (ii)construction of a new Central Services
Building, (iii) construction of a new multi-story apartment building which will include approximately 139 senior
living units, (iv) construction of a new wellness center facility, which will include, without limitation, a pool, a
gymnasium, locker rooms and other related facilities, (v) construction of a new Community Center to provide
entertainment,dining and other activities for residents,families and visitors,including,without limitation,(A)porch
and patio areas,(B)a common activity space,with a stage,(C)a library,(D)a theatre room for movies,(E)meeting
spaces,(F)related site work and site improvements and(G)miscellaneous furniture,fixtures and equipment for the
new Community Center, (v)construction of new parking facilities related to any of the foregoing, (vi)various real
and/or personal property improvements related to any of the foregoing and (vii) other equipment or other routine
capital expenditures to be used by the Borrower related to any of the foregoing(collectively,the"2021 Projects")
and(b)to pay all or a portion of the costs of issuance of the Bonds.
The 2021 Projects are or will be located at 1011 Porters Neck Road, Wilmington, North Carolina 28411 and are
and will be owned and operated by the Borrower.
The Bonds will be special limited obligations of the Public Finance Authority, payable only from the loan
repayments to be made by the Borrower to the Public Finance Authority, and certain accounts established by the
{ agreement under which the Bonds will be issued.
The public hearing will provide an opportunity for all interested persons to express their views,both orally and in
writing,on the proposed issuance of the Bonds and the financing of the 2021 Projects. Any person interested in the
issuance of the Bonds may appear and be heard or submit written comments. Any person wishing to submit written
comments regarding the proposed issuance of the Bonds,the financing and refinancing of the 2021 Projects or any
matter related thereto should do so within 10 days after the date of publication of this notice by mailing said written
comments to the Board of Commissioners for New Hanover County, North Carolina, 230 Government Center
Drive, Suite 175, Wilmington, NC 28403, Attention Clerk to the Board. This notice is given pursuant to the
provisions of Section 147(f)of the Code and Section 66.0304(11)(a)of the Wisconsin Statutes and Section 4 of the
Amended and Restated Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement Relating to the Public Finance Authority. Additional
information concerning the 2021 Projects may be obtained from Stephen L. Cordell, Esq., 227 West Trade Street,
Suite 1550,Charlotte,NC 28202; Phone(704) 338-5337; Email Address: scordellAnexsenpruet.com.
/s/Kymberleigh G. Crowell
Clerk to the Board of Commissioners
New Hanover County,North Carolina
3
Exhi ADDITIONAL AGENDA
Book III Page II ITEM#
Crowell, Kym
From erica :) <e1f2481 @gmail.corn>
Sent Friday, February 12,2021 2:47 PM
To: Comments; County Commissioners
Subject: Project Grace
9 f7
Hello,
I live behind the Cape Fear Museum and have for 13 years.
{
I have worked very hard, along with others to clean up this area I am very sad to hear this museum and park
might be moved.
This area already cannot accommodate the vehicles and people that live here.
I have a young son who plays in that park daily. Along with several other children, pets and families who use
that green space daily.
Being so close to that park is one main reason I live here. Please think about the residents who have put so
much time, effort and money into this neighborhood and don't take away our park!!!!
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns
I trust you will do what is best to preserve our town and protect the families that want to raise
their families downtown
{
Erica Raetchi
1
st
Crowell, Kym
From: EricaStan Raetchi <1217ser @gmail.com>
Sent: Friday, February 12,2021 2:54 PM
To: Comments; County Commissioners
Subject: Project Grace
I'm very concerned about the cape fear museum being moved and need to have my voice heard.
I live right near the museum and enjoy that park several times a week with my dog and family. We have lunch
there,meet up with friends.
Having more cars and people around these blocks is very discouraging and I would consider moving if this park
was gone. It's a small space of peace that breaks up the area.
Please consider the residents who make their lives here, pay taxes and contribute to the reasons why so many
people want to move here.
That park is special to lots of us and will completely change the feel of this area, in a negative way if it is gone.
Thanks for your consideration
1
Crowell, Kym
From Nikki Kroushl <nkroushl @gmail.corn>
Sent: Saturday, February 13,2021 10:49 AM
To: Comments
Subject: On Project Grace
Dear commissioners,
I wanted to submit a comment after reading about the proposed Project Grace development. I live downtown
and visit the block almost weekly to exchange library books. I am of course in favor of development that helps
arts and media and offer space for small businesses. But the most recent brief mentions plans for residential
development and previous information on the website has sketches of a hotel.
As you're probably well aware,Wilmington is in need of affordable housing. Downtown already has many
luxury apartment complexes and many hotels, many of which have contributed to gentrification in our city and
pushed out longtime low-income residents, especially Black and brown folks. For the sake of our downtown
residents,please avoid adding yet another hotel and more high priced luxury housing and negotiate for
affordable housing, as at least part of any residential development.
Thank you
Nicole Kroushl
iS
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Crowell, Kym
From: Charlotte Buckley <buckleycharlotte15 @gmail.com>
Sent: Saturday, February 13,2021 8:17 PM
To: Comments
This should include some affordable housing units. Development has gone crazy and rental properties are out of
the reach of the majority of workers in Wilmington. In other cities new residential developments have to include
affordable housing to get approval. Let's begin with this one. Then we can talk!
1
Crowell, Kym
From: Bill Mooney <bill @tannisroot.com>
Sent: Monday, February 15,2021 3:23 PM
To: Comments
Subject: Project Grace comment
Hi,I hope to see this project succeed. Having lived in downtown Raleigh for many years before purchasing
property in Wilmington, I've seen the renovation of the Cameron Village Library and the completion of the Jim
Hunt Library at NC State and how different they are from their previous incarnations. Both of those libraries are
designed to be modern libraries that reflect the very different ways the public uses libraries and public space in
this century. The previous NC State Library was floors of books with study carrels designed for silence and
independent studying when those books were the only way to access information. The new library is now
designed with meeting rooms and spaces for collaborative study and projects -including rolling whiteboards
and conferencing technologies. Both libraries provide access to internet and other technology for their clients,
as well as meeting space, rooms for childhood reading programs, and other community events. My son would
meet his high school tutors at various Raleigh libraries for after-school tutoring and the Cameron Village library
was so well suited to that collaborative studying. We also actively use the library for book lending. We've
attended film screenings and lectures at the Jim Hunt Library.
I hope to see Wilmington make the most of this opportunity because I've seen how transformative it can be and
wish that success for this project.
Sincerely,
Bill Mooney
iS
1
Crowell, Kym
From: Alicia Mercer <aliciacota @gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, February 15,2021 8:13 PM
To: County Commissioners
Subject: Project Grace
I am writing to you as a tax payer and as someone who walks to the library and loves all that it has to offer our
community. I am in opposition to Project Grace and would like this to go on record as well as my husband.
Thank you for taking this into consideration.
Alicia and Matt Mercer.
Grace and Peace,
Alicia
"Grace and gratitude and glory,"says N.T.Wright.'That is the rhythm of the family of God.
Give thanks to the LORD,for he is good;his love endures forever.Ps.118:1
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Crowell, Kym
From: Jo Gibbs <jogibbs0657 @gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, February 18, 2021 7:53 AM
To: Comments
Subject: Grace Street project
s Sounds like an excellent idea! More residents=more viable businesses=thriving,vibrant downtown! But don't forget
parking,assuming you won't. Or public transportation!! Or green space
Sent from my iPad
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Crowell, Kym
From: Glenn Tettertpm <Itettert@yahoo.com>
Sent: Thursday, February 18, 2021 4:49 PM
To: Comments
Subject: Project Grace
Dear Commissioners:
Project Grace was a bad idea when first proposed, and it is still a bad idea now.You have not allowed for enough space
to house the museum and library.The present library houses two special collections which are vital to the Downtown:the
North Carolina Collection and the Law Library.The proposed library is too small to house a general collection and these
special collections. Much of the NC Collection is in the basement.The NC collection brings in researchers,who spend
additional money while in the community, hundreds of thousands every year, Do you want to kill this source of revenue to
the taxpayers and in tax receipts? Like the Law Library,the North Carolina Collection is conveniently located near the
Register of Deeds in Downtown Wilmington.
The museum's current location will allow it to be an anchor for the development of the Soda Pop District,just as the library
was an anchor for the development of Downtown as a residential and commercial center. Environmentally, it is much
friendlier to maintain the buildings we have than to tear down,fill the landfill, and start over with all new resources.
Our neighbors bought their house on Fifth Avenue because it was close to the library and museum. Leaving the Armory
Building will create another empty spot in an area that needs attention.Crowding both institutions into a smaller space will
be inadequate for the community's needs.The plan also has not included any meeting spaces for the public,which the
present library provides.
I implore you to reconsider and this plan to short-change the community.
Glenn Tetterton
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Crowell, Kym
From: Jack Mills <cjm4137 @gmail.com>
Sent: Friday, February 19,2021 10:26 AM
To: Comments
Subject: Project Grace comments
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Excited to see great development downtown! Having been involved with the museum since 1993, conducting
1st, 3rd. 5th. and 8th. grade tours; serving on both Associates and Advisory boards, and recently giving city and
museum tours culminating at the museum with the highlight, a tour of collections, I would like the planning
' board to consider the following: !)No charge parking for not only staff but the many visitors(as many as 2-400
on many promotional activities and as many as over 1000 on some weekend events. 2)Collections are
museums,and museums are collections and have been integrated in our tours. Please consider
fi incorporating collections with the move downtown Other items as school bus parking and students safety have
already been addressed, along with staff parking. One other item in the original plan was the common area to be
used by both the Library and the Museum--could cause problems in planning events New Hanover County
should be very proud of this jewel of a History/ Science facility. along with an Educational location for children
and adults alike along with a Director and staff that"shines in the dark" All that is why I have been a strong
supporter and contributor of this fine organization Thanks for your support and consideration of the
above
concerns. Jack
Mills
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Crowell, Kym
From: Fred Bingham <frederick.bingham @gmail.com>
Sent: Saturday, February 20,2021 10:03 AM
To: Comments
Subject: Project Grace Comments
Hello,
I have read over the MOU for the proposed Chestnut Civic and Cultural Arts District and have a few comments.
In general, I think this project is a good idea and will be good for downtown and the city. My problem is that I
am not used to reading these kinds of documents, so I just do not understand a lot of it.
The MOU is confusing about how it is going to be financed. Section 2.3c says the whole thing will cost$84M +
$26M+ $30M for the public part plus $23M for the apartments. (How can the people who wrote this MOU
estimate the cost of an $84M building to the nearest dollar, especially when no plans or construction drawings
are part of it?)However, it does not say who is going to pay for all of this. (Or maybe I just could not find it.) If
the county is paying for the public part,where is the money coming from?
It's also unclear about who is going to own the land under the buildings. I guess the County is going to lease the
land from the developer(Section 1.1.a.i), and then take possession after 20 years(1.2.b). So the developer will
own the land?How much is the developer paying the county for it and when does that transfer of ownership
take place?Will the developer own the land under the apartments they are constructing on the north side? How
much are they paying for that piece of land? Why is the County selling(or giving?)land to the developer just to
lease it back from them?
It seems the library and museum will be built on the southern(Chestnut St)side of the block. I also got the
impression that the library will remain open and functional during the construction, but I cannot see how that
will work. The current library occupies the entire southern side of that block currently, except for the bit of park
on 3rd St.
I see no historical value to the current library building. Please ignore the people who want it preserved.
I hope the final project will include a grocery store to serve the downtown community. The project includes
10,000 SF of retail. That does not seem like enough for even a small a grocery store,but I am not an expert in
retail.
Frederick Bingham
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Crowell, Kym
From: nancy laffey<nancy.Iaffey @gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, February 22,2021 5:18 PM
To: Comments
Subject: Project Grace
Thank you for taking comments.
I had several questions:
• What are the County's workforce development goals and does the attribution of only 5%of the
residential units for workforce development housing align with those goals? If no goals are identified,
why wouldn't a greater number be apportioned to the residential units, given how many people in the
community are struggling to pay rent?
• Given that the museum and library building are currently owned outright by the county, how does it save
the county money to pay a$4.5M rent annually and to maintain it?
• There have been several public meetings with many citizens voicing their objections to moving the
library, particularly to the top floor of a residential high rise. What steps have been taken to address
these concerns?
• How does this project fit into the County's strategic plan for the development of downtown?What
objective(s)are achieved by this project?
• How does this project fit into the City/County's asset management plan? In other words,where do these
assets stand in terms of their condition to other similar assets?
• What is the long-term cost to retrofit the library and museum and life cycle costs to maintain them
afterwards on a 20-year term versus the cost to rent and maintain the new space?
•
Thank you in advance for considering these questions. I look forward to your response,
fi Nancy Laffey
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Crowell, Kym
From: John Clancey <jclancey @ec.rr.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 23,2021 6:17 PM
To: Comments
Subject: Grace
Install a nice outdoor rec area-pickle ball, racquet ball, basketball. Folks would really use and much less expensive.
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Crowell, Kym
From Wendie Schneider <waschneider13576 @gmail.com>
Sent: Friday, February 26,2021 11:31 AM
To Comments
Subject: Project Grace
I'd like to voice my concerns about Project Grace.We need our downtown library as it is!We don't need any more
construction in the prime tourist area.We've had enough with River Place(and we see how that turned out).We don't
need any more condos and apartments downtown.We need to maintain the character and integrity of the historic
downtown area or the tourists won't come and the residents won't stay. I think it's time for a moratorium on anything
new to give downtown a chance to come back after Florence,Covid,and all the current construction.
Sincerely,Wendie Schneider
120 Church St
Sent from Mail for Windows 10
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Crowell, Kym
From: mcunningham @ec.rr.com
Sent: Monday, March 1,2021 10:36 AM
To: Comments
Cc: Coudriet,Chris
Subject: Project Grace
Greetings,
I write to let you know of my wholehearted support for razing all buildings in the block concerning Project Grace and
constructing a new library and museum along with mixed use facilities. The new county buildings should be exemplary
and stellar architecture to complement such facilities as the Wilson Center and Union Station. I do NOT support keeping
the old Belk Building.
Thank you for the opportunity to provide my opinion.
Sincerely,
Mary W.(Mimi)Cunningham
1184 Arboretum Dr.
Wilmington, NC 28405
910-256-4904
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From: Gina Fowler <gina777mew @hotmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, March 2,2021 11:51 PM
To: Comments
Subject: Project at Chestnut,Grace,2nd and 3r
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To Whom It May Concern,
Tonight I was passively strolling through a local media site and happened across an article regarding
revitalizing downtown. Being a native Wilmingtonian, I am usually very excited to see any improvements in my
beloved hometown. However,when I read tonight that a new mixed-use development space located at Grace
and Chestnut would tear down our,MY library, my heart completely sank. I beg of you,PLEASE do not tear
this beautiful building down. If you do, you take a part of my childhood with it. For myself, and so many of
locals of my generation,this would be utterly devastating. This is where my mother would bring my sister and I
every week,where we would spend hours carefully picking our prized possessions, cozied up in a corner to
read, patiently waiting on mom to choose her favorite gardening or sewing books, flipping through each and
every one. Before we would gather our books to check out, we would always find one or two classic movies on
VHS to watch, and when we got home we couldn't wait to watch them.
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My favorite book was"The Cozy Book" and I checked it out nearly every time we visited. Eventually, I
decided to photocopy the book so I would have it forever and ever. And so I carefully laid the pages flat in one
of the large copiers they had downstairs at that time, and I copied each and every page. My mom took me to
bind it with a pink cover. I finally had my very own copy! I still remember the first sentence. "When you wake
I up in the morning in your cozy,wozy bed, with the covers wrapped around you, and your pillow on your
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head..."
Every summer,we joined the summer reading club and we recorded each and every book we read. We were so
proud of ourselves. It really put a love of reading into my heart, and I read as much and as often as I could. I
would even take my book out to the restaurant as a child when my dad carried us out on Friday nights.
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Now that I have two children, I have the privilege of carrying them downtown to OUR library. And it brings
back so many wonderful, fond memories. I hope it puts a love of reading into their hearts as well
JImagine how many locals have a story just like mine,who truly love our Library and would be heartbroken to
see it go. On their behalf, on behalf of my children and generations to come, please do not tear down our
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Library. It is a part of our hometown, a part of our history, and a part of US.
Sincerely,
Raven Newman Fowler
Get Outlook for iOS
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Crowell, Kym
From: Donna Pope <dpope @ec.rr.com>
Sent: Thursday, March 4,2021 8:28 PM
To: Comments;County Commissioners
Cc: Coudriet,Chris; Rigby,Jennifer, Mays,Sheryl;Stew Moon; Kevin Maurer, Dennis Dixon;
Gwenbrown596 @yahoo.com;flocjo @aol.com;ginger Davis;eileen O'Malley;
danarothstein @hotmail.com;dpenneys @yahoo.com;penneysd @uncw.edu; Crowell,
Kym;Jan Brewington
Subject: CFM Advisory Board Project Grace public comments
Attachments: CFM Advisory Project Grace.pdf
** External Email: Do not click links,open attachments,or reply until you know it is safe **
Ladies and Gentlemen,
On behalf of the Cape Fear Museum Advisory Board,I have attached our comments for your consideration during the
Project Grace public hearing. We appreciate the County's support of the cultural and natural history of our region.
Donna S . Pope
Chair,Cape Fear Advisory Board
D
Sent from my iPad
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March 4, 2021
To the New Hanover County Commission
230 Government Center Drive, Suite 175
Wilmington, NC 28403
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We appreciate the Commissioners' support of our community's
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cultural resources and recognize the energy of the museum and
library as an educational hub. The Advisory Board of the Cape Fear
Museum is appointed by the County Commission to provide input and
advice on this important anchor institution. We are writing to
share our vision on the revised Project Grace proposal.
First, we must recognize the social value of the museum and library
as foundations of our community. The Cape Fear Museum is a
gathering space. A repository of knowledge and resources used by
every stratum of our city and county. It is a place where our
children first learn the story of us - past, present, and future
1 - and a place where they can tap into the bigger world through the
exhibits and creative children' s programming crafted by our
professional staff. It is also home to an unparalleled local
history collection used by historians and researchers worldwide.
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The museum and the library are essential parts of any healthy
community, and we' re lucky to have such vibrant examples in New
1 Hanover County. We welcome Project Grace as a way to build upon
and elevate these institutions. But, before we can support the
project, we have a few concerns:
1. Shared Space in New Facility: As presented in the MOU, the
library and museum square footage does not include 8, 000+
1 square feet in a shared space that was identified as
critical to operations. This shared space included a lobby,
auditorium, public restrooms, meeting spaces and loading
dock. This would be in addition to the current square
footage of 73, 000 mentioned in the MOU for the library and
, museum.
2. 0ff-site Space Needs: Both the museum and library have
critical department functions that will not be housed in
the new facility-. Plans need to include permanent off-site
solutions that enable full functionality for both the
library and museum. The total off-site space needed is
16, 300 square feet for the museum and 17, 000 square feet
;
for the library. To this end, we believe the current
county-owned museum building should continue as a research
hub for museum and library functions. The research hub
would house the museum collection, exhibit fabrication
space, library materials and staff offices. This much-
needed space is critical to providing services to our
citizens and for future growth.
3. Library and Museum Representation: As the county considers
the Project Grace proposal, both advisory boards need to
have representatives involved in the planning to provide
insight into the unique needs of both institutions.
We look forward to working with the county to ensure Project
Grace boosts these institutions and enhances the services that
are so vital to our citizens.
Thank you for your support of these valuable community
resources.
SINCERELY,
/4.)//ri.
DONNA S. POPE, CHAIR
ON BEHALF OF THE CAPE PEAR MUSEUM ADVISORY BOARD
CC: MR. CHRIS COUDRIET, COUNTY MANAGER
MS. JENNIFER RIGBY, CHIEF STRATEGY OFFICER
MS. KYMBERLEIGH CROWELL, CLERK
MS. SHERYL MAYS, CAPE FEAR MUSEUM DIRECTOR
MS. JAN BREWINGTON, LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD CHAIR
CAPE FEAR MUSEUM ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS
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Crowell, Kym
From: Emily Bogan <emilybbogan @gmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, March 7, 2021 12:42 PM
To: County Commissioners
Cc: Coudriet,Chris;Crowell, Kym; Rigby,Jennifer,janinwilmington @gmail.com; Kate
Baynard;Owens, Paige; Mays, Sheryl; Comments
Subject: Project Grace MOU
Attachments: Letter to NHC Commissioners.docx
** External Email: Do not click links, open attachments, or reply until you know it is safe **
Ladies and Gentlemen,
On behalf of the Cape Fear Museum Associates Board,New Hanover County Library Foundation and New
1 Hanover County Library Advisory Board, I submit our requests for consideration as you review the Project
Grace MOU. We look forward to working with the County to ensure Project Grace boosts these institutions and
enhances the services that are so vital to our citizens.
Thank you for your support of these valuable community resources.
Sincerely
Emily Bogan
President, Cape Fear Museum Associates, Inc.
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FOUNDATION
-ASSOCIATES
To the New Hanover County Commission
230 Government Center Drive, Suite 175
Wilmington, NC 28403
Ladies and Gentlemen:
The Cape Fear Museum Associates Board, New Hanover County Library Foundation
and New Hanover County Library Advisory Board are pleased that you have chosen to
invest in the museum and library. As fundraising and advisory boards for both the library
and the museum, we are aligned in our wishes for the future. We ask you to consider
the following requests before you vote to move the MOU forward.
1. Shared Space in New Facility: The MOU needs to include an additional 8,000+
square footage of shared space that has been identified as critical to operations.
This shared space includes a lobby, auditorium, public restrooms, meeting
spaces and loading dock. This would be in addition to the current square footage
of 73,000 mentioned in the MOU for the library and museum.
2. Off-Site Space Needs: Both the museum and library have critical department
functions that will not be housed in the new facility. Plans need to include
permanent off-site solutions that enable full functionality for both the library and
museum. The current museum building should continue to serve as a research
hub housing the museum collection, exhibit fabrication space and offices.
3. Library and Museum Representation: As the county considers the Project
Grace proposal, our boards would like to have representatives involved in the
planning to provide insight into the unique needs of both institutions and the
community.
We look forward to working with the county to ensure Project Grace boosts these
institutions and enhances the services that are so vital to our citizens.
Thank you for your support of these valuable community resources.
Sincerely,
Emily Bogan
President,
On behalf of the Cape Fear Museum Associates
Kate Holland Baynard
Vice Chair
On behalf of the Library Foundation Board
Jan Brewington
President
On behalf of the Library Advisory Board
Crowell, Kym
From Thelab Find <thelabfind @gmail.corn>
Sent: Wednesday, March 10,2021 12:24 PM
To: Comments
Subject: I am against the Projects Grace Project!
** External Email: Do not click links,open attachments, or reply until you know it is safe **
ff
Good day,
I am against the Projects Grace Project, which may involve of the sale of our Main Library building
and the plan to lease space for both the Main Library and the Cape Fear Museum for "4.5Million
annually.
1) Why hasn't the county looked into repurposing sections of the library for downtown businesses,
such as FedEx/Kinko's, an express pharmacy, coffee shop, etc.?
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It could be repurposed into a community marketplace/library/business development center.
I've discussed this option with corporate companies and local businesses that are actively interested
in leasing shared space at 210 Chestnut St.
2) Why didn't the county properly submit a bid request with NC Government bid and RFPs request to
preserve and renovate the existing building?
If you don't know anyone, I can provide a list of development companies who are experienced,
capable, willing, and with recently completed projects in North Carolina.
3) Why hasn't anyone publicized this meeting with signs, pamphlets, and/or any other type of
physical public notice material around the library to inform the community? A large number of
people in the community do not have computers, nor the internet. So it appears the city is
neglecting to properly inform the public by solely relying on the community to check the city website
for information during a global pandemic. This is sneaky and ill-mannered tactics to deceive the
general public. I strongly disagree with these actions, and I will reach out to my national media
channels.
Karimi
The LabFind
Cellular Device: 909-206-2556
E-mail: Info @thelabfind.com
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Crowell, Kym
From: wleibowitz=att.net @webformsnhcgov.com on behalf of Warren Leibowitz
<wleibowitz @att.net>
Sent: Friday, March 12,2021 12:08 PM
To: Crowell, Kym
Subject: ProjectGrace
** External Email: Do not click links,open attachments, or reply until you know it is safe **
Select an appropriate department for your message.
County Commissioners&Clerk to the Board
Name
Warren Leibowitz
Email
wleibowitz @att.net
Subject
ProjectGrace
Your Message
2023 Creecy Ave
I object to your including the public library and the Cape Fear Museum in your plans for Project Grace
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Crowell, Kym
From: Hillary Dotson <hillarypdotson @gmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, March 14,2021 3:47 PM
To: Comments
Subject: Project Grace
** External Email: Do not click links,open attachments, or reply until you know it is safe **
Hello,
This email is to make my opinion known to all of the individuals who will have a part in deciding the future of
"project grace."
As mentioned in the starnews opinion article written by members of the Historic Wilmington Foundation and
Bellamy Mansion, it is important to utilize exisiting, historical structures rather than demolishing and building
newer, modern buildings. The rehabilitation and revitalization model is not only more economically feasible,it
is also environmentally conscious by using as many materials that are already exisiting in these structures.
There is a way to blend the old with the new,though some would prefer to take the easier, more frequently
adopted way of forgetting the past to improve the future.
Wilmington is known for its historical structures and they are at the heart of what makes Wilmington so special.
As the city continues to grow, it is important to remember our past and not cater to what other large,younger
cities are doing-but to adopt our own way of bringing historical Wilmington into a new era by maintaining
what makes it so unique and loved.
I hope that the city will reach out to the organizations and individuals who have dedicated their life to
preserving our history and find a way to meet in the middle for everyone's benefit.
Thank you for your time and consideration,
Hillary Stevens
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Crowell, Kym
From: A. Karimi <adk910 @gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, March 9,2021 11:29 AM
To: Comments
Subject: I am against the Project Grace project because the building is not structurally
compromised and the city can still generate additional tax revenue if the building is
built on private land outside of the historic downtown Wilmington district
** External Email: Do not click links,open attachments,or reply until you know it is safe **
Good day,
I am posting this in hope that the New Hanover County citizens are aware of aspects of the sale of
our Main Library building and the plan to lease space for both the Main Library and the Cape Fear
Museum. I am against this"project". WHY?
MAIN LIBRARY
The Main Library will be confined to 38,000 square feet. You will hear that that square footage is
more than the square footage now used in the Main Library. I'm not certain what"now used"
includes. You will also hear that the Library will be there during the renovation of the city block as
the development takes place. It's my understanding that some of the offices have been moved out
of the library building, which may explain the square footage issue. Why should the Main Library,
that is the ONLY pedestrian-friendly, inner city (as in not in the suburbs), public library be moved?
One of the "arguments"is that the previous Belk building was not built as a library. This building was
gutted to its walls and then designed to be a library!
If you want to know the behind the scenes ploys that were in play to destroy the Library, please go
to the StarNews article, "Future of library building a flashpoint for Project Grace" March 12,
2019. You will see that there was manipulation (my word) of the RFP wording to force the library to
be destroyed. "How they successfully could have found someone to work with an existing building is
to put out (a request) specifically asking for architects who work with adaptive reuse projects, and
that's not what the county did," Rutledge said
CAPE FEAR MUSEUM
The Museum will be CONFINED!! to 36,000 square feet. Smaller space than the Library—how can
that be??? Currently, there are 85,000 artifacts in the basement of the Museum. Many of the only-in-
New Hanover County events are not and will not be able to be included in a confined space that is
leased—except as temporary displays. The"argument"for this is that this is more space than the
Museum now displays. BUT, the County owns the block upon which the Museum sits PLUS space
across the street for free parking. And, at that location, more history could be available with an
enlarged museum. See the Lease Costs below.
LEASE COSTS
According to the Memo of Understanding that Zimmer Development has offered, the lease amount
for the two entities will be $4,508,000/year for 20 years. What could be done with $4.5 million a
year to the Museum and Library? I, and several others who are concerned, have many ideas how
that amount of money would impact the Museum. It certainly would allow for more space to be built
on the exiting County-owned land for enlargement and enhancement. The Library as is only needs a
fresh face with paint, carpeting, tile, and supposedly roof repair, even though there was recent
rennonstions completed, which included roofing repair according to a representative who is very
familiar with the matter.
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I support public education such as our public library and museum, and the community needs these
.resources especially during and after a global pandemic. The Library needs to be held safe where it
is and the Museum needs to be enlarged and enhanced where it is. The NHC Commissioners indicate
that the Museum property will be used for"storage and research". I, for one, will be surprised if this
high value, midtown property will be held for long.
There are other issues that are questionable in the MOU but have nothing to do with the ill-advised
loss* of our Main Library and Cape Fear Museum. *CONFINED space of 74,000 square feet, leased,
"base rent"of $4,508,000/year
Kind
regards
A. Karimi
Karimi
Mobile Device: 910-620-8700
E-mail: ADK910 @,gmail.com
Scientific Business Development Consultant
Message sent via iDevice. Please excuse the brevity of this message or any typographical errors. The content was
written by another person, although I fully agree with the content of the message and reasoning. I am against the
proposed project grace in historic downtown wilmington.
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ID
Crowell, Kym
From: Robert Grady II <rgradyii @emich.edu>
Sent: Tuesday, March 9,2021 2:13 PM
To: Comments; Bob Grady
Subject: Project Grace -- MOU Public Hearing March 15: Input via Email
** External Email: Do not click links,open attachments,or reply until you know it is safe **
Please read and consider the following:
1. I agree with the positions taken by members and representatives of Historic Wilmington Foundation(HWF)
in past years and recently. I will not reiterate them here.
2. The combination of library and museum has some appeal as far as storage of research materials and their use
by scholars are concerned.
The Museum as a tourist attraction, however, conflicts with the role and function of the library:
--As the "Soda Pop" district continues to re-develop, that will increase the numbers of tourists who visit the
museum. If the museum is moved downtown to the Grace block,tourist traffic will increase there. Tourists
going to the museum but not the library will exacerbate an already traffic dense area.
--Further,the schools send classes to the museum several times a week during the school year. Adding
something on the order of 280 school busses per year to that downtown block seems, well, extreme. Not to
mention for the safety of students getting off/on the busses.
3. Your initial study(made public Sept. 2017)provided several examples of"successful" mixed-use combos of
library and housing or commerce. However, none were remotely comparable to the size and uses of our
library. (Largest was Burien,WA, at 32,000 sq ft. Others were 7-12,000 sq ft.) Portland's Hollywood district
library had no footage provided. In fact, it has 13,000 sq. ft, including a public/commercial coffee shop, and
two levels of apartments above. Staff there noted (when I visited)some "conflicts" with residents and library
users(about parking and noise), and that there are no organized student groups that visit, as they do at our
library and our museum.
--In short,your proposal lacks any sound comparable data to support it.
4. Affordable Housing(or, as you prefer, "workforce" housing): If there is to be housing on the space, 5%
affordable is absurd. You are simply providing space for the "janitorial" staff to reside. Perhaps that is your
goal (it would be consistent with the next point.) But if one is serious about affordable housing, a target of 20-
30%is more realistic.
5. Housing: If there is to be housing, it should be apart from the library. Why? Our downtown library is the
"home" library for the children from the county's re-segregated schools: Forest Hills,Freeman, Snipes. They
use it not merely for organized tours(e.g., Tar Heels Go Walking)but at other times, typically accompanied by
a parent.
--The problem with residential units in the same building with the library is that, inevitably, residents will
remark about the childrens'behavior or,through their behavior/actions, otherwise dissuade young children from
wanting to use the library.
--If library and museum are combined, groups of tourists will have the same dissuasive impact on children.
--In effect,the issues raised by Project Grace for the children who attend from nearby schools, and who will be
dissuaded from its use simply reinforces the re-segregation of our schools. While the School Board is the active
facilitator of re-segregation,the County Commission has, in effect, supported this as it must approve funding
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for the schools. With the problems that will arise with the library combined with housing and tourists,the
County Commission is affirming its commitment to re-segregated schools.
6. Structural issues: If there is no "Project Grace," the below grade moisture problems at the Museum can be
remediated with proper resealing of exterior walls and replacement of weepage tiles that are linked to sump
pumps. (This was made clear to me by two architects with whom I spoke at one of the 2017 sessions on this at
the Library.)
It is not practicable to remove adjacent sidewalks and streets to do the same to Library's below grade rooms,but
a proper HVAC system would do the job. (Space? Place it on the adjacent parking structure.)
7. Assuming Proj. Grace is a fait accompli, representatives of both Library Advisory Board and Cape Fear
Museum Advisory Board should be involved in planning going forward, as stated recently in letters by Jan
Brewington and Donna Pope. And when you go forward,the open gathering space for the museum should be
, incorporated, as per their requests.
1
Thank you and please let Project Grace lapse into history,
Robert Grady
1
3 Street addr: 2007 Creecy Ave, Wilmington 28403. Mailing addr: PO Box 757, Wilmington 28402
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Crowell, Kym
From: Gareth Evans <gareth @bellamymansion.org>
Sent: Friday, March 12, 2021 6:35 PM
To: Olson-Boseman,Julia; Hays, Deb; Barfield,Jonathan; Rivenbark, Bill;Zapple, Rob;
Comments;Coudriet,Chris
Subject: Project Grace
** External Email: Do not click links,open attachments, or reply until you know it is safe **
Good evening. Before you vote on Monday on the MOU, I want to note my continued opposition to Project
Grace in its current form.As I discussed with members of staff and Commissioners several years ago, it is a
missed opportunity. I'd hoped greater imagination would have entered the project in the interim. However,
the library and Borst buildings remain under threat of demolition.The future use of the historic armory(Cape
Fear Museum) is not determined.These are viable buildings and they should be rehabilitated.
From my experience in museums and preservation, I continue to see multiple problems:
• The precedent of a municipality demolishing a National Register contributing structure(Borst)as well
as a 100,000 sq ft library is not a good one. It means that the next time a developer asks to demolish
something with character or historic value in the County,they have this example. Equally
transformative alternatives might include leasing the north parcel to a developer, and retaining
ownership for condos, retail, offices,or an exhibit space for CFM. Statewide,the rehabilitation of
current buildings is consistently less expensive than demolition and new construction.Asking
development groups for a rehabilitation-specific proposal might well bring in several viable bids that
are more attractive than our current single option.
• The critique that the library has 'wasted space'. All buildings have areas of varying use.A new library
would have stairwells, an airy atrium,elevator shafts and bookshelves.The library/Belk building is a
big, brick box that the County previously adaptively reused. A larger, rehabbed building can easily
accommodate the kind of spaces we see in the new Pine Valley library; more Playstation rooms, coffee
stations and table tennis.Add to that consideration the North Carolina Room.There is no better
research facility in eastern NC.A smaller building is likely to reduce its storage and archival space,
which would be a tremendous loss.
• The argument that the library basement leaks and the third floor can't hold immense weight. Clearly,
the building isn't dangerous,as it's in use now. My museum's archive is in the basement, along with
thousands of primary documents. If there are minor issues,they can be fixed by a skilled architect and
general contractor.The simple fact that maintenance and reorganization is needed is not sufficient
reason to demolish.Adaptive reuse, by definition, utilizes what's in place for the needed use. Has there
been a current professional structural analysis that shows this building is impossible to rehab?
• Much has been made of the Belk building's lack of aesthetic value. Imagine it with a giant mural, some
Michael Van Hout-style public art, banners,windows, lights,or with a redo of the original retro 50s
three-story wraparound doorway.Would yet another block of condos look better?
• The supposition that the building can be, in large part, recycled. While some brick might indeed be
used to form foundations for a new building, by necessity a large percentage of the library's contents--
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- the plastic,glass,doors,ceiling tiles, roofing, metal superstructure, insulation and miles of wiring--
I would go to the dump. Downsizing a space from 100,000 to 45,000 sq ft. also means the loss of
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innumerable building contents. Demolition will most certainly result in immense environmental waste.
Similarly at the Borst building.
The complaint that CFM cannot currently hold taller traveling exhibits.The solution: if an architect
were tasked with raising an area of roof line in the relevant gallery space,they would surely be able to
CFM has superb staff and great programs.Another solution might be to build those staff, and the
j public, something sensational on the north side of the block specifically for larger exhibits.
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The last time Project Grace was discussed, I used a personal analogy to defend buildings that should be
reused. If your garage is messy or there's a hole in the roof,would you choose to knock it down and rebuild
from the ground up?Or would you just fix and reorganize the garage you already have?In 20 years of
statewide preservation work, I've seen mills, shacks,the shells of farmhouses,churches, and whole mill
villages--not to mention one burned mansion and a termite-eaten slave quarters--be restored from far worse
states to meet current needs.The County has already done this kind of rehab work before, much to its credit.
If you want to,you can do it again.
Having said the above, I do want to make sure you understand that I appreciate the vast majority of the work
the County Commission does. I know you get regularly critiqued and harangued by unhappy people online and
1 elsewhere,and I am not trying to pile on. I wouldn't trade places with you in a million years;your jobs are
1 difficult and require balancing many disparate needs. However, I feel compelled to bring up these points
i again. My experience in these fields has convinced me that the current approach we're taking is the wrong
one,and I very much want to prevent this mistake.
I
There is much more to discuss:the impact of heritage tourism if we denude downtown of historic character;
keeping a facade as an 'homage'to history; nostalgia for these particular places; and our idea with Historic
Wilmington Foundation to place a historic easement on the Borst building. I know you're also hearing about
1 affordable housing, parking, density,school groups,green space,and the logistics and costs of moving large
institutions.
I don't want to live in a throwaway culture. I do want to live in a place that reuses the assets we have
I intelligently.A rehabilitation and adaptive reuse plan can be just as economically viable,timely,and profitable
as the plan that's currently on the table. Please let me know if you would like to talk further or if I can help
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with Project Grace in any capacity.
IThanks for your time.
Gareth
1 Gareth Evans
1 Executive Director • Bellamy Mansion Museum of History and Design Arts
A Stewardship Property of Preservation North Carolina
Associates Board • North Carolina Museum of History
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503 Market St., Wilmington, NC 28401
ph 910.251.3700 • bellamymansion.org
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Page LI 4
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.1 AGENDA: March 15,2021
A
1 m NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE FISCAL YEAR 2021 BUDGET
I BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of County Commissioners of New Hanover County,North Carolina,that the
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ifollowing Budget Amendment(s)be made to the annual budget ordinance for the fiscal year ending June 30,2021.
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Section 1: Details of Budget Amendment
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i Strategic Focus Area: Superior Public Health&Safety
1 Strategic Objective(s): Sustain the community capacity to prepare for and respond to public safety demands
I i Fund: General
Department: Social Services
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1 Expenditure:, Decrease Increase Total I
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BA 21-041 Emergency Housing $ 7,072,025 $ 7,072,025
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1 Total $ - $ 7,072,025 $ 7,072,025
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1 Revenue:, Decrease Increase Total
3 BA 21-041 Emergency Housing $ 7,072,025 $ 7,072,025 0
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$ - ---$ 7,072,025 $ 7 072 025
i Total
., , 1 .
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4 Prior to Total if Actions
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1 Actions Today Taken
i Departmental Budget I $ 36,230,866 1 $ 43,302,891
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i4 Section 2: Explanation
i BA 21-041 The Emergency Rental Assistance program makes available$25 billion to assist households,nationwide,
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1 that are unable to pay rent and utilities due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds are provided directly to states,
I U.S Territories,local governments,and Indian tribes. Grantees use the funds to provide assistance to eligible
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! households through existing or newly created rental assistance programs.Ninety percent of awarded funds must be
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A used for direct financial assistance,including rent,rental arrears,utilities and home energy costs,utilities and home
1 energy costs arrears,and other expenses related to housing. Ten percent of awarded funds are available for housing
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2 stability services,including case management and other services intended to keep households stably housed,and
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1 administrative costs. New Hanover County was awarded$7,072,025.10.The funds generally expire on December 31,
2021.There is no county match.
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1 An"eligible household"is defined as a renter household in which at least one or more individuals meets the following
i criteria:
I •Qualifies for unemployment or has experienced a reduction in household income,incurred significant costs,or
I experienced a financial hardship due to COVID-19;
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i •Demonstrates a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability;and
/ •Has a household income at or below 80 percent of the area median.
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i Rental assistance provided to an eligible household should not be duplicative of any other federally funded rental
I assistance provided to such household.Eligible households that include an individual who has been unemployed for
the 90 days prior to application for assistance,and households with income at or below 50 percent of the area median,
iare to be prioritized for assistance.
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Section 3: Documentation of Adoption
This ordinance shall be effective upon its adoption.
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of New Hanover County,North
Carolina,that the Ordinance for Budget Amendment(s)21-04I amending the annual budget ordinance for the fiscal
year ending June 30,2021,is adopted.
Adopted,this 15th day of March,2021.
I (SEAL) GOVN Y'IVU AP Ar #
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