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Council tables moratorium on historic-district expansions after debate on grants and impacts
Summary
A proposed five‑year moratorium on the designation or expansion of historic districts was debated at length; staff warned the moratorium could cost the city Certified Local Government (CLG) status and related grants, and council voted to table the ordinance to a future committee meeting pending additional data.
Alderperson Letterman introduced an ordinance on May 14 that would place a moratorium—up to five years or until adoption of the city’s next comprehensive plan—on creating new historic districts or expanding existing ones. The ordinance would amend chapters of the City of Ithaca municipal code to impose the moratorium.
The proposal prompted extensive discussion among council members and planning staff about the ordinance’s effects on homeowners, housing production and the city’s eligibility for historic‑preservation grants. Brian McCracken, the city’s preservation planner, told council that passing the moratorium could jeopardize the city’s Certified Local Government (CLG) status, a partnership among the city, the State Historic Preservation Office and the National Park Service that makes certain preservation grants available.
Brian McCracken said loss of CLG status could…
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