AGENDA CAPTION:
Title
Hold discussion regarding Historic Preservation Commission Recommendation Number 2021-05RR, that recommends that the City Council support alternative designation options, such as Neighborhood Conservation Districts and Cultural Heritage Districts as recommended in My Historic SMTX and provide direction to the City Manager.
Body
Meeting date: April 5, 2022
Department: Requested by Mayor Hughson
Amount & Source of Funding
Funds Required: N/A
Account Number: N/A
Funds Available: N/A
Account Name: N/A
Fiscal Note:
Prior Council Action: N/A
City Council Strategic Initiative:
N/A
Comprehensive Plan Element (s):
☐ Economic Development
☐ Environment & Resource Protection
☐ Land Use
☐ Neighborhoods & Housing
☐ Parks, Public Spaces & Facilities
☐ Transportation
☐ Core Services
☒ Not Applicable
Master Plan: N/A
Background Information:
The Commission discussed the use of Neighborhood Conservation Districts and Cultural Heritage Districts as an alternative to the designation of Historic Districts, as mentioned in the My Historic SMTX 2019 Historic Resources Survey Report; the excerpt from the report is attached to the Recommendation Resolution.
A neighborhood conservation district, or NCD, is a land use overlay tool that offers communities the ability to tailor the management of community character to the needs of specific areas and neighborhood residents, as opposed to the one-size-fits-all approach of a traditional historic preservation ordinance. Using architectural design review or planning and zoning controls, NCDs are often used in tandem with historic preservation regulation, but usually are designed to operate apart from a preservation commission’s jurisdiction.
Cultural heritage districts are designated by the Texas Commission on the Arts (TCA) to “harness the power of cultural resources to stimulate economic development and community revitalization.” More information on the Cultural Districts Program can be found at the following link: <https://www.arts.texas.gov/initiatives/cultural-districts/>.
Council Committee, Board/Commission Action:
The Historic Preservation Commission approved Recommendation Resolution 2021-05RR at the August 5, 2021 regular meeting.
Alternatives:
Recommendation: