Birmingham appoints members to Design Review Board and Historic District Commission

At the start of its Sept. 15 meeting the Birmingham City Commission filled several design and preservation board seats.

Natalia Dukas was nominated and confirmed as a regular member of the Design Review Board and later nominated and confirmed as a regular member of the Historic District Commission for three‑year terms to expire Sept. 25, 2028. The commission also appointed Steven Lemberg and Mary J. as alternate members of the Historic District Commission for three‑year terms to expire Sept. 25, 2028.

Applicants described long‑standing interest and service. Dukas told the commission she has served on both boards for about 12 years and noted the Historic District Commission is working on a historic preservation master plan; Steven Lemberg said his home's location in the Bates Street Historic District motivated his participation; Mary J. described decades of experience in historic preservation and ownership of two century‑old homes she is renovating.

Motions to appoint each candidate were moved, seconded and approved by voice or roll‑call votes during the meeting. The commission asked staff to arrange swearing‑in for members present and to coordinate logistics for the alternate member joining remotely.

The reappointments and alternates keep occupancy of the boards stable while the city continues a separate effort to recruit a recommended architect for the Historic District Commission’s roster, a seat left open after a 15‑year member chose not to reapply.

Appointments approved at the Sept. 15 meeting: - Natalia Dukas — Design Review Board, regular member, term to 09/25/2028 — approved - Natalia Dukas — Historic District Commission, regular member, term to 09/25/2028 — approved - Steven Lemberg — Historic District Commission, alternate member, term to 09/25/2028 — approved - Mary J. — Historic District Commission, alternate member, term to 09/25/2028 — approved