06/25/2012 MINUTES - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

To paraphrase the words of an old advertising slogan, "We've come a long way, baby!" It has been an honor to serve on this commission since its inception and to see the wonderful things that have taken place in our historic neighborhoods. Our efforts have not been without struggle. I shall never forget the litany of public hearings, and some of the more "colorful" characters who appeared in protest. Change is always difficult, and it has been reassuring to see many of those who had fears of what might happen actually become active proponents of our efforts. Early on, we were faced by a citizen in Federal Court; the outcome of which was in favor of both this Commission and our City, affirming the Constitutional validity of our ordinance, standards, and work. Although we are still not without detractors, the work of this Commission has become easier. We have updated the 1984 Historic Resource Survey, noting new historic properties. We have published two sets of Design Standards, assisting both the Commission and the public in the proper treatment of our historic buildings. We have issued hundreds of Certificates of Appropriateness, assisted property owners with facade grants, and have given tax abatements as appropriate, as incentive for historic preservation. We saw our Grand Theater be listed as one of Texas' eleven most endangered places, and have witnessed the receipt of a Brownfield grant for nuisance abatement, which will lead to its restoration. Building after buildin has been stripped of inappropriate facades, restoring them to their former grandeur. T commission has played a part in restoration efforts on our downtown Culbertson Fountai , and the complete restoration of the Peristyle in Bywaters Park. Many millions of dol DTs -have_ been spent in restoration and. rehabilitation since the inception of the Commission. For all these things, we can thank those who have done what sometimes is a thankless and even precarious job: each person who have served on this board over the past decade. It has been my honor to serve as Chairman for these years, and it is with deep and mixed emotions that I depart. As chairman, I would like to share a few thoughts with all of you, and for those who in the future will serve as Commissioners. 1) Make the best use of the Design Standards. Remember that it is a living document, and never hesitate to adjust and adapt those standards, within the framework of the Secretary of Interior Standards for Preservation and Rehabilitation. 2) Always remember that we are NOT the "taste police." Choices and taste have wide variances. The Commission's work is concerned with appearance, but more primarily with preservation. Page 1 - Exhibit "A"