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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/01/1999 - Report - Historic Preservation Committee.. . . . . .. Historic Preservation Committee 1999�2000 Highlights Prof ects ,for 1999 and 2000 Highlights 1. Historic Neighborhood Lighting Project -This is an ongoing project to place period lighting in the older historic neighborhoods. These lights have several positive aspects. First they increase the period flavor of the older neighborhoods and second they provide additional lighting security. Many of the older neighborhoods have large trees with full canopies. The overhead street lights are filtered by the tree canopy causing dark spots. The lower period lighting is better for sidewalk and pathway lights. Local response by residents has been very positive. 2. Delineation of older neighborhoods -In cooperation with the city GIS folks the HPC delineated the boundaries and created maps of the older neighborhoods in College Station. These neighborhood areas were created by identifying and plotting all dwellings built prior to 1950. The HPC plans to forward these maps to Planning and Zoning and the Council in the next month. 3. Book on the history of College Station - A book tentatively titled "The Ridge Between Two Rivers" is being written by noted author Jeff Carroll. The book is a compilation of anecdotal stories regarding the settlement of College Station area and the beginning of the city. Over ten chapters have been completed and the book is scheduled for completion in the fall. 4. Bonfire Memorial -One avenue explored to continue the neighborhood period lighting project is use of these streetlights for memorialization and recognition. This would be accomplished by placing a small bronze plaque at the base of the streetlight to honor the person being memorialized. The lighting project plans place 12 lights in Brison Park. The committee proposed and is planning on using those lights as the first of the memorialization oroiects bv usina those liahts to remember the twelve Aaaies killed in Bonfire. The plaques will have the student's name, class year, and hometown identified. A site marker explaining the significance will also be located near the lights. The proximity of the park to the school and the former Bonfire site as well as its use by students make it a fitting location. This project is expected to completed for a late fall dedication. 5. Historic Zoning and District Ordinances -The HPC made a concerted effort this past year to gather information and become informed about the nuances of Historic Districts and Ordinances and Heritage Development. Information was compiled from documents from the Texas Historic Commission and copies of a number of ordinances enacted by several Texas Cities were reviewed and evaluated. These cities include: Bryan, Lockhart, and Granbury. New and Future Proiects j 1. Neighborhood Recognition Program -A proposal to develop a program to recognize citizens who make the extra effort to improve a residence in the older neighborhoods is one of the projects being considered for the fall. This program would be along the lines of the "Brazos Beautiful" selections only it would recognize the efforts to make improvements in the older neighborhoods within the context of the neighborhood. The idea is to give people who are doing the right thing in regards to Historic Preservation a "pat on the back." Honorees would receive a certificate and public acknowledgment of their efforts. 2. Education Hall of Honor -This proposed project is being considered for this fall. The project would recognize College Station educators in a Hall of Fame type of setting. The exact location and type of recognition has not been determined as of this date.