I think it needs to be clear that there is more than one type of Historic
District.
National Historic Designation provides cache and tourist potential
without restrictions.
I think West Philadelphia already enjoys several areas with this status.
NOTE: National Designation does not come with limits on personal
property.
Local Historic Districts are controlled by people, who can be busy bodies
and / or strongly prejudiced against individuals or groups. Local
Historic Districts DO LIMIT your rights to the use of property.
I am tired of the hypothetical debate and the personal attacks.
I carefully canvassed Realtors and Residents of the Center City District
and MANY folks claimed they were sorry that the local Historic District
was created. Only one would let me use his name and story. My "window
lady" is truly afraid that submitting her name will lead to costly,
punitive actions and social dismissals.
So,,, today I did a "Google" search - to discover what is the current
reality in other Local Historic districts. I think our really problem
and expenses will come with Roof, Porch and Carpentry Repairs, but...
PAINT was easier to quantify and research, and has been a hot topic...
so, I researched "Exterior painting in Historic Districts".
The results was 100's of links to brag sheets,Tourist Sites and
Regulations.
Some were amusing and some were scary.
The different districts seem driven by different motives.
Some seem educational, some seem to be chasing the tourist dollar and
others seem to be personned by people with no sense of humor and massive
intolerance.
Here are some of my favorite examples with my summaries:
------------------------------------------------------------
Canandaiqua, NY - There local District "ONLY" restricts exterior color
choice, for property owners who want a
"Change" of if the exterior Paint or where the exterior
was "previously unpainted", or if
existing paint "is being stripped".
They also restrict the type and color of the roof and control all new
signage.
http://www.ci.canandaigua.ny.us/historic.htm
I couldn't figure out why "ONLY" was in bold and all caps.
------------------------------------------------------------
In Staunton, Virginia - Queene Anne buildings are to be painted
"Green, Rust, Red or Brown".
While Italianates might be
"natural earth or stone colors", and trim may be
a contrasting SHADE of the base color.
http://www.staunton.va.us/cityhall/histdist/hdres1k.htm#PAINTCOL
Isn't "Contrast" a strong word for Lighter and Darker shades of the same
earth color?
------------------------------------------------------------
The City of Albany has also imposed Color Restrictions in its Historic
District.
They have a Brochure, so at least the rules can be uniformly applied.
But they require Historic Review for any "Exterior alteration that
changes the physical appearance of the building".
Their general paint guidelines include
MID 1880'S = "SOFT, NEUTRAL TINTS"
LATE 1800'S = "DARKER, RICHER SHADES"
EARLY 1900'S = "LIGHTER, CALMER COLORS"
http://www.cityofalbany.org/pages/planning/resources/historic_guidelines
I think you have to hire their consultant to have an actual color
assigned to the appropriate mood (Calm) or financing (Rich).
------------------------------------------------------------
Check out the Application for change in Geneva, Il.
Anyone who wants to repair or improve their property must submit:
10 copies of the facade elevations (with measurements)
10 Copies of the site plan (with outlines)
10 copies of photographs of existing structures
10 copies of color scheme
1 copy of building materiels
10 copies of cut sheets for doors and windows
10 copies of the narrative describing the changes
10 copies of color drawings (including measurements)
and have a
A pre-application meeting with HPC and City Officials
than enjoy the application process.
http://www.geneva.il.us/hp25.htm
There must be an entire industry and huge expense around any change!
------------------------------------------------------------
Cambridge, Mass has some of my favorite restrictions.
You must choose Historic Colors. And while there is a terrific Web-site
- you have to BUY the color chart for $8.00 if you want to prepare for
your mandatory Color Consultation with one of the Districts 2 "experts".
The Basic charge is $75.00 for the first 1.5 hours. If your consultation
or any follow-up exceeds the recommended 1.5 hours, there is an
additional $75/hour charge
http://www.ci.cambridge.ma.us/~Historic/paint.html
Since two of our major proponents are retired History Professors, can we
assume they or their friends are lining up for part time work as our area
"consultants"?
------------------------------------------------------------
The Belle Grove Historic District
http://www.fsark.com/HistoricDistrict/DearBelleGroveHistoricDistrictPrope
rtyOwner.html
allows you to perform ordinary maintenance (such as "Repainting the same
color... replacing rotted porch flooring... replacing rusted screening or
surface mounted gutters...") as long as you call the HD Office or the
Planning Commission BEFORE you tackle your project. If not, you will
hear from "Brenda Andrews, Planner II".
Now does she work 24-7? I like to get my projects out of the way before
it gets hot on summer Saturdays. Do you think I can reach her before 7
AM on Week-ends?
------------------------------------------------------------
My Conclusions:
At least one of these districts have been in place since 1975.
All have rules that seem to require more money and cooperation than is
evident in the huge district Spruce Hill envisions. Many had rules or
guidelines that I found too confusing to even use as examples.
And, all seem to offer some kind of tax credit or promise of commercial
or tourist income to make it worth the trouble. While no incentives -
beyond some vague pride in imposing our good taste by local committee
upon our neighbors - is offered here.
SO... why can't we just enjoy are NATIONAL status, and keep the local
"busybodies" off our front porches.
I am a "high change" person, and I find it funny that I am defending our
Status Quo, but... our property values are already skyrocketing. I am
meeting more interesting new neighbors than ever. I am afraid to stand
by and let people with too much time on their hands try and fix something
that isn't broken. Let them go out and enforce the
EXISTING
Zoning and Building Codes,
Litter and Leash Laws,
Noise Ordinances and
Parking Regulations
before they add another layer of bureaucracy, one which by the way, is
controlled by a "committee" and is vaguely defined and permits $5,000
liens and fines to be slapped on nonconformists. As a review of the
current (and past) UCHS awards show, conformity has been defined by
popularity and perceived contribution... not actual attention to Historic
Detail.
Best!
Liz
Elizabeth Campion
Neighbor & Real Estate Broker
Mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Direct & VM: 215-790-5653
Cell Phone (emergencies): 215-880-2930
Mail to :
P.O. Box 23632 / Phila, Pa 19143
PRUDENTIAL, FOX & ROACH
Reception:215-546-0550, Shared Fax: 215-546-9781
Office at
210 W. Rittenhouse Sq., Suite # 406
Phila, Pa 19103
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