Grapevine residents last week urged the City Council to consider designating Nash Farm as an historic landmark.

Neighbors of the farmstead have organized a petition seeking to landmark the farm, which would require the approval of a zoning change from council members. Organizers circulated a petition during a March 29 public input meeting seeking comment from residents on proposed changes to the farm.

The Nash Farm Committee and the Grapevine Heritage Foundation are considering development plans for Nash Farm. Plans include installing perimeter fencing, adding heritage breed animals and moving two historic buildings, Estill Cottage and the Soil Conservation Service Office, to the property.

Tami Bannister, who lives on Ball Street, told the council Nash Farm's designation under the National Register of Historic Places is only an accolade.

"Why is this beloved asset not landmarked for historic preservation?" she said. "Landmarking this property is the single most important thing that we can do to protect this farm."

Any proposed construction, demolition or exterior building changes made to a landmarked property would require a review from the city's Historic Preservation Commission. The commission will consider the changes and make a recommendation to the city's Planning and Zoning Commission, which will then make a recommendation to the City Council.

Areas of the city's Main Street and College Street are designated as historic districts and include individual landmarked properties, while Nash Farm is zoned as part of the Grapevine Vintage District, according to the city's Planning and Zoning Commission.

"This zoning is completely inappropriate," Bannister said. "Other properties in Grapevine that are zoned [Grapevine Vintage] include Homestead Winery, La Buena Vida Winery, Cross Timbers Winery and Delaney Vineyards. While the wine industry has certainly been our friend in terms of tourism and income to our community, it has no place at Nash Farm."

City Councilwoman Darlene Freed said the proposal to landmark is worth considering since Nash Farm is located in a residential neighborhood.

"I think we should listen to the input of citizens and the Heritage Foundation," she said. "I think landmarking the property is something worthwhile to look into. It creates another level of preservation to protect the property. I would like to hear if there are any downsides of doing that, if there are any negatives, to have the full picture."

The Grapevine Heritage Foundation and Nash Farm Committee have scheduled a meeting for April 18 to discuss plans for Nash Farm. They plan to make a recommendation to the City Council.