City Council speeds up amendment process over concerns about HARC

Instead of dissolving HARC,City Council members approved a resolution to acceleratethecitys unified development code amendment process concerning amendments to development standards, rules and procedures that affect properties within the historic overlay district and/or propertieslisted on the historic resource survey. If approved by City Council, theamendments to theUDC could change how HARC operates.

City Council members had expressed concerns about HARC decision-making and scope of authorityduring its May 13 workshop. City Councilwoman Rachael Jonrowe said the councils main concernarose after a debate in Marchabout the status of the Friendly Will Baptist Church.

GeorgetownsHARC had voted to deny a request to demolish the church building, which the congregation said was structurallyunsafe. City Council overruled the decision to allow the demolition.

The process to amend the UDC typically takes two years; however, with the resolution, the process is expected to be completed in about eight months, City Attorney Bridget Chapman said.

Throughout the amendment process, the city will seek inputfrom the public and stakeholders, including downtown business owners, Main Street Advisory board members, the UDC advisory board and members of the Historical and Architectural Review Commission.

I think its time to get the process going, City Councilman Steve Fought said. It needs to proceed in a timely manner, it needs to proceed openly, and it needs to proceed.