Fairhope, Alabama
Update: After a lengthy discussion, preservation committee members and attorney Williams agreed to coordinate to develop a "bare bones" ordinance to submit to the council for approval at an upcoming meeting.
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| Damaged American Legion building. |
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| Peoples Coop/Fairhope Hardware store. |
ICONIC BUILDINGS IN JEOPARDY
With the future of two of the city's most iconic buildings in doubt, the city council is set to hear competing presentations from preservation committee members, as well as planning commission attorney Chris Williams concerning adopting new historic preservation measures during Monday's scheduled work session.
Spearheaded by the mayor, the committee came up with suggestions earlier this year for participating in the state's historic preservation program, that were then reviewed by city attorneys for legal merit; a committee member told a Times reporter some possible discrepancies were found regarding compliance with the state's authorizing statues. Sticking points remaining include just what authority a new historic commission would have initially, and other technicalities.
Participation in the state Certified Local Government program would allow tax breaks, grants and other possible funding to help preserve qualified structures; so far only councilman Martin has voiced support (besides the mayor who has no vote on the council). Longtime council members Burrell and Boone have been solidly opposed in the past, supporting the property rights of their constituents. Three votes are needed for passage.
PRESERVATION TOO COSTLY?
After restoration plans by previous owners failed to make progress (too costly) the former Fairhope Hardware store was sold earlier this year; last we heard new owners were trying to find a way to "save the front facade" at least.
Also, a two year fundraising effort by American Legion Post 199 to restore their 100-plus year old 'Pine Needles' Working Women's Club building that was severely damage by hurricane Sally in 2020 was not successful either; post leadership is now developing plans to erect a five thousand square foot metal building in back instead -- to house their club and offices, subject to membership approval.
(Link to the fundraising for the American Legion building here: click)
Comments
Who is supposed to pay for the preservation? Who decides what is historic, what is reasonable, and what "preservation" looks like?
I confess that my reading comprehension does struggle with semi-literate prose plagued by fragment sentences and missing punctuation.
If I understand you correctly, though, tax breaks and grants come from money trees fertilized by unicorn manure. So, preservation has no cost.
Maybe we can fund our roads, water/sewers, and schools with tax breaks and grants, too. That way, we will no longer need to pay taxes. It's all free!
"Local governments strengthen their local historic preservation efforts by achieving Certified Local Government (CLG) status from the National Park Service (NPS).
NPS and State governments, through their State Historic Preservation Offices (SHPOs), provide valuable technical assistance and small matching grants to hundreds of diverse communities whose local governments are endeavoring to keep for future generations what is significant from their community's past. In turn, NPS and States gain the benefit of local government partnership in the national historic preservation program.
Another incentive for participating in the CLG program is the pool of matching grant funds SHPOs set aside to fund CLG historic preservation sub-grant projects--at least 10% of the State's annual Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) grant allocation. Grant funds are distributed through the HPF grant program, administered by NPS and SHPOs.
Currently, Alabama has 34 Certified Local Governments (CLGs), which are cities with locally established historic preservation commissions meeting AHC and NPS standards. These communities put a priority on identifying, protecting and promoting their historic places. Many of these cities place special regulations on development in their historic neighborhoods and downtowns. They host events and presentations to educate people on historic preservation practices and issues. Local commission members attend state and national training to learn about programs to assist with community development efforts. City governments rely on commission members to help with rehabilitation projects for important community buildings and public spaces. They also support publications and website resources to promote tourism, business development and reinvestment in historic districts. CLGs can compete for annual grant funds to assist with these activities."
D.C. relies upon such thinking to manage the herd. Tax, divide, conquer, spend, repeat.