The Athens City Council passed an amendment to the Historic Preservation Commission ordinance that would allow the city to name structures for designation to the National Register.
But the measure did not go off without a hitch. Councilmen Harold Wales and Jimmy Gill voted against the amended ordinance, saying they were acting in accordance with the public’s wishes.
Councilwomen Milly Caudle and Mignon Bowers voted for it, as did Council President Ronnie Marks.
The amendment would allow the city to become a Certified Local Government, which could propose an “inventory” of buildings to be added to the National Register of Historic Places. Such a designation, although the building in question might not be located in a historic district, would possibly help the owners of the building apply for a historic preservation grant.
“This doesn’t say that we have to become a CLG, but if we want to sometime in the future, we can,” said Caudle, who has long been active in historic preservation. “Owners of the Pinnacle Group building got a grant because they got put on the National Register.”
Caudle said the amendment could affect the designation of new historic districts, but it’s “not likely” that the city would seek formation of a new district. The city now has three historic districts: Robert Beaty, Houston, and Athens College.
“I’m not saying I disagree with the ordinance, but I can’t support it,” said Wales when it came time to vote. “People are uneasy about it and asked me not to support it.”
During discussion of the measure, Gill said he had questions. He said he believes historic ordinances are too restrictive on residents.
However, Marks told him that many of the restrictive rules have been eliminated, such as those pertaining to paint colors and building materials.
After the meeting, Gill said he had received “40-some emails and letters from people asking me not to support this.”
“It’s just a way of putting on more rules that they didn’t want,” said Gill. “Even though a lot of these people are not in my district, I have a responsibility to represent the whole city.”
Gill said he observed that residents in historic districts keep up their properties. When asked if this might be because of the district regulations, Gill said he didn’t think that was the case.
Local News
Council expands historic preservation ordinance
- Local News
-
-
BREAKING: State offers $1.75 million in incentives for steel plant
On Monday, the Limestone County Commission and Athens City Council held a joint meeting to approve local incentives for the company, including a sales and property tax abatement worth $22 million.
-
Quick-acting deputies nab burglary suspects
-
ALDOT to begin slide repair on I-65
Motorists are requested to consider using alternate routes, adjust arrival/departure times, observe work zone speed limits and other work zone and detour signs and use extreme caution between exits 328 and 334.
-
Ala. House starts session with job creation bills
The House also approved bills offering tax incentives to coal mining businesses and to data processing companies.
-
Judge: Bishop inquest transcript to be made public
Bishop is in prison awaiting trial, charged with opening fire on her co-workers at the University of Alabama in Huntsville in February 2010, killing three and wounding three.
-
Gas prices up; could hit $4 by spring
Gas prices have risen steadily over the past several days to above the $3.30 mark in most locations across the state.
-
MORE STORIES: Click LOCAL NEWS bar at top left
Click "Local News" bar at top left for more stories
-
Williams reflects on 1st week of session
With the first week of the 2012 Alabama Legislative session in the books, Rep. Dan Williams, R-Athens, is enjoying a victory after the House passed a jobs bill that includes an amendment he sponsored.
-
Cook, eat or bid on goods at upcoming Chili Challenge
The 24th annual Hospice of Limestone County Chili Challenge and Silent Auction will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, at Athens High School. - AMVETS offer free membership
- More Local News Headlines
-
BREAKING: State offers $1.75 million in incentives for steel plant
Obama Scraps Birth Control Mandate
US Airmen's Killer Sentenced to Life in Germany
Navy Names Ship for Gabrielle Giffords
Raw Video: Deadly Blasts in Syria
Romney Slams President Obama at CPAC
Gingrich: Pres. Obama 'waging War on Religion'
5 Killed in Wrong-way Crash on I-10 in La.
Uzbek Man Pleads Guilty in Plot to Kill Obama
Denver's Largest-Ever Drug Bust Nets Dozens
Marines: No Punishment for Nazi-like Flag
Vets Look to Translate Military Skills Into Jobs
Raw Video: School Bus Burst Into Flames
LA School Reopens Amid Sex Abuse Scandal
$25B Settlement Reached Over Foreclosure Abuses
Pentagon: Allow Women Closer to Front Lines
LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens
Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life
Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
