Draft Historic Preservation Ordinance

OTPA president said the coalition had little time to review the sizable draft, noted the version differs from what was reviewed July 23, and questioned why Heritage Commission duties were moved to pages 80-88 of a separate document.

Asked that a sentence about balancing private property rights be removed, that purpose language emphasize preservation over economics, and that 'demolition by neglect' be defined.

Urged aligning definitions of major alterations, preservation, rehabilitation, and restoration with the Secretary of the Interior Standards.

Asked that 'reconstruction' be added as a definition, that Heritage Commission duties be restored to the ordinance, and that 'endeavor' be struck from inventory-review language.

Requested restoring commission-initiated landmark designation language, a 180-day council action deadline, and clarification of director fee authority.

Asked whether tonight's comments will be incorporated before the Planning Commission hearing, and asked that the Mills Act and Heritage Commission provisions be included in the ordinance itself.

Longtime historic-district resident voiced full support for the ordinance and OTPA's comments, urging collaboration.

Criticized the ordinance as heavy-handed, comparing it to an HOA that strips homeowner rights, and questioned the $50,000 sole-source consultant contract and timing before the 2026 election.

A contractor restoring a fire-damaged West Palmyra home, urged a specific casualty-loss rehabilitation category, streamlined administrative review for in-kind repairs, coordinated plan review, firm timelines, and owner protections in any demolition-by-neglect provision.