Historic Review Commission advances draft historic‑signage program with staff caveats

The Historic Review Commission voted to advance a draft ordinance to create a city historic‑signage program, with a caveat that staff revise specific language on ownership and related definitions before a final vote.

Cultural Resource Manager Matthew Falcone told commissioners the proposal would create freestanding historic markers and street‑level wayfaring placards to help delineate historic districts. "The the idea is really to be able to recognize and honor history, especially a fabric that is no longer with us," Falcone said, describing a process in which an applicant (an individual or group) prepares research and text for initial staff review and a commission decision.

Under the draft, applicants would pay for fabrication and donate completed signs to the city; the city would place signs in the public right‑of‑way, maintain an inventory of signs in perpetuity, and provide matching web landing pages for each marker. Falcone warned staff would avoid duplicating existing state markers and indicated the program would include separate designs for National Register listings and locally designated properties.

Commissioner Melinda Myers raised a concern about ownership, asking that "the question of ownership be more clearly, defined in the draft legislation." Commissioners also asked staff to clarify what counts as evidence of community support (letters, petitions, or organizational endorsements) and to ensure consistency between plaque and marker designs.

Chair moved the commission to advance the draft with the requested edits; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote. Staff will bring back revised wording next month for final consideration.