Council holds first reading of historic-district ordinance; supporters and skeptics urge caution

City Council held a first reading of a proposed historic-district ordinance that would enable the city to form a Historic District Commission and, after additional study and public hearings, create local historic districts.

Why it matters: adopting the ordinance is the initial step toward Certified Local Government status, which can open state and federal preservation grant opportunities and provide the city tools to regulate locally designated historic areas. The ordinance itself does not immediately establish any local district or impose regulation; rather, it creates a process for study committees, public hearings and a later council vote.

The meeting included public comment in favor of local designation and discussion among council members. Rick Newman, an architect and Petoskey resident, called for the council to “very seriously consider” a locally designated historic district and said insensitive renovations are already affecting historically significant properties. Amy Tweeden, downtown manager, explained the difference between national-register listings (which are honorary and do not prevent demolition) and a local historic district (which carries regulatory authority once established). Tweeden described the two existing National Register districts — downtown and East Mitchell — as likely starting points for any local designation, while noting other neighborhoods could be studied.

Council members expressed divergent views. Councilmember Shields said preservation is important but voiced concern the ordinance could be “incredibly burdensome” to development and that safeguards are necessary. Councilmember Moore, who disclosed owning two properties on state and national registers, said the ordinance’s Section 27-4 explains the measure primarily enables a study committee and public hearings and does not itself establish districts; he urged careful selection of qualified study-committee members if the council moves forward. Planning staff and city attorney input were noted; the city attorney reviewed the draft and suggested edits.

Speakers from the state preservation program had presented similar guidance in May, and staff said the city’s master plan already lists historic-preservation actions. Proponents on the call emphasized that if a local district is later proposed, property owners receive notice, public hearings are required and a majority of affected properties must agree for the process to proceed.

Next steps: council asked staff to provide maps of the two existing national-register districts and to return with a revised packet and additional information for future readings. No vote to adopt the ordinance occurred; this was a first reading and the council signaled it will continue the review process and invite further public input.