The Pines Preservation Guild reached out to the candidates who have filed for the November 2023 Pinehurst Village Mayoral and 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 village 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 regarding preservation issues

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 candidates were sent our questions via email to respond to in writing. If a candidate’s name is not listed below, they either decided not to participate in the questionnaire 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.

Jeff Morgan

Mr Morgan is one of three candidates running for Mayor of Pinehurst

1. Please state your views on the role of historic preservation and our historic resources in the future of Pinehurst.

I love the history of Pinehurst and feel very strongly that we need to continue honoring and preserving our heritage and character. We were founded as a destination site for folks to experience and enjoy a healthier life. We need to continue that. We need to preserve the historic nature of our Village with a continued focus on preserving the historic character of our properties. We also need to preserve the greenways and natural areas of our community. Pinehurst is a National Historic Landmark, and I support the efforts to ensure we maintain that designation.

2. What will be your top three priorities to ensure the preservation of Pinehurst’s historic buildings sites and neighborhoods?

Continue to support and resource the Village Historic Preservation Committee
Ensure excellent communication with the Department of the Interior to ensure we continue to maintain our National Historic Landmark designation.
Promote/support zoning ordinances that preserve the historic nature of Pinehurst neighborhoods.

3. What is your view on the role of Pinehurst’s local historic district?

The historic downtown of Pinehurst is a gem of Moore County and North Carolina. I love it. We need to ensure we maintain the beauty of this district and focus more on pedestrian traffic versus automotive traffic in the area. I want to put more of an emphasis on a community gathering area. This will support the historic downtown businesses that continue to bring so much charm into the area.

4. Jackson Hamlet, located in the Pinehurst ETJ, is exploring pursuing a Historic Resources Survey, with the possible intent to create a National Register District. Other local communities have funded efforts to survey historically underrepresented communities with sources of funding such as grants from the National Park Service or the National Trust. How do you see Pinehurst supporting Jackson Hamlet in this effort?

Jackson Hamlet’s history is great and tied in closely with Pinehurst’s history. My understanding is that Jackson Hamlet received a proposal to be recognized as a national historic treasure. If they wish to pursue this (which I hope they do), Pinehurst is in a position to provide guidance secondary to our experience from our efforts to obtain the National Historic District designation. Getting a list of challenges together is the first step. I support helping Jackson Hamlet with plans to overcome those challenges.

5. Pinehurst is currently not a Certified Local Government. The CLG program is a state and federal program that provides annual training to Historic Preservation Commission members and Planning Staff as well as matching grant opportunities to their respective communities. Other Historic Preservation and Historic District Commissions in Moore County are CLGs, yet Pinehurst is not. Do you support Pinehurst pursuing CLG status?

In my time on Council, I do not recall ever being approached with this as an opportunity. Like any opportunity, I am happy to listen to the advantages, disadvantages and costs. I appreciate any opportunity that provides significant advantages for Pinehurst and the preservation of our historic community. Every decision is based on a full analysis.

6. Would you support the establishment of a town capital fund to pay for the preservation of historic public spaces and infrastructure (i.e. steps, alleys, certain streetscapes, bridges, walls, trees, fences, curbs, streets, etc….)? Why or why not? If so, what size fund would you recommend?

In general, I do not support Village government funds for specific special items. I feel that we have a very solid budgeting process, and the funds we spend on historic public spaces and infrastructure should come from the actual budget. We have input from citizens and Village organizations on preserving historic spaces and infrastructure to ensure it is part of our strategic planning as we develop our five-year plan on budgets

7. 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?

Currently, the US Government (through the National Park Service management) provides a 20% tax credit for the rehabilitation of historic properties. There are standards that must be met to qualify for this. I feel this tax credit helps places like Pinehurst more than many other places in the country due to our historic nature. I support this for our Village. Establishing a local historic tax abatement is much more difficult. The devil is always in the details for something such as this. I am cautious taking on something like this at a local level. As stated previously, I am happy to listen to the advantages, disadvantages and costs associated with any proposal.

8. What is your favorite historic building in Pinehurst (older than 1973) and why?

The Carolina Hotel. It has magnificent architecture, is pristinely maintained, and represents the history of Pinehurst in such an incredible manner. The diversity of amenities such as the ballrooms, restaurants, accommodations and meeting areas satisfies so many modern-day needs. It is beautiful, and I love that historic hotel!!

Patrick Pizzella

Mr Pizzella is one of three candidates running for Mayor of Pinehurst

1. Please state your views on the role of historic preservation and our historic resources in the future of Pinehurst.

The role of historic preservation and historic resources is vital to the future of Pinehurst in order to maintain our time-honored traditions and the historical ambiance of our community.

2. What will be your top three priorities to ensure the preservation of Pinehurst’s historic buildings sites and neighborhoods?

Prevent the destruction of the 6 acres of long-leaf pine trees in our historic travel circle—improve the traffic circle, don’t destroy it; preserve & protect the recently adopted ordinance that restricts short-term rentals in residential neighborhoods—particularly in our historic district; and be sure our walking paths & sidewalks conform to our historical standards.

3. What is your view on the role of Pinehurst’s local historic district?

Pinehurst’s local historic district is a key connection to our character as a community and our place in the storied history of the state of North Carolina & American golf.

4. Jackson Hamlet, located in the Pinehurst ETJ, is exploring pursuing a Historic Resources Survey, with the possible intent to create a National Register District. Other local communities have funded efforts to survey historically underrepresented communities with sources of funding such as grants from the National Park Service or the National Trust. How do you see Pinehurst supporting Jackson Hamlet in this effort?

Sounds like a very good idea. And Pinehurst should capitalize on these opportunities to support Jackson Hamlet.

5. Pinehurst is currently not a Certified Local Government. The CLG program is a state and federal program that provides annual training to Historic Preservation Commission members and Planning Staff as well as matching grant opportunities to their respective communities. Other Historic Preservation and Historic District Commissions in Moore County are CLGs, yet Pinehurst is not. Do you support Pinehurst pursuing CLG status?

Sounds like an excellent idea. I would like to know more about the details and would like to consult with organizations like the Moore County Historical Association & Keep Moore Beautiful.

6. Would you support the establishment of a town capital fund to pay for the preservation of historic public spaces and infrastructure (i.e. steps, alleys, certain streetscapes, bridges, walls, trees, fences, curbs, streets, etc….)? Why or why not? If so, what size fund would you recommend?

I probably would support some sort of funding---but would first like to know more about financial details.

7. 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 can’t think of a reason not to support such a tax abatement, but would like to know more about its financial implications.

8. What is your favorite historic building in Pinehurst (older than 1973) and why?

The Carolina Hotel—for its pure majesty!

Kevin Drum

Mr Drum is one of three candidates running for Mayor of Pinehurst

1. Please state your views on the role of historic preservation and our historic resources in the future of Pinehurst.

I have lived in Moore County for 52 years. I was appointed to the Pinehurst Historic Commission Historic Guideline Update Committee because of my firsthand knowledge of the local history. It was an arduous task, transforming relatively new boiler-plate starting guidelines with almost no commercial information into a usable updated framework that would stand the test of time. 2 ½ years later we completed the task. I then was elected to the Village Council which subsequently approved those same guidelines. I then switched my focus to getting the Village of Pinehurst Landmark Status off the “Threatened” designation with the Federal Park Service. We asked the Park Service for a review, and we were removed from the threatened list. I own a 37-year-old consulting firm located in a historic building, The Harvard Building. I also saw a bankrupt business in the old ice cream parlor across the street and bought it from the Federal Government and turned it into the Drum & Quill. My wife and I also bought a rundown 1917 property in the Historic Landmark District 10 years ago (with a tree growing out of a chimney). We recently completed the renovation of While-Away Cottage located at 41 Shaw Rd SW and received our historic plaque from the Village Heritage Foundation. So combined with growing up in this historic place and my experience in historic preservation, as well as owning two businesses in the village, I fully embrace historic preservation and historically congruent rehab or construction in Pinehurst.

2. What will be your top three priorities to ensure the preservation of Pinehurst’s historic buildings sites and neighborhoods?

Empower the Historic Preservation Commission. This would include giving them authority to recommend the Village buying and restoring historic buildings (if there is public interest and through a transparent process).
Build on the positive relationship I built with the Park Service. This will support our ability to manage change within the rules of the Park Service, without threat of the loss of Landmark Status.
This priority is more challenging: making sure we don’t forget about the other 11 neighborhoods that are not in the Historic District. We need to treat them as if they are extensions of the Historic District and connect them to Tufts’ Vision. I would reconnect neighborhoods to the Historic District with walking paths reminiscent of the past, and bring our community together. All residents would be able to see the benefit of historic preservation.

3. What is your view on the role of Pinehurst’s local historic district?

I know it as my home. There was a market on Market Street when I was a kid. My dentist, the cobbler, and Post Office were here in the Village. The residents came here every day for their everyday errands. So, while I want to protect it, I also want it to be a living history. The greatest historic value is in being a real historic town that is continuing to be vibrant; I think that’s good for investment in preservation, and I intend to bring back the vibrancy of the past. It was much more vibrant when I was a kid than it is today.

4. Jackson Hamlet, located in the Pinehurst ETJ, is exploring pursuing a Historic Resources Survey, with the possible intent to create a National Register District. Other local communities have funded efforts to survey historically underrepresented communities with sources of funding such as grants from the National Park Service or the National Trust. How do you see Pinehurst supporting Jackson Hamlet in this effort?

Jackson Hamlet is more than a neighborhood. Jackson Hamlet residents are my friends, and its residents are the backbone that has supported the Village. So I support them in that effort, if there is interest. We have grant writers and I think it meets a simple standard of trying to help a community within our ETJ.

5. Pinehurst is currently not a Certified Local Government. The CLG program is a state and federal program that provides annual training to Historic Preservation Commission members and Planning Staff as well as matching grant opportunities to their respective communities. Other Historic Preservation and Historic District Commissions in Moore County are CLGs, yet Pinehurst is not. Do you support Pinehurst pursuing CLG status?

I am not familiar with CLG status or its costs or requirements. I am open to better-trained Historic Commission and Planning Staff. I have concerns now since our Village lawyer is not attending neither the Historic Commission, nor the Planning and Zoning Commission, which I feel is irresponsible. So I will choose the responsible path after learning and understanding it more.

6. Would you support the establishment of a town capital fund to pay for the preservation of historic public spaces and infrastructure (i.e. steps, alleys, certain streetscapes, bridges, walls, trees, fences, curbs, streets, etc….)? Why or why not? If so, what size fund would you recommend?

Absolutely, yes. Mr. Tufts’ vision of “transportation” was walking, probably biking, and horseback riding. Today it is walking, biking, and Golf Carts. So, while we work with the state on transportation, I would like to, at the same time, honor Tufts’ vision of a walking, biking, and now golf cart friendly community. Highway 211, 15/501, 5 and the circle, have separated our neighborhoods like walls, and we must build infrastructure to reconnect our neighborhoods with walking, biking, trails, and golf cart accessibility so people can enjoy the lifestyle I did when I was a kid. When we fix transportation issues, we increase the quality of life of residents and visitors. We will have only accomplished our goals when we all can walk, bike and golf cart safely. That will take the creation of infrastructure to return this community to the park-like community it once was. We should also, eventually, connect to neighboring towns to better honor our historic past and to be less dependent on cars – even make it so kids can bike to school.

7. 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 could, with specific projects that serve the public interest. We must serve our 18,000 residents, so I am open to projects that would do that, and I can think of many.

8. What is your favorite historic building in Pinehurst (older than 1973) and why?

This list is long. As a kid who grew up here, I can’t choose just one. I’ll start with the Flagler-like Mediterranean Clubhouse at Pinehurst, Theater Building, and the Old Post Office. Also my incredible home built by philanthropist Simeon Chapin in 1917 (While-Away Cottage), and the Holly Inn with its uniquely designed music room, now used as an event space. I’d love to hear music there again! I have a special love for The Pine Crest Inn (where I worked as a busboy) and the Givens Library, which is where I found public space to start my consulting firm in 1987.

Lydia Boesch

1.Please state your views on the role of historic preservation and our historic resources in the future of Pinehurst.

Historic preservation and our historic resources are essential for maintaining the historic character of the Village of Pinehurst. While I’m honored that Pinehurst has the distinct honor of being a National Historic Landmark, I’m grateful for our state historic district and the Pinehurst Historic Preservation Commission. Our state historic district and the HPC have direct oversight as to the appearance of our historic properties. I also believe the public needs to be better educated on the history of the Village, i.e., the role of James Walker Tufts and his vision and passion. Mr. Tufts saw potential in this decimated pine forest, and had the foresight to retain the Olmsted firm to design our very special Village.

2. What will be your top three priorities to ensure the preservation of Pinehurst’s historic buildings sites and neighborhoods?

Better educate the public on the history of Pinehurst.
Form a task force that will address how we can better leverage our National Historic Landmark district, to include promoting Cultural Heritage tourism
Ensure that our Historic Preservation Commission has the tools it needs to protect our historic assets.

3. What is your view on the role of Pinehurst’s local historic district?

My view is that we have two historic districts – the National Historic Landmark District and the state historic district. Both are important to ensure that we protect our historic assets and our historic character. Both should be fully protected.

4. Jackson Hamlet, located in the Pinehurst ETJ, is exploring pursuing a Historic Resources Survey, with the possible intent to create a National Register District. Other local communities have funded efforts to survey historically underrepresented communities with sources of funding such as grants from the National Park Service or the National Trust. How do you see Pinehurst supporting Jackson Hamlet in this effort?

I have met with the Jackson Hamlet community association. Carol Henry is a treasure. Representatives with the Southern Coalition for Social Justice were there and explained the oral history project they are pursuing. That’s a very worthwhile project, as it allows the history of Jackson Hamlet to be captured. A proposal has been submitted to Jackson Hamlet as to being formally recognized as a national historic treasure. The ball is in Jackson Hamlet’s court to agree to the proposal submitted to them, or to modify it. I’m awaiting their decision. Once we know the direction in which Jackson Hamlet would like to go, then we can discuss support from the Village.

5. Pinehurst is currently not a Certified Local Government. The CLG program is a state and federal program that provides annual training to Historic Preservation Commission members and Planning Staff as well as matching grant opportunities to their respective communities. Other Historic Preservation and Historic District Commissions in Moore County are CLGs, yet Pinehurst is not. Do you support Pinehurst pursuing CLG status?

To my knowledge, this proposal never has been submitted to the Village. I would like to know more. Who would you suggest should make this presentation or proposal to the Village? I would suggest the Village Planning Department should be approached first. I’m happy to coordinate a meeting, and I’d like to participate in that meeting.

6. Would you support the establishment of a town capital fund to pay for the preservation of historic public spaces and infrastructure (i.e. steps, alleys, certain streetscapes, bridges, walls, trees, fences, curbs, streets, etc….)? Why or why not? If so, what size fund would you recommend?

The Village budgets in accordance with the desires of the public. In all of our budgeting, I have seen no request for a capital fund to pay for historic preservation and infrastructure. I attribute this to the fractured relationship between the Village and the National Park Service since 2002. I am all for elevating the public’s awareness of our historic assets. I often think about the thousands of people who have moved here since 2002 who have no idea of Pinehurst’s unique and valuable history. If we don’t educate the public, we should lose our historic character. Until we elevate their awareness, it will be challenging to appropriate significant funds for historic preservation. If we indeed get to establish a task force to deal with our historic assets, perhaps a capital fund can be a topic on their agenda.

7. 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 Village insists on making fact-based decisions. I would need more facts to be able to make a decision about this tax abatement.

8. What is your favorite historic building in Pinehurst (older than 1973) and why?

Do I have to have a favorite? They all have unique histories. When Council was reviewing the Village Chapel’s plan to expand, I worked with the Chapel on developing a document entitled, “Village Chapel: Then and Now.” What I learned through that process was fascinating. But, I also love the Holly Inn, because James Walker Tufts built it in six months! Then, there is the Department Store building and the Casino Building. Then the steam plant that became Pinehurst Brewing Company. It’s impossible to choose when they all have their own histories and character.

Cara Mathis*

IMPORTANT NOTE: as of October 2023, Ms Mathis has suspended her campaign for Pinehurst Village Council.

*Ms Mathis is a former board member of The Pines Preservation Guild, her term ending in 2021.

1.Please state your views on the role of historic preservation and our historic resources in the future of Pinehurst.

*Image courtesy of Mathis for Pinehurst*

There's nothing more imperative. Along with our residents, our buildings are our legacy. They're the physical manifestations of every ideal, vision, and priority of the people who have come before us, and once those buildings are gone, they're gone. It's our responsibility to protect them and preserve them -- and to ensure that Pinehurst's identity remains intact through them.

2. What will be your top three priorities to ensure the preservation of Pinehurst’s historic buildings sites and neighborhoods?

Educating the public about our buildings and our history has been one of my priorities for several years, and that will continue through a council tenure. If people know about a place's history, it makes it nearly impossible to consciously strike that history down. I aim to continue encouraging our residents to invest in the legacy of Pinehurst as stewards of its buildings and neighborhoods.

3. What is your view on the role of Pinehurst’s local historic district?

We need to protect it at all costs.

4. Jackson Hamlet, located in the Pinehurst ETJ, is exploring pursuing a Historic Resources Survey, with the possible intent to create a National Register District. Other local communities have funded efforts to survey historically underrepresented communities with sources of funding such as grants from the National Park Service or the National Trust. How do you see Pinehurst supporting Jackson Hamlet in this effort?

One of the things I love most about Pinehurst is its storied history outside of golf. So few people recognize the ways Pinehurst has contributed to the national landscape in ways other than greens, and Jackson Hamlet is part of that fabric. As part of our ETJ, we have the privilege to support Jackson Hamlet in its pursuit to secure recognition and protection of its role in Pinehurst's (and otherwise) history. I'll happily work with councilmembers and local community leaders to discuss funding opportunities for all of our shared communities.

5. Pinehurst is currently not a Certified Local Government. The CLG program is a state and federal program that provides annual training to Historic Preservation Commission members and Planning Staff as well as matching grant opportunities to their respective communities. Other Historic Preservation and Historic District Commissions in Moore County are CLGs, yet Pinehurst is not. Do you support Pinehurst pursuing CLG status?

I first raised the question of Pinehurst's CLG status with the Village Council last year during the NPS briefing, and have since been active in pursuing CLG status for the village. I attended the CLG training in Southern Pines on 9/24, and will continue to advocate for it during my tenure on the HPC.

6. Would you support the establishment of a town capital fund to pay for the preservation of historic public spaces and infrastructure (i.e. steps, alleys, certain streetscapes, bridges, walls, trees, fences, curbs, streets, etc….)? Why or why not? If so, what size fund would you recommend?

Pinehurst currently has a Beautification Committee that preserves the floral/horticultural aesthetic of the village and funds its upkeep, but architecture should probably either be included in its purview, OR in the purview of the HPC. That said, most of the buildings in Pinehurst are privately owned, so I'm not sure the VOP has any ability to taxpayer-fund their upkeep -- especially when the property owners and landlords themselves allow many to fall into regular disrepair. An incentive or penalty program might be possible, though, wherein historic properties are inspected annually and a property owner is fined if the building is not up to preservation or stewardship standards. We currently have a village inspection process, but it serves a safety purpose rather than preservation function. I believe both are imperative.

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?

Yes, of course. Any measure or incentive that would lead to the preservation of our historic architecture is alright by me. After all, we are merely stewards of Pinehurst's buildings and legacy -- and people deserve to be rewarded for taking on that role.

7. What is your favorite historic building in Pinehurst (older than 1973) and why?

When I was asked to design the 2022 Pinehurst Village ornament, I was told I could choose any scene in the village to paint. Immediately I chose Given Memorial Library. There is no building, in my opinion, that better represents the quaint, charming lifestyle and aesthetic of downtown Pinehurst -- and houses more of its history in one footprint. Its symmetry, its quoining, its beautiful brick beneath that iconic cupola -- there's no building more emblematic of Pinehurst than Given.

Claire Berggren

1. Please state your views on the role of historic preservation and our historic resources in the future of Pinehurst.

Pinehurst is historic in and of itself. Its roots are based on healthful living and relaxation through activities like golf and equestrian events, walkways, and gardens. So, preserving these features and amenities is paramount. Sand sidewalks, Tufts Park the historic cottages are part of our culture and character. Renovations of the Fair Barn and the old steam plant are examples of keeping our heritage intact. My view is to maintain vigilance in keeping our historic resources functioning as they should and honoring the stages and growth in Pinehurst over the last 100+ years. We are a living time capsule.

2. What will be your top three priorities to ensure the preservation of Pinehurst’s historic buildings sites and neighborhoods?

As a council member, we approve the choices for our Historic Preservation Commission members. Our duty is to select those members who will support the preservation of our historic assets. Our historic landmark designation is our guidepost. Our historic district guidelines are another means to protect and preserve our architectural history.

3. What is your view on the role of Pinehurst’s local historic district?

The local historic district is designed to maintain the integrity of the historic significance of the dwellings and landscape of that district. The Historic Preservation Commission reviews requested changes and are either approved, modified, or dismissed. At times, the NPS and SHPO weigh in on decisions that come before the council which is a good crosscheck before a new ordinance is approved.

4. Jackson Hamlet, located in the Pinehurst ETJ, is exploring pursuing a Historic Resources Survey, with the possible intent to create a National Register District. Other local communities have funded efforts to survey historically underrepresented communities with sources of funding such as grants from the National Park Service or the National Trust. How do you see Pinehurst supporting Jackson Hamlet in this effort?

If the residents of Jackson Hamlet wish to pursue creating a National Register District, then I support their efforts. I would hope the council would as well. At this point in time, I don’t believe anything in the ETJ guidelines would prevent them from creating that district. But I will say that I need to do more research on the subject. The ETJ is an issue/opportunity for several reasons that I will pursue as a council member.

5. Pinehurst is currently not a Certified Local Government. The CLG program is a state and federal program that provides annual training to Historic Preservation Commission members and Planning Staff as well as matching grant opportunities to their respective communities. Other Historic Preservation and Historic District Commissions in Moore County are CLGs, yet Pinehurst is not. Do you support Pinehurst pursuing CLG status?

I see no reason why the Village of Pinehurst wouldn’t consider becoming a CLG, especially if it provides education for local preservation (commissions) to keep them current on relevant topics.

6. Would you support the establishment of a town capital fund to pay for the preservation of historic public spaces and infrastructure (i.e. steps, alleys, certain streetscapes, bridges, walls, trees, fences, curbs, streets, etc….)? Why or why not? If so, what size fund would you recommend?

Pinehurst does budget for these concerns. Our financial planning processes include reviewing, funding, and scheduling these types of projects. The strategic planning activities use a 5-year projection to determine funding for identified initiatives. It is reviewed annually and adjustments are made if needed.

7. 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?

This would be completely dependent on the type of project being considered. And, it would depend on whether it involved local, county, state, or federal tax abatements. I would not speculate here. I would want to review a specific proposal. This is not one size fits all.

8. What is your favorite historic building in Pinehurst (older than 1973) and why?

I think it would have to be the Sandhills Woman’s Exchange (log cabin) because as a child living on Ft. Bragg due to my father’s military duty, we would head to Pinehurst for a visit now and again. The log cabin was just the right size for a 5-year-old girl and for some reason, it enchanted me then and it still does today.

I also LOVED going through the Pinehurst steam plant before it was renovated and strongly supported its transformation into the Pinehurst Brewery while I served on the council.

Barb Ficklin

1.Please state your views on the role of historic preservation and our historic resources in the future of Pinehurst.

Pinehurst’s history (and not just with respect to golf) is its greatest asset, and preservation should be its highest priority, save only the interest of residents and their quality of life.

2. What will be your top three priorities to ensure the preservation of Pinehurst’s historic buildings sites and neighborhoods?

I will seek to rigorously enforce Pinehurst’s ordinances regulating development of the Historic District, whether with respect to new construction or modification of existing buildings.
Short Term Rental properties are inconsistent with the notion of historic preservation and with Pinehurst generally. I will see to it that existing laws governing STRs are enforced (and amended as necessary) to effect realistic, reasonable, and common sense regulation of STRs throughout the Village.
Future development undertakings, whether in the Historic District or not, should be viewed through the lens of protecting our heritage.

3. What is your view on the role of Pinehurst’s local historic district?

Our local historic district is one of our greatest treasures and should be preserved and protected from incompatible modifications to existing structures and from deterioration across the district.

4. Jackson Hamlet, located in the Pinehurst ETJ, is exploring pursuing a Historic Resources Survey, with the possible intent to create a National Register District. Other local communities have funded efforts to survey historically underrepresented communities with sources of funding such as grants from the National Park Service or the National Trust. How do you see Pinehurst supporting Jackson Hamlet in this effort?

I would support any effort to further preserve demonstrable historic and/or cultural properties whether in Pinehurst proper or the ETJ.

5. Pinehurst is currently not a Certified Local Government. The CLG program is a state and federal program that provides annual training to Historic Preservation Commission members and Planning Staff as well as matching grant opportunities to their respective communities. Other Historic Preservation and Historic District Commissions in Moore County are CLGs, yet Pinehurst is not. Do you support Pinehurst pursuing CLG status?

While I am not familiar with the CLG program, on its face it seems like a good idea worth further investigation.

6. Would you support the establishment of a town capital fund to pay for the preservation of historic public spaces and infrastructure (i.e. steps, alleys, certain streetscapes, bridges, walls, trees, fences, curbs, streets, etc….)? Why or why not? If so, what size fund would you recommend?

Pinehurst sits on a fund balance significantly in excess of what is needed for projects now “on the books.” I would support earmarking some of these funds for repair grants and/or infrastructure improvements before I would support what is, in effect, a new tax.

7. 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?

Our Historic District consists largely of existing structures which must be preserved and protected, but I believe that costs associated with repair and maintenance would not generate marginal tax increases sufficient to justify an abatement program. I would favor the creation of a town capital fund as I describe in my answer to Question 6.

8. What is your favorite historic building in Pinehurst (older than 1973) and why?

I do not have a favorite historic building, but I do consider the entire collection magnificent!

John Taylor

1.Please state your views on the role of historic preservation and our historic resources in the future of Pinehurst.

The preservation of Pinehurst in general, and the "downtown" Village in particular, is what makes Pinehurst truly unique relative to all other golf resorts. Visitors may come to Pinehurst originally for the resort, but return as visitors or elect to reside here because of the small-town charm and character of the Village. It is indispensable to our future.

2. What will be your top three priorities to ensure the preservation of Pinehurst’s historic buildings sites and neighborhoods?

I'm not sure three are necessary. As long as the Village Council supports the Historic Preservation Commission, on which I have served for nearly six years and currently chair, historic buildings will continue to be maintained in a manner that preserves their historic character and any new construction in the local Historic District is congruous with existing historic structures. Members of the HPC take this responsibility very seriously and, in addition to reviewing any applications for changes to historic properties that come before it, regularly review the Historic District Standards to be sure they fulfill their function. To the extent a need arose that was outside the jurisdiction of the HPC I would support whatever actions were necessary to meet that need.

3. What is your view on the role of Pinehurst’s local historic district?

As stated in the first answer above, the local Historic District is what makes Pinehurst unique among major golf destinations and preserving it is critical to maintaining the overall character that draws people here as visitors and keeps them here as residents.

4. Jackson Hamlet, located in the Pinehurst ETJ, is exploring pursuing a Historic Resources Survey, with the possible intent to create a National Register District. Other local communities have funded efforts to survey historically underrepresented communities with sources of funding such as grants from the National Park Service or the National Trust. How do you see Pinehurst supporting Jackson Hamlet in this effort?

I am not certain exactly how Pinehurst can assist Jackson Hamlet in this effort but believe it is important for Pinehurst to attempt to do so. For example, having worked extensively with the National Park Service as part of the Integrity and Conditions Study that was completed earlier this year, we may be able to facilitate a dialogue.

5. Pinehurst is currently not a Certified Local Government. The CLG program is a state and federal program that provides annual training to Historic Preservation Commission members and Planning Staff as well as matching grant opportunities to their respective communities. Other Historic Preservation and Historic District Commissions in Moore County are CLGs, yet Pinehurst is not. Do you support Pinehurst pursuing CLG status?

I am not opposed to this but because most of the historic properties in Pinehurst are privately owned and there is not a supply of deteriorated buildings that could be materially renovated or repurposed I am not certain how much benefit might be created. Definitely willing to explore this in greater detail to see if opportunities exist where such certification would be beneficial.

6. Would you support the establishment of a town capital fund to pay for the preservation of historic public spaces and infrastructure (i.e. steps, alleys, certain streetscapes, bridges, walls, trees, fences, curbs, streets, etc….)? Why or why not? If so, what size fund would you recommend?

As mentioned in the previous question, I don't think there is substantial opportunity or need for such a fund therefore I would not support creating a dedicated pool of capital for this purpose. However, I would be open to receiving requests to support such efforts if there was a demonstrated need. As written above, I do think it is very important to continue the preservation efforts that have resulted in the Pinehurst we see today.

7. 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 believe there is a need for this type of support and am unaware of any needed preservation that did not occur because of the cost.

8. What is your favorite historic building in Pinehurst (older shan 1973) and why?

I would pick either the Holly Inn, as the "original Pinehurst hotel", or the Cottage Colony School House, which was built in 1917 but served as a school for the children of visitors to the resort from roughly 1918 until a year or two after the end of WWII. Full disclosure, I may be biased as I owned the School House from 1993-2019 and cannot count the number of people who stopped to take a picture of the house and would tell me "My father went to school here in the 1920s ...", etc.

Pinehurst Mayor and Village Council Candidate Interviews 2023

Jeff Morgan

Patrick Pizzella

Kevin Drum

Lydia Boesch

Cara Mathis*

Claire Berggren

Barb Ficklin

John Taylor

Southern Pines Mayor and Town Council Candidate Interviews -2023

Honoring Kennelwood