Bills threaten local historic districts in Michigan
Source: Detroit Free Press
A collective shudder ran through Michigan’s historic preservation community these past couple of weeks as details emerged about proposed legislation that could all but wipe out local historic districts in the state.
From Detroit’s Indian Village to Grand Rapids' Heritage Hill neighborhood, preservationists are crying foul.
The twin legislation, HB 5232 and SB 720, would sunset, or end, any historic districts in the state after 10 years, forcing residents and preservationists to apply anew every decade. Renewing a district’s standing would become much more difficult under the legislation; it would require not only a two-thirds approval of property owners in the district but a majority vote of the entire city in the next general election. Other restrictions would apply as well.
For believers in preserving such treasured neighborhoods as Indian Village, Corktown, Lafayette Park and Palmer Woods, the presence of a local historic district has provided a bulwark against changes that would destroy the character of the area. . .
Read more: http://www.freep.com/story/money/business/michigan/2016/02/06/preservation-historic-architecture-detroit-michigan-afendoulis/79775034/
Get ready, folks. This is coming to your state, too. What do you want to bet that ALEC (American Legislative Exchange Council) has a hand in this legislation? No doubt the sponsor is well compensated, as well.
The GOP's next goal: Chew up our history for their Koch-like profits. Fits well with what is happening in Oregon, doesn't it? They are coming for our lands, and our history, now. Keep a sharp eye on this.
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