R2001-204 IDENTIFYING STEVENS BRIDGE

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HASC October 17, 2001 Page Two The Local History Club is requesting that the bridge spanning Stevens Creek in the 2800 block of West Center Street be named Stevens Bridge in honor of the Stevens Family. The Stevens Family were the first permanent settlers in Macon County. Leonard and Alice Gates Stevens came to the area from New York as early as 1821. Buel Stevens built the second house in Macon County. Leonard's sons, Buel, Dorus, Luther and Joseph, purchased eight tracts of land totaling 440 acres near Stevens Creek. Stevens Creek was named for the Stevens Family. The designated bridge lies in the middle of the Stevens' original settlement. The request is a legitimate request marking a significant part of Decatur's history. Staff �� recommends approval of the request to name the bridge Stevens Bridge. I If the Commission approves the request, it will be forwarded to City Council in the form of a resolution naming the bridge. It was moved and seconded (Cross/Atwater) to approve the request for naming of the Stevens _ Bridge as requested by the Local History Club. Motion carried unanimously. Old Business Committee Reports: West End National Register - Ms. Miller reported that she had driven the area of ihe proposed historic district with representatives from IHPA and the consultants. Some changes were proposed as it was determined that the 1300 Block of West Wood Street, West Macon Street, West Decatur Street and West Forrest Avenue do not match the rest of the area and may be taken out. Sunset, Forest and Riverview were not in the area previously but the boundaries were expanded to include those streets. Ms. Miller stated that there are approximately 1,000 structures in the district and the boundaries may change once the research begins. West Court Manor has been included. The nomination is to be completed by Fall of 2002 to present in September at the Advisory Council meeting. TIF Advisory Committee - no report. Newsletter- Mrs. Cross submitted two articles for the newsletter. Old House Workshop - Ms. Miller reported that letters were mailed to four possible sponsors requesting $500 each. If that happens, the arnount charged to the vendors could be reduced. Arts and Crafts exhibits may be displayed in January and February at Millikin University. Bob Yapp is committed to the workshop for the day. A committee meeting was scheduled for Wednesday, November 7, 2001, 12:00 noon at Central Park West. The Old House Workshop will be held at the Decatur Club on Saturday, February 9, 2001.