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Council to consider National Register listing and Main Street program after task force recommendations
Summary
Council reviewed four recommendations from the historic-preservation task force and agreed to further consider pursuing National Register historic-district listing and membership in the Main Street Matters program; staff will provide application materials and options next week.
The council reviewed four recommendations from the borough’s historic-preservation task force and agreed to advance two for additional consideration: pursuing a National Register of Historic Places district nomination and joining the Main Street Matters program.
Jared summarized the task force’s options and emphasized that these designations are intended to foster community awareness and open access to grants and tax-credit programs rather than act primarily as enforcement mechanisms. "These designations aren't so much a tool for enforcement rather to create a community awareness and guidelines for historic preservation as well as open up a plethora of grant and tax opportunities," he said.
Council discussed implementation options: appointing a standing preservation working group, using staff or the planning commission to shepherd applications, or engaging volunteers from the task force. The council asked staff to circulate the task force report and relevant application materials; Jared noted the task force report includes a proposed boundary for a borough-center historic district on page eight.
Councilors signaled reluctance to pursue Act 167 certification immediately, citing concern about contentiousness for property owners; instead they recommended staff return with scope, expected staff time, and potential funding opportunities tied to National Register designation and Main Street membership so council can vote next week whether to move either measure forward.
