HomeMy WebLinkAbout#5 LaBreck
Hastings Heritage Preservation Commission Sept. 15, 2009
Considerations for City Council changes beginning 2010 by Commissioner
LaBreck ()
staff comments in Blue
These items may be placed on the agenda for future discussions:
1. Role of the HPC in promoting the interests of the citizens of Hastings: Is the role of the HPC
in approving Certificates of Approval still valid in that large scale development in commercial
zones is less likely, and that current property owners are already interested in promoting a
historic appearance.
Although it may feel tedious at times, one of the most important functions of the HPC
is to review Certificates of Approval. The greatest threat to loosing our architectural heritage
is by a series of moderate changes being made to a structure over time until there is no
historical integrity left. Not all, but probably many property owners are interested in
promoting a historic appearance. Unfortunately, their interest in historic appearance does not
necessarily mean history will be preserved.
2. Are the historic districts a valid tool for historical evaluation, in that most buildings of historic
appearance are outside the districts, and some of those structures inside the districts are of
marginal historic value?
Districts are clusters of historical properties; sure they contain some non-contributing
properties, but relatively few. Districts and individually designated properties are done for
different purposes. The only way that the historical integrity of a neighborhood can be
preserved is with a district. Although some of the homes may only be of marginal value, the
district as a whole is of high value.
It is a good practice to keep their contributing status in mind while reviewing
Certificates of Approval. Every staff report states whether a property is contributing to a
district or not. If it is not, a proposed modification should only be reviewed to determine if it
will detract from the district.
3. Could the historic districts be replaced by a database of all structures of historic value within
the City of Hastings? This database could be more specific in analyzing façade elements of
historic value.
All designated properties, including all those in districts are in a database that requires
HPC approval before the granting of any permit for visible work. If the noncontributing
properties were left out of it, the historical integrity of our districts would eventually be lost.
4. The City of Hastings now owns a historic site of considerable importance. The Dakota County
Historical Society, which manages the site, is in default of its contract with the city in respect to
its commitments. Should the HPC take a role in turning over management to the site to the
"Friends of the LeDuc" organization.
A contract between the City and the County over the management of a property is not
held by the HPC. If there are any required commitments that are not being met, the City and
or County administrations should be notified.
5. Should a higher level of coordination exist between the HPC, the planning commission, and
other city departments?
A high level of coordination should exist between all overlapping City Departments
and in recent years the level of coordination has increased significantly.
6. Hastings Handbook Considerations.
The HPC does and should have a great deal of influence on the new addition of the
Hastings Historic Handbook.
7. Windows – Vinyl ?