PHPC wants clarity (02/25/2009)

To the editor:

The Portland Historic Preservation Commission (PHPC) would like to clarify some points that were raised in an article published in the February 19th issue of the Portland Commercial Review. The PHPC is currently going through a process to draft Design Guidelines that will assist property owners and Commission Members alike to make appropriate decisions when completing rehabilitation projects to contributing structures within the newly designated Downtown Portland Commercial Historic District.

In their review during their most recent meeting, the PHPC discussed the demolition and new construction recommendations set forth in the guidelines.

As a means to learn more about their role in issues of this sort, and to learn more of the background to the Jay County Jail expansion project, the conversation led to a discussion over the project.

It should be made clear that the PHPC does not have jurisdiction over county projects. The PHPC is prepared to work in partnership with the county to help design a building that will most appropriately fit within the character of the overall streetscape. However, their ability to rule on the demolition of the current structure on the site is moot. The issues PHPC discussed that were raised in the article were being discussed in hypothetical and educational terms.

The focus of the PHPC's meeting was on drafting the Design Guidelines. The PHPC appreciates the coverage of their efforts in the newspaper, however as the Commission works through these initial stages of development and education, it is critical that information is presented accurately. For this reason, the PHCP felt it necessary to submit this correction.

The PHPC is intended to assist property owners with their maintenance and renovation projects, and in the future, as other communities have done, it may serve as a resource to acquire and implement a façade grant program.

If there remain questions about the Preservation Commission, the Design Guidelines and the efforts to learn and develop this information, the public is invited to contact the Commission's staff member, Joseph Jarzen (765) 478-3172 or attend the meetings. 

PHPC meetings are regularly scheduled for the third Wednesday of every month at 5:30 in the second floor conference room in the Weiler Building.

However, next month's meeting is moved to Wednesday, March 4 at 5:30 in the same location.

Jane Ann Spencer, president, and Joe Jarzen, staff, Portland Historic Preservation Commission [[In-content Ad]]