Historic commission backs Bellemeade-Bayard Park preservation overlay, recommends moving ordinance forward

The Evansville Historic Preservation Commission voted unanimously on March 12 to recommend that the proposed Bellemeade-Bayard Park Preservation Area (first phase) move forward through the ordinance process and to city council for formal consideration.

Stephanie Gibson, president of the Bellemeade Park Neighborhood Association, asked the commission to support designation of the boundaries shown in the materials submitted to the commission and to preserve the area’s historic character. "We are the first neighborhood association in the city of Evansville," Gibson said. She described concerns about infill that she said is inconsistent with the neighborhood’s single-family character and said the neighborhood had documented its historic significance and conducted internal votes in support of the nomination.

Commissioners clarified that a phase‑in preservation district under local guidelines typically requires commission review of demolitions, additions, and new construction (including accessory structures) that are subject to public view. Staff explained that a phase‑in process can include two phases and that if a district moves into phase 2 automatically, there must be a majority of property owner objections in writing within a statutorily set period to stop that progress. Staff also said establishing a preservation overlay requires an ordinance approved by city council; the commission’s role is to make a recommendation and may provide testimony or a letter to council.

Commissioner Hayden moved that the commission "accept or make recommendation for the Bellemeade Bayard Park Preservation Area to move forward, through the proper steps." The motion was seconded. The board took a roll-call vote with all commissioners present voting aye: Commissioner Richard, Commissioner Hayden, Commissioner Guthrie, Commissioner Bryant, Commissioner Hooper, Commissioner Dixon and Commissioner Derek McDowell. The motion passed unanimously.

Commissioners discussed next steps, including drafting a recommendation or letter for city council and coordinating with the neighborhood on a preservation plan or representative for the commission as the ordinance moves forward. Staff advised neighborhood representatives to contact the city clerk to learn ordinance submission deadlines and to secure a council sponsor for the proposed ordinance.

The commission recorded support for the first-phase designation as presented and agreed to place follow-up on a future meeting agenda for drafting the commission’s written recommendation to city council.