At the moment, city planning/zoning administrator Craig Hoium said, the city is only investigating the options for creating a Historic Preservation ordinance.

Thursday, August 26, 1999

At the moment, city planning/zoning administrator Craig Hoium said, the city is only investigating the options for creating a Historic Preservation ordinance.

State Historic Preservation Program Specialist Michael Koop came to Austin Wednesday to explain some of the options and the next steps to downtown business owners and other interested residents. A Historic Preservation ordinance would, if adopted, provide minimum standards for designated historic buildings and others throughout the municipality, not just downtown.

One option is to follow state historic preservation office guidelines in writing an ordinance, which would mean the appointment of a Heritage Preservation Committee (HPC) to advise the city council on related issues.

Koop explained that an HPC would only advise the council, not make decisions themselves. Members, who would have to have a demonstrated interest in historical preservation, would 1) establish a comprehensive program of preservation that works to preserve the resources of the town; 2) recommend local designation of significant historic properties; 3) review proposed exterior changes to all designated properties or districts; and 4) assist professional consultants on projects.

If the city chose to go one step further, the HPC could apply to become a Certified Local Government (CLG) through the state historic preservation offices. Becoming a CLG would allow the city to apply for matching grants through the state historic preservation offices.

With each step – creating an ordinance, appointing a commission, becoming a CLG – the city’s ability to stop destruction of historic properties would increase.

Becoming a CLG, however, does not give dictatorship right to the city or the HPC.

"When designating parcels or review permits there must be clearly defined procedures and criteria -not subjective criteria either – and these processes must provide for public comment," Koop said.

After a count of hands at the end of the meeting, Hoium determined that the interest was there for further investigation of what other cities have done to promote a historic district.

"We’ll investigate further and meet again," he said. "We won’t take any official steps."