LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Metro Council members voted 18-7 Thursday to override Mayor Greg Fischer's veto of a controversial ordinance that would give council oversight over Landmarks Commission decisions.
Both sides had argued over the ordinance for several weeks, and Fischer vetoed the ordinance last week. It would allow metro council members to reverse decisions of the city Landmarks Commission by a majority vote. Many of those decisions weigh historic preservation considerations against plans to remodel, rebuild or demolish buildings.
Preservationists had argued the ordinance interfered with a separation between the mayor's office and the council.
Supporters of the ordinance believed some commission decisions were heavy-handed and did not take into account cost or other practical issues for property owners and developers.
"I believe we have made a good ordinance stronger. We will continue to work with the Mayor and all groups to move our city forward while preserving our heritage," said council member David Yates, (D) District 25, a co-sponsor of the ordinance, in a news release.
"...this ordinance doesn't eliminate our Landmarks Commission or ordinance, it simply gives the council the ability to review landmark designations and support the public's best interest," said council member Kelly Downard, (R) District 16, another co-sponsor.
Opponents included several council members who represent older neighborhoods in the former Louisville city limits.
"The Metro Council has laid a wet blanket over a vital 40-year history of saving our architectural heritage," said council member Tina Ward-Pugh, (D), District 9.
Several community members were in attendance hoping the metro council would uphold the Mayor's veto. Local Historian Steve Wiser was very disappointed in the outcome. Wise says, "For the council to diminish historic properties in this manner, I don't think bodes well in the future. It will impact how historic properties are addressed in the future, it will diminish the quality of life here in Louisville."
Mayor Fischer responded in a statement emailed minutes after the vote.
"I'm disappointed in the council's action, but now is the time to move forward and work together — Landmarks Commission, council, and my administration — to implement the new law in such a way that will continue to preserve our rich history," Fischer said.
Metro Council supporters explained the ordinance with these bullet points:
- Gives the option for a voluntary pre-application meeting of all interested parties, owners and the Landmarks Commission.
- Requires that 101 of the 200 petitioners live or own property within a combination of a one mile radius and within the council district where the property is located.
- Requires that more residents surrounding a proposed property have to be notified.
- Extends the time before a public meeting has to be held so that the Landmarks Commission has the time to do its work.
- Allows the Metro Council the ability to bring up the issue after the Landmarks Commission has acted but only if a majority of the council votes to do so.
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