Aberdeen Town Council and Mayoral Candidate Interviews 2025
The Pines Preservation Guild reached out to the candidates who have filed for the November 2025 Aberdeen Town Council and Mayoral elections. Our organization believes it is important to understand how each candidate values the history and preservation of Aberdeen. These values signal how the candidate might view and vote on ordinances and town planning issues that directly impact the preservation of historic buildings and districts in Aberdeen.
The PPG has prepared a brief candidate survey with the following goals:
1-To educate our community about each candidate’s attitudes regarding preservation issues
2-To allow candidates an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge of local preservation issues
3-To introduce candidates unfamiliar with The PPG to our organization
The candidates were sent our questions via email to respond to in writing. If a candidate’s name is not listed below, they either decided not to participate in the questionnaire or could not be reached.
Responses are provided in full, may be edited for clarity, and appear in order of response submission.
The publishing of these answers does not constitute an endorsement by The Pines Preservation Guild nor its officers.
Robbie Farrell
Mr Farrell is one of two candidates running for Mayor of Aberdeen
1. Please state your views on the role of historic preservation and our historic resources in the future of Aberdeen.
The Town of Aberdeen has an established historic district and in conjunction with the North Carolina Historic Commission the Town uses their guidelines as references and those enacted by the Board of Commissioners and I am completely in favor of historic preservation within the historic district.
2. What will be your top three priorities to ensure the preservation of Aberdeen’s historic buildings sites and neighborhoods?
There are multiply priorities to ensure the preservation of Aberdeen's historic assets. Among them to ensure that those properties continue to be listed on the Historic Registry and prevent new property owners from changing that status where possible.
3. What is your view of the importance of a local historic district in Aberdeen?
As a lifelong resident of Aberdeen, I have witnessed the loss of a number of historic buildings and homes. With the demise of these, it diminishes the character of the town and with it, opportunities for residents, visitors and historians to enjoy that which is now gone.
4. Would you support the creation of a Historic Preservation Plan in Aberdeen?
I have always championed a historic preservation plan for those properties deemed historic in nature. The Town of Aberdeen has a Historic Preservation Commission, and I support their continued efforts to assist property owners in upfitting and maintenance of their properties.
5. Would you support the expansion of the date of significance for the Aberdeen National Register Historic District to include more modern historic properties, such as those built between 1941-1973, currently not included as historic when the district was created in 1991. An update to include these buildings would make them eligible for federal and state tax credits, but impose no new restrictions.
Expanding the age of buildings and homes to include more modern dates "could" impose financial and regulatory obligations of property owners where the structure is not of a significant historical nature to warrant it. Not to include certain restrictions on more modern structures while imposing them on older properties could become an issue with the property owners.
6. Would you support the establishment of a town capital fund to pay for the preservation of historic public spaces and infrastructure (i.e. steps, alleys, certain streetscapes, bridges, walls, trees, fences, curbs, streets, etc….)? Why or why not? If so, what size fund would you recommend?
The Town of Aberdeen has and continues currently to have a matching facade program to assist historic property owners if they choose to upfit the facades of their structures. As of today, few property owners have taken advantage of this matching grant program. The Town continues to upfit and enhances Town properties with planting, new streetlights, repairing and laying new sidewalks and adding additional parking within the historic district among other things. These are paid thru the general funds of the Town of Aberdeen. These funds are included in each new Town budget, and I have always been a supporter of this. Through a public – private partnership, the town has almost completed the renovation of the historic wholesale grocery building into a larger library which is a project I have supported.
7. Would you support the establishment of a historic preservation tax abatement? This could be a 10-15 year abatement to incentivize historic preservation anywhere in the town. Why or why not?
I am not currently familiar with historic preservation tax abetments and cannot give a knowledgeable answer to this question without further study and information.
8. What is your favorite historic building in Aberdeen (older than 1973) and why?
I am certainly biased in choosing my favorite historic structure in the historic district of Aberdeen. The 1900 Farrell Building, a two-story brick commercial building, on the corner of Sycamore and Main Streets was built by my grandfather, R. G. Farrell, as a general store and he operated it until his death in the 1930's. It is a registered historic property and has been recently upfitted and restored by the current owners.
My second choice is the 1907 Page Memorial Library on Poplar Street. It is the oldest continually operated North Carolina public library in the same building for 118 years.
My third choice with be the 1913 Page Memorial United Methodist Church located on the corners of Main and Poplar Streets. It is of a Neo-Classical Greek design by noted Charlotte architect, J. M. McMichael.
Fallon McIver Brewington
Dr Brewington is one of four candidates running for Aberdeen Town Council.
1. Please state your views on the role of historic preservation and our historic resources in the future of Aberdeen.
Historic preservation is about more than buildings, it’s about identity. Aberdeen’s historic resources connect us to our roots, tell our stories, and shape the character that makes our town unique. Preserving these assets ensures that future generations can enjoy and learn from them, while also creating economic, cultural, and tourism opportunities. I see preservation as a cornerstone of smart growth, balancing progress with protecting what makes Aberdeen, Aberdeen.
2. What will be your top three priorities to ensure the preservation of Aberdeen’s historic buildings sites and neighborhoods?
Strengthening Local Policies & Resources – Establishing clear preservation guidelines and access to technical support for property owners.
Leveraging Partnerships & Funding – Expanding use of state and federal tax credits, grants, and partnerships with nonprofits and local organizations to fund preservation.
Community Education & Engagement– Promoting awareness of Aberdeen’s historic assets so residents see preservation as a shared responsibility and source of pride.
3. What is your view of the importance of a local historic district in Aberdeen?
Local historic districts are vital for protecting the integrity of neighborhoods, preventing inappropriate development, and ensuring thoughtful design standards. They safeguard character while also enhancing property values and community pride. A local historic district allows Aberdeen to maintain its unique identity while welcoming growth in a way that respects our heritage.
4. Would you support the creation of a Historic Preservation Plan in Aberdeen?
Yes, I strongly support creating a Historic Preservation Plan. A clear plan would help Aberdeen identify priorities, set measurable goals, and align preservation efforts with broader town planning. It would also provide transparency and accountability so residents understand how historic resources are being protected and why it matters.
5. Would you support the expansion of the date of significance for the Aberdeen National Register Historic District to include more modern historic properties, such as those built between 1941-1973, currently not included as historic when the district was created in 1991. An update to include these buildings would make them eligible for federal and state tax credits, but impose no new restrictions.
Yes, I support expanding the date of significance for the Aberdeen National Register Historic District to include properties built between 1941–1973. These mid-century buildings reflect important chapters in Aberdeen’s growth and deserve recognition. Expanding eligibility allows property owners to benefit from federal and state tax credits without adding restrictions, making preservation more accessible and practical.
6. Would you support the establishment of a town capital fund to pay for the preservation of historic public spaces and infrastructure (i.e. steps, alleys, certain streetscapes, bridges, walls, trees, fences, curbs, streets, etc….)? Why or why not? If so, what size fund would you recommend?
Yes, I support creating a town capital fund for the preservation of historic public spaces and infrastructure. These community assets, steps, alleys, trees, walls, etc. are part of what makes Aberdeen livable and memorable. The size of the fund should be determined collaboratively, balancing fiscal responsibility with preservation needs, but a modest dedicated fund would send a strong signal of commitment and create flexibility for urgent or long-term projects.
7. Would you support the establishment of a historic preservation tax abatement? This could be a 10-15 year abatement to incentivize historic preservation anywhere in the town. Why or why not?
Yes, I would support a historic preservation tax abatement to incentivize investment in historic properties across Aberdeen. A 10–15 year abatement would encourage homeowners and businesses to reinvest in preservation, strengthen neighborhoods, and create economic ripple effects without placing the full burden on property owners upfront. This is a practical tool that makes preservation more attainable.
8. What is your favorite historic building in Aberdeen (older than 1973) and why?
My favorite historic building is the Postmaster’s House. I first experienced it during a Town Volunteer Appreciation event a few years ago, and it was powerful to see our history come alive in that space. What made it even more meaningful was the irony of the band playing that night, one of the musicians was from Richmond County, just like me. Neither of us grew up in Moore County (Aberdeen for me), but both chose it as our home. Those connections, where history, people, and place intersect, are what make this community so unique. They also remind me why preserving our historic spaces matters: they are the backdrop for the stories and relationships that make Aberdeen a town we’re proud to call home.
