Minutes | December 1, 2021
Huning Highland Historic District Association Meeting
6:30pm | Preservation Station
OFFICERS’ REPORT:
Office DeLeon reported the addresses of recent crime in the neighborhood, focused mostly on Lead, Coal, Broadway, and Central.
NEGLECTED PROPERTIES:
Leslie Naji, the City staff overseeing historic preservation, was present to outline the City’s process for addressing neglected properties. Despite her very limited staff, her office can issue “red tags” for properties that do not meet code. A reasonable time after that, if the owner does not respond, a letter will be sent to the owner reiterating the need to fix the issue that was red tagged. Ms. Naji has some flexibility with options at this point, including a possible $500 per day fine and/or City arbitration.
Ms. Naji does not have her own City inspector and, although she has requested that such a position be added to her office, that request has not yet been included in the budget She asked that neighborhood residents call her office (924-3927) is they see historic properties that are being neglected or undergoing renovations of questionable compliance. She simply does not have time to tour all the City historic neighborhoods to look for problems.
She also addressed the issue of solar panels. Currently the code language says that panels should not be placed on street-facing rooflines if at all possible. Neighbors present questioned that language and asked Ms. Naji if it could be strengthened. She said she could do that under her authority, and she agreed that the “if at all possible” language should be taken out.
Ms. Naji pointed out that if neighbors want stronger compliance and protection for historic properties, that request needs to be directed to the Mayor’s office.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:20 p.m.
