New Code

BN-07

Observation

A Historic Preservation Ordinance is being considered for Beauregard Town.

Discussion

It is not easy to offer recommendations on the proposed ordinance written by the Beauregard Town Historic District and Landmark Commission as it is a document that has not been presented to the property owners nor to the Metro Council. However, it is worth stressing that such an ordinance may be the best hope to maintain its historic character, since Beauregard Town is lacking in other mechanisms to do so. If this ordinance is to be effective, the process of approval must be simple and brief; it should not add more than two weeks of time to a building that meets its requirements. Also, the requirements must be reasonable and not precious, such that those who wish to use historic buildings in novel ways, or construct new build-ings of unique character, do not find their paths blocked (this would be contrary to those counter productive historic preser-vation ordinances that grew out of the Charter of Venice. The discredited modernist mandate to force all new construction to manifest its contemporary nature is destructive to historic cities.) New buildings and additions to older buildings must be allowed — and indeed encouraged — to blend in seamlessly with the traditional fabric.

Recommendation

Ascertain that Beauregard Town has a suc-cinct effective and efficient Historic Preservation Ordinance. The new code may render it unnecessary.

Responsibility

Downtown Development District and Plan Baton Rouge

Project Status

Spanish Town Civic Association has reviewed the Code Section and has made suggestions for parking requirements. Beauregard Town held a review session on September 8, 1999 and approved Plan Baton Rouge's code revisions.

Implementation

Explanation of Terms

Product

Code Provision

Responsibility

DDD & PBR

Implementing Agent

Feasibility Analysis

Initial Financing

None required

Project Financing

CPF

Timing