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City council approves three Mills Act contracts, later approves fourth after Heritage Committee adjustments
Summary
Council approved three historic‑preservation Mills Act contracts (501 Lombardi, 503 Brook, 2646 Victoria) and then approved 426 Holly Street after the owner and Heritage Committee resolved differences about work items; council asked staff to review monitoring and tax-benefit practices.
Council considered four proposed Mills Act preservation agreements. The Heritage Committee previously reviewed the applications and recommended timelines and work plans. Staff summarized the projected annual tax revenue reduction of approximately $32,227 for the three contracts under consideration and recommended approval of the agreements.
Owners and Heritage Committee members spoke in support. Brent Strum, owner of 2646 Victoria Drive, said he and his wife value the house and are committed to its preservation. New homeowners at 503 Brook Street also introduced themselves and indicated their interest in maintaining the historic character.
Council approved the recommended preservation agreements for 501 Lombardi, 503 Brook and 2646 Victoria after motions and votes. For one property (426 Holly Street), the Heritage Committee and the owner initially disagreed on three recommended changes to the work plan but later concurred on a revised plan; council approved that Mills Act contract as well. Council asked staff to bring back recommended best practices for monitoring program compliance and to analyze whether the Mills Act benefit should be limited to the historic portion of a property where accessory units exist.
The city also agreed to return with a policy proposal and a proposed timeline for any changes to the application cycle so that future applicants and the public can anticipate review schedules and monitoring expectations.
