New Historic Preservation Commission Meets

Fairhope, Alabama 

 

New preservation commission.


ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING

The city's new Historic Preservation Commission held its organizational meeting today at the museum on Section Street.

First order of business was to establish bylaws and elect officers. Standard proposed bylaws were presented by member Gary Gover; it was decided to consider/review them individually -- and then formally vote for adoption during the next meeting. 

The second Wednesday of the month, 4 PM at the museum was designated for commission meetings. 

Mara Kozelsky-Hunter was selected chairman and Amy Molyneux vice chairman (provisional). Secretary will be a city employee assigned by the mayor; the city Treasurer will handle all commission funds in a designated account.

The mission of the new commission created by the city council last May:  "The Fairhope Historic Preservation Commission shall engage in a wide range of activities that support preservation of important historical, cultural, and architectural sites and structures in Fairhope. Activities include public outreach and education about preservation, providing information about state and national incentives for preservation, and helping interested residents and business owners secure tax credits, and protections accorded to appropriately documented and registered historic properties."

TRAINING SESSIONS SET

Final arrangements were made for some members to attend the 2024 Pastforward Conference in New Orleans October 28-30 being held by the National Trust For Historic Places; private funds raised by the previous preservation committee (historic home tours) that were transferred to the commission are to be utilized for travel expenses.

More training with Paige Thomas of the Alabama Historical Commission is being set up as well; she could attend the commission's next meeting on November 13.

Commission members are: Mara Kozelsky-Hunter, Gary Gover, Dannie Mixon, Amy Molyneaux, Susan Stein, Ginger Colson, and Skip Jones. Eric Cortinas is the liaison with the city designated by the mayor.

Comments

Anonymous said…
I wish the committee well, but like our runaway growth and lack of infrastructure, it’s too late. Many historical buildings are rotten and torn down as we speak. Nostalgia does not cut it. Tear down the old school and have a tiered parking lot.
Anonymous said…
Folks with time on their hands.
Anonymous said…
It took over 20 years to pass the ordinance. It wasn’t for lack of trying.
Anonymous said…
That's right: Boo civic-minded volunteers; Yay, government, the answer to all of our problems.
Anonymous said…
I do not believe the boos are directed towards the appreciated volunteers. It is definitely the paid government leaders that make us all think they’re doing the right thing- as they let the structures rot.
Anonymous said…
City council still needs to act and do legislation to give this commsion some authority. Or may be the next city council?
Anonymous said…
I quote: "Folks with time on their hands." Sorry, this snide remark is an unambiguous statement of disdain for the volunteers, far worse than a mere lack of appreciation. Much like buildings, people are easier to tear down than build up. People of good will strive for the latter.
Anonymous said…
This Commission may end up being a joke or a waste of time of the people that will serve on it. I don’t believe there is anyone on Council that believes that anything in town needs to be preserved. They think if you own property then should be able to do anything you want to with it and including letting the property or buildings get to the point of the only solution is tearing the building down. This town was very desirable at one time but the lack of planning from our city government has taken it to the point of quickly becoming an undesirable town. I know of no one that grew up here that thinks it should be like it was 50 years ago. The residents that moved here from New York, Chicago, Atlanta, California hold on because soon when you open your eyes you will think you are back to where you moved from. A place that is very desirable can quickly become undesirable.