Columbus is one step closer to an ordinance protecting and defining guidelines for the Southside district.
The Historic Preservation Commission voted 5-0 Monday night to send a resolution before the City Council for consideration. If the council approves it, the commission will gather public input and draft a formal ordinance for the council”s approval.
The boundaries of the proposed district are College Street, Mississippi University for Women, the railroad tracks and the river. MUW will not be included in the district, but wards 1, 2 and 5 will be affected.
The area, made up of an amalgamation of architectural styles dating from the 1830s to World War II, was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in the early 1980s.
Commission members said they feel creating the ordinance will benefit homeowners by protecting the architectural integrity and historic charm of the neighborhood. Similar ordinances have been passed in Laurel, Meridian, Tupelo, Vicksburg and Natchez, but while ordinances may be similar, each city is free to define how restrictive — or relaxed — its ordinance will be.
Commission member Dr. Joseph Boggess, who proposed the motion, said it will not affect changes that have already been made to existing structures, but future modifications would have to be approved by the commission and would be held to the standard for whatever was contemporary in the structure”s time period.
“We would never tell you paint colors — you can hold us to that,” Boggess said, addressing fears raised by Southside resident Katherine Woods, who lives on Second Street South.
He added that while they probably would not allow “pre-fab metal carports,” they would not force homeowners to remove ones already in place unless they are in disrepair.
“This isn”t going to change the look of Southside for a long time,” Boggess said. “It”s a gradual preservation of architectural styles.”
After the meeting, Woods said she had been concerned about the ordinance and its ramifications for future exterior renovations to her 1955 house, but Boggess made her feel more comfortable with the idea.
“I wanted to make sure I will have the freedom to update my home as I wanted,” Woods said. “Once he said they weren”t going to get into paint colors, I was relieved. I really wouldn”t be able to support rigidity in that way.”
Commission members Mike Lowery, Rachel George, Dr. Sid Carradine, John Andresen and Boggess voted in favor of presenting the resolution to the council for further discussion. They plan to speak to the council and address questions from councilmen during the public comment portion of tonight”s city council meeting.
Carmen K. Sisson is the former news editor at The Dispatch.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 41 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.