Commission explains historic mission

A mix of people attended a workshop Wednesday evening to learn more about guidelines for changes to historic buildings in downtown Portland.

Property owners and city officials attended the event hosted by the Portland Historic Preservation Commission. Most who attended seemed to be in favor of the guidelines, whether they own property in the district or not, but one clearly was not.

Fred M. Bailey, who owns a building on West Main Street, said angrily, "Maybe a lot of people here are in favor of this, but I can assure you that there are some that are not."

Bailey and other attendees at the workshop were given copies of the guidelines for changes to properties located in the Downtown Portland Historic Preservation District.

They also were given a brochure that summarizes the guidelines for façade alterations and how to obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness for proposed projects.

John Knipp, director of the Jay County office of the Purdue Cooperative Extension Service, asked if buildings that are not considered historic, but are located in the historic preservation district, would fall under the guidelines created by the commission. Knipp's office is set to move into a former bank building located at 123 N. Meridian St.

Joe Jarzen of the Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana said only properties that are 50 years old or older and are considered historic would be subject to the guidelines. He said there could be some buildings that are more than 50 years old but are not considered historic.

Bailey had several questions and comments throughout the workshop. He asked about guidelines for painting. Jarzen said the commission will not be reviewing paint schemes.

Some people had positive things to say about the commission and the guidelines.

Property owner Sandy Bubp, who has been active in historic preservation, said, "This commission is a very important part of Portland and it will serve as an anchor ... for downtown businesses."

The guidelines are expected to go to the Portland City Council for approval in May. Jarzen previously said that the council did not need to approve the guidelines. He said this morning that he has since decided to have council members review the guidelines and give their blessing.

The original plan when the commission was established was for the council to review the guidelines, he said.

The commission approved the guidelines in March. Included in the guidelines are suggestions for window and door changes and replacements, and adding siding. Routine maintenance - such as roof replacement and painting - is not governed by the commission.[[In-content Ad]]