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Hooper House continued . . .The Hooper House Preservation Foundation was formed earlier this year by those opposed to county plans to tear down the 1905 structure in favor of expanding the library, which is located adjacent to the Hooper House. Library expansion plans now call for some 8,000 square feet to be added to the rear of the building, eliminating 16 parking spaces.The Hooper House parking lot will remain open to the public, said Chamber of Commerce Director Julie Spiro, one of those spearheading the preservation effort. A parking lot is a requirement of using the facility as a visitor center, she told the board. Besides, said Foundation President Jay Spiro, parking downtown is only a perceived problem, with many spaces actually available downtown for those who don't mind walking. As a means of allaying further the chairman's concerns about parking, Jay Spiro agreed to an easement in the deed allowing the county continued access to the lot. Addressing another of the chairman's concerns, an additional clause will be inserted to say that should the foundation cease to operate as outlined in the deed or should the preservation project not be completed in five years the property will revert back to the county. "This reversion clause is an insurance policy for the county to ensure the project is completed," Commissioner Conrad Burrell said. Burrell went on to express his belief that the foundation will raise the necessary funds and completed the project, "but who knows for sure what might happen. There's always that Œif'," he said. With a fund-raising effort less than a month old, the foundation has collected enough money to complete phase one of the three-stage project, architect Odell Thompson said. Phase one, which could start as early as spring 2000, will include securing the house's foundation, installing a new roof and repainting the exterior. Phase two will replace the electrical, plumbing and heating systems, after which the beautification process could begin. With a non-stop construction effort, the house could be ready for occupancy by the Chamber of Commerce, Sylva Partners in Renewal and the county historical association by fall 2000. No concrete answers were reached last week on how the library expansion project might affect the Hooper House property, other than Thompson's warning that expanding too close to the Hooper House might present the need for a firewall for both structures. "I'm sure we can iron these things out, and I'm sure the project will go forward," Burrell said. "I'm 100 percent in favor of (the foundation) having the house," Commissioner Franz Whitmire said. Whitmire's wish might have become reality last week as a majority of board members seemed ready to agree to the transfer. But on the advise of their attorney, Raymond Large, they tabled the issue until a modified deed can be reviewed. "I am mildly disappointed," Julie Spiro said following the meeting, "but I'm encouraged at the commission's commitment to the transfer of the property and the $50,000." Foundation members requested the Hooper House deed last month, saying that those who would like to contribute to the effort could take advantage of giving to a non-profit organization. They also claimed that some might not want to contribute to the project while the house remains the property of the county. The county funds dedicated to the project were added to the budget by the former board of commissioners, a commitment the current board has agreed to honor. The matter could be settled during a special meeting of the board, which has been called for Monday, Nov. 29, at 7 p.m. at the Justice Center. The next opportunity to address the question will be during a regular meeting of the board set for Thursday, Dec. 2, also at the Justice Center. That meeting will follow a public hearing on the county's proposed sign ordinance at 5 p.m. |
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