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Commission pauses plan to add 79 midcentury properties to Claremont register after homeowner concerns
Summary
After a lengthy public response, the commission voted to continue the proposal to add nearly 79 midcentury properties to the Claremont Historic Register so staff can complete missing surveys, hold outreach workshops and convene an ad hoc subcommittee.
The Claremont Architectural and Preservation Commission voted to continue consideration of a citywide request to add modern‑era properties to the local historic register after homeowners raised questions about the notice process, insurance and what listing would mean for interior and exterior work.
Jordan Kus, assistant planner, presented the nomination package for 79 properties identified as strong examples of mid‑century modern, international and new formalism styles. Kus said staff recommended removing 11 properties from the packet because the nomination lacked completed survey documentation and identified a small number of addresses that would require commissioner recusals because they fall within 500 feet of commissioners’ residences.
Multiple homeowners asked the commission to delay action. Laurie Bassman, owner of 1010 Oxford Avenue, told the commission she had difficulty securing insurance for her house when she bought it and said she was “concerned… if the one that I got raises the rates.” Other speakers said mailing notices were confusing and requested clear FAQs, the right to appeal or defer, and more time to consult with Claremont Heritage and city staff.
David Shear of Claremont Heritage urged the commission to add the properties and offered to host informational workshops, while commission members said they supported the overall preservation aim but agreed the city needed to improve owner communications, update older survey materials and address objected‑to properties individually.
Commissioner Spivak moved to continue the item and form an ad hoc subcommittee to prepare an informational packet and schedule outreach; the motion carried unanimously. The ad hoc subcommittee will include Commissioners Spivak and Bennett and one architect seat (pending agreement). Staff said they would remove addresses missing surveys from the current recommendation and return with a refined package and outreach plan.
The commission’s action pauses formal recommendation to city council and calls for staff and the subcommittee to provide additional outreach materials, updated surveys where feasible and targeted follow‑up with objecting property owners.
