Council approves historic-commission restructuring on second reading after heated debate; public hearing set for March 18

A substitute ordinance to reorganize historic-preservation staff and create a new historic zoning administrator cleared a contentious second reading on March 4, with councilmembers divided about whether the change shifts authority away from the Metropolitan Historic Commission.

The substitute (sponsor: Councilmember Benedict) removes the original bill's earlier approach and instead creates a new, codified historic zoning administrator position within the Planning Department, sets a July 1 staffing transition date and states that affected historic-zoning staff will retain civil-service status. Supporters said the move improves interdepartmental coordination; opponents said the change risks diluting an independent preservation voice.

Why it matters: The ordinance alters how historic zoning staff are organized inside city government and adds a new administrator post whose duties will include zoning-related reviews and coordination with the planning department. Preservation advocates and some commissioners urged caution; many community members asked for more time to review the change.

Committee actions and amendments - Planning & Zoning: The planning committee recommended the substitute and later…