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Plan Commission puts Mexican War Streets expansion on hold
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The city Planning Commission tabled a vote today on a proposed expansion of the Mexican War Streets historic district after members heard testimony from about 20 people, some of whom said they did not know about the community participation process.
Several commission members said they wanted more time to digest the testimony and the proposal documents. The vote could come at the next meeting of the commission on Feb. 5.
Representatives of the Central Northside Neigborhood Council said they did extensive outreach to get community feedback on the expansion and held numerous community meetings.
The opposition came from people who live in the area that would be newly affected and most of those in favor live within the current boundaries.
In December, the Historic Review Commission approved an expansion of the historic boundaries to reflect those designated by the National Park Service in 2008.
The change would more than double the roughly nine square blocks designated by the city in 1972 -- North Avenue, Sherman Avenue, Sampsonia Way and Drovers Way. With its approval, the commission also is recommending that the planning commission consider a smaller footprint on the eastern and northeastern quadrants. About 20 percent of the proposed district is vacant lots or hillside.
The expanded district lines would stretch north to the hillside just below O'Hern Street before heading south to include parts of Armandale, Alpine and Carrington streets. The boundary could stretch as far as Reddour Street on the east.
The matter ultimately is decided by city council.
First Published January 22, 2013 5:46 pm
