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58 <br /> <br /> Mr. Ron Higgins, Acting Director of Community Development, noted that if any <br />part ora building is visible in a design control district, the design of the entire building is <br />considered in the review process. Mr. Higgins said that if a building in a design control <br />district is not visible, it could be demolished. <br /> <br /> Mr. Cox said that a design control district designation helps to assure that the <br />integrity of the street is maintained, that historic properties are not demolished, and to <br />assure that renovations and new construction are appropriate. <br /> <br /> Responding to a question from Mr. Toscano, Mr. Higgins said that designation as <br />a design control district does not change the underlying zoning or height restriction. <br /> <br /> Mr. Caravati asked if staff has talked to property owners, and Mr. Higgins said <br />that a forum was held at University Baptist Church with property owners. The owners <br />feel that they have done a good job preserving the area and do not feel that they need help <br />from the City with the historic designation, Mr. Higgins said that none of the main <br />property owners support the designation. <br /> <br /> Ms. Richards said she sees the primary rationale for the design control district to <br />protect beautiful old homes, though she noted that most in this proposed district have <br />been renovated and listed on the federal historic register. Ms. Richards expressed <br />concern that the City might be requiring replication of the federal or state review process <br />in those cases where owners have chosen to go through that process, and suggested that <br />Council might want to examine whether it wants to require people who go through the <br />federal or state process to go through the City's process as well. Ms. Richards suggested <br />studying the possibility of exempting from the BAR review process those who have <br />applied for and are certified for federal tax credits for historic renovations. Ms. Richards <br />said she feels requiring replication of the review process places an extra burden on <br />property owners <br /> <br /> Mr. Higgins said that the federal review is an extensive interior and exterior <br />review and very few have taken tax credits for that reason. <br /> <br /> Ms. Daugherty said she would like to move ahead with the ordinance before <br />Council tonight to prevent demolitions~ She expressed interest in Ms. Richard's <br />suggestion, but said she would like to study the matter and would be open to amending <br />the ordinance at a later date. <br /> <br /> Ms. Richards requested that staff prepare a report or recommendations about <br />possible exemptions for those who receive federal tax credits for historic renovations for <br />Council, including legal issues, that would apply to all historic districts. <br /> <br /> Mr. Gouldman noted that such an ordinance amendment would have to go <br />through the normal Planning Commission process. <br /> <br /> Mr. Cox made a motion to approve the ordinances, and Ms. Daugherty seconded <br />the motion. <br /> <br /> Mr. Caravati said that he would like to pursue Ms. Richard's suggestion. Mr. <br />Caravati said he is bothered by two things: the exclusion of the lot on the corner.of l0th <br />and Wertland and the fact that this would be the first design control district passed over <br />the objection of the property owners. <br /> <br /> Ms. Daugherty said that the property owners have worked without the supervision <br />from the City and do not like the idea of additional supervision, but she feels it is <br />incumbent on the City to protect the area. <br /> <br /> Mr. Toscano said he would like to hear the rationale for including buildings that <br />are in the rear of parcels, but are ugly. Mr. Toscano said it is a difficuk issue trying to <br />determine what the appropriate architecture is for the street. Mr. Toscano said one idea <br />to consider might be to draw a line that would protect the historic structures, on.the street, <br />but would not control the buildings in the rear, but added that there is the risk of buildings <br /> <br /> <br />