Waukesha landmarks input sent to national reviewer as Blair House boundary dispute advances

The City of Waukesha Landmarks Commission confirmed it has forwarded its previously adopted opinion about a proposed boundary reduction for the Senator William and Henrietta Blair House to the Keeper of the National Register, and commissioners said they do not plan additional formal comment as the federal review proceeds.

The issue surfaced in public comment when Lisa Southport of Madison Street described an appeal of the Wisconsin Historic Preservation Review Board’s 8–4 decision to reduce the Blair House boundary. Southport said the city’s appeal to the Keeper extended the review timeline and that the federal reviewer had acknowledged receipt and set a decision date. “Her decision is issued, and she says here, by May 26,” Southport told commissioners.

Charlie, the commission staff member who presented the update, confirmed the city forwarded its letter and materials to the Keeper and said the submission that the commission previously made is included in the federal record. Charlie advised the commission that the city’s appeal and the packet forwarded to the Keeper include correspondence from the State Historic Preservation Office and the city’s materials.

At a later point on the agenda, Charlie recommended the commission refrain from further formal comment. He said that the commission is a body created by the common council and advised caution about further statements that could affect the commission’s working relationship with the city. “Your statement on the project has been heard,” Charlie told commissioners, adding he did not expect to provide monthly updates on every step of the federal review.

Commissioners discussed whether there was additional information the commission could provide. One newly seated alderperson said he had previously described the parcel in council discussions as a parking lot and reiterated that view but did not propose new material for submission. The commission chair asked that staff ensure the commission’s previously submitted letter was included in the record; Charlie confirmed it had been sent.

No new motion was made to change or expand the commission’s earlier position; commissioners voiced consensus that the previously forwarded letter represented the commission’s stance.

The Keeper of the National Register will issue a decision on the appealed boundary change within the timetable noted in the federal acknowledgement; the commission will be informed of any request for additional input if the Keeper requests it.

Community members and commissioners said they wanted clearer communication from city staff when matters escalate to the federal level so the commission can follow developments in real time.