s03-12-14 (Joint w HLPC)March 12, 2014
Special Joint Meeting with Historic Landmark Preservation Commission
The Randolph County Board of Commissioners met jointly with the Randolph County
Historic Landmark Preservation Commission (HLPC) in special session at 6:00 p.m. at the site of the
1925 Toomes-Lee Petty home place and the original site of Petty Enterprises located at 311
Branson Mill Road, Randleman, N.C. Commissioners Harold Holmes, Darrell Frye, Phil Kemp,
Arnold Lanier and Stan Haywood were present, as well as, County Manager Richard Wells;
Assistant County Manager/Finance Officer Will Massie; Associate County Attorney Aimee
Scotton; and Cheryl Ivey, Clerk to the Board. In attendance from the HLPC were Chairman Hal
Johnson, Bill Johnson, Bill Ivey, Lynne Qualls, Marsha Haithcock, Mac Whatley, Nan Kemp,
Warren Dixon and Amanda Varner, HLPC Clerk.
At 6:10 pm, HLPC Chairman Hal Johnson called the meeting to order for the HLPC,
welcomed those present and explained the purpose of the joint meeting: to consider Local
Historic Landmark designation of the site of the 1925 Toomes-Lee Petty home place where
Richard and Maurice were born and raised. Also included in the Local Landmark designation
will be the original site of Petty Enterprises, including the A -frame reaper shed and original race
shop and engine rooms used and constructed from approximately 1951 to 1964.
County Commissioner Chairman Harold Holmes called the meeting to order on behalf of
the County.
HLPC Chairman Johnson explained the process of Local Landmark Designation and the
public hearing process and noted that this was a historic (first time the two boards had met
together) joint public hearing for both boards. He then introduced Richard Petty Museum
Director Mac Whatley, who provided the historical background of Petty Enterprises, ca. 1949
and the Toomes-Petty House, ca. 1925.
Mac Whatley said that this would be Randolph County's 20th historic landmark and
explained the site's historical value. He said that the nucleus of the Petty complex is the original
bungalow home of R.V. and Allie Toomes, where newlyweds Lee and Elizabeth Toomes Petty
lived with her parents and where their children, Maurice and Richard, were born. The original
reaper shed, which has been expanded over the years, was the seed that grew into Petty
Enterprises. Mr. Whatley noted that the metal -framed building now known as the Red Floor
Shop was built in 1969 as the set-up and fabrication shop of the 443 car and is now used as a
display area for Petty Museum exhibits and changing gallery for "show cars." Attached to the
north end of the Red Floor Shop was the fabrication shop for the 443 and 444 cars, and now used
as the parts department and machine shop. Petty's Garage is the tenant of the adjoining "Gray
Floor Shop," built in 1999 as an expanded engine room and as the set-up shop for 444 cars. The
paint and body shop (1973) and the Maurice Petty Engine Shop (1974, 1999) are located just
north of the Lee Petty House.
HLPC Chairman Johnson opened the joint public hearing on behalf of the HLPC.
Commissioner Chairman Holmes opened the joint public hearing on behalf of the County
Commissioners.
Tammy O'Kelley, Director of Tourism for the Randolph County Tourism Development
Authority, spoke in support of the landmark designation, pointing out that the fame that Richard
Petty has brought to our nation, state and county is significant. Having the support of Richard
Petty, the most decorated driver in the history of NASCAR racing, was a major key to the TDA's
successful ability to market Randolph County from the TDA's inception. Ms. O'Kelley noted
that in her 13 years with the TDA, Richard Petty has never declined to help the organization
when asked. She also noted his extraordinary treatment of his fans: signing autographs, shaking
hands, posing for photos; doing it all with a smile and a rare sincerity. She also remarked that
Richard Petty truly cares about this county and about the tourism industry. Ms. O'Kelley
concluded her comments by saying that on behalf of the Board of Directors, the TDA
wholeheartedly endorses and supports the historic landmark designation.
Winston Kelly, Executive Director of the NASCAR Hall of Fame, endorsed the landmark
designation on behalf of the Hall of Fame. He also spoke about Richard Petty's impact on his
own life, stating that 50 years ago, he had attended his first NASCAR race, which was won by
Richard Petty. Mr. Kelly said that he was able to meet Richard Petty after the race. Mr. Kelly
highlighted the Petty family's racing achievements, which include Richard's record 200 racing
wins and seven championships, and the induction of Richard, Lee and Maurice Petty and cousin
Dale Inman into NASCAR's Hall of Fame. Mr. Kelly also noted that Richard's humble nature
does not detract from him being one of America's most recognizable celebrities. He also stated
that Richard sets the benchmark for customer service.
Darrell Frye, Randolph County Commissioner, spoke about Richard Petty's
encouragement and advice to him before becoming a County Commissioner and during the years
they served together on the Board. He valued and sought out Richard's opinion on many issues,
specifically citing the Randleman Lake issue. He also noted Richard's unwavering devotion to
his fans that he observed on numerous occasions during the period in which Mr. Petty served as a
County Commissioner. Commissioner Frye said that Richard was always willing to offer his
celebrity to help his community and consistently conducted himself in a professional, courteous
and respectful manner. He said that this landmark designation was one small way that we can
thank the Petty Family for what it means to this county.
There being no further comments, HLPC Chairman Johnson closed the public hearing for
the HLPC.
Commissioner Chairman Holmes closed the public hearing for the County.
The HLPC unanimously approved a resolution recommending that the County
Commissioners act to designate the Petty Enterprises site as a local historic landmark.
On motion of Kemp, seconded by Frye, the Randolph County Board of Commissioners
unanimously approved the Ordinance Designating the Site of Petty Enterprises as a Local
Historic Landmark, as follows:
Ordinance Designating the Site of Petty Enterprises, ca. 1949, as a Local Historic Landmark in
Randolph County, North Carolina
WHEREAS, Chapter 160A, Article 19, Part 3C of the North Carolina General Statutes provides for
the designation ofLocal Historic Landmarks; and
WHEREAS, the Randolph County Historic Landmark Commission and the Randolph County Board of
Commissioners have taken into full consideration all statements and information contained in the
Landmark Designation report for the site of Petty Enterprises, Ca., 1949; and
WHEREAS, the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources, State Historic Preservation
Office, has reviewed the Local Landmark application and noted that the historical report provides the
Randolph County Board of Commissioners with enough information to determine whether the site of
Petty Enterprises has the requisite special significance and integrity for Local Historic Landmark
designation; and
WHEREAS, the Randolph County Historic Landmark Commission and the Randolph County Board
of Commissioners have held the required public hearings and published legal notices with mailings to
adjoining property owners; and
WHEREAS, the Randolph County Historic Landmark Commission has adopted a unanimous
resolution requesting the Board of County Commissioners to designate the site of Petty Enterprises as a
Local Historic Landmark, and
WHEREAS, on December 3, 2007, the Randolph County Board of Commissioners adopted the
following Proclamation Honoring Petty Enterprises and the Petty Family as a special tribute to the Petty
family legacy:
WHEREAS, Petty Enterprises has been a distinctive Randolph County landmark
since its inception in 1949; and
WHEREAS, the racing accomplishments of the Pettys are unprecedented in the
racing industry; and
WHEREAS, Richard Petty has brought honor and recognition to Randolph County
through his role of goodwill ambassador for racing fans everywhere; and
WHEREAS, the Petty name is synonymous with commitment, family, community,
dedication, innovation, and leadership.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT PROCLAIMED, that the Randolph County Board of
Commissioners recognizes and honors Petty Enterprises and, in particular, Richard and
Linda Petty, for their ever -apparent love for their follow Randolph County citizens, as
evidenced in their community involvement in charitable and civic activities, including
Lynda's 16 years as a Randolph County Board of Education member and Richard's 13
years as a Randolph County Commissioner;
BE IT FURTHER PROCLAIMED that the prestige and significant contributions that
the Pettys and Petty Enterprises have brought to Randolph County are, and will forever
be immeasurable.
WHEREAS, the Randolph County Board of Commissioners finds that the site of the ca. 1949 Petty
Enterprises meets the following specific criteria outlined in the adopting Ordinance: (1) The site of Petty
Enterprises is a critical part of Randolph County's heritage by having value as an example of the
cultural, economic, historic, and social heritage of Randolph County; and (2) the site of Petty Enterprises
provides a unique and distinctive location which represents an established and familiar visual presence
in Randolph County; and (3) the site is associated with the Petty family and its special legacy which has
significantly contributed to the cultural, economic, social, and historic development of Randolph County;
and
WHEREAS, this site is more specifically described as follows:
The exteriors of the original Petty Race Shop, ca. 1949, and related buildings reflected on the
official site map maintained by the Randolph County Planning Department as buildings 92, 3, 4,
and 5, which total approximately 11, 000 sq. ft out of a 30.46 -acre tract, PIN# 7768217086, and
the exterior of the Toomes-Petty House, ca. 1925, reflected on the official site plan map as
building 91 which consists of approximately 1700 sq. ft. out of a 3.4 -acre tract, PIN#
7767295719, located at 311 Branson Mill Road, Randleman, Level Cross Township, Randolph
County, N. C.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, by the Randolph County Board of Commissioners, that:
1: The site of Petty Enterprises, Level Cross Township, located within the planning jurisdiction of the
County of Randolph, North Carolina, is hereby designated as a Local Historic Landmark pursuant
to Chapter 160A, Article 19, Part 3C, of the North Carolina General Statutes.
2: The site of Petty Enterprises is the location of an activity where the location itself possesses
historic and cultural value regardless of existing structures which may be materially altered,
restored, remodeled, or demolished following the issuance of a Certificate of Appropriateness
from the Randolph County Historic Landmark Commission.
3: That the Petty Enterprises Family Association accepts notice as required by applicable law of this
action, and County planning staff are directed to file copies of this Ordinance with the Randolph
County Register ofDeeds and other applicable agencies.
Upon motion of Kemp, and a second by Frye, the foregoing Local Historic Landmark Ordinance was
passed upon its first reading by a vote of 5 to 0.
This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after the date of its passage.
Commissioner Chairman Holmes and HLPC Chairman Johnson, on behalf of both
boards, presented a landmark plaque to Richard Petty and family.
Both Richard Petty and Rebecca Petty Moffitt expressed their appreciation for this
designation.
The HLPC adjourned.
At 6:50 pm, there being no further business, the meeting was adjourned by the Board of
Commissioners.
J. Harold Holmes, Chairman Darrell L. Frye
Phil Kemp
Stan Haywood
Arnold Lanier
Cheryl A. Ivey, Clerk to the Board