Council approves Mills Act contract for McGonigal house and designates Walter M. Jones residence as local historic landmarks

The City Council adopted two historic property actions after staff presentations from Community Development.

First, the council voted to approve a Mills Act contract for the John P. McGonigal residence (1613 East Main St., Landmark #121). Community Development staff explained that the Mills Act is a state law authorizing local governments to enter contracts offering alternative property tax assessment in exchange for owner commitments to rehabilitate and maintain historic properties. Staff estimated the owner’s investment at about $162,000 and an estimated annual property tax reduction of roughly $13,600; the Historic Preservation Committee had recommended the contract unanimously.

Second, staff presented the nomination for designation of the Walter M. Jones residence (695–697 E. Main St.) as Historic Landmark #122. Assistant Planner Ruby Tragero described the home’s 1913 construction, Swiss‑chalet/craftsman style with Tudor influences, and its role in downtown expansion east of the San Buenaventura Mission. The Historic Preservation Committee had unanimously recommended the designation; the council voted to adopt the designation.

Public commenters raised broader affordable‑housing and social‑justice concerns linked to historic preservation policy, asserting that preservation alone does not address housing needs. Staff noted those concerns in the record but the Council’s votes proceeded with unanimous approval on both items.

Outcome: Council unanimously approved the Mills Act contract and the historic designation (both 7–0).