HomeMy WebLinkAboutHDC1985-002 Memorandum From Robert Atkinson To Charles Nickerson 03/17/1986City of Little Rock
Office of City Hall
—Comprehensive Markham at Broadway
Planning Little Rock, Arkansas 72201
371-4790
1=
March 17, 1986
MEMORANDUM
TO: CHARLES NICKERSON, ACTING CITY MANAGER
FROM: ROBERT ATKINSON
SECRETARY, HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
SUBJECT: DEMOLITION DELAYS BY THE HISTORIC DISTRICT
COMMISSION
Neither the Historic District Ordinance nor the State
enabling legislation empowers the Commission to prevent the
demolition of buildings "which the building inspector or
similar agent shall certify is required by the public safety
because of an unsafe or dangerous condition" (State Act
19-5008). However, the ordinance adopted by the Board of
Directors, 14042, further stipulates that, for a period not
to exceed six months, an application involving demolition
may be deferred while the Commission explores alternatives
to the proposed action. This practice is common to Historic
District Ordinances throughout the country. As aesthetic,
cultural and livability considerations become more important
in economic growth, the preservation of historic
neighborhoods, especially those adjacent to business areas,
take on new meaning. Since such neighborhoods are generally
hen as contributing markedly to a city's quality of life,
more intact these districts are the more valuable they
become. Therefore, the preservation of every structure
which composed the original fabric is important to the
affected community. Many buildings which are now considered
showplaces owe their continued existence to the ability of
Historic District Commissions to delay the structure's
demolition while other owners, more sensitive to the
economic potential of such buildings, are found. Given the
complexity of the real estate transactions surrounding such
efforts, a six month delay is not an unreasonable compromise
between public and private interests.
For these reasons I strongly recommend against any dimuition
of the Commission's powers in this area.
RA/se