by Moises Mendoza
Houston Chronicle
Houston Mayor Annise Parker on Tuesday proposed the elimination of a key part of the city’s historic preservation ordinance, the oft-criticized 90-day waiting period for demolition of historic buildings.
If approved by City Council, the move essentially would ban developers and property owners from tearing down buildings in the city’s historic districts if the Houston Archaeological and Historic Commission denies requests for demolition permits.
The amendments, which must be vetted by the commission, as well as the Planning Commission and voted on by City Council, largely are an extension of a temporary moratorium on demolishing historic properties that was passed by City Council last month.
That moratorium prevented developers from simply waiting 90 days before demolishing or relocating structures in historic districts if the Houston Archeological and Historic Commission denied their requests.
Under the new rules, which could be voted on by August, rejections by the commission could be appealed to the city’s Planning Commission.
But Josh Sanders, executive director of Houstonians for Responsible Growth, an organization that includes developers and advocates for private property rights, said the new rules could hurt the economy.
“It’s going to slow growth. It’s going to potentially slow down an area that’s rapidly redeveloping,” Sanders said, adding that residents should be able to vote on whether to accept the new rules.
City Councilman Mike Sullivan said he likely would oppose the mayor’s proposal, in part, because he believes it takes away homeowners’ rights.
“Not everyone wants to have a pristine Victorian home,” he said. “People need to have the home that they want.”
Press release from City of Houston:
Mayor parker announces proposed historic preservation ordinance amendments
public urged to comment.
July 20, 2010 — The City of Houston is proposing amendments to the Historic Preservation Ordinance that will protect historic properties within city-designated historic districts. The proposed changes include:
* Elimination of the 90-day waiver for historic properties when a Certificate of Appropriateness is denied by the Houston Archaeological and Historical Commission
* A revised historic district designation process
* Clarifications regarding the use of new building materials
“The amendments are in keeping with my pledge to provide permanent protection for our historic districts,” said Mayor Annise Parker. “These neighborhoods are living examples of Houston’s early beginnings. We have a responsibility to preserve this architecture and character for future generations.”
A series of public meetings are planned through September to receive comments on the proposed amendments. Information about these meetings and a draft of the proposed ordinance can be found online at www.houstontx.gov/planning
/HistoricPres/hist_pres.html. In addition to the public meetings, the Houston Archeological and Historical Commission, the Planning Commission and City Council must review any changes before adoption.
Meeting Dates
July 27, 2010
6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.
All Existing and Proposed Historic Districts
Houston Community College Central College
San Jacinto Auditorium
1300 Holman
July 29, 2010
6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.
Avondale East and West, Courtlandt Place, Audubon Place, First Montrose Commons, Boulevard Oaks, Broadacres, Shadow Lawn,
West Eleventh Place, Main Street/Market Square, Old Sixth Ward and Westmoreland Historic Districts
St. Stephens Church
1805 Alabama
August 3, 2010
6:00 P.M. To 8:00 P.M.
Norhill, Woodland Heights and Freeland Historic Districts
Proctor Plaza Community Center
803 West Temple
August 5, 2010
6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.
Glenbrook Valley Historic District
Glenbrook Methodist Church
8635 Glen Valley
August 10, 2010 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.
Heights East, West and South Historic Districts United Way
50 Waugh