The Washington City Council met in special session Tuesday. Photo by Sally Y. Hart

City staff is working to collect historic preservation ordinances from other towns for the Washington City Council to review before considering a demolition review or local landmark designation. Mary Patterson with the Historic Preservation Commission spoke at the recent city council meeting. She explained they’re responsible for fostering pride, safeguarding historic sites, protecting and enhancing the city’s attractions and promoting the use of historic sites or districts. Patterson said where they’re lacking is the ability to protect, hence the desire for a demolition review. She added the commission wants to educate area property owners about available tax credits to rehabilitate historic properties and how the commission can help.

The council discussed taking a similar path with demolition review and local landmark designations as they did with rental inspections. Staff is gathering information from other cities, then local input from community members will be requested and a committee may be formed to discuss any potential ordinances.