Council Acts to Preserve City’s Historic Buildings

The City Council has approved a ban on all new building permits for the next 45 days in the city’s historic district while officials draft an ordinance regulating such properties.

The ban, approved by a 4-1 vote late Tuesday, could be extended for up to nearly 11 months if more time is required, city officials said. Councilwoman Cristina Degrassi opposed the temporary ban.

In the meantime, the city plans to hire a preservation consultant to help draft an ordinance strictly regulating construction and demolition in the historic district and of landmark properties in the city.