Black and White Lighthouse Has Neighbors Seeing Red

The historic commission wants Mary Earp to remove her 4-foot model of the Cape Hatteras lighthouse from her front yard, but she is reluctant to do so.

Mrs. Earp has lived in this neighborhood since the 50's, long before many of her present neighbors moved in and began renovating houses that had, over the years, become rundown.

To her, the lighthouse is a source of pride and enjoyment.

"I'm sorry I've upset people over here. I'd be glad to set it straight," Earp said. "But I still think I have a right to have my lighthouse. I see no wrong in it"

Earp will get her say before the Raleigh Historic District Commission Monday night.

The commission will decide if the lighthouse is in keeping with the 19th-century neighborhood.