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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHPC Feb 4 1993 minutesoo Historic Preservation Commission 621 CLEVELAND BLVD, CALDWELL, IDAHO 83605 TEL.: (208)455-3006 FAX 455-3003 The February 4, 1.993 meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission was called to order in the City Hall Conference Room at 7:00 p.m. Since the nature of tlre meeting was a telephone conference with representatives of the Pocatello Historic Preservation experience, which had been organized in large part by Bill Gigray III, the chair was handed to him to continue the meeting. Pre-meeting telephone conference with Jav Schlinsog Bill had spoken with Jay schlinsog, old Time pocatello corporation, who was unable to be present for the conference, but provided information to the commission. Mr. schlinsog asserted that the redevelopment of downtown businesses is based upon historii preservation together with business development and economic resorrcturing. He emphasized the importance for the community to primarily define a downtown lririon to enable the community to realize the value of downtown and discover in that process how the downtown can remain viable. Based on his experience with the National Main street center, Mr. schlinsog explained that that organization proceeds with downtown development on four points: Caldwcll Depot FaciDg Seventh Ave. ( 1906) MINUTES Meeting of February d 1993 Preseot: Chair Madeline Buckendorf, Carol Burbank, Elaine Carpenter, Tom Ensley, Bill Gigray III, Elaine Leppert, Steve Maughan. Abaent: Vivian McKay, Staft Dennis Cioola, Ed Christopher Organization Promotion Design Economic restructuring. Under organization, communiry resources must come together and define a vision for the future of the downtown. Such a process requires fi.rll time m:rnagement and a firll time person to coordinate the process, MINUTES - HISTOzuC PB.ESERVATION COMMSSION February 4, 1993 - P.l 1 a 3 4 o o Under promotioq Mr. Schlinsog cited years of deterioration and the need to change perceptions of downtown, re-establishing its image through public events such as parades, concerts and other community functions to bring people in. Under design, physical and visual aspects of buildings and infrasm:cture are vital in being transformed into an attractive, safe envtonment. Historic Preservation can have an important role in preserving a unique identity for a community with its heritage of downtown buildings. Under economic restructuring, Mr. Schlinsog emphasized the need for incentive prograrns through the use of block grants to fund infrasmrcture improvements and facade improvements, providing low interest loans with deferred payments. In response to a question from Mr. Gigray, Mr. Schlinsog agreed that a master plan, designed with urban planners, designs, architects and engineers is the best way to provide urban design. He also mentioned that Pocatello is investigating the advantages of tax increment financing. In order to begin redevelopment for Pocatello, the City identified a revolving loan fund, formed a business improvement district and used capital improvement bonds. A business improvement district is a vehicle to fund administrative costs of projects and also to fund basic facade improvements. Property owners need to understand that it is an investment which comes back to them with the improvement of the downtown. Restoration projects have generated a revival of new business in the Pocatello's downtown. Mr. Gigray noted that the expertise of the Caldwell Economic Development Council might be usefi:l in looking at investigating economic restructuring, Pocatello representatives: Jerry Myers, Architect Lee Ann Dutton, Community Development Assistant Members of Pocatello Historic Preservation Commission Teleohone Conference with Pocatello representatives Jerry Myers presented a short history of the Pocatello experience, the formation of the historic district, the adoption of the Preservation Code, the fluctuation in businesses operating downtown, the formation of a Business Improvement District, and the involvement of personnel and resources to mzrnage the Improvement District. The BID is able to raise approximately $80,000 per year, which is managed by the Old Town Pocatello Corporation. The results of their organizational efforts and persistence was a combined historic and business improvement district that went from a high vacancy rate to 750/0 of lease space filled within the last ten yeurs. Through the BID and Historic Preservation District, the downtown gained over $500,000 in federal loans, a facade improvement program, and a Main Street manager who publicizes and promotes the area. there has been a tremendous increase in the pride of ownership, care of the facilities, and amount of foot uafEc. Long-term plaruring has become a priority for the downtown property owners, and the interest in historic preservation has become owner-driven. MINUTES - HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMSSION February 4, 1993 - P.2 oo The historic district provided a focus for downtown businesses and other interest community members. the key is to 6nd a focal point that is meaningful for the community at large, concentrate on a narrow area, then build from there. Mr. Myers discussed how the Business Improvement District operated. He stated that $40,O0O was spent on stalf. The hiring of a downtown mirnager was the key to getting the BID organized and to the immense success of downtown redevelopment. the manager spent as much time organizing the businesses as he did on promotional activities for the downtown and obtaining grants. With the help of city staff and key downtown business people, the downtown was bale to leverage a $500,000 block grant and $350,000 in capital improvements. Mr. Myers added that a Design Review Commimee is part of the Historic Freservation District of Pocatello, which started out as the whole commission and they a small group of three or four people were appointed to design review. Many business owners were initially alarmed by the idea of design review, but it is now welcomed because it protects their investment in theL own property. The Pocatello Design Review Committee has tried to work closely with the owners, remain flexible and be accommodating to their needs. There have been 39 reviews in the last year. Overall, the Pocatello Preservation Commission, through public educational effons and cooperation with businesses and other city entities, has concentrated on making itself a flexible yet high-quality organization that has a high profile in the community. With no further business the meeting concluded at 9.00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, liz Yeary, Secretary Madeline Buckendorf, Chair MINUTES . HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMSSION February 4, 1993 - P.3 /'.-q</ /*"., ! Historic Preservation Commission Re-appointment of Commissioner Tom Ensley; New appointment of Commissioners Elaine I-eppert, Vivian McKay; Reorganization of Commission. Offices: Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary 4. CLG GRANT APPLTCATION (1993): l,etter from Ann Swanson, SHPO Site Selection for Walking Tour Brochure Walking Tour Brochure Design and Format Process for consultant selection 5. DOWNTOWN EISTORIC DTSTRICT: t 621 CLEVELAND BLVD. CALDWELL, IDAHO 83605 TEL.: (206)4ss-3oo6 FAX 455-3003 Caldwell Depot Fscing S€veDth Ave. ( 1906) Agenda Eistoric Preservation Commission Meeting A meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission will be held on January 7,1993, at 7fi0 p.m. in the Caldwell City Council Conference Room. The agenda is scheduled as follows: 1. ROLL CAI,L: 2. MIhIUIES: A Minutes from the Meeting of December 3,79y2. 3. COMI}trSSIONORGAITTIZAIION: a) b)fiato.- P.!dl Maug;han and c) a) b) c) d) 6. a) Discuss format and agenda for February 4 meeting , rr.i ADJOURNMEITIT: I Prepared by, _ _.-)' l=-rq;i,^^ Ce-. LL Dennis Crooks, Planning and Zoning Director \