Pinehurst Village Council Candidate Interviews
The Pines Preservation Guild reached out to the four candidates who have filed for the November 2021 Pinehurst Village Council election. Our organization believes it is important to understand how each candidate values the history and preservation of Pinehurst. These values signal how the candidate might view and vote on ordinances and city planning issues that directly impact the preservation of historic buildings and districts in Pinehurst.
The PPG has prepared a brief candidate survey with the following goals:
1-To educate our community about each candidate’s attitudes about preservation
2-To allow candidates an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge of local preservation issues
3-To introduce candidates unfamiliar with The PPG to our organization
The four candidates were sent our questions via email to respond to in writing. If a candidate’s name is not listed below, they either declined to comment or could not be reached.
Responses are provided in full, may be edited for clarity, and appear in order of response submission.
The publishing of these answers does not constitute an endorsement by The Pines Preservation Guild nor its officers.
Kevin Drum
1. Please state your views on the role of historic preservation and our historic resources in the future of Pinehurst.
As a member of the Historic Commission rewrite committee, I spent 2-1/2 years of my life working on those Standards to make sure congruent construction and development occurs. I don't understand why someone would build in Pinehurst if they didn’t want to be part of this historic community I’ve lived in since I was 12 years old. I also feel all new construction should bow to the historic construction ins one way - not imitate - but honor the pas tins one way so I believe it plays an important and vital role.
2. What will be your top three priorities to ensure the preservation of Pinehurst’s historic buildings sites and neighborhoods?
I have three top priories but not three on [the] restoration of historic buildings. But at [September’s] council meeting we approved changes to the historic preservation standards to help them do their job so that 1) when I served on the rewrite committee I saw how out of step the standards were and when I got on council I approved those same guidelines I worked on to improve with one stipulation - they never are allowed to go 10 years without updating them. So now we have a process where they come yearly so that won't happen again. 2) I asked the commission to see if there are buildings they feel are landmarks and need additional protection and 3) I told the commission it is within their powers to recommend the village to purchase a building to protect it, and to not hesitate to bring an item like that to the council.
3. Historic Preservation was a large focus of Pinehurst’s 2019 Comprehensive Long Range Plan update. In regards to Historic Preservation, which goals within the plan are the village meeting? Where is the village falling short?
Historically, we were a walking, biking town when I grew up here. So fixing transportation with a big “T” that includes pedestrians, bikes, and carts is a problem and hurting our ability to live the same way I got to live as a kid. I want people to experience this place like I did - Walking or Riding my bike to school, riding my bike to Sandhills Community College to ride in the reservoir park - things not possible today. So I believe fixing transportation, while it seems unrelated, is vital to protecting the historic lifestyle we live in. Why doesn't the lake district have greenways and paths to get to town, parks, and schools? Why doesn't CCNC have bike paths or greenways to get to town, [parks], and schools? I can go on - we must fix this broken transpiration network and fix multi-modal (MULTI-MODAL MEANS ALL FORMS OF TRANSPORTATION) to get back to our historic roots.
4. Pinehurst is currently undergoing a review process in regards to its prestigious listing as a National Historic Landmark. If this status were to be revoked, what is your approach to making sure the buildings and landscapes important to our community heritage are protected and property owners have access to federal and state tax credits?
This council has led on this issue. When I came into office we were [on the] threatened list - for no reason, I might add. I challenged the Park Service and even read the federal statute that allows for historic villages to evolve congruently. They relented and removed us from the threatened list. We [are] now in the middle of a study and the findings are fair and we have been proven correct - we are great stewards of [the] historic village and this report when made public next month will show that. It says “Historic Preservation is Healthy and Strong in the Village of Pinehurst.” A huge difference then being listed in the threatened list.
5. What is your view on the role of Pinehurst’s local historic district?
Support it, train citizens who serve on it, give them more tools to effectively do their job in a state that is heavy on homeowners rights. Our role is also as I stated earlier - making sure their standards are updated to meet todays challenges every year with a meeting and review.
6. Would you support the establishment of a historic preservation tax abatement? This could be a 10-15 year abatement to incentivize historic preservation anywhere in the town. Why or why not?
I don't have knowledge of this or how it would positively or negatively impact or what unintended consequences it may have so I am open to considering anything that will help though.
7. What is your favorite historic building in Pinehurst and why?
Its 3 way tie but first the Givens Library. A place that we almost lost when Givens’ board worked a deal [with the] resort to take it over. I could not accept that that building I grew up using and started my business in would now have a commercial use on our public green. So I stopped it and now we control the Givens Library and we are going to make it great if I’m elected. I am concerned it will be less than great if I’m not because I believe it will be the victim of spending cuts - something I don’t believe should occur when creating a special place for our residents - we should not get cheap at this point.
Second is the Theater Building where Hellen Hayes once acted.
And third is the Pinehurst Sundry which was my first experience in Pinehurst. The draw of the place was so strong to me personally I bought a bankrupt business (Darling House) that was housed their and crated a Tavern [honoring] my dad, famous golf writer Bob Drum who moved us here after seeing the area attending the Ryder Cup in the 50’s. I named it the Drum & Quill - Drum for my dad and Quill for the Pen. I did this so he could be part of the historic fabric of this place and I could contribute to local and guest experience wiht my version of a Historic Classic Tavern.
Emily Stack
1.Please state your views on the role of historic preservation and our historic resources in the future of Pinehurst.
The historic preservation of Pinehurst is necessary for the future of Pinehurst’s economic prosperity as tourists and future residents come for the historic charm and idyllic traditional lifestyle.
2. What will be your top three priorities to ensure the preservation of Pinehurst’s historic buildings sites and neighborhoods?
Continuing policies that encourage owners to restore rather than tear down historic buildings. Encourage new elopement to enhance and further the traditional look and feel of the Pinehurst community near the historic area. Ensure new and current owners have access to the resources to help persevere and maintain their properties.
3. Historic Preservation was a large focus of Pinehurst’s 2019 Comprehensive Long Range Plan update. In regards to Historic Preservation, which goals within the plan are the village meeting? Where is the village falling short?
The 2019 Comprehensive Long Range Plan focuses on promotion of private preservation efforts in the historic Village Center and supporting the efforts of the Historic Preservation Commission which the Historic Commission meets frequently to ensure on a case by case base that individual changes and improvements are to par with the historic standards that are set for the Pinehurst Village center and community. As well as members of the board are consulting the U.S. Park Service to ensure we will be able to keep with our National Historic Landmark Status. If we are to fall short anywhere it may be with the possibilities of more incentivisation to potential owners through tax credits to help increase the upkeep of historic homes and buildings. A short term cost in taxes will equal to a long term value for the property with improvements for the community and owners.
4. Pinehurst is currently going through a review process in regards to its prestigious listing as a National Historic Landmark. If this status were to be revoked, what is your approach to making sure the buildings and landscapes important to our community heritage are protected and property owners have access to federal and state tax credits?
First we should challenge any revocation as well as request reasoning for said revocation to see where we are in need of improvement to reapply if the challenge is denied.
5. What is your view on the role of Pinehurst’s local historic district?
It is a draw to history lovers far and local that brings in potential homeowners and tourists that appreciate the history. It’s also a place to help story a piece of history for the area that we as residents can take pride in being a part of.
6. Would you support the establishment of a historic preservation tax abatement? This could be a 10-15 year abatement to incentivize historic preservation anywhere in the town. Why or why not?
I would support such a preservation tax abatement because Pinehurst’s continued prosperity depends upon its historic appearance.
7. What is your favorite historic building in Pinehurst and why?
For aesthetic reasons alone I love the Holly Tree Cottage as I am a huge fan of the Tudor style! For historical purposes the answer to the question is the Holly Inn as it’s the oldest hotel in Pinehurst which has beautiful pieces of history including all the way from Scotland.
Patrick Pizzella
1.Please state your views on the role of historic preservation and our historic resources in the future of Pinehurst.
Past efforts to retain the historic nature of neighborhoods and our small “downtown” is probably a significant factor in the popularity of the Village when people decide where to live. Efforts to retain our historic resources and this look and feel are necessary to maintain the “special character” of Pinehurst in the future and should be a priority.
2. What will be your top three priorities to ensure the preservation of Pinehurst’s historic buildings sites and neighborhoods?
Put Pinehurst first when deciding on proposals rather than the wishes of developers that may compromise the historic nature of our community. Support the role of the Historic Preservation Commission. Work with the business community to promote historic tourism as a complement to our place as the “Cradle of American Golf.”
3. Historic Preservation was a large focus of Pinehurst’s 2019 Comprehensive Long Range Plan update. In regards to Historic Preservation, which goals within the plan are the village meeting? Where is the village falling short?
As specified in the Plan the Village is continuing to support the Historic District and a review of the HPC guidelines is in process. I do have a concern we are not making enough efforts to maintain and restore the streetscape in the Village. In particular the restoration and maintenance of street side landscaping and pathways on all Village streets as designed should be a priority.
4. Pinehurst is currently going through a review process in regards to its prestigious listing as a National Historic Landmark. If this status were to be revoked, what is your approach to making sure the buildings and landscapes important to our community heritage are protected and property owners have access to federal and state tax credits?
The local Historic district and proper implementation of the HPC guidelines is the first line of defense in protecting our historic community. In addition, well before the Landmark status in 1996 many of the most significant buildings and areas with Pinehurst were registered in the National Register of Historic Places making them candidates for tax credit programs.
5. What is your view on the role of Pinehurst’s local historic district?
The Historic district is essential to being able to maintain the Village character. The State of North Carolina has placed limits on local municipalities to affect design of residential developments or building and only through the Local Historic District can we ensure appropriate development within the Village.
6. Would you support the establishment of a historic preservation tax abatement? This could be a 10-15 year abatement to incentivize historic preservation anywhere in the town. Why or why not?
The details of such a program would be key before I could be able to properly assess such an effort.
7. What is your favorite historic building in Pinehurst and why?
This year The Women’s Exchange is celebrating 100 years of supporting women’s economic endeavors in Pinehurst. Its historic home has been preserved through the efforts of many, from the Tufts family to all those who have participated in its maintenance and operations through the years.
