Historic Preservation Commission

NEWPORT HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION February 28, 2024 5:00 p.m. Regular Meeting Minutes CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL A regular meeting was called to order by NHPC Chair Nick Miller on February 28, 2024, at 5:03 pm in the Multipurpose Room of the Newport Municipal Building at 998 Monmouth Street. Commission members present were Ken Clift, Mary Beth Crocker, Scott Fleckinger, Mike Kolb, Mark Ramler, and Nick Miller. Commissioner Michael Haas was absent. John Hayden, Assistant City Manager; Brian Steffen, Planning and Development Director; Scott Clark, Historic Preservation Officer; and Jennifer Williams, Historic Preservation Assistant, were present. The meeting was held in person in conjunction with a live stream on Newport’s YouTube page. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Crocker moved to approve the minutes from the January 24, 2024 meeting, seconded by Commissioner Ramler. Motion passed unanimously. PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS 1. Adoption of the Newport Historic Design Review Guidelines (HP 2400161) Requested By: City of Newport Comments:  Assistant City Manager John Hayden discussed points of order for the proceedings, including the right to cross examination of witnesses.  Planning and Development Director Brian Steffen reviewed changes to the Guidelines. He also discussed comments received from the public in earlier meetings and public input.  Public Comments on both the Guidelines and the Buena Vista Local Historic District were accepted at this time. o Beth Johnson spoke in favor of the Guidelines and the District. She discussed the benefits of a local historic district. o Kate McElwain spoke in favor of the district. She discussed her experience advocating for the national district and the benefits of local designation. o Miriam Hutton asked who had decided to pursue the district and spoke against the Buena Vista district. She had concerns about gentrification and government overreach. 1|Page  o Steven Megerle spoke against the Buena Vista district. He had concerns about the size and boundaries of the district, which properties were included and excluded, and staffing. o Duane Cronin spoke in favor of the district. He discussed his experiences developing historic properties in the area and concerns about demolition by neglect and affordable housing. o Antonio Hutton spoke against the district. He expressed concerns about homeowners being fined for violations and losing their homes. He doesn’t want to be told what to do with his home. o Scott Steinbeck spoke against the district, saying that he doesn’t want anyone to tell him what to do with his building. o Ed Davis spoke in favor of the district. He discussed his positive experiences with the York Street Local Historic District. He had not seen anyone lose their home due to the district. o Mitch Harris asked about the different purposes and boundaries of the national and local districts. o Darlene Reynolds spoke against the district, citing concerns about government overreach. o Pam Claypool asked staff about code enforcement versus historic preservation. Mr. Steffen explained that they are different, noting that Daylin Garland is not issuing fines for historic preservation violations. There is a court option for extreme cases. Ms. Claypool asked about building permits vs. COAs; Mr. Steffen explained the difference. o A discussion between Mr. Megerle, Mr. Cronin, Mr. and Ms. Hutton, and Mr. Clark ensued about tax credits. After public comment, the Commission took a recess from 7:15pm to 7:20pm. Members present were Commissioners Clift, Crocker, Fleckinger, Kolb, Ramler, and Miller. Motion by Chair Miller, seconded by Commissioner Kolb: “Based on the testimony received tonight, including the clarification of reformatting changes that add additional clarification to the Guidelines, including the coding of how the Guidelines apply to specific districts in the City, that the Commission recommend adoption of the Newport Historic Design Review Guidelines as presented.” Roll Call: Commissioner Clift Yes Commissioner Crocker Yes Commissioner Fleckinger Yes 2|Page  Commissioner Haas Not Present Commissioner Kolb Yes Commissioner Ramler Yes Chair Miller: Yes 2. Designation of the Buena Vista Local Historic District Overlay (HP 2400163) Requested By: City of Newport A motion by Chair Miller, seconded by Commissioner Fleckinger: “Based on the testimony and findings of fact, we approve the Buena Vista Historic District Overlay for the following reasons: it’s compatible with and supports the Newport 2020 master plan update, the proposed district encompasses a neighborhood that reflects the unique architectural and development history of that area, it is distinctive and worthy of historic designation, this includes two architectural styles that are unique to Campbell and Kenton counties, and the designation supports the rejuvenation and revitalization of the overlay area and the designation provides protections to help safeguard the historical assets in the neighborhood.” Roll Call: Commissioner Clift Yes Commissioner Crocker Yes Commissioner Fleckinger Yes Commissioner Haas Not Present Commissioner Kolb Yes Commissioner Ramler Yes Chair Miller: Yes OTHER BUSINESS Mr. Hayden discussed the potential timeline for action on the Buena Vista Local Historic District. NEXT MEETING TBD ADJOURNMENT Chair Miller moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Commissioner Clift. Motion passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 p.m. 3|Page _____________________________ ____________ Nick Miller, Chair Date _____________________________ ____________ Jennifer Williams, Acting Historic Preservation Officer Date 4|Page