HPC delays decision on 625 Haskins designation pending owner input, leans toward site-only recognition

The Historic Preservation Commission moved consideration of a local designation request for 625 Haskins to its March meeting after staff reported preliminary contact with the property owners and recommended pursuing site-only recognition while the family decides whether to support listing the house itself.

The item matters because designation could place conditions on future alterations; the commission and staff sought owner engagement before advancing a formal designation.

Staff reported the past owner now resides in assisted living and that ownership appears to have passed to the owner's son (in Bridall) and daughter (in Columbus). Staff said she had sent the family a copy of the ordinance and had discussed the options but had not yet received a firm response. "He was very busy. He didn't get he didn't call back," staff said of the son27s initial response. Staff asked to move the item to the March agenda to allow time for the family to decide.

Commissioners discussed whether to nominate the site only (to protect the location of an earlier cabin or archaeological site) or to include the existing house. Staff said the site is clearly historically significant while the house27s architectural merits are less pronounced. Several commissioners favored site-only designation so that restrictions on a future owner would be limited. A commissioner noted interest in including an interpretive sign at Haskins Road if the site designation proceeds.

The commission agreed to schedule the item for the March meeting and asked staff to continue outreach to the owners and to bring Sanborn-map evidence and other supporting documents to the next meeting.