The Green Street area, as well as portions of the Brenau and Green Street Circle areas, is already listed on the National Register for Historic Places. The proposed local Green Street Historic District closely follows the boundaries of the Green Street Historic District, as listed on the National Register for Historic Places in 1975, according to city officials.
But, planner Jessica Dempsey-Tullar says more is needed to protect the structures on the street from irreversible changes that may alter the historical significance of the busy thoroughfare.
"The National Register is simply a recognition that identifies property in districts that are worthy of preservation," Dempsey-Tullar said. "It doesn't actually provide protection."
And, that, she said is where "local designation comes into play."
Dempsey-Tullar said local designation by ordinance provides protection against incompatible changes as well as provides the community with the means to make sure that any alterations take place in a manner that respects the "important historical significance of a district or an individual site."
Members of the historic preservation commission have already had a series of informational meetings with Green Street property owners to explain the concept to them.
"And, now the commission is attempting to go out and individually contact the majority of property owners along Green Street to explain the designation process and the benefits of the designation," said Padgett.
In October of 2001, the Gainesville City Council adopted a historic preservation ordinance. The purpose of the ordinance was to establish a set of procedures to guide the preservation of Gainesville's historical resources. The intent of the historic preservation ordinance is to: (1) stimulate revitalization and preservation of business districts and historic neighborhoods, (2) promote economic progress through heritage tourism, and (3) provide for the protection, preservation and rehabilitation of the city's historical resources.
The historic preservation ordinance also created the Gainesville Historic Preservation Commission, a five-member volunteer board that is appointed by city council and is part of the city's planning functions. The commission works with the city's planning department staff to guide the preservation process and ensure the continued integrity of our historic resources.
Padgett and Dempsey-Tullar said the other areas that may be considered for local historic designation are midtown and downtown.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2003/6/176867