1. 414 North William Street_COA 2025-0310B PACKET

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I have reviewed the 169-page Standards and Guidelines document on the HPC website, https://docs.southbendin.gov/WebLink/0/edoc/401719/Standards%20and%20Guidelines.pdf, but do not flnd any reference in that document to the principle that a landowner is entitled to a reasonable return on the subject property. Indiana law refiects that principle by statute: Indiana Code 36-7-11-14. Purpose of section — Procedure for demolition upon denial of issuance of certiflcate of appropriateness … (b) If a property owner shows that a historic building is incapable of earning an economic return on its value, as appraised by a qualifled real estate appraiser, and the commission fails to approve the issuance of a certiflcate of appropriateness, the building may be demolished. However, before a demolition permit is issued or demolition proceeds, notice of proposed demolition must be given for a period flxed by the commission, based on the commission’s classiflcation on the approved map but not less than sixty (60) days nor more than one (1) year. Notice must be posted on the premises of the building proposed for demolition in a location clearly visible from the street. In addition, notice must be published in a newspaper of general local circulation at least three (3) times before demolition, with the flrst publication not more than flfteen (15) days after the application for a permit to demolish is flled, and the flnal publication at least flfteen (15) days before the date of the permit. We ask that the HPC acknowledge the applicability of the above-quoted statute. Concerning the statute’s provision that “before a demolition permit is issued or demolition proceeds, notice of proposed demolition must be given for a period flxed by the commission, based on the commission’s classiflcation on the approved map but not less than sixty (60) days nor more than one (1) year,” please advise what period has been flxed by the commission for this purpose. Concerning the statute’s provision that a notice of proposed demolition must be posted on the premises in a location clearly visible from the street, we will send a picture from the street of the posted notice, and ask that you acknowledge that the visibility requirement is met.