City Council Minutes 2005 03 01 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Louisville City Council Meeting March 1, 2005 Page 5 of 12 Sam Forsyth, 244 W. Elm Street, Louisville, voiced his support of the Historic Preservation ordinance. He explained he is a professional real estate appraiser. He voiced his professional opinion that the preservation of historic properties enhances the property values of the downtown area. Eva Kozinski, 1301 Jackson Court, Louisville, CO stated her opposition to the ordinance centered on landmarking property over the objection of the owners. Jean Morgan, 1131 Spruce Street, Louisville, CO thanked the Historic Preservation Commission for their dedicated hard work. She voiced her support of the ordinance and stated it would preserve the City's history. Andrew Muller, 3808 St. Vincent Place, Boulder, CO explained he is co-owner with Steve Markey, of the property located at 836 and 844 Main Street, Louisville, CO. He stated the landmarking of historic buildings without the land owner's consent is not proper. Steve Markey voiced his agreement with the Planning Commission's analysis of the ordinance. He stated the City is in the process of revitalizing the downtown area, with the new public library, and with the activity it will generate, landmarking without property owner's consent will not be appropriate. Arlin Lehman, 680 Johnston Street, Louisville, CO, President of the Downtown Business Association stated the Historic Preservation Commission met with the DBA, and landmarking of properties was discussed. It was the Downtown Business Association's position that landmarking over the property owner's objection was totally unacceptable. He stressed if the property has overwhelming historic value, the community should come together to preserve the property. He felt there is a potential for the ordinance to be abused. He voiced the DBA's concern with the Downtown area, and their belief the downtown area will to be developed. He stated potential developers will move on to less restrictive properties. He stated it is a balance between personal property rights and community preservation, and the ordinance does not have that balance. Steve Anderson, 225 South Boulder Road, Louisville, CO stated he has seen the community change over the past 35 years. He noted in the early seventies, the City had an Urban Renewal Authority, which renovated and weatherized homes in old town. He suggested the ordinance not establish historic value by a fifty-year benchmark, and recommended the City catalog the old town neighborhoods. He felt that prospective property buyers should be informed as to the City's preservation designation of a property. He applauded the efforts of the Historic Preservation Commission, and noted the City Council has the ability to change sections of the ordinance. Eric Tussey, 921 Main Street, Louisville, CO voiced his appreciation of the Downtown area and his concern over historic designation over the property owner's objections. 5