Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Historic Preservation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Fredericksburg ARB reviews CLG annual report draft; emphasizes outreach, integration with comprehensive plan and technical assistance
Summary
The ARB reviewed the Certified Local Government annual report draft for federal FY 2023–2024 and discussed preservation priorities including integrating preservation into the comprehensive plan, creating outreach/maintenance materials, and seeking DHR technical assistance; report due by month-end.
City staff presented a draft Certified Local Government (CLG) annual report covering the federal fiscal year Oct. 1, 2023 through Sept. 30, 2024 and asked ARB members for input on Section 10, a questionnaire on preservation priorities and accomplishments.
Kate Schwartz explained the CLG program certifies local preservation programs, makes jurisdictions eligible for grants through the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR), and provides technical assistance. She told the board the report is due by the end of the month and that she wanted ARB input on priorities and accomplishments to include in the submission.
Board members identified several priorities: strengthen preservation language and integration within the city’s comprehensive plan (staff said a draft of the comp plan was expected for review in March); produce outreach materials such as a maintenance handbook or one-page guides for property owners and realtors; provide training and technical assistance through DHR workshops (including workshops on tax credits and window restoration); and explore approaches to demolition by neglect. One member noted the city’s recent sale of the Mary Washington lodge to a museum group as an example of a preservation-minded disposition of city property.
Members expressed reluctance to establish a formal awards program administered by the ARB, noting potential conflicts and administrative complexity. Instead they favored informal recognition and outreach — newsletters, social media, or highlight pieces — to showcase exemplary preservation work.
Staff reminded members of several calendar items noted in the packet: a work session on Jan. 27, a DHR public meeting on Feb. 13 about a potential National Register listing for the Fall Hill Historic District (which would include the old Mary Washington Hospital and other buildings), and that the next regular ARB meeting is Feb. 10, 2025. Staff also reminded members that annual financial disclosure forms are due by Friday, Jan. 31, and that the City Council would consider removing the railroad station overlay district at its next meeting.
Board members asked staff to incorporate the suggested priorities into the CLG report, to track trainings and events for the report, and to circulate the final draft for comment before submission.
