§ 170-3. Recognition of historically significant properties.

A. 

In order to enhance civic pride in New Rochelle's unique past, the City Council may from time to time recognize certain structures and sites as having historical significance. In considering this recognition, the following definition shall be followed:

HISTORICALLY SIGNIFICANT PROPERTY

A building, structure or parcel of land that lacks architectural significance but possesses one or more of the following characteristics:

(1) 

Association with persons or events of historic significance to the City, region, state or nation.

(2) 

Illustrative of historic growth and development of the City, region, state or nation.

B. 

Submittal requirements. Any request to recognize a historically significant property shall be submitted in writing and shall include the following;

(1) 

A concise statement of how the structure or site meets the review criteria in Subsection A.

(2) 

A description of the physical elements of the structure or site, to indicate how the structure or site lacks the architectural significance necessary for designation as a landmark.

(3) 

A current exterior photograph of the structure (and a photograph of the original structure, if available) and a site map to show its location.

C. 

Procedure.

[Amended 1-18-2005 by Ord. No. 17-2005]

(1) 

Within 62 days from the date that its staff has verified that all the requested information in § 170-3B(1) through (3) has been submitted and is accurate, the Historical and Landmark Review Board shall declare the request for recognition complete and shall set a public hearing to hear public comment on the request. The notice of public hearing shall include the time and place of the public hearing and a map clearly showing the location of the proposed historically significant property. The notice of public hearing shall be published once in the official newspaper of the City not less than 10 days preceding the scheduled date of public hearing. In addition, copies of the notice of public hearing shall be mailed by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the owner of the real property on which such proposed historically significant property is located, as shown on the current records of the City Assessor, and by regular mail to the president(s) of any civic, homeowners, and similar organizations operating within the area delineating such proposed historically significant property, as shown on the current records of the City Manager.

(2) 

The Historical and Landmark Review Board shall, within 62 days after the close of the public hearing, make a recommendation to the City Council regarding recognition of the proposed historically significant property. The recommendation shall include a statement of how the proposed historically significant property complies with or fails to comply with the applicable qualification criteria set forth in Subsection A of this section. The Historical and Landmark Review Board shall forward the request for recognition together with its recommendation to the City Council. If the recommendation is negative, the request shall be deemed denied.

(3) 

If the Historical and Landmark Review Board makes a positive recommendation regarding recognition of the proposed historically significant property, the City Council shall set a public hearing to hear public comment on the request to recognize the proposed historically significant property and shall refer the matter to the Planning Board for its recommendation as to the proposed historically significant property's compatibility with the City's Comprehensive Plan, Local Waterfront Revitalization Program if applicable, relevant Urban Renewal Plan if any, and/or other relevant City-adopted plans. The notice of the City Council public hearing shall be published in the same manner as the notice of public hearing before the Historical and Landmark Review Board. In addition, a copy of the notice of public hearing and recommendation of the Historical and Landmark Review Board shall be mailed, by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the owner of real property on which such proposed historically significant property is located, as shown on the current records of the City Assessor, together with a written request that such owner respond in writing, on form provided, to the City Council to express his or her view regarding recognition of the proposed historically significant property.

(4) 

The City Council shall make its determination on whether to recognize the proposed historically significant property within 45 days of the close of its public hearing regarding the matter.

D. 

No design criteria review or certificate of appropriateness. Properties determined to have historical significance as set forth in this section shall not be subject to any design criteria review and shall not require the issuance of a certificate of appropriateness for any proposed changes or modifications to facades, additions, new constructions or any new improvements.

[Amended 1-18-2005 by Ord. No. 17-2005]

Added 3-24-1987 by Ord. No. 69-1987