Petition in opposition to the demolition of 612 S. Summit Ave in Historic Wesley Heights

To the owners of 612 S. Summit Ave:

The Historic District Commission was formed to ensure the preservation of Charlotte's older and most significant neighborhoods. Wesley Heights, being one of those significant neighborhoods, joined the ranks of other streetcar suburbs in 1994, and became a community protected by the HDC. The goal was to, among other things, safeguard this historic neighborhood from developers and those who would destroy its character by drastically changing and demolishing its existing buildings. For decades, Wesley Heights has worked to ward off this type of erosion of its quintessential character and charm by finding ways to salvage and restore the contributing structures that exist within the neighborhood. 

We believe you understand the significance of this neighborhood and agree its character is worth preserving. Your words at the Community Association meeting and your testimony at February's Historic District Commission session were filled with concern for how to maintain this district's community, character and history. You lamented the fact that you felt unable to save The Gantt House. It is for this reason, the Wesley Heights community would like to reassure you there are options and alternative solutions to demolishing this house, built in 1926, a contributing structure within our community. 

The following is a list of options available to you:

1)      Apply for historic tax credits. This has proven to be a viable solution for homeowners in Wesley Heights. Our newest community members, Mark and Alyson Miller, have taken advantage of this option to preserve The Wadsworth Estate and a major piece of our neighborhood's history. They have offered to share their experience and process with you.

2)      Consult an expert. Kristi Harpst with the Historic District Commission can provide you with a list of professionals. There are architects who have worked in our historic districts and have been through the HDC process. These architects have seen houses severely ravaged by time, and have still found ways to preserve and restore them.

3)      Sell the property. There are people who believe in, and have stated they are willing to take on the painstaking work of preserving and restoring older homes. There are vehicles for you to connect with these individuals. The Historic Landmarks Commission also has a revolving fund that can be used for preservation purposes in local historic districts. Dan Morrill is always interested in hearing from homeowners like you, who own homes in desperate need of repair. Connecting with him will help relieve your family of this financial responsibility and ultimately help save the home.

The Wesley Heights community is an example of a neighborhood that values the preservation of its history. This streetcar suburb is still a vibrant reminder of our area's collective story. There are viable ways to help save The Gantt House.

We are asking that you be a good steward of our district's history and work towards the preservation of 612 S. Summit Avenue.  

Sincerely,

Your Neighbors

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