Residents of Las Cruces can help guide the emerging historic preservation program for the City of Las Cruces! The City’s Community Development department is asking the public to review a draft historic preservation ordinance which, once adopted, will help protect and promote those buildings and sites in our community that tell our story.
The proposed ordinance is available on the city website at www.las-cruces.org/1738/Preserving-Our-History. Comments can be submitted by email to Troy M. Ainsworth, Ph.D., Historic Preservation Specialist at tainsworth@las-cruces.org before Monday, October 7. Three public input meetings have been scheduled at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, September 18, Thursday, September 26, and Tuesday, October 1. All three meetings will be held at City Hall, 700 North Main Street, conference room 2007 B and C.
“Through historical preservation, civic pride can be enhanced, sustainable neighborhoods can be created, under-utilized buildings can be rehabilitated, and property values can be stabilized and increased,” said Larry Nichols, Director of Community Development. “Having a historic preservation ordinance will help guide property owners who live in historic districts make the decisions that are best for them and their neighborhoods.”
The proposed historic preservation ordinance would create a Historic Preservation Commission that has oversight to review planned modifications to the exteriors of registered properties. By establishing a standard board and a review process, the proposed ordinance affirms the City of Las Cruces’ commitment to include historic preservation as a matter of public policy.
To read the draft ordinance, go to www.las-cruces.org under Hot Topics. For more information or to submit your input, please contact Troy Ainsworth at tainsworth@las-cruces.org or call 575/528-3022.