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SOUTH BEND & SAINT JOSEPH COUNTY HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION 235 -9798 MEMORANDUM Wednesday, August 14, 2003 TO: Commission Pres. John Oxian Commission Members FROM: Karen R. Hammond -Nash, Director Julie Schutte, Assistant Director RE: NEW BUSINESS; HPC POSITION RE GA ING U.S. 31 PROPOSALS Based on the responses from Martha Choitz and John Oxian to the staff report on proposed new routes for U.S. 31, we understand the position of the Historic Preservation Commission regarding the proposed alternatives as follows: F is the preferred alternative, requiring some, but not excessive mitigation of harm to historic structures and landscape features. C, D, & E may be acceptable if the HPC considers loss of an abandoned railroad right of way not significant to the heritage of the county. There are some significant farms lining the rail right of way, as well. Mitigation of harm to them would be indicated as well. A & B are less desirable, and would require substantial mitigation of historic impact. G, H, & I would cause devastation to historic structures and landscapes, which would be difficult to mitigate. If the Commission will either confirm or modify this position, and indicate whether you feel that this should be a preliminary position merely, or one which should be stated more strongly, then staff will submit comments to the Department of Transportation, County Council, County Commissioners, Mayor, and City Council pursuant to your direction. We understand that the Landmark Committee of John Oxian and Virginia O'Hair will be presenting a series of County Landmark designation proposals, to protect the most significant of the farms and structures threatened by the various proposals. Staff and several HPC members attended the INDOT open house Wednesday, partly in hopes of learning which proposals now seem most likely to receive further consideration. One or two more have actually been added, so we are up to alternative J or K. We understand that the list is being narrowed back down, and that INDOT will announce the new, narrowed list in about two weeks. Staff is preparing letters to send to all property owners whose property is threatened by any proposed route, starting with those rated 13, and then moving to the 12s and l ls. There are many, so the necessary Staff Reports for these landmark designations will occupy the office for some time, pushing back other projects. Note: Mayor Luecke has taken the public position that alternatives C, D, E, F, and G would be acceptable for South Bend, and the one which goes too close to Potato Creek park (A), or too far from the present route (B, H, & I) are not preferred by the city administration. UsDpositionl