HRC approves draft ordinance creating historic marker and plaque programs

The City of Erie Historic Review Commission on Dec. 1 approved draft amendments to the city’s historic preservation rules to establish a historic marker program and a landmark plaque program.

Staff explained the marker program would mirror the nomination process: an application would be submitted to the HRC for review and the HRC would make a recommendation to City Council, which would make the final decision. For plaques, staff said eligibility would be limited to properties already listed on the City of Erie register of historic places and the HRC would provide guidance on placement.

"An application would be put together, submitted to the HRC for your consideration. The HRC would make a recommendation to City Council," Matthew said while walking through the proposed process. The commission asked questions on roles and steps and then moved to approve the draft amendments.

Commissioner Mark Gamblin moved to approve the draft amendments; a commissioner seconded and the commission voted in favor. Staff said the next step is to coordinate with the city solicitor to format the amendments for City Council consideration and to file them for the council’s agenda.

What this means: the approved draft creates a clear two-step local review pathway for markers and a limited plaque program for properties that already have been through the local listing process. Final legal language and any implementation details will be resolved with the city solicitor and City Council.