The public had a chance to voice concerns about the establishment of an historic preservation district in Trenton during a hearing held Monday evening at city hall.
Diane Lowrey, who was at the meeting representing the Historic Preservation Committee, reminded those in attendance that the ordinance that governs a historic preservation district has been in place for several years and the only action needed is to actually designate the historic area. She pointed out the historical significance of the “flatiron” buildings in Trenton and said the proposed boundaries moved outside the downtown area when the former John and Mary Sue McCullough house on Crowder Road (now owned by Tyler and Ashlen Busick) was placed on the National Register of Historic Places and it was found that a small house owned by Sarah and the late Tom Brown on West Fourth Terrace may be one of the original houses in Trenton and may, in fact, have a log cabin underneath the siding.
Most of the public comments were concerned with restrictions that could be placed on property owners within the district and how a future board or city council might interpret and enforce the ordinance. Mrs. Lowrey said she cannot speak for a future board, but said it is important that as the board changes that people who are appointed to it have the best interest of those in the district in mind.
She said the ordinance can be amended at any time. Sena Arnold, who owns property in the district, asked if the ordinance should be amended now to address some concerns. Mrs. Lowrey said again that Monday’s hearing was only in regard to the boundaries of the district.
Mrs. Lowrey reiterated, as she has at previous meetings, that the ordinance only affects the facade of a building, not the interior or the use of the building.
“We do not want to be the facade police,” she said. “We just want to be sure that when someone does something to their property, they keep in mind that there might be some historical significance to it.”
One of the advantages of having an historic preservation district is the availability of state and federal funds for projects within the district. Mrs. Lowrey noted that the remodeling project at the VFW Hall would be eligible for some funding if it is included within an historic district.
After the meeting it was determined that there was a discrepancy in the boundaries of the district, making it necessary for the city council to table any action on approving the district. Mrs. Lowrey said Tuesday morning the issue is being addressed and the item will be placed back on the city council agenda for the July 26 meeting.
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