Oakwood Residents "We Get Along Despite What Media Has Said"

Raleigh, NC 8/27/14

I have been in the news business since 1999 and what I witnessed on Tuesday afternoon was a first for me. I am covering a well known story in the city of Raleigh concerning a contemporary style home in a historic district called Oakwood. Read more about home here

I filed this report on Monday as the court case got started that quite honestly irked supporters of Louis Cherry's home being built at 516 Euclid. I've always considered myself a fair reporter and wanted to show people that there are many people in Oakwood who support this home.

Long story short, both residents who are for and against the home showed up to be interviewed outside of the home on Tuesday. What I thought might turn into fireworks actually showed something totally different. I saw these were friends and witnessed neighbors chatting in friendly manner. It was evident these neighbors, who while divided over the issue of the house, were not enemies much like some in the media have framed Oakwood residents.

Now Louis Cherry and Gail Weisner, the neighbors involved in the suit weren't present. So I can't speak on behalf of how they feel about each other.

There's been a lot said about this case. It even appeared on the Today Show. It was nice to hear that I was the first reporter that actually listened to both sides without making a judgement or coming in with preconceived notions about either side. I think many reporters out there like to create journalism before they even start talking to parties involved in disputes. Nothing irritates me more.

WATCH FULL INTERVIEW WITH PRO-HOME OAKWOOD RESIDENTS

The fate of a contemporary home under construction in an historic downtown Raleigh neighborhood is in now in the hands of a judge.

Superior Court Judge Elaine Bushfan heard closing arguments Tuesday in the case of a "modern" home being constructed in Oakwood, but said there's no timeline for her decision because of the amount of paperwork.

The rift between the neighborhood and architect Louis Cherry and his wife Marsha Gordon began last September when the couple received approval from the city's Historic Development Commission to start building the home.

But in November, Gail Weisner, who lives directly across the street from the construction, asked the city's Board of Adjustment to review that finding, arguing the home did not fit in with the turn-of-the-century architecture surrounding it.

In March, the city Board of Adjustment voted 3-2 to put construction on the home on hold.

While many believe the controversy surrounding 516 Euclid Street is dividing the Oakwood district, neighbors on both sides of the debate say that is not the case.

"We are a passionate group," said Don Becom, an Oak City Preservation Alliance member who opposes the design of the home. "We agree on some issues and we don't on others. But we're still friends and neighbors and that's what it's all about."

But not all of Oakwood's residents oppose Cherry's home. Flanked by several of his neighbors, Donald Mutrud said the modern home is why he decided to buy on the same block.

"That was one of the deciding factors to pull the trigger on my house," Mutrud said.

Mutrud along with supporters of the modern style home believe the house is a good thing for Oakwood.

"There is a group of us that wants to make sure that it's known that we think it's compatible with things in this district," Mary Dillon said. "That will add to the richness and diversity of the neighborhood.

 If you ever have any questions for me I can always be reached at mgonzalez@wncn.com.