HDC_06 11 2018Page 1 of 7
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
723 West Markham Street
Little Rock, Arkansas 72201-1334
Phone: (501) 371-4790 Fax: (501) 399-3435
LITTLE ROCK HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
MINUTES
Monday, June 11, 2018, 5:00 p.m.
Board Room, City Hall
Roll Call
Quorum was present being five (5) in number.
Members Present: Chair Ted Holder
Vice Chair Jeremiah Russell
Dick Kelley
Dale Pekar
Amber Jones
Members Absent: Robert Hodge
Lauren Frederick
City Attorney: Debra Weldon
Staff Present: Brian Minyard
Citizens Present: Felton Lamb
Leonard Hollinger
Walter Malone
Missy McSwain
Patricia Blick
Terry Hall
Sherri Latimer
Melissa Laux
Approval of Minutes
Commissioner Jeremiah Russell made a motion to approve the May 14, 2018 minutes as
submitted. Commissioner Dick Kelley seconded and the motion passed with a vote of 5 ayes, 0
noes, and 2 absent (Hodge, Frederick).
Notice requirements were met on all of the items except as noted in individual hearing items.
Notice of public hearing was printed in a newspaper of general circulation, posted on the
internet and emails were sent to interested citizens and the press to inform them of the agenda
being posted online.
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DATE: June 11, 2018
APPLICANT: Ed Garland, Housing & Neighborhood Programs
ADDRESS: 1019 Rock Street
FILE NUMBER: HDC18-009
COA REQUEST: Demolition of accessory building
PROJECT BACKGROUND AND DESCRIPTION:
The subject property is located at 1019 Rock Street. The
property’s legal description is “Lot 5, Block 58, Original
City of Little Rock, Pulaski County, Arkansas."
This single family house was built in 1930. The 2006
survey form states: “This one story Colonial Revival
house is asymmetrical with front facing gable and 3/4
porch between the front and side wings. A set of
Palladian windows and classical columns reflect the style
of the house.” It is considered a "Contributing Structure"
to the MacArthur Park Historic District. The accessory
building is also considered contributing according to
AHPP policy.
This application, the demolition of accessory building, is a
result of an enforcement action by the Housing and
Neighborhood Programs.
PREVIOUS ACTIONS ON THIS SITE:
On December 4, 1986, a COA was approved and issued
to Felton Lamb for a six unit apartment complex and garage that encompassed 1015, 1019 and
1023 Rock Street.
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
723 West Markham Street
Little Rock, Arkansas 72201-1334
Phone: (501) 371-4790 Fax:(501) 399-3435
www.littlerock.gov
STAFF REPORT
ITEM NO. One.
Location of Project
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North elevation of house in 2006 North west corner of house in 2006
Alley elevation of accessory building Contributing and Non-contributing map
PROPOSAL AND WRITTEN ANALYSIS OF THE APPLICATION BASED OFF OF INTENT
AND GUIDELINES:
Felton Lamb Jr has owned the property since 1994 according to the Tax Assessors office
website. The ownership includes Lots 5 and 6 of Block 58, Original City. The house and
accessory building (shed) sit on lot 5. Lot 6, on the corner, is vacant.
The house and the accessory building are contributory structures in the district. The shed is a
wood building with approximately 1 x 12 vertical siding boards on the exterior with an exterior
door towards the house. The building has obvious rot in multiple places and missing siding
boards that act as doorways to the interior of the shed. The roof sags in at least two places and
is probably not water tight.
This property has been vacant since at least 2005. Staff believes that the house could be
renovated and habitable but the shed is not. This house is not currently on the unsafe and
Vacant List. To be on that list, there must be an interior inspection of the house that has not
happened at the time of this writing.
Staff believes that the accessory building (shed) is beyond renovation without extraordinary
means.
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The Guidelines set forth five criteria listed on page 55 of the current guidelines. They are listed
on page 8 and 9 of this Staff Report. This property conforms to the three of the criteria: #1 -
public safety and welfare, #2 – when rehabilitation and relocation is unfeasible, and #5 - no
other reasonable alternative is feasible.
On page 56 of the Guidelines, it states: “Demolition of secondary buildings (garages, sheds,
etc.) may be appropriate if they have substantially deteriorated (requiring 50% or more
replacement of exterior siding, roof rafters, surface materials, and structural members.) Staff
believes that this is the case at 1019 Rock Street.
Staff attempted to contact Mr. Lamb on April 30, 2018 via both regular US mail and certified
return receipt mail to five addresses that are linked to him. See copy of letter later in this staff
report. Official notice of his property being on the agenda was sent on May 16, 2018 to the
same five addresses. Signs on the property were posted on May 30, 2018. Mr. Lamb did
contact Staff via phone call on June 1, 2018 about the application to demolish the accessory
building.
On pages 11-26 of this staff report are “Official Notices to Comply” from Housing and
Neighborhood Programs to the owner noting non-compliance with city codes on maintenance
and upkeep of the buildings and lot.
On pages 27-31 are copies of liens against the owner. The liens were filed becaus e of non-
payment of invoices sent to him by the city for cutting grass on the vacant lot and at the house.
A lien has not been filed for the outstanding current invoice for this year.
South side of building Looking through building westward
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NEIGHBORHOOD COMMENTS AND REACTION: At the time of distribution, there were no
comments regarding this application.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approval with the following conditions:
1.Obtaining a building permit.
COMMISSION ACTION: June 11, 2018
Commissioner Dale Pekar recused himself from the item and left the meeting because he owns
property in the area of influence. Brian Minyard, Staff, made the announcement that since there
are only five commissioners in attendance, the applicant tonight could defer to the next month’s
meeting and the City would send the notices. It was explained that for a motion to pass, the
motion needs a majority of the entire commission which is four positive votes, not just a majority
of the commissioners present. Terry Hall, representing the Department of Housing and
Neighborhood Programs, verbally stated that he wanted to proceed with the hearing tonight.
Brian Minyard, Staff, made a brief presentation to the Commission and clarified that this item
was only about the outbuilding, not the main house. An email was received by Rebecca Pekar
in support of the demolition. Staff would like to add the following condition to the
recommendation: “Approval will be contingent upon the Little Rock Board of Director’s approval
of an ordinance to condemn the structure for demolition and removal.” Your action tonight, if
approved, will be to make a recommendation of demolition and removal to the Board of
Directors. This is different for this COA since the applicant is not the homeowner
Vice Chair Jeremiah Russell, asked what the language of the ordinance was and if it was a
demolition by neglect ordinance or just dealing with this property. Mr. Hall stated that it was not
written yet but would only demolish the outbuilding and the ordinance would only be for this
property.
Commissioner Dick Kelley asked if there was any avenue to preempt the demolition and take
the property over and sell it at auction. Mr. Hall said that it might be possible with liens through
the foreclosure process. Debra Weldon, City Attorney’s office, stated that the City does not
have a demolition by neglect ordinance in the historic district.
Chair Ted Holder asked if this was initiated by the neighbors. Mr. Hall stated that a meeting
was held with the neighbors earlier in the year and discussed avenues for the demolition of the
shed. He cited rodents, homeless living in it, and afraid of the shed being set on fire.
Felton Lamb, the property owner, stated that he had struggled over the years with maintaining
the property. He had wanted to do a restoration but has been battered with personal and
financial issues. The shed has gone to a point where he cannot repair it. He agrees with the
City Housing Department to demolish the building. He may have to put the property up for sale.
Chair Holder asked if there would be another lien on the demolition of the shed. Mr. Lamb said
yes.
Melissa Laux, 1015 Rock, spoke of the unsafe conditions including drugs and fires in the shed.
The police has been called different times. She has had to put up a fence to protect her
backyard. She claims the shed is beyond repair.
Leonard Hollinger, 420 E 11th Street, said that Felton had been a good neighbor, but the shed
was being used as a public restroom and has attracted varmints. He has spent money to kill the
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rats. He feels for Mr. Lamb, but this structure is a nuisance and the quicker it comes down the
better it would be for all.
Missy McSwain, 407 E 10th Street, supports what her neighbors have said and that the shed
needed to come down as soon as possible.
Commissioner Amber Jones asked that any historic elements that were being stored in the shed
be moved to another location before the shed was demolished. Mr. Minyard said that he
thought Housing could work with the owner to move those things before the shed was
demolished.
Commissioner Kelley asked about the main structure. Mr. Hall stated that the house is boarded
up and is secure. He continued that he would work with Mr. Lamb on moving items out of the
shed that were of value.
Vice Chair Russell made a motion to approve the demolition with both staff conditions.
Commissioner Jones seconded and the motion was approved with a vote of 5 ayes, 1 absent
(Hodge) and 1 recusal (Pekar).
Other Matters
Enforcement issues
Staff had none to report to the Commission.
Certificates of Compliance
A spreadsheet was distributed to the Commission earlier. One COC was issued for stair repair
at 518 E 7th Street.
Citizen Communication
There were no citizens that chose to speak during citizen communication.
Adjournment
There was a motion to adjourn and the meeting ended at 5:26 p.m.
Attest:
Chair Date
Secretary/Staff Date
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