The city's Henry Street housing rehabilitation project should not be affected by concerns expressed by the State Historic Preservation Office.

However, those same concerns could affect any future projects and require rehabilitation of mill houses rather than demolition, Planning and Development Director Kelly Lasky told city council at its work session this evening.

Discussion of the matter came during deliberations on a resolution that would allow Interim City Manager Ed Wyatt to execute a memorandum of agreement between the city, the Roanoke Rapids Housing Authority and the state Historic Preservation Office.

The agreement deals specifically with the demolition of seven houses along Henry Street which are in the Roanoke Rapids National Historic District, commonly referred to as the Rosemary National Historic District.

The seven houses slated for demolition are mill houses located at 925, 1001, 1007, 1009, 1015, 1017 and 1021 Henry Street.

The resolution, which was tabled, states the city and the housing authority, through consultation with state preservation, have determined the demolition will have an adverse impact on the historic properties within the district.

The seven houses to be demolished are part of a total of 11 in the district. The remaining four will be renovated.

Lasky said what most likely will happen because of the agreement is that in any future projects the mill houses would have to be renovated and made more energy efficient instead of being demolished.

Wyatt said the city is hopeful the preservation office will not be dogmatic on the issue. “This is a very noble project which will provide new homes and renovated homes.”

A meeting between the city, housing authority and historic preservation is planned for Friday at 10 a.m. in the first floor conference room of city hall to discuss the matter. No action is expected to be taken, according to the meeting notice.