Title
Joint Workshop between the City Commission and the Historic Preservation Board (B)
Explanation
On January 3, 2019, a motion was made by the City Commission to schedule a joint workshop with the Historic Preservation Board to discuss historic preservation issues related to the nomination procedure for local landmark designation, the demolition process, and any other preservation related topics.
The City of Gainesville has five local historic districts, with more than 1,500 historic structures and 10 individually listed local landmarks. Local Register districts include - Northeast Residential, Southeast Residential, Pleasant Street, University Heights Historic District-North, and University Heights Historic District-South.
The Historic Preservation Board serves in an advisory capacity to the City Commission regarding historic resources within the City of Gainesville. The Board reviews alterations, rehabilitation, new construction, or other significant changes to structures listed on the local register.
In March, the Historic Preservation Board chairman sent the City Commission a letter indicating concerns the board has about the City’s landmark designation process. This concern was prompted by the proposed review of the St. Michael’s Episcopal Church for landmark status that never happened because the structure was demolished prior to the board hearing the evaluation of the possible landmark status. The letter asks for revisions to the process to prevent demolition of a structure prior to evaluation of the structure for landmark status.
Recommendation
The City Commission and the Historic Preservation Board discuss historic preservation issues.