Proponents of a new historic district in the City of Mansfield are finding themselves in the midst of intense public discussion and debate.

The proposal calls for the establishment of a historic overlay district in the Woodland area of Mansfield, an area of large brick and frame houses initially laid out in the 1920s. The neighborhood contains the “House of Tomorrow,” a prototype house built and furnished by the Westinghouse Company with a full range of then-modern 1930s appliances. Mansfield already has three residential historic districts, as well as the very new Central Park Historic District in the middle of downtown.

Opponents of the measure, as covered in this story in the Mansfield News Journal, have cited traditional objections to preservation ordinances, including a fear of intrusive restrictions and the belief that private property should not be regulated. In response, district proponents have launched a website in support of the proposed ordinance, including documentation of increased property values in existing districts (with a very interesting and insightful map), a complete list of current districts and guidelines, and a list of frequently asked questions (and answers).

The matter remains under active consideration by the City of Mansfield Historic Preservation Commission.

Photo Credit: Reed's Building, Central Park Historic District, Mansfield/Preservation Ohio File Photo