Council Delays Decision on Three Historic Buildings in Downey
The City Council has delayed final action on an ordinance aimed at protecting two historic buildings and a landmark McDonald’s outlet.
The ordinance, which was given initial approval Sept. 25, would have required a permit from the Planning Commission before the three structures could have been demolished or significantly altered.
The council decided Tuesday to postpone a final vote after Councilman Robert G. Cormack complained that the permit review process was too lengthy.
The council directed its planning staff to revise the ordinance to limit the review process to about three months. No date has been set for the ordinance to return for City Council review.
In a related action, the council lifted a moratorium on the destruction of about 20 homes that were at least 50 years old and may have had some historic significance. The council majority decided that the private homeowners should not be forced to pay for the preservation.
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