BY NICOLE BOWMAN-LAYTON

EDENTON — The Edenton Historic Preservation Commission voted 5-1 on Monday, Sept. 8, 2025, to approve a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) for a wooden pier project that sparked debate over historic viewscape preservation.

The commission granted approval to Vince Burgher for the installation of a 5-feet wide by 42-feet long wooden pier with an 8-foot by 14-foot end platform at the intersection of West Water Street and South Granville Street. Burgher currently owns the property, as well as Pemboke Hall, located on over 2 acres at the end of West King Street. The back of the property is located on the opposite side of West Water Street.

An architect’s drawing of the proposed pier appears at the end of the story. It includes notations for a gate, but they have decided not to install the gate.

Four Years, 11 Hearings

Burgher first presented his request to build a pier at the location in 2021. Since then, there have been numerous legal appeals, zoning hurdles and hearings with various town-affliated groups.

In a statement, Burgher noted that the hearing got off to a “rocky start” when Commission Chairman Paul Hicks tried to postpone the remanded hearing. The hearing was required after the Burgher successfully appealed a previous Commission vote with the Board of Adjustment.

“For more than five years, Pembroke Hall’s right to build a pier has battled through CAMA legal appeals, zoning hurdles, and (11) separate hearings — an unnecessary and costly drain on Town resources, board members’ time, legal fees and taxpayer dollars.

“Monday’s approval signals a welcome change on the Historic (Preservation) Commission, with new volunteers bringing competence, fairness, and a focus on Edenton’s historic character over personal agendas. It’s also a strong step toward reforming entrenched Town board practices.

“I applaud the EPC for ensuring this important residence now has water access and can enjoy its most scenic vista with water activities—a benefit that will last for generations of custodians to come. A clear Triumph for Pembroke Hall!”

Lone Dissenting Vote Cites Viewscape Concerns

While the area is private property, it is frequented by sightseers and people who enjoy fishing in a spot away from the parks located along the waterfront.

Hicks cast the sole opposing vote. In an interview with the Albemarle Observer, he cited concerns about the pier’s impact on the historic district’s visual integrity. According to the Edenton Historic Design Standards, new piers and docks should be “located in locations where they will not unreasonably obstruct the viewscape of neighboring properties or the district’s significant buildings, views or vistas.”

“No matter where a pier is placed at the corner of West Water Street and South Granville Street, a significant view or vista of the historic district will be quite obstructed,” Hicks said. He specifically noted concerns about the visibility of 16 pilings that will extend 3 feet above the bulkhead, as shown in the pier diagram presented to the commission.

After Tuesday’s Edenton Town Council meeting, Councilman Aaron Coston said to the Albemarle Observer, “Despite the chair’s position, I believe the board rendered the correct decision. This matter has persisted for more than five years, during which the only clear beneficiaries have been the attorneys. The argument that the pier ‘obstructs the vista’ has never been compelling, particularly given the presence of several non-original structures within the downtown area that could equally be viewed as obstructions. The applicant has complied fully with all local ordinances and the recommendations set forth by the EPC. I commend the EPC for its thorough diligence and its continued commitment to prioritizing and preserving the integrity of our historic district.”

Unique Location Creates Precedent Questions

During the meeting, Burgher referenced 21 other similar structures within the Historic District that had previously received approval. However, Hicks highlighted a key distinction between those projects and the proposed pier.

“There is no major thoroughfare separating those structures from an associated building or residence,” Hicks said. “Mr. Burgher’s proposed structure will be separated by West Water Street.”

This separation by a public roadway represents a departure from typical pier approvals within the historic district, as the pier is accessed from waterfront property and is associated with a residence on West King Street.

Next Steps

In 2021, Edenton Historic Preservation Commission denied Burgher’s attempt to build a pier at this site with a different configuration than the one that was approved Monday, Assistant Town Manager and Town Planner Dewayne Whelton said.

With the COA approved, no additional municipal approvals are required. However, Burgher will still need to obtain a Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA) permit and a building permit if necessary before construction can begin, Whelton said.

The COA remains valid for 365 days from the date of issuance. Whelton indicated that no specific construction timeline has been established at this point.

Pembroke Hall is currently listed for sale with a price tag of $3.995 million, according to Preservation North Carolina.