It is an important job few seem to want, where success is best measured by what you don’t see.
During its Tuesday meeting, the Columbus City Council succeeded in rounding up enough people to form a quorum for the city’s Historic Preservation Commission. Three appointments were made during the meeting, bringing the number of required commission members to six.
The council would like to add more members, though, and Betty Miller, who has served on the commission since she “doesn’t know how long,” said she will serve again, if asked. Miller’s five-year term ends at the end of the month.
Stay by the phone, Betty.
Of all the commission, boards and committees appointed by the council, the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) is one body where applicants are hard to find.
Yet, in many respects, this group has provided — and continues to provide — an important service to our community.
The HPC is responsible for maintaining the historical integrity of the downtown historic district. While there are many buildings and homes of historic significance outside the district, the HPC’s authority is restricted to the area around Main Street that extends from the river as far east as the old train depot at Main and 13th Street. Most of the properties are commercial buildings dating to the 19th century and the commission’s focus is on ruling on the propriety of proposed changes to those buildings exterior and things like signage, lighting and new structures located within the district.
While the commission is not the “last word” on proposed changes in the district — an appeals process allows the council to confirm or overturn the HPC’s rulings – Miller says the council generally accepts the HPC’s ruling.
These days, she says, there are few serious challenges to the HPC’s standards during its monthly meetings, something Miller attributes to the HPC’s long-standing and consistency.
Realtors, developers and property owners in the area have come to understand what is and isn’t permitted in the area.
Even so, there are times when the HPC takes a firm stand, most recently when it was suggested that the Trotter Center add a large electronic sign in the area. The HPC firmly shot that proposal down.
As evidence by the dearth of applicants, serving on the HPC is not a glamorous or eagerly sought position.
Yet, the importance of the work should not be over looked.
While many cities whose history may rival that of Columbus feature “historic” districts that are a discordant hodge-podge of old and new and tacky, downtown Columbus has maintained its devotion to history without discouraging development.
It is a lovely downtown, rich in history and aesthetically pleasing.
We owe those few who serve, without fanfare, on the HPC a great debt of gratitude for that.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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 32 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.