Historic preservation plan adoption postponed

By Grace Lovins

The Birmingham city commission voted during the Monday, January 12, meeting to postpone the adoption of the city’s first-ever Historic Preservation Master Plan, opting instead to send the document back for additional edits following discussions about language, scope and implementation.

Planning director Nick Dupuis explained that the plan, which has been in development since 2023, represents the city’s first comprehensive, long-range strategy for protecting and promoting its historic assets. He described it as a “niche area of Birmingham planning” and emphasized that the plan is intended to be proactive rather than reactive.

Dupuis said that the plan provides 31 recommendations in the action plan section, categorized as “getting back to the basics,” embracing proactivity and informing and engaging. The “back to the basics” section addresses things like enforcement of maintenance requirements for historic buildings, whereas the other two sections address bolstering support and engagement with historic preservation in the city.

City commissioners Kevin Kozlowski and Therese Longe shared concerns they noted during a review of the plan during a workshop session about language in the plan being a bit too broad as well as the inclusion of a demolition delay ordinance.

Dupuis explained that the demolition delay ordinance was intended to be considered as another tool to address the concerns of the public when it comes to historic preservation. He said that, related to the other concerns raised by Longe and Kozlowski, he and his staff would be happy to look at adjusting certain language to make the commission more comfortable.

No formal action was taken on the plan during the meeting, but Dupuis noted he will be addressing the recommended changes before the commission sees the document again.

Commissioner Anthony Long was absent from the meeting.