Demolition delay ordinance could help protect historic structures

By G. Michael Dobbs

news@thereminder.com

SPRINGFIELD With the recent demolition of the Allis Mansion on the campus of Mercy Medical Center, Robert McCarroll, member of the Historical Commission, believes that a demolition delay ordinance will be a way to forestall the destruction of other historical buildings.

McCarroll explained to Reminder Publications that unless a building is located in a local historical district, it doesn't have much protection from being demolished without some sort of review or consideration,

"Only a local historic designation gives really strong protection," he said. Buildings that have been named to a National Register Historic District are not afforded the same level of protection.

The ordinance is now at the City Council and McCarroll is hopeful action to make it law will take place. If enacted, the ordinance would protect a building for one year.

He added the Historic Commission has been working on the ordinance "for a while," and that 100 communities in the Commonwealth have similar laws.

If such an ordinance had been in place, the demolition of the Allis Mansion would have been delayed, giving more time to find potential developers.

Although McCarroll said he believes the administration of Mercy medical Center made "a good faith effort, the time line was very tight." A developer would have to have been prepared to undertake an estimated $3 million renovation of the building.

He called the demolition of the mansion "a major, major loss."

Follow this link:
Demolition delay ordinance could help protect historic structures