Draft Legislation for Mothballing Ready for Review

[iloveionia]

JHPC and Condemned Structures Committee Meeting
To share and discuss the draft legislation
April 21, 2011
6 p.m.
1st floor training room of the Ed Ball Building
214 North Hogan Street

In a nutshell, this is legislation that rewrites portions of chpt 518 and 307 that virtually eliminates demolition of a historic structures and gives priority to stabilizing, securing, and making safe a historic home through mothballing. It gives oversight and power to HPC and allows MCCD to be a support. Following proper procedures, mothballed homes are "off the radar" with MCCD of course the house must meet certain requirements within the 5 year period of the COA for mothballing.

On Bill Killingsworth's directive, Joel's office wrote the legislation. Primarily Lisa Sheppard, with the support of Autumn, Samantha, and Martin. Jason Teal from the Office of General Counsel was a huge contributor as well, and Kim Scott's support from MCCD was integral.

The draft legislation is BEYOND impressive and I am estatic. ESTATIC!!!

[Timkin]

That is wonderful news.

Is there any possibility of this being extended to commercial historic structures?

[iloveionia]

I say homes by default. I should say structure. If it is contributing it fits the legislation. I'll verify if it's within the overlay it can be mothballed too.

[Timkin]

Iloveionia, this is great work you are doing.. I SO commend you.   But I am speaking of buildings like Genovar's ( standing wide-open and basicly a shell )  The Ambassador Hotel ( although "Gentry" informed us long ago ,that come hell or high water, that baby will never ever be saved.) I say, hes full of poo-poo, Fire Station 5 (not only needs mothballing , it needs a new location)   Annie Lytle School. ( lord would that take A LOT to mothball )  I'm sure there are lots and lots of others, but God bless you and your work.. it is awesome !

[iloveionia]

I know Timkin. The way I read the draft legislation is that the property owner initiates the mothball process. But it also reads strong that mothballing takes precedence and multiple lines about demo have been crossed out. Go to the meeting!

[letters and numbers]

yeah this great you know to stop demolishing but what happens once they are mothballed?

[iloveionia]

^ they are preserved. :-)
they are monitored yearly.
Part of the coa requirement.
Restoration, albeit slow, is done.
It's an alternative option.
Particularly in this economy, it's a smart one.

[iloveionia]

This evening, the JHPC unaminously voted to approve the mothballing legislation.  This is only the first step, as there are more hoops to jump to actually make this legislation legit.  A stop at MCCD, a stop at a division under the Mayor's office, a stop at the counsel (where they would approve or deny.) 

[Timkin]

It is a start! Thank you , iloveionia!!!!

[sheclown]

Mothballing legislation passed its first hurdle this afternoon. It passed thru rec and safety committee 6 to 1. At 5 it goes to luz committee and preservation SOS will be there too.

[sheclown]

 Matt Schellenberg  was the one who opposed.  He was concerned that these houses would get a "free ride" and be allowed to abide by a set of rules that the rest of the homeowners in Jacksonville don't have to abide by.

Jeason Teal effectively pointed out that historic properties already have to abide by a different set of rules from the rest of the city given they are historic properties.

Lori Boyer was GREAT!  She is definitely a preservationist and friend to Springfield.

Bill Killingsworth was there.

I'm feeling optimistic about these old girls for the first time since Patterson was violently attacked.

[sheclown]

Nicole and I aren't allowed to speak at the luz meeting but we are wearing our t shirts and waving from the audience