ABSTRACT
The planning board recommends historic district legislation that will require design and demolition review before a building or demolition permit may be granted. The historic district is a portion of the downtown business district comprising twenty square blocks of commercial buildings. The purpose clause of the proposed legislation states that it was enacted to preserve and protect the early architectural heritage of the city by protecting the many buildings constructed between 1860 and 1880. Most of the property owners in the proposed district oppose the legislation. The membership must represent property owners from the area, of the American Institute of Architects, a developer proposed by the board of realtors, and a member appointed from the landmark preservation commission. The burden of proof is the responsibility of the property owner. The design consultation board decision may be appealed to the landmark preservation commission, but otherwise is final.
