Currently, the Historic Preservation Review Board, within the Office of Planning (“OP”), reviews construction plans for “compatibility with the character of the historic district” and the Office of Planning is tasked with enforcement of these guidelines. [...] than all other major cities in the United States.5 The stated goal of the proposed legislation is to limit the consequences of developer driven work. [...] Instead of creating additional penalties for violating historic preservation rules, which may hamper future development and disproportionately affect homeowners in historic districts, the Historic Preservation Board should reevaluate its rules to best serve its residents and the future of the city. [...] We recommend that the Council consider the following: • How do historic preservation goals fit into the city’s other priorities such as increasing housing and continuing housing affordability? The Board’s goal is to preserve the history and look of certain neighborhoods in the city, but this must be balanced by housing preservation goals, new housing development, and should not place undue costs o. [...] • How will the Office of Planning determine the severity of the infraction and thereby the imposed fines? The legislation as written presents a very large range of outcomes without guidance on what actions will produce what penalties.
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- United States of America
