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Meridian council hears update on historic preservation plan; members ask for clearer strategy and resources
Summary
The Historic Preservation Commission and city staff presented draft goals, objectives and strategies for an updated Meridian Historic Preservation Plan. Council members broadly supported preservation work but raised questions about regulatory vs. advisory roles, resource needs, and coordination with the Destination Downtown plan.
City staff and the Meridian Historic Preservation Commission presented an update on the city’s Historic Preservation Plan during the Sept. 9 council meeting and asked council for feedback on potential tools and resource needs.
Cassandra Shifler, arts and culture coordinator and staff liaison to the Historic Preservation Commission, said the city received a State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) grant to update the 2014 plan. The update includes a SWOT analysis, public outreach, a survey of properties, and recommended goals and strategies. Shifler outlined four goals: document resources; sustain Meridian’s authentic community character (including design guidelines and district/landmarking options); inform and engage residents; and strengthen commission operations.
Shifler noted the commission is currently educational and celebratory rather than regulatory. Possible tools under discussion include design guidelines for historic buildings, a local "Meridian Register" (a landmarking program that would be opt‑in and could cover noncontiguous properties), demolition review mechanisms, and integration of preservation review into the development review process. She also said research shows about 129 properties recorded as eligible for the National Register, with nine already listed.
Council members broadly supported more attention to preservation but repeatedly asked where the balance should lie between preservation and allowing planned growth. Councilman Overton said he supported flexibility and praised the commission’s outreach, while Councilwoman Shayer and others urged that the Historic Preservation Commission remain advisory rather than become a heavy regulatory body. Several council members urged the commission to review the Destination Downtown draft plan and coordinate with the Meridian Development Corporation. The commission chair said the commission is not currently prepared to take on a regulatory role but would work toward that if council wanted to move in that direction.
Ending: Staff and the commission will take council feedback back to the Historic Preservation Commission and the planning team; council members asked for a follow‑up report after the commission has had time to digest council comments and continue coordination with the Destination Downtown effort.
