Council hearing finds no feasible alternative, authorizes findings for demolition in Sherman Historic District

The City Council held a quasi-judicial hearing on a proposal to demolish four homes in the Sherman Historic District and determined, by majority action at the hearing, that there was no feasible and prudent alternative to demolition.

City Planning evelopment Services staff described the properties as long-vacant, boarded and deteriorated, with evidence of trespass, mold and structural decline. Diane DeCoire showed historical and current images and said the Board of Historic Preservation recommended demolition after considering alternatives. The state historical board denied a request for preservation.

Attorney Bill Golden explained the council was acting in a quasi-judicial capacity to weigh the evidence and that, if the council accepted the majority decision, the city attorney—ould draft formal findings and conclusions for adoption. Planning staff also presented a redevelopment concept by Tree Ministries and Reynolds Construction that includes an apartment/mixed-use structure designed to be compatible with the historic district.

Councilors voiced support for revitalization of the central district and for moving forward given the buildings' poor conditions. The council approved the hearing motion and later voted to authorize the City Attorney's Office to prepare written findings and conclusions consistent with the vote for review at the Aug. 20 meeting.

Next procedural steps: the city attorney will draft findings consistent with tonight's vote and return them as a resolution for council review and adoption on Aug. 20, 2024.