Resolution No. 04-2025 - Laserfiche WebLink

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RESOLUTION NO.04-2025 A RESOLUTION OF THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION OF SOUTH BEND AND ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, INDIANA RECOMMENDING THE PAUSE OF DEMOLITION PLANS FOR NARAGON BARN "RED BARN" AT POTATO CREEK STATE PARK, NEAR NORTH LIBERTY, INDIANA, SO THAT AN ARCHITECT EXPERIENCED IN BARN PRESERVATION CAN DOCUMENT THE BARN'S REHABILITATION NEEDS AND PRIVATE FUNDING OPTIONS CAN BE EXPLORED WHEREAS, the Historic Preservation Commission of South Bend and St. Joseph County, Indiana (the "Commission") operates pursuant to Article 13 of Chapter 21 of the South Bend Municipal Code, as may be amended from time to time, Title XV, Chapter 154, § 154.245-154.263 of the St. Joseph County Code of Ordinances, as may be amended from time to time, (hereinafter, collectively, the "Ordinances"), and the terms of the Interlocal Agreement between the City of South Bend (hereinafter the "City") and St. Joseph County (hereinafter the "County") dated December 12, 2017, as the same may be amended from time to time; and WHEREAS, per the Ordinances, the Commission's purpose is to preserve buildings, other structures, and sites of historical, architectural, engineering, and cultural significance within the City and the County; and WHEREAS, the Commission fulfills its purpose, in part, by identifying historic structures, advocating for preservation best practices, and promoting projects that accomplish those objectives; and WHEREAS, the Commission members have identified, through thoughtful consideration, that Naragon Barn — built in 1908 for the Naragon family and acquired along with surrounding farmland by the State of Indiana in the 1970s for the creation of Potato Creek State Park — meets the criteria for preservation in such that it is a surviving example of traditional rural architecture in the region and that it is a remaining testament to the families that lived and worked on the land prior to it becoming Potato Creek State Park; and WHEREAS, Historic Preservation advocacy organizations, including Indiana Landrparks and the Indiana Barn Foundation, have identified Naragon Barn as a surviving example of traditional rural architecture in the region and are urging the Indiana Department of Natural Resources to pause any demolition plans and explore alternative options, such as allowing the aforementioned groups to coordinate a pro Bono study by an architect experienced in barn preservation and providing reasonable time to explore private funding options for renovation; and WHEREAS, under IN Code § 36-1-3-8 (2024), a unit such as the Commission does not have "the power to impose duties on another political subdivision [i.e., the State of Indiana], except as expressly granted by statute;" and therefore, the Commission does not have the authority to impose interim protection on Naragon Barn nor does the St. Joseph County Council have the authority to begin Local Landmark proceedings without the express interest and permission of the State. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION OF SOUTH BEND AND ST. JOSEPH COUNTY THAT: t