Historic preservation plan passes
Paul Clinton
CIVIC CENTER -- The City Council passed a comprehensive preservation
plan Tuesday that will give owners of historical properties greater
financial incentives to restore their buildings.
With unanimous approval, the city accepted the provisions of the
federal Mills Act, which offers cash incentives to help defray the costs
of restoration.
The plan also calls for the Burbank Heritage Commission to have more
input when the city reviews a new development that includes properties
with historical value.
Although support for the plan was universal, council members said
there were still some kinks to iron out.
“We have to be conscientious about watching it,” Councilman David
Laurell said, “but I think it’s a good thing for the city.”
One of the plan’s more controversial recommendations was put off for
future discussion. Under that provision, the city would modify an
ordinance that prohibits the heritage commission from researching
historic buildings without the property owner’s permission.
“I think they view it as trampling on the property owner’s rights,”
said commission chairman Craig Bullock.
Bullock acknowledged it will be tough to get the provision through,
but said he was grateful the council approved the main components of the
34-page plan.
“It finally makes the city recognize the importance of preservation,
that it does have value,” Bullock said. “I think were moving in the right
direction.”
In approving the plan, the council also approved the creation of a
city register listing properties that have been placed on the National
Register of Historic Places.