In April 2014, the City Commission appointed a research committee to research and discuss the request by residents to establish a historic preservation district on the west side of the City. The City Commission also commissioned LSL Planning to research the process involved in creating and maintaining a historic preservation district.
The committee, made up of three city commissioners and four EGR residents, was assisted by city staff and planning consultants from LSL Planning. The group met six times over the last six months to review the LSL report outlining the process, research state law and sample ordinances, interview officials from other historic preservation districts, and discuss the “pros” and “cons” of historic districts.
Following the research and discussion, the committee has issued two reports to be submitted to the City Commission. One report (signed by 5 of the 7 committee members) recommends proceeding with a formal study of the feasibility and desirability of a historic preservation district.
The second report (signed by 2 of the 7 committee members) recommends against proceeding with a formal study or setting up a historic preservation district.
The committee’s recommendations will be considered by the City Commission on Monday, November 17th at 6:00 pm. The meeting has been moved to the Performing Arts Center at the EGR High School (2211 Lake Drive) to allow a larger audience than can accommodated at the Community Center. At this meeting the City Commission will hear reports from the pre-study committee, accept public comment on the issue, and make a decision on whether or not to proceed.
Residents wishing to comment on this issue may speak at the November 17th public hearing or submit comments prior to the meeting in writing to City Clerk Karen Brower, 750 Lakeside Dr SE, EGR MI 49506 or kbrower@eastgr.org. Comments at the meeting may be limited to two minutes per person in the interest of time.
Download reports at http://www.eastgr.org/Archive.aspx?AMID=57&Type=&ADID=