COA2026-078 520 South Main Street Meadow Conversion
At a glance
What: Certificate of Appropriateness COA2026-078 for Eric Jackson (Old Salem Museums and Gardens) to convert about 2,373 square feet of maintained lawn to a managed herbaceous meadow, original rear lot of the Gottlieb Schroeter House and Wash-Bake House, 520 South Main Street (Local Historic Landmark 11, Old Salem Historic District).
Where it stands: approved September 2, 2026 with an added condition.
Next: nothing further recorded; the exact vote tally is uncertain.
The proposal
Convert the lawn to a managed herbaceous meadow.
Keep the fences, mowed path and Black Walnut tree.
Avoid ground disturbance because of archaeological remains.
Michelle McCullough reported that the landmark designation focuses on the buildings and names no specific garden.
Positions
Staff recommended approval.
Linda Hobbs, a neighbor at 516 S. Main Street, spoke in opposition.
Decision and conditions
Approved September 2, 2026 with an added condition that plantings be no taller than 3 feet before flower.
The minutes list nine names under For (including Marilyn Little) and name Marilyn Little under Against, and do not list Vice-Chair W. Noah Reynolds, who seconded, so the exact tally is uncertain.