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City commission overturns historic commission denial for demolition at 309 E. Fifth St.
Summary
The Newton City Commission voted to override the Historic Preservation Commission—and allow demolition of a vacant house at 309 East Fifth Street, owned by a federal home loan program. The state historic preservation office will have 30 days to comment before a demolition permit can issue.
The Newton City Commission voted to overturn the Historic Preservation Commission's denial and grant the applicant permission to pursue demolition of the house at 309 East Fifth Street.
City staff told the commission the property is owned by a federal home loan program and that the Historic Preservation Commission unanimously denied a demolition request at its May 5, 2025 meeting because state preservation law requires denial of proposals that would destroy a historic resource. Rebecca (Historic Preservation Officer) explained the appeal process and said the commission's override triggers a 30-day review period by the State Historic Preservation Office.
An applicant representative who works on Freddie Mac REO properties told the commission the building has "structural failure of the basement," active…
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