Has anyone taken a look at the proposed changes as proposed by Bill 2013-0555 [link here: http://cityclts.coj.net/coj/COJBillList.asp?Bill=2013-0555]
It is requesting that potential landmark status of a property be determined at the same time a demolition application is submitted in a historic district.
Good idea to streamline this process or is it putting too much pressure on the HPC? From my reading it sounds like the HPC has 60 days to deny demo and give backup for the landmark status. If they don't do w/in the 60 days, the demolition application is automatically approved.
Quote from: m74reeves on August 22, 2013, 06:14:27 PM
Has anyone taken a look at the proposed changes as proposed by Bill 2013-0555 [link here: http://cityclts.coj.net/coj/COJBillList.asp?Bill=2013-0555]
It is requesting that potential landmark status of a property be determined at the same time a demolition application is submitted in a historic district.
Good idea to streamline this process or is it putting too much pressure on the HPC? From my reading it sounds like the HPC has 60 days to deny demo and give backup for the landmark status. If they don't do w/in the 60 days, the demolition application is automatically approved.
I don't know if this is a good idea. Do you know who authored the bill and who asked for the changes? I would call or write to the bill author and the person requesting the changes and ask them if they have inquired of the HPC whether or not this streamlining is something the committee can handle or not. I know this may sound cynical, but I will say it anyway. Knowing how slowly the HPC can move on issues, it sure seems to me that this request may actually be an attempt to force demolition by allowing the application to stay in the process and not meeting deadlines.
I know Jason Teal from city attorney's office, so that raises a little bit of a flag for me as he doesn't seem to be a big supporter of our historic districts. I think was requested from the LUZ committee, but I'm not sure who initiated it beyond that.
My guess is CM Lumb. He's been a pretty good advocate for our old homes. Even in Springfield.
I was at the planning meeting where this was discussed. It came about because of the Bostwick Building.
Does this make it easier to demo a potential landmark?
I certainly hope the historic planning commission will discuss this at their meeting and give an opinion.
sheclown, agreed. sounds great in theory, but if the hpc has no time to review history of a property and put together that packet, then demolition application is just automatically approved.
Quote from: m74reeves on August 22, 2013, 08:27:33 PM
I know Jason Teal from city attorney's office, so that raises a little bit of a flag for me as he doesn't seem to be a big supporter of our historic districts. I think was requested from the LUZ committee, but I'm not sure who initiated it beyond that.
I have known Jason a very long time. Is it your understanding that he was asked to draft or review this bill by LUZ?
he drafted this
Quote from: m74reeves on August 23, 2013, 09:46:36 AM
he drafted this
Okay. Let me read it over the weekend and if necessary give him a call next week.