Southern Pines Town Council Candidate Interviews
The Pines Preservation Guild reached out the five candidates vying for the two open Southern Pines Town Council seats in the upcoming October 5, 2021 primary election. Four of these candidates will then go on to run in the Nov 2, 2021 General Election. On October 5, the candidate field was narrowed to 4 candidates.
Our organization believes it is important to understand how each candidate values the history and preservation of Southern Pines. 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 Southern Pines.
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
All five candidates were sent our questions via email to respond to in writing. 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.
Ann Petersen
We presented Ms Petersen, and all Southern Pines candidates, with the following same eight questions.
Ms. Petersen responded in a narrative format. Her answer in her entirety follows the questions. Emphasis has been added.
Please state your views on the role of historic preservation and our historic resources in the future of Southern Pines.
What will be your top three priorities to ensure the preservation of Southern Pines’ historic buildings sites and neighborhoods?
A 2010 survey update report of Southern Pines’s historic properties strongly recommended Southern Pines create and adopt a Historic Preservation Plan. Since then, one has not been created. Would you support the creation of a Historic Preservation Plan in Southern Pines?
Many of Southern Pines’ residential historic properties are outside of the local historic district overlay zone. That means they aren’t currently protected and could be demolished if the owner wishes. What is your approach to making sure buildings important to our community heritage are protected?
What is your view on the role of Southern Pines’ local historic district? Would you support the expansion of the existing district or the establishment of new historic preservation districts in the town? If so, would there be any criteria or limits on the number or type of new districts?
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?
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?
What is your favorite historic building in Southern Pines and why?
Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Ann Petersen. I am a 32 year resident of Southern Pines who embraces the historic charm of my town. Over three decades ago, my husband, Bruce Cunningham, and I purchased a historic home within walking distance of downtown. For years, we worked to renovate our house, with a nod toward honoring its history and a willingness to “tweak” it for practical use. My home is, therefore, the answer to your question number 8, not necessarily because it is the most breathtaking example of historic preservation, but because it is my heart.
First of all, I obviously am one who values preservation, based on my own actions. Nonetheless, I realize the burden that comes with preserving a property in need of repair. Not only is one on a challenging financial journey, but one also finds him or herself on an emotional journey when taking on preservation. This awareness informs my stance on questions 1 and 4, and perhaps flirts with the answers to 2 and 3.
I value preservation. I think the downtown in Southern Pines is unique and extraordinary. It allows for the “walkability” we all value in a well-preserved venue. There are, however, greater issues at hand.
I think the council (led by the community) needs to determine how far we want the commercial components to extend. Currently, we are looking at a four block area that is nearing its ability to contain the shops and offices we include. Where do we go from here? Has the town recently surveyed the residents or are we asking for input in a piecemeal fashion, as developments are proposed? Do we want the greenspace we already have (from destruction of the old police station) to remain a greenspace? Do residents value and support the Farmers’ Market enough to support that preservation of a greenspace?
Secondly, one cannot force or mandate a historic preservation district. A town can only proceed if it undertakes two actions. First, we need a long term plan (so, yes to question 3) and secondly, you need buy-in from the community directly impacted. So, my somewhat convoluted answer to questions 1, 2, 4 and 5 is we need an outreach effort. Think about the impact on property owners if we expand the historic district. First of all, their properties/neighborhoods would be protected from development efforts. Conversely, they would be restricted in what they were able to do with their property. In other words, while I would personally welcome being included in a historic district, welcoming the protection that would offer, I understand someone’s hesitancy to embrace the restrictions that might allow. In short, we need an honest outreach and consideration. Education, as is often the case, is necessary.
I value our downtown. I love that I can either walk down or coast on my bright yellow bicycle down to enjoy what downtown has to offer. Last year, I tried to follow John Nagy’s sage advice and to buy my Christmas gifts from downtown merchants. If they were willing to make the effort to survive the pandemic, I was anxious to shop “curbside” for my gifts.
I also worry that our immediate downtown area is fraught with growing pains. I think revitalization is incredibly important and I value the current historical buildings. I am most impressed with a few extraordinary efforts to expand without forfeiting the culture of the town. When my children used to outgrow their shoes, I bought them larger shoes. Downtown is going to “outgrow its shoes'' and I hope we have the foresight to protect our culture and to preserve our historic buildings.
So, hats off to the yarn shop where Holly and Tyler have expanded their previously unlivable second floor into a cozy home. Hats off to the Clement family (Yes, I realize she is also on the ballot) who have purchased a building that houses an innovative business on the first floor and one of the most extraordinary homes in town on the second. Hats off to the owner of The Mews who have kept the facade and some of the most historical pieces of that building and revitalized it into a remarkable structure housing upscale shopping. I think, in the future, we will need to either expand up or out with our downtown shopping district. It is my hope that the council and the town manager have the foresight to do this responsibly. I would like to see that done with thoughtfulness and consistency. (As a side note here, I suggest Stewart Brand’s book entitled How Buildings Learn. In it, he discusses the importance of graceful preservation coupled with adaptation to the ongoing needs of a community. The book is great food for thought.)
Finally, I have to offer one more “shout out” for the preservationist among us. Do you realize The Sunrise letters were once removed from the marquee of the theatre downtown and were deemed outdated and useless? With unrivaled foresight, David and Mary Helen Young purchased the letters and stored them in their garage for years until the rebirth of The Sunrise, at which time, they donated them back to the theatre. Every time I drive into town on West Broad, I silently thank the Youngs for their vision.
Finally, I offer a series of questions that we all need to consider: Do we need housing in the business district? If so, do we “go up?” If we incorporate more businesses or housing, where do residents park? Are we, as a town, opposed to housing downtown? If so, do we want to expand our historic district to protect our surrounding homes? Are the residents on board with that option?
I think all of this requires a thoughtful and complete discussion. I would rather not see us proceed with a “whack a mole” response where developers, without direction, buy up historic properties and create plans to level historic buildings, only to have neighborhoods respond as the proposals directly impact them. So, again, at the risk of being redundant, my answer to question 2 is yes, yes, yes. It would be fair to all parties if a preservation plan were in place.
I want to also touch on your question 6 to say I think the town has respected and worked to provide the infrastructure your question mentions. I am (and have been for a long time) a fan of the town council and its cooperative historical approach to governing. The absence of mention of subsurface infrastructure in your question concerns me. I am not sure there is anything less sexy than sewage and water supply. I am also sure there is nothing more important to consider when planning, whether it be preservation or development. I would welcome any insights from anyone with knowledge regarding what we need to do to preserve our subsurface infrastructure.
As to a specific figure you ask for in question 6 and the possibility of a tax abatement (question 7) I will, most likely, disappoint you. I am not well versed in what might be possible. I pledge, if elected, I will study the issue with a determination and commitment that will be grounded in common sense and good intentions. As to offering a current answer, it would be easy to write what I think you wanted to hear. I value my integrity and will not offer promises I cannot stand behind. Suffice to say, I look forward to hearing both your insights and also the insights of those who understand and advocate for staying within the budget.
I have one final note: thank you for your interest and your love for Southern Pines. I stand shoulder to shoulder to you in this regard. I think there are places that are modeling an exemplary response to these issues.. I look forward to learning from those who have already “invented the wheel.” To that end, I intend, if elected, to travel to Davidson, NC and learn about their long term planning and enviable success.
Taylor Clement
1.Please state your views on the role of historic preservation and our historic resources in the future of Southern Pines.
Our historic buildings are a major aspect to our town character (along with it's longleaf pines, locally owned businesses, and the diverse group of people who have come to call this town home.) Losing any aspect of that character is easy, getting it back would be an incredible challenge.
2. What will be your top three priorities to ensure the preservation of Southern Pines’ historic buildings sites and neighborhoods?
Help find educated candidates for our historic board, follow their advice and be an ear to the community so that the town's actions best represent what the citizens want.
3. A 2010 survey update report of Southern Pines’s historic properties strongly recommended Southern Pines create and adopt a Historic Preservation Plan. Since then, one has not been created. Would you support the creation of a Historic Preservation Plan in Southern Pines?
I would need to read the 2010 survey and documents from the time of it's publishing to determine what factors contributed to the board's lack of action at that time. Then we need to determine the financial obligations to the town and residents and finally, allow the community to voice their opinion on its creation once we know all of the facts.
4. Many of Southern Pines’ residential historic properties are outside of the local historic district overlay zone. That means they aren’t currently protected and could be demolished if the owner wishes. What is your approach to making sure buildings important to our community heritage are protected?
I have personally made an effort to protect multiple properties; my home and the original Southern Pines School on May Street. It's not easy and for the most part it's lonely and thankless work. The reward is seeing the continued use and enjoyment of those properties. As a council, I think we can better support the individuals who wish to take on those projects with a list of resources and ensure that working with our historic council is a pleasant experience. IF it's a burden to work with the town to do what's right on top of the already existing challenges of preservation and restoration, people stop caring about doing what's right and instead, they do what's easy.
5. What is your view on the role of Southern Pines’ local historic district? Would you support the expansion of the existing district or the establishment of new historic preservation districts in the town? If so, would there be any criteria or limits on the number or type of new districts?
This is a property ownership issue and I would need to consult with the current owners of any area being considered to decide what is best. My personal choice to buy a historic building as my home was based on my personal preference for it's historic character and location, I don't plan to force my personal agenda on the residence of Southern Pines regarding preservation or any other issue. Instead, I hope to represent the people.
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 a Certified Financial Planner™, I know that financial decisions have myriad consequences and I would need to spend more time to decide if that is a good choice. How is it being funded, how is it being used, which people pay for it and which people benefit from it, who have we excluded and how have we empowered ourselves by creating a fund (or tax abatement) over which we have control? The bottom line is that transparency in our government is necessary and the factors to make this decision would need to be available to the public AND the council before a decision could be made.
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?
See answer above.
8. What is your favorite historic building in Southern Pines and why?
My home because of the four other people who live in it and the view it provides me of this beautiful town. Our home is like our fourth child, it's a living and demanding part of our family and in exchange for our care, it provides us a comfortable place to live and spend time with people we love. It's like Shel Silverstein's Giving Tree -- if only the little boy had just picked the apples and enjoyed it's shade.
Mike Saulnier
1. Please state your views on the role of historic preservation and our historic resources in the future of Southern Pines.
It is important to preserve the buildings and landscape, and the history, of this Town, which makes it such a wonderful place to live and visit. People come to Southern Pines for its Small Town charm. The guidelines and enforcement in our Historic District have maintained that character and will continue to do so.
2.What will be your top three priorities to ensure the preservation of Southern Pines’ historic buildings sites and neighborhoods?
To ensure that the Towns processes (UDO, Historic District Guidelines and any appropriate ordinances) are followed. And to set the example (see response 8)
Education, especially for those that live and work in historic structures.
3. A 2010 survey update report of Southern Pines’s historic properties strongly recommended Southern Pines create and adopt a Historic Preservation Plan. Since then, one has not been created. Would you support the creation of a Historic Preservation Plan in Southern Pines?
Yes, I would. The Town gets a lot of recommendations, which are great, a number of the recommendations have a priority and timeline associated with them. In an unconstrained resource environment, we would be able to implement far more recommendations.
4. Many of Southern Pines’ residential historic properties are outside of the local historic district overlay zone. That means they aren’t currently protected and could be demolished if the owner wishes. What is your approach to making sure buildings important to our community heritage are protected?
Some of this is an individual property owner, responsibility. Education is key. We were recently able to achieve preserving a historic building and woodland with the purchase of the 157 acres adjacent to Reservoir Park. Additionally, we appreciate and rely on the support of Non-profits, such is yours, to assist in educating people on the importance of maintaining the history of our Town through the preservation of our historic buildings.
5. What is your view on the role of Southern Pines’ local historic district? Would you support the expansion of the existing district or the establishment of new historic preservation districts in the town? If so, would there be any criteria or limits on the number or type of new districts?
My view of the role of Southern Pines Historic Commission is to ensure that our Historic District maintains is character and charm, as it was. Our commission issues certificates of appropriateness in line with Town Guidelines.
I will consider supporting the designation of new historic preservation districts. The designation of additional areas in town as a Historic Districts has been an on-going discussion for years. The criteria would need to include designation by the State and listed in the National Register.
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 designated historic downtown public spaces and infrastructure are already funded by the town.
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 think this is worth exploring, the duration and amount would be something that requires analysis. As you know that property tax in Southern Pines, has 2 components. A Moore County and Southern Pines component. I would like to see any proposal for this address both county and town participation.
8. What is your favorite historic building in Southern Pines and why?
My Home. My home and yard were designed and built by Alfred Yeomans, landscape architect. We have the original pencil sketches and a number of blue prints that were used in the design and construction of both the house and the landscape. Any repairs we do are done according to historic preservation guidelines.
Brandon Goodman
1.Please state your views on the role of historic preservation and our historic resources in the future of Southern Pines.
Historic preservation is vital. Downtown Southern Pines is the heart of what makes our town so unique. I would seek to examine our UDO in an attempt to emulate this design and form in other parts of town.
2. What will be your top three priorities to ensure the preservation of Southern Pines’ historic buildings sites and neighborhoods?
I only have one answer for this question. First and foremost historic buildings are preserved when they are occupied in a lively and successful community so doing what we can to support downtown businesses is key. The vibrancy of downtown is intertwined with preserving neighborhoods.
3. A 2010 survey update report of Southern Pines’s historic properties strongly recommended Southern Pines create and adopt a Historic Preservation Plan. Since then, one has not been created. Would you support the creation of a Historic Preservation Plan in Southern Pines?
I am unaware of this study but I'm interested in it and learning more.
4. Many of Southern Pines’ residential historic properties are outside of the local historic district overlay zone. That means they aren’t currently protected and could be demolished if the owner wishes. What is your approach to making sure buildings important to our community heritage are protected?
It is my understanding that a local government cannot stop a demolition, only delay it for a year in order to find a buyer to preserve it. I would not be opposed an expansion of the district or additional districts by building consensus. I’m also open to considering designating local landmarks to give select historic properties a major tax incentive to be preserved.
5. What is your view on the role of Southern Pines’ local historic district? Would you support the expansion of the existing district or the establishment of new historic preservation districts in the town? If so, would there be any criteria or limits on the number or type of new districts?
Yes, I’m supportive of expansion or creation of new districts. I think districts could work as long as it does not create a lot of confusion. I feel like the role is currently is as a reviewing body and not one that serves to enrich and engage with the historic district and it’s tenants. I support incentive based and enhancement Initiatives and feel these are as important, if not more, than review.
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?
This is honestly not something I have considered but am open to the idea. As far as the size of the fund, it would have to be considered relative to the given budget and likely start small with a trial to see what true costs are and how successful it is
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?
Yes, (see above), but it would need to be limited with specific criteria on what is eligible and also cap the # granted/year.
8. What is your favorite historic building in Southern Pines and why?
240 W. Vermont because I convinced my wife to move there with a single picture. But also the blue shake building at the corner of Pennsylvania and Broad has always been a favorite (*PPG Edit: 105 SE Broad St.) .
