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Few people enjoy being told what they can and cannot do with property they own. Human nature tells us that what is ours, is ours. However, the greater good should sometimes be the priority.
The New Albany Historic Preservation Commission meets monthly to conduct business such as reviewing Certificates of Appropriateness for building improvements within its historic boundaries, which includes Cedar Bough Place, East Spring Street, Mansion Row and downtown. It’s essentially everything from the north side of Spring Street to the riverfront, and from about West Second Street to around Vincennes Street.
For those who own homes or businesses in those four areas and want to do certain home improvements, they first must receive Certificates of Appropriateness from the commission before starting the work. Improvements that are most questioned include replacing windows or placing vinyl siding on the exterior of structures.
Recently, the commission has come under fire by a few members of the New Albany City Council, being called bullies instead of protectors of the city’s historic area.
The preservation commission is a wing of the Plan Commission, and both are chartered through the city. Members are all volunteers, and supporters say the group has secured thousands in grants and allowed homeowners in the historic districts to be eligible for state historic rehabilitation tax credits, along with helping increase tourism to the downtown area.
One of New Albany’s greatest assets is its history. The nearby river city of Madison has converted its historic district into a tourism success. Research shows New Albany has a larger and superior collection of historic structures downtown.
So if history is one of our biggest sources of potential, why not do everything we can to protect it? If that means you have to follow certain criteria to live or have businesses in those areas, so be it.
The commission follows state statute verbatim. Members don’t make up their own rules, and don’t try to make it more difficult for home and business owners. Commission President Stephen Pacciano said there have only been eight Certificate of Appropriateness denials since January 2008.
Currently, the commission remains in two unresolved lawsuits, one with a bar and restaurant and the other with a real estate company located at 419 E. Market St. The business owner of that facility recently told the city council he filed suit after he was turned down for a Certificate of Appropriateness by the commission regarding vinyl siding he hoped to install. He said he had no idea his property was located in a historic area.
If anything, the commission could do a better job reporting its progress as well as guidelines and boundaries. But by no means should they stop following state statute. We must preserve our history, even if it means defending a ruling in court and ruffling a few feathers.
The city council may soon add one of its members on the commission. That could go a long way in helping report back to the public about the commission’s work, which may help dispel the “bully” myth and solidify the good work the commission does on a regular basis.
