HomeMy WebLinkAboutConstituent Letter - Read Before Packet - 1/19/2016 - Letter From Elizabeth Ashbach, Bellvue Historic Foundation, Re: Agenda Item #16 - Ordinance 011, 2016 Landmark Preservation Code ChangeslEunl"*o Hisforic lFoundlafiom
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January 14,2016
To: Fort Collins City Council
Stafi Contacl: Karen Mc\Mlliams - sent via email (kmcwilliamsfAfcoov.com)
Dear Karen,
As advocates for preservation of historic resources in our area, we respectfully submit our comments for consideration of the Fort
Collins City Council at the January 19, 2016 meeting. Please include them in the read-ahead packet of the Council members regarding
the proposed Ordinance relating to Chapter 14.
Ordinance 0l l, 2016:
We urge rejeclion of Ordinance 0'11, 20'16 at this time. Changing City Code to reduce public input is not in the best interest of citizens
who have clearly demonstEted their approval for thoughtful review and determination when irreplaceable resources are being
considered. In the case of many historic struc{ures, taxpayers have already funded preservation and restoration activities and
therefore have an interest in on-going preservation, not demolition, of historic structures. Alteration to and/or demolition of these sites
deserves full Dublic disclosure and review with ample time allowed for citizens to become informed about plans and alternatives.
\/Vhile the proposed changes in wording under Ordinance 01 1, 2016 may seem minor, absent a well-intormed and active LPC, Staff,
and public, the results could be devastating for historic preservation in Fort Collins. lt has been reported in the media that this change
is being made not for the benefit of W-G but for future, hypothetical beneliciaries, who are not yet identified. lf this is the case, why the
rush to alter the process that has produced the wonderful City that W-G wants to call home? lf W-G did not intend to comply with
existing Fort Collins Codes and regulations, perhaps they should not have been willing to accept over $20 million in public
funds.
Ordinance 01 l , 2016 was reportedly drafted by City Staff to expedite or streamline a process
that is intentionally slow and methodical to
allow time to wolk out challenges. W-G, or other entities, attempts to pressure the City to make alterations to Chapter 14 of City Code,
put decades of preservation work at risk.
Further, eliminating the 1s-day waiting period for non-mnsensual designation, seems to rush foMard into a decision that will have
lasting impacts on an property owners rights and responsibilities. A morigage or auto purchase has an opportunity to rescind, il seems
prudent to maintain Chapter 14 of the code as is, with protections for preservationists and
property owners. Reducing any waiting time
for a part of the complex review process to move foMard to 0 (zero) days is not in the interest of either
party.
Also, it is curious that the Ordinance is written to be retroactive and take effect January 1st, 2016. Vvhat is the purpose ofthis and who
will benefit? One of the LPC members identitied 9 properties in the City which would be impacted by this change in this Ordinance at
last night's meeting. One of the nine is the Coy-Hoffman Farm. How does this change impact the Coy-Hoffman Farm?
At last night's 5.5 hour LPC meeting we heard one applicant clearly state the process created a superior projecl much more in harmony
with the neighborhood. Policy and procedure can seem to be a hindrance to "progress' but without thoughtful, sometimes lengthy
deliberation, quality of life for area citizens will be reduced. lt's been interesting to address this issue with the following in mind asthe
official policy of the City of Fort Collins:
Agenda Item #16
Page 2 ol2
January 14,2016
Section 14.2 - Declaration of Policy:
(a) lt is hereby declafed as a matter of public policy that the protection, enhancement and
perpetuation of sites, structures,
objects and districts of historical, architectural or geographic significance, located within the City, are a public necessity
and are required in the interest ot the prosperity, civic pride and general welfare of the
people.
(b) lt is the opinion of the City Council thal the economic, cultural and aesthetic standing of this City cannot be maintained
or enhanced by disregarding the historical, architectural and geographical heritage of the City and by ignoring the
destruction or defacement of such cultural assets.
This language could not be clearer in indicating the wishes of the citizens of Fort Collins. We encourage City Council to delay action
on Ordinance 01 1 , 2016 until a fulure time when Chapter 14of the Code is updated with active public input and
notice. We strongly
urge the members of the City Council to act as requested in this letter, and appreciate the opportunity to submit our comments.
Sincerely:
BELLVUE HISTORIC FOUNDATION
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Elizabeth L Ashbach
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