HDC_04 04 1996HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
MINUTES
4 April 1996
Commissioners Present: John Bush Tommy Jameson Carl Menyhart
Bob Roddey Julie Wiedower
Staff Present: Anthony Black Tony Bozynski V. Anne Guthrie Shawn Spencer
The roll for the Little Rock Historic District Commission ( LRHDC) was called, and as all
members were present and there was a quorum, the minutes from the March 7 meeting were
approved.
The first agenda item was the discussion of the local historic district designation of Hillcrest.
Chair Bush read recommendations from the Quapaw Quarter Association and the Arkansas
Historic Preservation Program., both of which favored local district designation. Paul Crawford,
Hillcrest Residents Association president, spoke in favor of the local district designation and
subsequent design guidelines, and he asked that the LRHDC approve the local designation.
Crawford stated that the local designation helps to stabilize the neighborhood. Local designation
is an important tool for a liveable neighborhood that is also eclectic; local designation also
ensures that any changes made will be sensitive to the neighborhood's character.
The LRHDC brought up the discussion of design guidelines, especially their flexibility. There
are three principal areas to which design guidelines may be applied in the review of demolitions,
alterations and new construction. Guidelines should serve as an educational rather than a
regulatory tool. The LRHDC asked that design guidelines be formatted to allow an open
interpretation of them.
The discussion of design guidelines was opened to the public for comment, with those for the
guidelines speaking first. Jim Vandenberg, who lives on Ash Street (in the Hillcrest
neighborhood), had a list of fourteen questions, which were distributed to the LRHDC and were
read for the record. Vandenberg pointed out that the design guidelines for Hillcrest should
answer these questions.
Chair Bush stated that there were draft design guidelines, which should answer some of these
questions. Tommy Jameson commented on the purpose of design guidelines. Anthony Black, of
the city's legal department, commented on the historic district's ordinance that referred to the
"view from the street" as those changes to a structure's exterior, which are viewed from the street
and require LRHDC approval. Tony Bozynski addressed the 60 -day period for the LRHDC to
consider the local district designation.
Cheryl Nichols, president of the Quapaw Quarter Association, stated the Board had formally
endorsed the creation of the Hillcrest Local Historic District and its local designation. She stated
that there are financial benefits to local district designation and that property values increase.
John Graves, of the Arkansas Historical Association, spoke in favor of the designation. He
stated that their Board of Trustee's passed a resolution supporting the local district designation;
the resolution was distributed and read to the LRHDC. He added that the designation helps to
preserve the neighborhood's integrity.
Jean Cockcroft asked for a show of hands in the room for those for and against the local
designation (more hands for the designation than against). Crawford spoke in favor of the
district designation yet asked that public participation be involved with the establishment of the
Hillcrest design guidelines. J. Burch commented that are problems with a historic district that
local designation does not necessarily solve. Nichols discussed the inconsistencies of the land
use and zoning in the MacArthur district as a concern for local district designation.
For those speaking against the local designation of the Hillcrest neighborhood, John Burnett
stated that the statute does not provide for a yea or nay vote on guidelines. Burnett asked if the
guidelines are part of the statute and if design guidelines will come before the LRHDC for
approval. There was discussion on the role of design guidelines, how they apply to the Hillcrest
neighborhood and the role of a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) regarding guidelines.
Bill Rector, who lives on Elm Street, spoke against the Hillcrest district designation. He stated
his credentials, his background on city governmental boards and involvement with historic
preservation projects. He believes that Hillcrest is a stable neighborhood and that local
designation is utilized as a revitalization tool for an area; he added that Hillcrest is "not broken"
so why have it fixed. Local district designation adds more barriers for a neighborhood, as does
national district designation (which Hillcrest is). He stated that both national and local
designations create more problems and decrease the housing market. Rector stated that there is
more opposition to the designation than was represented.
Commissioner Wiedower responded to Rector's comments by stating that designation is a tool to
protect Little Rock's development and heritage. Rector responded by saying that there are other
methods to control overdevelopment of the neighborhood; it is his opinion that the LRHDC and
its charge is somewhat "fuzzy." Commissioner Jameson stated that local designation is also
utilized as an educational tool and helps protect a structure's integrity. The process of district
designation and developing design guidelines is a public participation process.
There was discussion about the contributing and non-contributing structures that were surveyed
and how they are affected. Discussion also focused on the district designation process; Black
responded to questions from both the LRHDC and the public regarding the four points and the
60-day period in which to make a decision.
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Carolyn Holmes asked about the 60 -day period and how the boundaries for the Hillcrest
neighborhood were decided. Jameson answered her questions.
Doug Martin asked questions about the designation process and if the neighborhood's
designation was really needed (it is an "unnecessary thing to put on the neighborhood "). He also
favored the residents participating in the design guidelines process. He stated that he supported
the ends but not the means. Bush responded to his comments.
Commissioner Roddey stated that the designation and guidelines are not "done deals." Crawford
stated that the draft design guidelines for Hillcrest are very user - friendly. J. Dyke spoke against
the designation as he was concerned more that there were no guidelines in place for Hillcrest
prior to its designation. He suggested that the LRHDC vote on the guidelines first and then the
local designation. There was more discussion regarding the guidelines statement about "seen
from the street." Black interceded again with the ordinance's definition and commented on the
hardship provision in the ordinance for those unable to meet the requirements.
Subsequent comments for the local designation were made by Linda Bly and Julie Orr. Jim
McKenzie also spoke in favor of local district designation; he stated that local designation may
be utilized as a tool to not only save neighborhoods but to protect them, make them viable areas
in which to live and prevent their diminution. Carl Minhouser spoke against the designation; as
did Tim Einhouser who stated that there is neighborhood opposition to the local designation.
Aulk As there was discussion about fines, Black interpreted the ordinance. Nichols also commented
on the fines and penalties associated with designation. Discussion then refocused on design
guidelines. Bush stated that there would be a public hearing devoted to design guidelines for
Hillcrest. Copies of the draft guidelines are available in the planning office.
Bush then stated that the Hillcrest local district designation would be deferred until 2 May. A
progress report on Curran Hall was presented by Bozynski.
As there was no other business, the LRHDC adjourned at 6:45p.m.
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