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Draper preservation commission chair outlines role, outreach and benefits of National Register listing
Summary
Mike Barnhill, chair of Draper’s Historic Preservation Commission, described the commission’s work preserving local history through building preservation and public outreach, and explained that National Register listing offers owners tax incentives while not removing property rights.
Mike Barnhill, chair of Draper’s Historic Preservation Commission, outlined the commission’s role in preserving the city’s history, saying the work focuses on protecting historic buildings and educating the public. "Historic preservation is really what it sounds like," Barnhill said. "We're trying to preserve Draper's history."
Barnhill said the commission preserves history primarily through brick-and-mortar buildings and by conducting education and outreach. He noted the commission takes part in Draper Days, where volunteers wear period costumes and talk about historic homes and the people who lived in them.
He explained that properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places are "recognized as having historical value" under criteria set by federal law. Listing, he said, "will give the owner access to certain benefits. There are tax breaks. There are certain tax incentive incentives for doing repairs, but it doesn't interfere with the owner's property rights in any way."
Barnhill framed the commission’s work as part of remembering the city's origins and the people who came before current residents, saying that preserving what people built helps keep that history alive even for newer residents.
The transcript records Barnhill's presentation but does not record any motions, votes, or formal decisions tied to the remarks.
