Rochester City Council Reviews Preservation Ordinance Proposal
Rochester, MN (KROC AM News) - The Rochester City Council Monday discussed a proposed Heritage Preservation Ordinance that could be ready for a public hearing and vote in the near future.
The proposal was adopted by the city’s Heritage Preservation Commission and seeks to “preserve the heritage of the city while balancing the rights of property owners.”
The ordinance would define properties that are considered “ essential to the history of the city.” The list of Landmark properties would be protected from major changes and/or demolition under the ordinance. They would be added to what is being called the Landmark Property list. Sites that may added to the list in future years will also be considered. They would be included on the Potential Landmark Properties list.
The proposal will now be reviewed and fine-tuned by City Attorney Terry Adkins and staff. Adkins will present a formal draft ordinance to the Council at a future meeting.
The Rochester Conservancy Group and others have offered some changes to the proposed ordinance. The council will likely address those during its upcoming discussion of the final draft. The council will also discuss whether to include financial incentives as part of the preservation program.