City staff and partners hold local‑register forum to promote historic preservation; several homeowners expressed interest

City of Venice planning staff and partners hosted a local‑register forum at the library to inform property owners about the local historic register and other preservation tools, and to answer owner questions about preservation obligations and options.

Nicole and planner Britney Smith moderated a series of short presentations from Venice Heritage and the Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation. Organizer Harry Klinkhammer and a local builder (Joy Builders) discussed the preservation process, what changes are typically allowable, and examples of recent work in the historic district. “We held this at the library kind of to have a neutral space, hope people would feel welcome and invited,” Nicole said, describing the outreach format and follow‑up conversations with property owners.

Staff said the event combined brief presentations and small‑group question periods so owners could ask about particular properties; the forum was part of the Certified Local Government (CLG) outreach program and followed a postcard mail‑out to roughly 800 properties the city considers potentially eligible. Nicole said roughly 30 to 40 people attended and staff recorded several attendees who expressed interest in pursuing listing on the local register; the HAPB and staff previously received at least one property nomination from earlier outreach.

Planning staff said they will consider additional forums and informational events aimed at easing concerns about the local register process and explaining options such as preservation easements. The local register forum does not create binding restrictions for owners; staff and partners emphasized that many types of alterations are still possible with guidance and that the goal is to preserve historic assets while offering information and assistance to property owners.