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Historic Bronson Mulholland House handrail proposal draws debate over safety, preservation and funding
Summary
Staff proposed installing lower porch handrails at the Bronson Mulholland House using North Historic TIF funds (approx. $16,000). Commissioners and public commenters questioned whether TIF funds should pay for maintenance of a city‑owned building and offered alternatives; the board agreed to seek additional input before taking action.
City staff presented an informational proposal May 18 to fabricate and install lower porch handrails at the Bronson Mulholland House, citing life‑safety and liability concerns. Staff proposed using roughly $16,000 from the North Historic TIF General Capital Improvements account to fabricate and install the rails.
Commissioners debated preservation values versus safety and liability. Several members said the work is consistent with CRA objectives to preserve historic assets and reduce blight, while others argued that funding city‑owned building maintenance from a small district TIF sets a precedent and that citywide funding should be considered.
Questions focused on alternatives to a permanent railing: raising the porch grade to avoid the code trigger, temporary rope barriers for events, or requiring a liability insurance agreement with the Putnam County Historical Society under an updated MOU. Staff cautioned that raising grade or adding fill may address code compliance but would not entirely insulate the city from liability.
Members of the Putnam County Historical Society and other public commenters urged minimal, reversible measures to preserve the historic appearance. One historical‑society member said the house "should be left the way it is because of its integrity," and suggested rope barriers during events rather than permanent rails.
Given the competing concerns, the board agreed to table action and to seek additional input (including from state historic‑preservation staff and local preservation architects) before committing funding or design decisions.
