The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About3-24-1994 CHPC MINUTES ,. , • • , e Historic Preservation Commission , � - . 621 C�EVELAND BLVD �. ,�� CALDWF_LL, IDAHO 836C: , � f-� � �`' TEL.: (208)455-3006 FAX 455-3003 3 8 � _. c Caldweil Depot Facing Seventh Ave. (190G) MINUTES Meeting of March 24, 1994 Present: Steve Maughan - Chairman, Carol Burbank, Elaine Carpenter, Bill Gigray III, Elaine Leppert, Vivian McI�ay, Roy Payne; Townsite Committee: Terry Jellison, Dave McKay, John Pilote; Staff: Dennis Crooks, Liz Yeary; Absent: Tom Ensley The March 24, 1994 meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission was called to order in the City Council Conference Room at 7:00 p.m. The Minutes of the meetin of February 24, 1994 were approved as submitted with motion by g Vivian McKay and seconded by Carol Burbank. For the benefit of the Townsite Committee, Steve gave some background information on the previous "town hall" meetings and the desire of the Historic Preservation to assist the Townsite Coxnmittee in every way possible to achieve their goals, particulazly since it had been clearly demonstrated at the town hall meetings that the historic buildings were a valuable resource to use in a revitalization project. John Filote of the Townsite Committee reported that the area with which that Committee is involved is bounded by lOth Avenue, the UPRR, Cleveland Blvd., and Sth Avenue. The Committee has begun the process of putting a plan together, starting with some basic infrastructure improvements in the downtown azea. The Cominittee is hoping to recnut two or three more business people. Initially, the Committee is a standing committee of the Caldwell Economic Development Project but it may become advisable to become an independent group. One of the main premises of the Committee is that it would not dictate to a property owner what he should do but encourage and help. They will try and dissuade taking an older building with character and changing it. Bill Gigray asked if it would be possible for the Historic Preservation Commission to recommend people from the State Office who could advise on how to upgrade a building and John thought that would work. Dennis stated that Tom Ensley, who is a member of the Historic Preservation Commission, is an architect by profession and has a lot of expertise. Terry Jellison said that a lot of buildings are being sold and occupied by new owners who are willing to spent money on their buildings. HISTORIC PRESERVATION CO1VIlvIISSION Minutes 3/24/94 - P.i ' � � • • . � John Pilote said that the Townsite Committee felt that the infrastructure was something they could begin on right away and building improvements would come after that. Vivian McKay said it would be helpful for the Coxnmittee to have a list of people at the state level who are experts in building improvements. John Pilote said that the City administration ha.s extended every courtesy and will help all they can. The Committee also met with Phil Choate of Ore-Ida and walked through the downtown and was very supportive of the Committee. Ore-Ida is in the position of providing ; assistance in obtaining funds for unprovements and perhaps the Committee can be part of that. Bill Gigray said that the Historic Preservation Commission was authorized by Council resolution to conduct hearings and an investigation and the Commission felt before the fmal report goes to the City Council it should be discussed with the Townsite Committee. The Commission is looking into using some of its budgeted funds to enhance pazking or lighting in the downtown. The group was reminded that Nampa used event planning specifically designed to attract people downtown. John said that a prerequisite of any funding is to have an organization in place that will direct promotion and a Business Improvement District is probably the most effective way to do that. Steve commented that one of the first most noticeable things Nampa did was place awnings on buildings. Dennis added that in updating infrastructure, landscaping and lighting should not be excluded. Dave McKay said that it would be useful to have someone come and look at a building or series of buildings, and advise what has to be done to upgrade it. But no-one wants to expend money on a project without some advice. It was generally agreed that the north side of Main Street between Kunball and 7th could be evaluated. John said Ida-Ore is willing to make loans available for those kinds of renovations. The consensus of the Committee was to start small and make a dollar go as far as possible. It was felt that an LID grant could be used to upgrade sidewalks. There are also other sources of money, such as ISTEA funds, and tax increment financing. The latter funding comes back to the source, i.e., the azea providing the tax dollar for its own improvements. Pendelton Oregon was cited as a good example of use of tax increment funding. John said that they are negotiating with CEDP to get funding for a project. John said that the City will have to be willing to accept anyone who wants to start a business in Caldwell, whatever that might be. One major disadvantage is the shortage of pazking. '1'he Traffic Conunission is beginning to look at traffic patterns but they aze just at the beginning stages. HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMNIISSION Minutes 3/24/94 - P.2 ., . � • • � Bill Gigray and Denr� Crooks said that when the Boise River greenbelt makes its regional connections the �eenczlt will go right through the heart of downtown Caidwell and will provide a tremendous :ourist opportunity to bring people into the downtown. It was agreed that the Historic commission and the Townsite Committee have to keep their communication lines ;:�n and that the Commission should report back to the Plannuig and Zoning Commia�ion a: d the City Council th� results of the meetings and where the Townsite Committee is. The possibility or' redein� the original vvalking tour brochure of downtown to the calibre of the one just produced a introduced. In conclusion Dennis �ated that a number of residential owners in the northern historic area were interested in for�ng a historic district, which in turn could help generate interest in the downtown core area. On a different subject, Bill Gigray and Elaine Catpenter asked how the Commission might address the placement or sidewalks in established older residential districts so that Council might take some action, particularly in view of the current city wide LID on sidewalk , improvement. It was a3eed that a memo would be prepared on the subject citing the Commission's concerrL There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m. Re �tfu y submirted, L��:� ` �: .A -� `1 �/ � �.�� Liz Yeary, - Secretary �� HISTORIC PRESERV2�TI0� COh�1�IISSION Minutes 3/24/94 - P.3