01-09-95 Zoning & Annexation - Laserfiche WebLink

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Committ*s Z*port: Zoning and Annexation Committee tbt common tOU1ttij of tbt City of bout j %Stub: The January 9, 1995 meeting of the Zoning and Annexation Committee was called to order by it Chairperson, Council Member Lee Slavinskas at 4:55 P.M. in the Council informal meeting room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Luecke, Washington, Kelly, Puzzello, Slavinskas, Zakrzewski, Coleman, Duda, and Ladewski; John Oxian, A. Howard Williams, Bob Nagel,Don Porter, Jim Boomhower,David DuVall, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand. The first item on the agenda was to review Bill No. 91-94 which would establish as an Historic Landmark the property located at 310 West Monroe Street. Mr. DuVall made the presentation. He noted that this is a recommendation from the Historic Preservation Commission as an attempt to recognize African-American buildings for historic purposes. He stated that the church in question is rated as"significant". Council Member Zakrzewski stated that Sandy Combs provided him with copies of a letter dated September 18, 1994 from the current Pastor of the congregation which was in opposition to it in September and remains in opposition to it today (copy attached). Council Member Washington questioned whether the congregation purchased the building. Mr.DuVall stated that he believed that the purchase had been approved. Council Member Coleman requested a further update since the last Council meeting, since the continuance was based on the church and the Department of Redevelopment getting together. Mr. DuVall noted that Rev. Derickson had been out of the hospital following a heart attack for only 2 to 3 days and that the main issue was separation of church and state at that meeting. Council Member Washington stated that we should give deference to the church and their remonstrance. Council Member Duda agreed with Council Member Washington however she stated that there should be recognition of a building of this type,recognizing African-American heritage. Council Member Slavinskas stated that this is a difficult discussion and he respects the concerns of the remonstrators but he also respects the guidelines established by Historic Preservation and if they have been met why should they be undercut. Council Member Coleman asked whether the designation would impede or undercut the use of the building and whether it would create an undue hardship. Mr. Oxian stated that a lawsuit was possible based on decisions handed down in Oregon and Pennsylvania in those situations where Councils take side with the property owner as apposed to the Historic Preservation Commission. Council Member Puzzello stated that she has voted in the past with the desires of the property owners and believes that they should be involved in the process with regard to notice and overall involvement and understanding of what the designation means.