Poughkeepsie commission plans small guidance subcommittee; members propose awards and publicity to promote restoration

At its July 10 meeting, the Poughkeepsie Historic District and Landmark Preservation Commission agreed to form a small guidance subcommittee to develop suggested updates to the commission's guidance materials and to coordinate outreach. Commissioners said the subcommittee should be limited to two or three members so it would not create a quorum and should report back to the full commission for further input.

Commissioners discussed several outreach ideas to encourage quality restoration: creating an award or "property spotlight" to recognize exemplary work, nominating projects to outside preservation organizations, featuring restored properties in the city newsletter ("the Buzz"), and adding a spotlight feature to the city website. Commissioners noted a recent successful roof-and-eaves repair on a local property and suggested using that work as a candidate for recognition.

The commission also reminded members about the upcoming Porch Fest on Sunday, Aug. 24, and suggested timing publicity to coincide with community events. The chair and members agreed to prepare notes and a short list of suggested guidance changes for the subcommittee to use in drafting recommendations for the zoning department and the full commission.