Aberdeen officials debate historic-preservation rules as downtown projects are proposed

Aberdeen Town officials spent substantial time at their May work session debating how to balance historic‑preservation rules and efforts to encourage downtown investment.

Council members reported at least one developer is exploring multiple concepts for 211 Indiana Avenue — a parcel split between general commercial and residential zoning — including small multifamily housing, a compact grocery or a gas station within a planned-development framework. Town staff said the initial concept sketches were well received by the planning department and would be routed to the planning board if the applicant pursues plan-development zoning.

The board also discussed a proposed non‑nicotine hookah lounge near Planet Fitness. Staff described it as a social beverage and lounge operation that will still need engineering and licensing approvals; members noted it will have to meet zoning and health-safety rules before opening.

Members agreed the town needs clearer, business-friendly historic-preservation guidelines. The mayor and several commissioners urged a faster revision of the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) and local guidelines so prospective downtown investors are not deterred. One board member summarized the balance as ensuring preservation without “turning people away” from investing in downtown storefronts.

In a related item, the mayor and staff described plans to transfer bound volumes of the San Hill Citizen to the North Carolina Archives & History program for scanning. Staff said the archives will pick up volumes, scan them at no cost to the town and make them accessible online; staff confirmed they had contacted heirs to address copyright and tentatively scheduled a June 4 pickup.

Board members asked staff to study other towns’ preservation approaches (Carthage, Pinehurst) and to prepare a targeted UDO amendment and guidance changes to speed review and reduce unnecessary hurdles for downtown business applicants.