Interesting answers to questions, part 4

From a questionnaire sent to all Special Election candidates in Council District 30 by the League of Preservation Voters and the Historic Districts Council:

Q: APPROPRIATE LEGISLATION IS A VERY IMPORTANT PART OF THE PRESERVATION PROCESS. WHAT KIND OF LEGISLATION WOULD YOU SPONSOR OR SUPPORT TO TEMPORARILY DELAY DEMOLITION OR HALT THE ISSUANCE OF DEPARTMENT OF BUILDINGS PERMITS SO THAT THE LANDMARKS PRESERVATION COMMISSION COULD CONSIDER DESIGNATING IMPORTANT HISTORIC PROPERTIES BEFORE THEY ARE DEMOLISHED?

COMO: Legislation should be enacted that would help delay demolition permits issued by the Department of Buildings where the historic significance is clearly evident. As stated before, I feel that it is equally important we create a list of historically significant locations before the threat of the wrecking ball looms in the shadows. Too many times, we have to scramble during the 11th hour to save properties after demolition permits are issued by the DOB. As a community we need to do everything to identify areas to be preserved far in advance of any permits being issued.

CROWLEY: As a member of the city council, I will support legislation that would temporarily delay demolition or halt the issuance of Department of Buildings permit so that the Landmarks Preservation Commission could consider designating important historic properties before they are demolished.

OBER: I would support legislation that would require a survey of historic properties. Those properties would have special status that would delay any alteration or demolition by requiring that a notice be given to the Landmark Preservation Commission saying that such alteration or demolition is being considered thirty (30) days before any filing in the building department. Before any such filing is accepted by the building department proof of the notice must be provided. The Landmark Preservation Commission would be required to do a thirty day review of whether the property should be considered for Landmark Preservation and file a decision with the building department. The owner can either agree to voluntarily submit any plans to the Landmark Preservation Commission for approval or a stay can be imposed while the Commission decided the historic status of the property. This way property rights are protected and property owners know the historic nature of a property may be considered in any alteration of the building. I would also seek legislation to require that the Landmark Preservation Commission provide a full report and detailed reasons for any decision to turn down protection for any property and establish an appeals process.

OGNIBENE: Before the permits are issued the LPC would have to “sign off”, however the process must be an expedited one without unnecessary foot dragging.