2001-60 DESIGNATING A HISTORIC DISTRICT - MACON PLACE

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HASC Public Hearing July 12, 2001 Page Three maintained for children to come out and play and the homes can be passed on to the children. The designation provides a sense of security that elements important to the integrity of a structure would remain. Any elements removed, such as stained glass, fish scales, or porches would decrease the value of the structure. In this area, property values have double and tripled. ' Mr. Joe Hibbard, 233 South Edward,was present and asked if the Commission would insist on painting a house rather than siding. Ms. Miller stated that in most instances, the original cover of the house is best. It has been proven in several workshops that siding is not a solution and allows further damage to a structure. It is important that if siding is used that the significant elements of the house and the windows are not covered. Mr. Hibbard stated that he appreciated and understood the explanation. He stated that he shares Mr. Hatcher's concerns and asked the process for being removed from the petition. Ms. Miller stated that the district as proposed will be presented to City Council. The Council can alter the petition or accept the petition as it is presented. Ms. Miller stated that there have been 47 certi�cates reviewed by HASC in the last two years. Only two of those petitions were partially denied and the Commission worked with the homeowners to find solutions so that the certificates were not denied in full. Mr. Hibbard stated that he likes the neighborhood and the interaction but he does not like this petition and doesn't want to be part of it. He stated that he might be replacing his roof and asked I if inetal would be allowed. Ms. Miller stated that each request is reviewed individually. She � stated that Mr. Hibbard could write a letter either to her or to the City Council requesting to be removed from the petition. Mr. Atwater stated that there is no protection for these homes from demolition such as was done by Millikin University without the local designation. Also, if there were ever grant money from the federal or state government for these homes, the area would have to be locally designated (or National Register designation) to receive the funds. Mrs. Potter stated that HASC is an advisory commission to the City Council. She stated that the Commissioners have backgrounds in various aspects of historic preservation and decisions are based on the information received. Mr. Hatcher stated that his home was built in the 1800's and he would provide the correct information regarding the date. Mrs. Cross stated that the National Register listing would not be affected by the local designation. She stated that the national listing does little good as there is never any grant money and the protection is almost nonexistent unless the project is federal which is unlikely in a residential area.