Recent stories in the Columbus Dispatch and This Week Newspapers have relayed the news that Columbus City Council is set to consider later in July the enactment of legislation which would allow creation of “Conservation Districts” in Ohio’s capital city. This past November, MyHometownOhio featured a story which looked at the Columbus proposal, which would introduce a concept to Ohio which has worked in metro areas nationwide, including in Atlanta and Boston.
The interim period has seen the issue of teardowns and construction of “McMansions” become a regular discussion topic in central Ohio. In January, the Dispatch’s Alan Miller penned an essay entitled “Teardowns threaten America,” and in June, the Board of Zoning and Planning in Upper Arlington, a community entirely surrounded by the City of Columbus, allowed the demolition of a historic house over neighborhood objection. The Columbus Landmarks Foundation website indicates their support for the proposed concept.
In a July 16 story entitled “Proposal aims to protect “neighborhood character”: Owners’ rights at risk, Realtors argue,” the Dispatch shares views from both proponents and opponents of the conservation district concept. Then, in its July 19 article called “Neighborhood Conservation Districts: Area leaders give plan mixed reviews,” This Week Newspapers' focus is on the reaction of a handful of civic leaders.
The primary mantra of opponents to the legislation centers on the proverbial bane of historic preservation and design review advocates – the notion that individual owners are invested with property rights that should trump all considerations of community betterment. As is pointed out by proponents, however, other property rights – including the ability to enjoy protection for substantial investment in one’s house or commercial building – are just as harmed with unfettered development.
A look at the legislation itself is here; we will report back on the vote after it is taken later this month.
Photo: Street, Columbus - AmyMo/Creative Commons License