Historic Review Commission endorses Mercyhurst College National Register nomination; one abstention

The City of Erie Historic Review Commission voted on Sept. 8 to send a letter of support for Mercyhurst College’s nomination to the National Register of Historic Places.

Commissioners said the Mercyhurst nomination is a well-documented submission and that supporting the nomination fulfills the commission’s duties as a certified local government to comment on National Register nominations.

Commission members praised the nomination materials, including historical photographs and a narrative that traced the campus’s development. Matthew (last name provided in meeting) offered to draft the letter of support and submit it to the state preservation board and Mercyhurst’s project team. During the vote, Commissioner Melinda Meyer stated, "I would like to note my, abstaining from the vote," citing her involvement in the nomination process; the motion to send a letter of endorsement passed by voice vote with the abstention recorded.

Commissioners said this is the first nomination the commission has reviewed since the city became a certified local government and discussed using the Mercyhurst materials as an example package for future applicants. The commission asked staff to file the letter with the state historic preservation board and provide copies to Mercyhurst’s nomination team.