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State review finds Elm Street sidewalks project will not affect historic properties; commissioners press for brick preservation plans
Summary
Staff told the commission that the State Historic Preservation Office determined the Elm Street sidewalks improvement project would not affect historic properties; commissioners urged that bricks removed during construction be retained for future repairs and proposed youth training and CDBG funding as preservation strategies.
Staff reported that the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) issued a determination that the Elm Street sidewalks improvement project will not affect historic properties. Secretary Kate Hemmick said SHPO (staff member Rita Baker) confirmed receipt of materials and that commissioner comments were considered; she noted a dating discrepancy in file drafts and explained staff confirmed comments were included in the SHPO staff review.
Commissioners acknowledged the SHPO finding but argued that brick sidewalks remain part of the neighborhood fabric and deserve local attention. Commissioner Dennis Roberts said that although SHPO concluded the sidewalks are not historic properties for the federal/state review, the city should consider retaining removed brick stockpiles for future repairs, make reclaimed bricks available to property owners, and explore a youth bricklaying workforce-training program possibly supported by CDBG funds. Roberts said prior community organizations had expressed support for such a program but that city participation and coordination are needed to succeed.
Staff said they would track the study-session topic and check city records for any existing brick stockpile. Commissioners discussed practical trade-offs, including accessibility improvements that previously led neighborhood agreements to replace brick with concrete in some blocks. The commission left the Elm Street topic on the study-sessions list for future discussion and asked staff to include the issue in upcoming study-session scheduling.
No formal policy action was taken; SHPO's no-effect determination stands for the federal/state review, and the commission requested staff follow up on local preservation options and funding pathways.
The commission will revisit the topic in a future study session and staff will report back if a city-owned stockpile of historic bricks exists or if funding sources (such as CDBG) can support a community reuse or training program.
