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.
Public
input meetings have been scheduled at 6 p.m. on Thursday, September 26, and on
Tuesday, October 1. All meetings will be held at City Hall, 700 North Main
Street, conference room 2007 B and C. A previous meeting was held on Wednesday,
September 18.
The
proposed ordinance is available on the city website at www.las-cruces.org. Comments can be
submitted by email to Troy M. Ainsworth, Ph.D., Historic Preservation
Specialist at tainsworth@las-cruces.org before Monday, October 7.
“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 an 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 an 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.