Planning panel wants heritage commission

The primary concern is making the program mandatory.
By TIM YOVICH
Vindicator Trumbull Staff
CORTLAND -- The planning, zoning and building commission is recommending to city council that lawmakers create a commission to oversee the community's heritage.
The five-member planning commission voted 3-2 to recommend approval Thursday night, after a two-hour public hearing.
Commission members Scott Rowley, Charles Peck and William Sasse voted for the measure and Scott Daffron and Kathleen Futey dissented.
The primary concern centered on a requirement that the owners of historical properties be required to participate in the program. Daffron and Futey expressed concerns about the mandatory aspect of the proposal.
City council will hold public hearings and take the legislation through three readings before deciding if it will create the five-member Cortland Landmark Commission.
Youngstown State University's Department of Urban Studies has identified 65 buildings that may be of historical value.
The Cortland Historic District Architectural Subcommittee, a volunteer group, has been working for about two years to make the recommendation to the planning commission.
Purpose and duties
The purpose of the landmark commission is to safeguard the city's heritage, stabilize and improve property values, enhance the city's aesthetic character and foster civic pride.
The landmark commission would work with the owners of properties with historic value to maintain historic character. For example, if an owner wants to replace a slate roof but can't afford it, the commission may recommend that shingles that have a slatelike appearance be used.
Several residents at the public hearing expressed their support for the program, saying it's best for the community.
Councilwoman Deidre Petrosky, a committee member, said the landmark commission decides on which properties will be designed "landmark properties." Questions were raised, however, as to what happens if an owner doesn't want the landmark designation.
Law Director Patrick Wilson explained that if an owner doesn't want to participate, he or she must go before the landmark commission, which will hold a public hearing. The landmark commission will let the planning commission know of its decision, which will make a recommendation to council.
If the owner disagrees with council's decision, the owner can appeal to Trumbull County Common Pleas Court.
"It's not voluntary," Wilson emphasized.
"You're going to need something to force people to do it a little bit," Sasse said.
Petrosky pointed out there is a procedure so property owners can opt out of the designation.
Councilman James Woofter noted that it's not "an easy process" to opt out, and it may cost the property owner legal fees to do so.
Petrosky noted that just because YSU listed a property in its survey doesn't mean it will be a landmark property.
yovich@vindy.com