The Terre Haute City Council voted to refer a proposed historic‑preservation enabling ordinance to its Planning, Zoning and Improvements Committee after extensive public comment on July 10.

Supporters said the ordinance would create a local process to identify and protect architecturally or historically significant buildings and neighborhoods. “Please support this ordinance,” Margaret Herdlich said during public comment; Herdlich is a Perringtons Grove resident who testified in favor of the measure.

The ordinance, sponsored by five council members, would establish a local preservation commission empowered to survey properties, propose local designations and adopt standards that, if later approved by the council, could apply to designated districts or individual sites. City Engineer Marcus Maurer told the council, “I didn’t come to speak against historic preservation. I’m all in favor of that,” and said his office expects to play a role in making rules enforceable.

Residents and neighborhood groups — including speakers from Farrington’s Grove and Collett Park — argued preservation can stabilize property values, encourage reinvestment and protect the city’s architectural heritage. Opponents raised concerns about affordability, enforcement, and the effect on landlords and Habitat for Humanity work; some asked the council to ensure protections or funding for lower‑income homeowners and nonprofit housing work.

Councilmembers who co‑sponsored the ordinance emphasized it does not by itself designate any buildings or districts. Instead, the measure creates the process and a local commission that would make recommendations to the full council; the council would vote on any final designations. After the public comment period and discussion, Councilperson Amanda Dinkel moved to take action and then moved that the ordinance be committed to the Planning, Zoning and Improvements Committee; Councilperson Mary DeBond seconded the committee referral, which carried on a voice vote.

Council and the mayor said the administration will work with neighborhoods, property owners, Indiana Landmarks and other stakeholders during committee review and that the committee will schedule meetings and invite public participation. The committee will be chaired by Councilperson Tammy Boland; members include George Azar, Curtis Vaughn IV, Candace Hinton and Amanda Thompson.

Next steps: the ordinance will be considered in committee, where council members and staff said they will try to refine language on procedure, staffing and incentives before returning a recommendation to the full council.