Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, November 30, 1995 TAG: 9511300050
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: CATHRYN McCUE STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
"See, we've wanted to save the house all along," said David Cole, president of the Bedford County Historical Society. Such an easement - a legal agreement that would outline restrictions on the property's use - would "preserve the house for all time."
But Cole added that he thinks the idea will be the biggest sticking point as City Council considers the society's offer to lease and renovate the building.
The society was the sole bidder this week on City Council's proposed 40-year lease and renovation plan for the historic house, which has been the subject of a months-long controversy. Society members and other preservationists were convinced council wanted to tear the house down; council members insisted they were considering all the alternatives.
The future of the Wharton House, which had been used as a library for years, was cast in doubt this summer when a new $2.5 million library was completed next door. Acting on a tip from the historical society's lawyer, the state has withheld $178,000 in grant money for the new library because of uncertainty over what would become of the 19th-century building, which is part of Bedford's state- and federally designated historic district.
In applying for the state grant, the city had to affirm that construction of the new library wouldn't adversely impact the historic district.
Council asked the library subcommittee to review the society's bid and report back at council's next meeting, Dec. 12.
"I hope they buy our proposal," Cole said.
The society wants to use part of the building for its offices. The rest would be used for law, insurance or other offices.
The society modified several of the council's original specifications, which the preservationists felt were made purposefully restrictive to exclude them, Cole said. The changes include:
Adding the preservation easement, which would be donated to the state.
Allowing two years to renovate the exterior and five to renovate the interior, rather than doing everything in one year.
Making the city pay for removal of asbestos and lead paint, if needed.
Exempting the society from paying real estate tax on the property.
Cole also said the society would be able to renovate the building for roughly half the $135,000 estimated by the city's consultant. He said the society already has the money, mostly in donations from its 300-plus members.
Joanne Grahame, council member and chairwoman of the library committee, said she has not yet looked at the society's proposal to see what changes had been made, but said she hoped the proposal was reasonable.
"Council is not interested in having a building there, slap a coat of paint on it and call it renovated," Grahame said.
As for a preservation easement, Grahame said she was unsure whether she would support one until she knew the exact wording and talked with the city attorney.
City Manager Jack Gross said the city would not charge rent for the house, but that the request for bids "did not mention that there would be any forgiveness of taxes." That point will have to be cleared up with the attorneys as well, he said.
The city asked weeks ago about the grant money, but has not heard back from the state librarian, who is holding the grant check, Gross said.
by CNB