Public hearing on proposed expansion set for Wednesday

The boundaries of the historic Monteith District in Albany would be expanded under a proposal coming up for public hearings.

The Oregon State Historic Preservation Office in Salem has announced it has accepted the expansion.

The expanded district includes an additional 78 historic properties along the existing district's southwest border.

The original district was formed in February 1980 and included 418 buildings.

The current boundaries are roughly 12th Avenue, Calapooia Street, Maple Street, Elm Street, Third Avenue, Ferry Street, Fifth Avenue, Broadalbin Street, Lyon Street and Ninth Avenue.

To amend the development code and to give those in the expanded area a chance to comment and ask questions, the Landmarks Advisory Commission will hold a public hearing starting at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday in the municipal court chambers at City Hall.

The City Council will hold its hearing Wednesday, Dec. 17. That meeting starts at 7:15 p.m. in the council chambers.

When the district's boundaries were set, for some unknown reason a number of historic structures in a several-block area were excluded, according to Anne Catlin, a city planner.

In 2005, a consultant surveyed the city's four National Register Historic Districts - Monteith, Hackleman, Downtown and Airport - to determine whether there were potential nominations for listings on the register either individually, by expanding existing boundaries or by creating new districts.

The consultant concluded that there may be a few small areas eligible for listing as a new district and as expansions to existing districts, Catlin said. One recommendation is the expansion to the Monteith boundaries.

State law requires that at least 50 percent of property owners within a proposed district consent to the designation.

There are benefits and responsibilities to being part of a historic district.

City review is required for new construction, demolitions and exterior alterations that change the appearance or character of the structure, Catlin said.

The review process helps preserve structures and protects the integrity of buildings and the district overall.

Properties included in the National Register are eligible for the state's tax freeze program. This 15-year freeze on the property's value allows an owner to make improvements without paying additional taxes on the property's increased value.