City Council Minutes 2009 06 02 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

City Council Meeting Minutes June 2, 2009 Page 8 of 17 some discussion of character preservation. The HPC understand its roles does not extend to size, massing, or character of new construction, however, these issues are frequently brought up at HPC meetings and public hearings. When the HPC is discussing a referral from the Planning Department or a demolition request, residents concerns are often based on "what are they going to build in its place and how will it fit in with the neighbors?" The general issue at hand is how best to maintain the historic character feel of Old Town while allowing new construction. The Planning Commission had noted the character is becoming more of an issue for them when discussing Old Town. Council was asked to consider the points raised by the Historic Preservation Commission, discuss the issue and provide direction to Staff and/or the Historic Preservation Commission and Planning Commission. PUBLIC COMMENTS Jean Morgan, 1131 Spruce Street, Louisville, CO expressed her desire for the guidelines to be strictly adhered to and compliant with the Ballot Issue. She stressed the importance of preserving the historic downtown buildings. Mary K. Knorr, 1209 LaFarge Avenue, Louisville, CO supported revising the downtown guidelines and stressed the importance of preserving the historic downtown area. She asked Council to instruct the Historic Preservation Commission and the Planning Commission to carefully review and have a working knowledge of the guidelines. John Leary, 1116 LaFarge Avenue, Louisville, CO, stated with the passage of the Historic Preservation Tax, there is now a link between historic preservation and land use, which did not exist in the community previously. He agreed the guidelines should be reviewed and asked Council to consider whether the guidelines are complete and cover the new emphasis on historic preservation. He noted the content and the use of the guidelines will change and stressed the importance of having a well thought out process. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilor Muckle asked how much on historic preservation is covered and whether there are deficiencies in the guidelines. He suggested the Planning and HPC meet and make recommendation to the Council. Planning Director Wood explained the adopted downtown design guidelines were prepared by Winter & Associates. The guidelines are very general and not prescriptive. It has sections on preservation and a recommended guideline, but has not been used to mandate historic preservation. He explained character preservation has been discussed by the Planning Commission. Staff will look at the guidelines.