A 90% Note about the Historic District Commission

While at last weeks Senior Center groundbreaking -- a fine event in itself -- terrific to see former resident and Council member Faith Calhoun-- I had an interesting--and dismaying conversation with a gentleman about the idea of placing the library on Main Street. (which he liked)

As we discussed Main Street development he ended with a comment about how "developers/landlords are afraid to do projects because of the HDC." (or words to that effect.) His comments reflect the all to common, ongoing misinformation -- and desire to scapegoat -- the HDC as a institution that makes it difficult for people to do repairs or keep their property up.

The facts tell a different story.

My friend Jim about a year ago persuaded the HDC (of which he is a member) to keep track of and submit their records of decisions to the Mayor and Council. We have results for FY 2009. The truth is that last year the HDC did not deny ONE application.They had a total of 32 applications. 29 were approved without changes (including staff approvals, given for in-kind work, i.e. if I repair a white fence white the staff can approve the work). TWO were approved with agreed changes. One was continued. So-- fewer than 10% of the applications were even questioned. Ninety percent. NINETY PERCENT were approved as the applicant requested. The previous year's figures were similar: 83% as requested. Seven additional approved with changes. Seven continuedm none rejected.

Frankly, and Commission Chair Laurie Blitz, Mike, Jim and the other commission members may disagree -- I would suggest these figures might actually be a bit to low. I personally would like to see a little more rigor in the sign department -- with the City taking amore active enforcement role. Business owners should consider that signage reflects on the whole street and guidelines to regulate them and keep the place from becoming a trashy mishmash benefit all.

The Commission members in truth more than bend over backwards to work with home and business owners. My observation is that the applicants with the most egregious requests are the ones that grouse the loudest and blame the commission when their truly awful project is questioned.

Next time you feel like complaining about the HDC, or feel reluctant to bring your project before them, remember that based on recent figures you have a 90% chance of getting exactly what you want. (PS read the guidelines first, please, though..)

Oh, and PS for those who insist on confusing the two: The Laurel Historic District Commission is a Laurel City Agency. The Laurel Historical Society has NO affiliation with the HDC and is a private 501c3 Non-profit. The LHS has no say in applications for home and business repairs.

And that's my HDC vent for today.