2003 CC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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persons, as a citizen, to write the nomination if they believe the area is historic and desire to be preserved. Council Member Lee commented that without the support of the Council, it would be more difficult to move forward. Ms. McDonald indicated that anyone writing the nomination would be required to use his or her own resources if the City chose not to financially support the nomination. She then said that she believes that the National Register Historian does take into consideration how the community feels about the request. Council Member Capra indicated that if there are homes or business within the district and a person wants to sell or renovate they have every right to do so and this does not give any right to stop someone from changing their property. Ms. McDonald indicated that this is an "honor roll" type recognition that recognizes the special features of the community and there are no regulations attached to being included in the district. Council Member Lee indicated that based on the mailing, the entire downtown is opposed to becoming part of the historic district and part of the reason is because it would affect their businesses because improving CSAH 14 would improve business for them. The historic district has the potential to affect what the County can do and that could harm their businesses. Mayor Sweeney added that the project is federally funded. Ms. McDonald commented that it could be looked at both ways, but said she has information to indicate that a national historic designation improves tourism and increases business. Mayor Sweeney commented that based on how close together the buildings are in the area, any expansion of CSAH 14 would require the removal of some of the existing buildings. He then said that the business owners are concerned that the historic designation will affect what is done to CSAH 14 and be a negative impact on their businesses because they feel the expansion of CSAH 14 will bring more traffic to downtown and provide more business for them. Council Member Broussard Vickers indicated she was not ready to decide as a Council whether to do this and would like it placed on an agenda for another meeting. Ms. McDonald indicated she is available to educate, give guidance and is not here to advocate for or against the historic district. She then said it does improve tourism, property values and then welcomed any calls with questions. Page 4 of1?