A Proposed Demolition Delay Ordinance

A proposed ordinance will try to do two things: First, allow the Historic District Commission to review proposed demolition for properties within the local Historic District (currently, their authority is invoked only when a building permit is requested). The proposed language would also allow the HDC to review demolition of non-Historic District properties that are considered significant and have the ability to delay their proposed demolition for six months.

Other cities in the state and the country have similar regulations on their books. Pro-active cities like Durham, North Carolina have more stringent legislation on the books, and some cities levy fines while others keep developers in check with liens on the un-developed property if a proposed project that demolished a historic building does not move forward as promised.

It is our view that this legislation would help give the HDC the teeth it needs to enforce its findings when it comes to historic structures that need to be repaired or redeveloped instead of torn down. One of the things that Pawtucket has going for it is what is left of its historic Downtown core and some of the amazing homes still standing in Quality Hill and elsewhere. To lose more of these structures is to lose more of the character that makes this place special.

Update: July 29, 2010= Last night the Council Ordinance Committee voted to recommend denial of the proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance regarding the demolition of historic properties. The Ordinance Committee's recommendations will be before the full Council again on Tuesday, August 3rd.

Read the full proposed ordinance here= Demolition Delay Ordinace (pdf)