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06/15/2005 15:26 FAX, NTHP PROGRAMS IR 002/003 U F� I RFA NATIONAL TRUST P'HISTORIC PRESERVATION• Protecting the Irreplaceable June 15, 2005 Ms. Catherine D. Hostetler Director Historic Preservation Commission 227 West Jefferson Boulevard South Bend, IN 46601-1830 Dear Ms. Hostetler: Last week I was asked to comment on policies in the Chapin Park Historic District. As senior field representative at the National Trust for Historic Preservation, I have had for many years the assignment of working with local Historic Preservation Commissions. Before coming to the National Trust, I served as executive director of the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission and was a leader in saving Grand Central Terminal in New York City. The reason for local historic districts is to provide an opportunity to review exterior changes to property in historic districts. After a review of the plans by the Commission, appropriate changes will be developed and approved in almost all cases. This review of plans has worked in historic districts in South Bend and hundreds of other cities. Activists in historic districts make an essential contribution to the success of an historic district. This grass roots interest makes possible the preservation of the historic character and architectural qualities of a neighborhood. The Guidelines for the historic district are used both by property owners in preparing their plans and by the Commission in reviewing applications and developing the final plans that it approves in its Certificate of Appropriateness. In the Chapin Park Guidelines, the word, "should," alerts the property owner about important features of the historic building or the historic district. These features and specific Guidelines are to be considered by both the property owner and the Commission. The existing language in the General Definitions section calls for appropriate work to be done in the historic district. The use of the word, "shall," spells out requirements when property owners decide to do work on their property. It is the property owner who takes the initiative, rather than merely maintaining the property. The word, "should." is a recognition of work on a building that would be desirable. Recipient of the National Humanities Medal 1785 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE, NW • WASHINGTON, DC 20036 202.588.6000 • FAX: 202.588.6038 • TTY; 202.588.6200 • WWW.NATiONALTRUST. ORO