Changes to the Historic Ordinance , Houston

Lee Girard asked me to pass along this information.

We have about a week to effect the city council vote on the proposed new Historic Ordinance. We are planning an organizational meeting for our supporters and would like for you to attend and bring your concerned neighbors.

Time: Thursday, October 30, 6:30 PM

Place: Better Homes and Gardens, Anderson Properties, 741 E 11th Street

It is likely that we are going to have to collect a large number of petition signatures in a short amount of time, so it is key that we are organized.
As you may know, the city, specifically Ms. Lovell, promised the Heights a re-vote. They are reneging on that promise and now mandating that we get 25% of homeowners in each district to sign a petition indicating they want a re-vote. Further, this has to be accomplished in 15 days! The city has also indicated that they will not give us that required form ahead of time, so we will really only have 15 days. This will be a challenge in larger districts. Of course, that is the intent. There are a number of city council members who agree that this is unfair. Those Council Members are putting pressure on Ms. Lovell to make some changes. We need to keep this in front of them and at the top of their Agenda. Outraged constituents also give political cover to the Council people who are supporting our cause.

It is URGENT at this point that we make our voices heard to City Council.

We have five major points that we are fighting for:
.
1. Every existing Historic District be resurveyed with 67% of owners and land area for approval to become a protected historic district

2. New districts will be created with 67% of owners and land area for approval to become a protected historic district

3. That all design guidelines must be developed for each neighborhood and presented to the neighborhoods before the vote takes place

4. That there be a mechanism/process for all Protected Districts to pursue withdrawal as a Historic District after the first year of designation is complete

5. That when a district completes the process for withdrawal from protected status it goes directly to council for reconsideration not a non-elected official or Commission

We need to have as many people driving these points home to council as is possible! Please email and call council and the Mayor. Go to our web site for contact information - ResponsibleHistoricPreservation.org.

What else can you do?
Plan to speak at City Council on Tuesday, October 5 at 2:00. You will need to call the city secretary at 832-393-1100 to make your appointment to speak. You can call the day before or by 11:00 the day of the meeting to reserve your spot. We are planning to have a lot of people speaking, so you will probably only be able to get a one-minute spot to speak. That makes it easy. Our main point is a resurvey for all districts is the only fair way to handle this. If you want to get up and say one sentence, that’s it. It has been made very clear to us that the number of people speaking at council sways the vote. I know the time is inconvenient and we all have jobs. It is really quite important to look Council in the eye and tell them you care about about your property rights.

Mary Wassef
Realtor, ABR, CLHMS
Keller Williams Realty- The Heights