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structures without a future plan often results in empty lots. If the applicant has no plan for the <br />site, there is no pressing need to destroy historic resources. <br />City Council and the voters of Louisville have many times in the past confirmed that the <br />preservation of the character of Louisville is a high priority. LMC §15.36.200.A states, "The <br />purpose of the review of applications for demolition, moving, and removal of buildings that are <br />over 50 years old is to prevent the loss of buildings that may have historical or architectural <br />significance." Council provided in Ordinance No. 1563 (2005) that, "WHEREAS, in adopting <br />this ordinance, it is the intent of the City Council to create a method to draw a reasonable balance <br />between private property rights and the public interest in preserving Louisville's unique historic <br />character by ensuring that demolition of, moving, or alterations to properties of historic value <br />shall be carefully considered for impact to the property's contribution to Louisville's heritage." <br />Further, providing that a development plan be filed with demolition applications can only help <br />the City fulfill the PUD review requirements, which state in part that, "The proposal should <br />utilize and preserve existing vegetation, land forms, waterways, and historical or archaeological <br />sites in the best manner possible." LMC §17.28.120.B.4. <br />Requiring that development plans be provided with demolition applications is consistent with the <br />goals of these provisions and would help the HPC have a more effective dialogue with property <br />owners and developers. Many recent projects have benefited from discussing the balance of <br />preservation and development. <br />Thank you for your consideration of this important issue. <br />16 <br />