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In February 2004, Councilman Frank DiCicco introduced Bill 040156 into City Council. This bill would provide a means by which Council, acting through its traditional processes, could create "Neighborhood Conservation Districts." These would be areas in which design guidelines would be established and certificates of compliance required to modify exteriors, demolish, or construct buildings within the boundaries. This bill would provide an alternative to historic designation for preserving certain physical characteristics of a neighborhood. However, unlike historic designation, it would be defined and established by an elected rather than an appointed body; presumably, regulations relevant to such districts would be developed in accord with residents' suggestion and general approval rather than in the abstract and often frivolous environment of "historic accuracy."
It's online at the (in)famous "historic debacle" website -- www.iconworldwide.com/histodis ; it's item #17.
For those who love conspiracy theories, I haven't a clue as to where Councilwoman Blackwell stands on this. I also have no idea how open Councilman DiCicco would be to suggestions based on the experience in this neighborhood with objections to HD per se and the way the Historical Commission operates. Take a look and let's discuss it.
The Committee on Rules is scheduled to discuss this and hear public testimony on May 26.
Always at your service and ready for a dialog,
Al Krigman |
