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It started with controversy surrounding the removal of a sign painted in a window of an acclaimed downtown restaurant and soon became a full-blown campaign issue. The timing could not have been any better. The city's historic preservation commission oscillates between high accolades and bitter criticism. It is given the thumbs up for its integral role in preserving Frederick 's historic downtown, but scorned for the sometimes costly and lengthy approval process property owners face when considering any exterior changes to their buildings. In recent weeks, the purpose and process of the commission have come into question. Downtown restaurant Volt faced $500 per day fines for the removal of a goldleaf letter sign painted on the inside of the 228 N. Market St. building's transom window. Mayor Jeff Holtzinger stepped in, directing staff to downgrade enforcement of the commission's ruling, which he considered arbitrary. This week, the 20 candidates in the 2009 race for alderman respond to a question that asks whether the commission is an obstacle for downtown business growth. Shelley Aloi, R: "Though some HPC decisions have been highly controversial, multiple factors contribute to deterring commercial growth downtown. For example, we must cooperate to streamline current permitting and inspection processes. We need to clarify ambiguous language and eliminate subjective interpretation of guidelines; and it is imperative that we work together to remove costly delays that create economic hardship for citizens and businesses alike. Positive, goal-oriented dialog between the HPC, Planning and Zoning, the Mayor and Board of Alderman and citizens and business owners has the potential to make Frederick a business-friendly city where everyone benefits by doing the right thing. " Bill Ashton, R: "In some cases history will show that has occurred. However overall the HPC has done a fine job perserving the Historical District. But the present guidelines, attitude, and not being flexible, and the appeal process has been the problem with residents and businesses in the Historical District. For these reasons I am advocating, a change in guidelines, a change in staff, and HPC Board members. I believe this will address a lot of the concerns, expressed by citizens and business owners." Josh Bokee, D: "We want our historic downtown to be a thriving center of commerce and residential neighborhoods that is a desirable place where both homeowners and entrepreneurs want to invest their resources. Toward that end, we need to ensure that the HPC offers a customer friendly process for applicants that helps projects succeed within the standards that we set as a community. The Mayor/Board has an opportunity to utilize official workshops to start a constructive dialogue on the issues, bring all the stakeholders together to suggest revisions to the HPC process and then take action on practical solutions that work for our downtown." George Bauer, R: "Of course the Historic Preservation Commission makes it hard for commercial growth. That's their job. The problem is that they're making it too hard by not applying common sense to the rules they have in place. Letters on a window are not architecture and should not be regulated as such. Furthermore, shouldn’t the commission have a requirement that the people serving on the board actually live or own businesses within the historic district? How can one possibly serve on such a board when the rules don’t apply to them? We need to reexamine how the board is assembled.
" Robert Cassidy, R: "The HPC overall is a very good thing! There are times when a little more common sense should temper decisions. I think there have been times when the HPC has made it difficult/expensive for downtown business owners. " Joseph Cohen, R: "As you know, I have been vocal and watching the HDC/HPC since I came to Frederick over a decade ago, and have never liked the way they deal with people, even in public forums, such as television. But three members of that commission have resigned, and so now its the perfect time to reform that commission, as well as update some of the guidelines governing historic properties. People should be chosen carefully — just like one would choose a policeman or a probation officer. They should be fair, knowledgeable, and have common sense. I believe the guidelines should be flexible, sensitive to the present human circumstance, but yet still preserving... " Senitta Conyers, R: "We want to ensure the beauty and integrity of our city is not compromised and businesses choose Frederick for what we can offer them as well as what they can offer us. The HPC takes measures they believe are necessary to ensure Frederick does not lose its historic luster. This process is confusing and costly to businesses and home owners. There needs to be straightforward communication, so all parties understand the requirements to live and work downtown. The HPC should have a workbook to aid owners in following guidelines to preserve downtown charm while allowing flexibility and budget friendly options." John Daniels, D: "Difficult may be a better word. I have talked with professionals, developers, homeowners and downtown businesses. They all have stories about the expense and difficulty encountered during the approval process. Additionally, the perception seems to be that some Commission decisions are arbitrary. While some complaints can be expected, the significant dissatisfaction with the current system makes it clear to me that it is time for a thorough review of both the guidelines and the process. We need to find a balance that maintains the integrity of the historic district and supports economic development. " Amanda Haddaway, R: "Yes. The recent controversy regarding business signage shows that there is a need to review the existing historic preservation guidelines. Most citizens would agree that some guidelines need to be in place to protect the beauty of our downtown and its historic architecture. However, the guidelines should be revised and made easier to understand. The guidelines should have enough leniency that business owners can effectively advertise their businesses and the amount of the fines should be reviewed to determine whether it is even feasible for a small business owner to incur such a penalty and still remain in business." Chris Huckenpoehler, R: "I believe the Historic Preservation Commission sometimes creates difficulties for commercial - and residential growth. I’ve attended meetings and have also protested on occasion in front of the commission, and have sometimes found them to be difficult even for arbitrary reasons that don’t make common sense. The recent issues regarding Volt are only another great reason to review their composition, purpose and rule intentions. The commission simply needs to change: Aldermen, being elected and not appointed officials, should be increased on the board and turned into full voting members and appointed members should have only a 1 year term limit.
" Alan Imhoff, R: "Under current law, the historic preservation commission (HPC) is obligated to oversee the Historic District that includes both commercial businesses and private residences. Yes it would be easier for new businesses to open if there were no HPC, however HPC guidelines that are “reasonably” strict but not “irrational and economically impossible” continue to give the historic district the character that has brought visitors and customers to our downtown. This “character” of the downtown core makes the historic district a place where many businesses still prefer to locate." David Koontz, D: "While the HPC has, at times, proven difficult for a business owner to get a project completed, I don't believe that overall the HPC makes it unusally difficult for economic growth downtown. Many projects have occurred and many new ones are underway. One reason businesses enjoy success downtown is because the historic intergrity of our downtown was and is preserved. That doesn't mean that more can't be done, but the new guidelines that aren't yet approved assist with that." Andrew Kotkin, D: "The process for businesses to open downtown needs to be more streamlined and user friendly. While the HPC is required to follow guidelines for preservation of our Historic District as dictated by the Federal Government, it should be more proactive in working with newly established businesses so as to make the process more inviting.
People know we have a Historic District, but can be turned off by what they may see as too many restrictions. If there was a singular point of contact that could be available to them and help them through the process, I believe it would make the prospect of working downtown much more enjoyable." Carol Krimm, D: " The Historic District’s purpose is to safeguard the historical and cultural heritage of the city, stabilize and improve property values, and strengthen the local economy. To achieve this purpose, the Historic Preservation Commission should work with a property owner in the district, who may seek to alter their property, to formulate an economically feasible plan to complete the alteration. There is a delicate balance between the district’s purpose and the commission’s responsibilities but it is in downtown business’ interest and the city’s interest that we are successful in achieving that balance. " Donna Kuzemchak, D: "Historic Districts have their up sides and their down sides. I firmly believe our Historic District is exactly what has spurred Frederick to expand while other cities our size are drying up. Yes, there are rules and regulations. There are also tax credits and a vibrant downtown. I don't believe we would have one without the other." Michael O'Connor, D: " It certainly has made it harder for many, and when people perceive it is difficult to do business because of the HPC, we must address that. Energy efficiency is one such area. If a business, or resident for that matter, wants to invest in new windows for example, the guidelines should allow and encourage appropriate modern products. Doing business or living in the historic district should bring the ambiance of the past, not the conditions of it. Balance between the cost of improvements and the value of investment, equitably applied, is critical to ensure properties are developed and maintained." Kelly Russell, D: "We have a remarkable downtown that spotlights homes and businesses; where Frederick ’s rich past coexists with its changing present. This is the very reason people choose to visit, live, shop, and own businesses downtown. Without historic preservation efforts, this unique and desirable backdrop would not exist. Working through the process can be challenging, and sometimes difficult, but commercial viability and historic preservation are not mutually exclusive. Rather than place blame on the HPC, I support cultivating an active and inclusive partnership that is respectful of both business and preservation goals." John Shupe, R: "The HPC should not have businesses running from the downtown area. In fact, if they cared about the history of Frederick 's downtown area they would ... remember and know and care about the downtown shopping area of the past. They would want to see that come back. They would not be working to prevent it from becoming the family-friendly shopping area it once was." C. Paul Smith, R: "The Historic Preservation Commission can both help and hinder economic growth. It is the historic character of the Downtown that is key to the attractive character of the Downtown. However, we need to make some improvements in the laws that the HPC administers, and we need to help the HPC to administer them wisely so that HPC laws and guidelines do not become counter-productive. One of the helpful changes would be to change our guidelines so that the HPC does not regulate lettering on windows in the Downtown." Karen Young, D: "The Historic Preservation Commission has helped ensure that our rich historic heritage has been maintained. This has been a major contributing factor to our quality of life and our attractiveness to visitors. Downtown businesses have been assisted in achieving financial success because of our historical uniqueness.
Unfortunately, several residential and commercial endeavors have been frustrated by the decisions of the HPC. A perceived lack of objectivity and “reasonableness” has been a characteristic complaint of recent determinations. Timelines are often lengthy and the economic ramifications of demands are sometimes prohibitive. It is clear that some reform of the HPC is needed.
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