BY KARISSA MILLER

The City of Statesville hosted a forum last week to provide an opportunity for residents to discuss establishing a Black Historical District.

City Councilwoman Lisa Pearson and city staff members guided a discussion and answered questions during the meeting. Those who attended the forum Thursday night were shown an aerial map of the Garfield/Green Street Area, which has been identified as a potential National Historic Registry District with regards to cultural, social and architectural significance.

Historical sites in the area include:

♦ The former residence of Dr. and Mrs. Holliday at 241 Garfield Street;
♦ Mt. Pleasant AME Zion Church at 537 S. Center Street;
♦ The former site of Peterson & Magnum Funeral Home at 206 Garfield Street;
♦ Green Street Cemetery;
♦ The former site of Morningside School at 410 Garfield Street;
♦ The former site of Billingsley Academy; and
♦ The historic wooden bridge over the railroad tracks

The proposed district covers 94 acres and contains approximately 230 parcels. There are approximately 129 residential structures in the area that are more than 50 years old.

Marci Sigmon, the city’s historic planner, told the group that the City of Statesville was awarded a federal historic preservation fund pass through grant for $45,000, including local matching funds, that will allow the city to conduct an architectural and cultural study of the Garfield/Green Street area.

The study will be generated into a report that will “provide the most accurate information possible,” Sigmon said, adding it would serve as a guide for memorials or preservation efforts by providing a detailed description of the building, architectural features and other historical insights.

Once completed, the report will be submitted for a National Registry nomination, Sigmon said.

Joel Reese, local historian librarian, who was on hand to answer questions, said that one major benefit of the historic district designation is that it would ensure protection and preservation of the historically significant buildings, sites and landmarks for future generations.

Separate from the grant, Pearson told the group that she wants to form a Black Historic District Committee to support the project.

“Salisbury has already done what we are trying to do,” the councilwoman explained. “We would like to take you guys, whoever is on the committee, to go and tour it.”

During the meeting, residents raised questions about costs, the possibility of acquiring private property and what would be required to serve on the Black Historic committee.

Matthew Pierce, assistant to the city manager, told the group that imminent domain is a last resort and it’s not a neighborly way to get things done.

Pearson mentioned that those who want to be a part of the committee simply need to be willing to attend meetings. Applications were handed out to all in attendance. Pearson asked that the applications be turned into City Hall by March 7.

The group supported the idea of the committee being a nonprofit so it could apply for grants.

In closing, Pearson reassured the group that the city is moving in the right direction.

“Right now, the City of Statesville is very supportive of what we are trying to do,” Pearson said. “I want everyone to come together so we can all be on the same page.”

The community forum came a week after the unveiling of an African American historical marker that featured more than 1,400 names of those who are buried at Green Street Cemetery. The project was led by Iredell County Public Library and funded through a grant.