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Historic panel rejects petition to remove three Paul W. Bryant Drive properties from Myrtlewood district
Summary
After testimony from the petitioner and eight written public comments opposing removal, the commission voted unanimously not to recommend removing three Bryant Drive properties from the Myrtlewood Drive Historic District, saying the petitioner had not met the burden to justify removal.
The Tuscaloosa Historic Preservation Commission voted on June 10 not to recommend that three Paul W. Bryant Drive parcels be removed from the Myrtlewood Drive Historic District, concluding the petitioners had not carried the burden required to justify removal.
Attorney Victor Hamby presented petitions for 1501, 1505 and 1507 Paul W. Bryant Drive, arguing the three parcels front an arterial roadway and are architecturally distinct from the interior of the Myrtlewood district. Hamby told commissioners the properties "do not fit the criteria that I outlined originally," asking that each parcel be considered independently for removal from the local designation.
Office of Council counsel advised the panel that removal is an uncommon action and that the legal burden to demonstrate removal is appropriate rests with the petitioner. As counsel summarized, "the burden is on the petitioner to convince the commission that removal is appropriate." Staff further noted the parcels were considered during prior reviews and that local council action in 2004 included those lots in the district.
Staff recorded eight written public comments opposing removal; several neighbors gave in‑person testimony. Longtime resident Ed Dolinski said the three houses form the gateway to Myrtlewood and that their architectural features are consistent with the district’s character. Another commenter noted archival material and a neighborhood survey showing continuity of style and historical interest.
After discussion, the commission voted unanimously not to recommend removal to City Council. Staff will retain the petitions and public comments; the property owner was informed of the decision.
The legal standard for removal is governed by the municipal code and, where relevant, state statute (Alabama Code 11‑68‑6 was cited by the petitioner); the commission emphasized that petitions for removal must present clear evidence that a property no longer meets the criteria for historic designation.
