1 Subject: FW: CHB's Proposed Title 20 Changes
Attachments: Boston Landmarks Commission.pdf
From: Dave Stolte <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, April 5, 2024 11:27 AM
To: 2Mayor <[email protected]>; Falcone, Philip <[email protected]>; Cervantes, Clarissa <[email protected]>; [email protected]; [email protected]; Hemenway, Steve <[email protected]>; Futrell, Mike <[email protected]>; Tinio, Maribeth <[email protected]>; Watson, Scott <[email protected]>
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: [EXTERNAL] CHB's Proposed Title 20 Changes
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Mayor Lock-Dawson, Councilmembers, and Staff:
At City Council on January 23, Old Riverside Foundation was encouraged to hear Councilmember Conder’s statements about the importance of historic preservation. We took note of his praise for the City of Boston’s preservation approach as an example of best practices, stating they are “allowing the city to grow, to have development, without getting in the way of people and companies.” We reached out to Dorothy Clark, Assistant Survey Director for Boston Landmarks Commission, to learn how Boston handles the four policy recommendations that are currently proposed by Riverside’s Cultural Heritage Board:
1. Who can nominate a landmark?
Public participation is key here. Our enabling legislation calls for residents/registered Boston voters to nominate a site for landmark consideration. We require a petition signed by at least 10 Boston citizens.
Also, the mayor or one member of the appointed Boston Landmarks Commission (BLC) may submit a petition. The petition requires research to preliminarily establish the historical and architectural import of the site. That research is conducted by the petitioners, not the BLC staff, to ensure public engagement.
2. What happens if the owner of a cultural resource objects to landmark designation? A petition to designate a property as a Landmark does not require owner permission. Once a study report is drafted for the proposed Landmark, the owner has an opportunity to oppose the designation. The BLC can move forward with designation regardless. An important part of our work is educating owners about the benefits of landmark status so that by the time of the vote of designation, we have addressed owners' questions/concerns.
3. Is there public notice of ministerial review on proposed changes to a cultural resource? If so, what is the time period?
The Commission's approval is required for any changes proposed for any landmarked property, as well as any properties with pending Landmark petitions and those awaiting a decision on designation ( link).
Proposed changes to designated Boston Landmarks and properties located in a designated local historic district requires a design review application and a public hearing. Public notices for hearings are sent to interested parties and abutters, and posted with the city clerk 10 business days prior to each hearing.
Anticipated CC Date: 4.23.24
2 4. Is there public notice of demolitions in historic neighborhoods / districts? If so, what is the time period?
Proposed demolitions of designated Boston Landmarks and properties located in a designated local historic district follow the same design review process described above. All other proposed demolitions require an Article 85 Demolition Delay application. For more information please go to: Article 85 Demolition Delay.
5. How is preliminary review of proposed changes to cultural resources handled, and by what department?
Property owners and developers are encouraged to meet with Boston Landmark Commission staff early when considering changes to designated Landmarks and properties located in designated local historic districts. Informal design reviews with the Boston Landma rks Commission and District Commissions are
also offered to property owners and developers as an opportunity for informal feedback on proposed projects prior to full design development. These take place at regularly scheduled commission hearings. ____________________________________________________________ Regarding landmark designation without owner consent, we appreciate Boston’s well- reasoned position.
Riverside could be joining many other Southern California cities that do not require owner consent for landmark designation: Los Angeles, Long Beach, Pomona, Pasadena, South Pasadena, Huntington Park, Whittier, Culver City, Monrovia, Beverly Hills, Calabasas, Claremont, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, San Dimas, San Gabriel, Baldwin Park, Commerce, Rolling Hills Estates, Irwindale, Southgate, Rosemead, and Manhattan Beach.
California’s state-mandated timelines were an area of additional concern for Councilmember Hemenway. CHB member Jordan Sisson advises that the proposed notification periods would not exceed the state’s requirements.
We note that Boston’s policies mirror exactly what the Cultural Heritage Board is proposing for Riverside.
We also note that with all the value that our cultural resources bring to our city – as economic drivers, in particular – it would be beneficial for Riverside to “walk the talk” and enact best practices in the historic preservation of these irreplaceable assets.
Old Riverside Foundation encourages City Council to approve all policy recommendations as proposed by the Cultural Heritage Board.
Sincerely,
Dave Stolte
President
Old Riverside Foundation
[email protected]
(949) 378-5520
cc Mayor
City Council
City Manager
City Attorney
ACMs
CEDD Director
P.O. BOX 601 • RIVERSIDE, CA 92502 • (951) 289-0089 • OLDRIVERSIDE.ORG April 4, 2024
Mayor Lock-Dawson, City Council, and Staff
City of Riverside
3900 Main Street
Riverside, CA 92501
Mayor Lock-Dawson, Councilmembers, and Staff:
At City Council on January 23, Old Riverside Foundation was encouraged to hear Councilmember Conder’s statements about the importance of historic preservation. W e took note of his praise for the City of Boston’s preservation approach as an example of best practices, stating they are “allowing the city to grow, to have development, without getting in the way of people and companies.” W e reached out to Dorothy Clark, Assistant Survey Director for Boston Landmarks Commission, to learn how Boston handles the four policy recommendations that are currently proposed by Riverside’s Cultural Heritage Board. ____________________________________________________________
1. Who can nominate a landmark?
Public participation is key here. Our enabling legislation calls for residents/registered Boston voters to nominate a site for landmark consideration. W e require a petition signed by at least 10 Boston citizens. Also, the mayor or one member of the appointed Boston Landmarks Commission (BLC) may submit a petition. The petition requires research to preliminarily establish the historical and architectural import of the site. That research is conducted by the petitioners, not the BLC staff, to ensure public engagement.
2. What happens if the owner of a cultural resource objects to landmark designation? A petition to designate a property as a Landmark does not require owner permission. Once a study report is drafted for the proposed Landmark, the owner has an opportunity to oppose the designation. The BLC can move forward with designation regardless. An important part of our work is educating owners about the benefits of landmark status so that by the time of the vote of designation, we have addressed owners' questions/concerns.
3. Is there public notice of ministerial review on proposed changes to a cultural resource? If so, what is the time period?
The Commission's approval is required for any changes proposed for any landmarked property, as well as any properties with pending Landmark petitions and those awaiting a decision on designation (link). Proposed changes to designated Boston Landmarks and properties located in a designated local historic district requires a design review application and a public hearing. Public notices for hearings are sent to interested parties and abutters, and posted with the city clerk 10 business days prior to each hearing.
P.O. BOX 601 • RIVERSIDE, CA 92502 • (951) 289-0089 • OLDRIVERSIDE.ORG
4. Is there public notice of demolitions in historic neighborhoods / districts? If so, what is the time period?
Proposed demolitions of designated Boston Landmarks and properties located in a designated local historic district follow the same design review process described above. All other proposed demolitions require an Article 85 Demolition Delay application. For more information please go to: Article 85 Demolition Delay.
5. How is preliminary review of proposed changes to cultural resources handled, and by what department?
Property owners and developers are encouraged to meet with Boston Landmark Commission staff early when considering changes to designated Landmarks and properties located in designated local historic districts. Informal design reviews with the Boston Landmarks Commission and District Commissions are also offered to property owners and developers as an opportunity for informal feedback on proposed projects prior to full design development. These take place at regularly scheduled commission hearings.
____________________________________________________________ Regarding landmark designation without owner consent, we appreciate Boston’s well-reasoned position. Riverside could be joining many other Southern California cities that do not require owner consent for landmark designation: Los Angeles, Long Beach, Pomona, Pasadena, South Pasadena, Huntington Park, Whittier, Culver City, Monrovia, Beverly Hills, Calabasas, Claremont, Santa Monica, W est Hollywood, San Dimas, San Gabriel, Baldwin Park, Commerce, Rolling Hills Estates, Irwindale, Southgate, Rosemead, and Manhattan Beach.
California’s state-mandated timelines were an area of additional concern for Councilmember Hemenway. CHB member Jordan Sisson advises that the proposed notification periods would not exceed the state’s requirements.
W e note that Boston’s policies mirror exactly what the Cultural Heritage Board is proposing for Riverside. W e also note that with all the value that our cultural resources bring to our city – as economic drivers, in particular – it would be beneficial for Riverside to “walk the talk” and enact best practices in the historic preservation of these irreplaceable assets.
Old Riverside Foundation encourages City Council to approve all policy recommendations as proposed by the Cultural Heritage Board.
Sincerely,
Dave Stolte, President
Old Riverside Foundation