Hollywood : Demolition Ban Approved

The City Council has approved a temporary moratorium on the demolition of 118 structures identified by a consulting firm as potential city landmarks.

By a 5-0 vote, the council on Monday adopted a temporary ordinance prohibiting the demolition or development of the properties, which include a number of modest turn-of-the-century homes from the once-thriving railroad community of Sherman.

The ordinance will become effective Feb. 4.

Preservationists say the moratorium is necessary to head off possible demolitions before a council-appointed task force can complete work on a landmarks ordinance.

Some property owners whose homes are among the 118 structures are angry over the proposed historic preservation plan, which they say would reduce the value of their properties.