 |
 |
Preservation workshop helps to educate local property owners
Wednesday, June 13, 2007 12:24 AM EDT
The workshop featured a number of resources for property owners in those historic districts all in one location easily accessible, and Fryman said when he heard it was to be held, he decided it might be beneficial.
After sitting through the two-hour session which included information on everything from local planning, zoning and codes to tax credits, Fryman said the trip from Lexington was worth it.
"I thought it was a nice program," he said.
Of most interest to Fryman was the section of the program detailing particular deterioration of the historic buildings, and what methods property owners should use in their efforts to address the problems. He also said the section on tax credits -- both federal and state -- were interesting.
Maysville Zoning Administrator Matt Wallingford said he was pleased with the turnout of the crowd at the workshop, and said the target audience -- those who owned property in the historic district -- had been reached.
In his opening remarks, Wallingford emphasized the need for pre-approval before property owners began on work. By going first to city hall with questions, Wallingford said property owners will know what they need to do and where to go in their effort to renovate historic property.
Local archaeologist Orloff Miller discussed the styles of architecture in the area, and John Ortherber from the Louisville Metro Department of Inspection, Permits & Licensing shared some of the "compliance alternatives" when renovating existing structures.
For example, Ortherber said in historic buildings with stairwells, a property owner may have difficulty in making the building compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. He said there is a "little give and take" that can be involved with renovating the structures.
Speaking on design and the Secretary of Interior Standards, Mark Dennen, staff architect for the Kentucky Heritage Council, shared some of the better alternatives for addressing deterioration. From masonry cleaning to repairing or replacing windows, Dennen consistently emphasized the need to maintain the historic integrity of the building.
According to Duff Giffen, tourism director for Maysville, the goal of the city is to keep the downtown area vital. In doing so, Giffen said the city wanted people to live in the historic downtown area. However, education is an important part of attracting people to the downtown area, Giffen said.
"As you can see, we've got a wealth of knowledge here," Giffen said.
Contact Misty Maynard at misty.maynard@lee.net or 606-564-9091, ext. 274.
Copyright © 2008 Maysville Newspapers, Inc., A Lee Enterprises Publication This site is protected by applicable copyright laws and no part may be reproduced, transmitted or used in any way other than its intended purpose without the prior written permission of The Ledger Independent. Click here to view The Ledger Independent's privacy policy. Click here to view current print advertisements. |