Laserfiche WebLink
' Item/ 5D. <br /> • <br /> 1�f, <br /> City of <br /> Elk 0-...., <br /> River <br /> MEMORANDUM <br /> TO: Housing & Redevelopment Authority <br /> FROM: Catherine Mehelich, Director of Economic Developmen9e7 <br /> DATE: August 27, 2001 <br /> SUBJECT: Consider Historical Context Study <br /> As part of the drafting of the Downtown Redevelopment Plan, the Heritage Preservation <br /> Commission (HPC) has made a recommendation to the HRA to complete a Historic <br /> Context Study with a focus on the downtown area. The HPC has recommended the HRA <br /> complete the context study prior to making taking action on any redevelopment proposals in <br /> the downtown area. At the July 23,2001 meeting the HRA requested a representative of the <br /> • HPC attend the next regular meeting to answer questions about the context study. <br /> As previously discussed, the context study would be completed by a professional/consultant <br /> and takes less than six months to complete. A context study identifies the significant <br /> historic themes of a community. Some examples of historic themes that have been <br /> discussed include: transportation (river,railroad, etc.), commerce and energy. The study can <br /> provide a framework that can be used to weigh the importance of structures to the <br /> community's heritage. In addition to a building's historic significance, the study will <br /> consider if the structure has maintained its original location and integrity. <br /> The study will cost between $10,000 to $12,000. The HRA has discussed the option of <br /> applying for a grant to recoup one half of the cost, however such an application would delay <br /> the study completion until Fall 2002. An alternative action would be to fund the study in its <br /> entirety and have the study completed earlier, so the results may be reviewed and <br /> incorporated into the redevelopment plan. <br /> Building& Zoning Administrator, Steve Rohlf and/or a representative of the Heritage <br /> Preservation Commission will be present at the meeting to answer any questions of the HRA <br /> in regards to the context study. <br /> So as not to delay any continued redevelopment planning and marketing of development <br /> opportunities, staff recommends the HRA consider authorizing completion of the context <br /> study with full funding from the HRA. In addition, staff will continue to explore alternative <br /> IIIIgrant options, such as the Initiative Foundation planning grants. <br />