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Historic Preservation Task ForceFinal Reading, Public Hearing, Council ActionScheduled for Monday, December 8, 7:30 p.m. Proposed legislation The amended proposed legislation for historic preservation was discussed at the Monday, November 24 City Council Meeting. At that time it was agreed the Third Reading, Public Hearing and Council Action would occur Monday, December 8 in order to allow some additional time for residents to become informed on the proposed legislation before Council. City Council Meetings begin at 7:30 pa.m. at the Municipal Services Center, 3600 Tremont Road. Click here to download all information relative to proposed ordinance, as presented at the November 24 meeting. History The issue of historic preservation has been a community topic for many years, with some residents wishing to have steps put in place to protect and preserve homes that were constructed decades ago. A challenge that comes with old homes however is the need and desire to adequately maintain them, ensure they meet the living standards of a given generation and to ultimately enhance their value as a sound financial investment. As a result, many older homes undergo renovations or additions in order to achieve these goals. In some cases, an older home may no longer meet safety standards or the costs to renovate are prohibitive, and property owners conclude their best option is to start afresh on their piece of land. In others, expansion plans may significantly alter the character of a home. Finding a balance between many residents’ desire to protect and preserve historic homes juxtaposed against the rights of individual property owners is a challenging proposition. In 2007, City Council considered legislation that took a very narrow focus - that of requiring a review and approval process for the demolition of homes listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Council had hoped to reach a decision on the proposed legislation by the close of 2007, but decided to postpone its final reading until early February 2008, to allow for further public discussion and consideration. Over the course of Council's holiday recess, the task of finding a way forward was taken on by Council member Linda Mauger and former Council member Tim Rankin. The two met with representatives of the Upper Arlington Historical Society, as well as some other involved residents on both sides of the issue, and Scot Dewhirst, who is an expert in historic preservation issues. During this meeting, the group collectively decided it would be appropriate to form a Task Force of residents, guided by a professional facilitator, to reconsider the many issues and viewpoints surrounding the protection of existing historic homes, as well as consideration of architectural requirements for any new homes or major additions within the district. Most recently, members of the Historic Preservation Task Force attempted to develop a feasible set of recommendations for City Council relative to homes in the Historic District. This group was comprised of residents on both sides of the issue, and was being spearheaded by Council Members Linda Mauger and Mary Ann Krauss, and facilitated by local expert Scot Dewhirst. Members were: Board of Zoning & Planning representatives - Karla Trott, Bob Tullet Community members - John Cadwallader, Justin Collamore, Lester Dewalt, Klaus Gauer, Matt Hamilton, David Hughes, John Kennedy, Eugene King, Subha Lembach, Milt Lustnauer, Tom Matheny, Jim McKinney, Andrew Miller, Jack Nasar, Kathy Panning, Tim Rankin, Judy Williams Task Force Recommendations and Next Steps The Task Force held six meetings throughout the spring and summer of 2008. At its August 27 meeting, the Task Force voted 18-1 to move forward with its recommendations. The Task Force recommendations went to the City Attorney to be incorporated into an amended proposed ordinance. On October 6, the Board of Zoning and Planning (BZAP) met in a work session to conduct an initial review of the proposed legislation. On October 20, BZAP determined the proposed legislation is ready to go before City Council for review and action. The proposed legislation next went before City Council for a final review and discussion on Monday, November 24. At that time, City Council decided to hold one additional public hearing on this issue before voting on the proposed legislation. This meeting is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Monday, December 8. In brief, the amendments include: - Implementing a “delay demolition” period of six months for the rare occasion a property owner might wish to demolish a home whereby its historic significance would be materially compromised. - Steps would be required during this delay period to ensure alternatives to complete replacement had been reasonably explored. - The delay demolition process could be waived if, 1) the property owner could prove the delay would cause economic hardship, or 2) if the Development Director determined there were unusual and compelling circumstances in the case, for example if the original (historically significant) home had already been replaced. Some changes to the City’s design review process have also been proposed: - It seeks to add a new section relative to a design review process specifically for historically significant “contributing structures” in the historic district. - Should a contributing structure be demolished to make way for a new home, the design review process for the replacement home would go through the Board of Zoning and Planning; - Any construction project requiring a building permit for a home of contributing home would be subject to a design review process, to be handled by staff in the Development Department. Please call the City Clerk's Office at 583-5030 for more details. Updated 11/25/08 City of Upper Arlington 3600 Tremont Road Upper Arlington, Ohio 43221 Phone: 614-583-5040 www.ua-ohio.net |
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