Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society | PO Box 221925, Newhall CA 91322-1925 | scvhs.org February 28, 2025
To whom it may concern:
As a longtime supporter of the goals of the City of Santa Clarita’s Downtown Newhall Specific Plan, and after careful consideration, the Board of Directors of the Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society (“the Board”) voted unanimously on February 24, 2025, to support the redevelopment of the area of Newhall bounded by Railroad Avenue, Market Street, Main Street, and the building at 24316 Main Street (the former location of Mac’s Pool Supply).
To that end, the Board unanimously recorded its non- opposition to the removal of the building at 24307 Railroad Avenue/22505 Market Street, commonly known as “Ye Olde Courthouse.” The building is listed as one of the City of Santa Clarita’s Historic Resources. The City’s Historic Preservation Ordinance (17.03.145 UDC) states that upon a finding that the removal of a Historic Resource is necessary to proceed with a development project consistent with and supportive of identified goals and objectives of the General Plan,
… the City Council shall direct the property owner to relocate the designated historic struc- ture to a site within the City of Santa Clarita and approved by the City Council. Such relo- cation may include the assistance of the developer, the City of Santa Clari ta, the Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society, or other entity as appropriate. Alternatively, upon comple- tion of appropriate environmental review, if any, and upon making the determination that relocation is infeasible and there are no feasible alternatives to demolition, the City Council may direct the Building Official to issue the permit for demolition.
The Board suspects it would be infeasible to relocate the building, whose historical integrity was severely compromised by an unfortunate 1968 remodel . Upon review, the Board is aware that no interior features remain from its use as a County Courthouse (1932-1971). Should the City deem it necessary to issue a demolition permit, the Board believes it appropriate for the C ity to exact an impact fee from the applicant comparable in amount to the estimated cost of relocating and restoring the building to its original historical condition, such fee revenue to be restricted to the advancement of historical preservation goals within the City of Santa Clarita.
Further, the Board urges the City to require the developer to cooperate with the City and the His- torical Society to add plaques in several locations throughout the project to identify the historic al uses of the property.
Al
an Pollack
President, Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society