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Committee Report - Legislative Matters - 3-23-10
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March 23, 2010REPORT OF THE COMMITTEEON LEGISLATIVE MATTERSThe Committee on Legislative Matters convened on March 23, 2010 with Vice Chairman Rebekah Gewirtz presiding and Committee Members Aldermen John Connolly and Walter Pero also present and voting. Also present were Administrative Assistant Matt Dias, Assistant City Solicitor David Shapiro and Rob May from OSPCD.188825 - draft letter regarding local historic district designations:Mr. May and Mr. Shapiro reviewed 2 drafts of a letter and notification card to be sent to property owners whose properties are being considered for historic designation. The letter, when finalized, will provide adequate notification to effected property owners and will provide a mechanism for allowing those not desiring to have their properties designated as historic the opportunity to opt out. Mr. Dias told the members that effected property owners have been notified twice, already, and Mr. May stated that there has been a substantial response (40) to those notifications. He also told the members that those property owners not heard from yet will be paid a visit by OSPCD staff. Mr. Dias asked for a clarification of whom the cards should be sent to and the committee requested that all effected property owners be sent the card, regardless of any previous contact.Mr. May stated that the city is looking at the possibility of setting aside CDBG funds in its 1-year action plan to assist homeowners with maintaining historically designated properties. Alderman Connolly suggested that language be added regarding funding from local banks to assist homeowners, as well, and Chairman Gewirtz stated her objection to the inclusion of this additional language, saying that it might scare off property owners from accepting the historic designations.The committee asked that copies of the draft be sent to all Board of Aldermen members for their review and input.No papers were acted on. __________________________________ _Alderman Rebekah L. Gewirtz, Vice ChairmanCommittee on Legislative Matters