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Commissioner Olson asked Ms. Garbarino if she thinks it is reasonable to distinguish <br />between old historic homes and old homes, noting that that he does not think it is <br />reasonable to tell people they cannot tear down a house after expert opinion has <br />indicated that the house has no historic value. <br /> <br />Ms. Garbarino replied that she believes the problem relates to disclosure. She <br />indicated that she disagrees that the State is tasked with telling people that older homes <br />have no historic value based upon someone living or something happening on the <br />property. She added that she likewise disagrees with the 50-percent rule. She noted <br />that if people choose to go into a historic neighborhood and build a house there, and <br />they have to destroy an existing house in the process, there should be some reasonable <br />criteria on how and why the house is to be demolished. <br /> <br />Commissioner Blank asked Ms. Garbarino if she was suggesting that whatever eventual <br />form the historic preservation ordinance takes, it should be as non-specific as possible <br />to offer those judgments, or whether she preferred a clear and concise ordinance that <br />gives specific guidance. <br /> <br />Ms. Garbarino replied that she was not sure she preferred an ordinance. She reiterated <br />that it is a matter of disclosure, transparency, and informing people. She indicated that <br />she believes there is already very good language in the DTSP and the DTDG and that <br />staff probably believed there would be a subsequent ordinance to further clarify the two <br />documents. <br /> <br />Commissioner Blank asked Ms. Garbarino if are to have <br />no ordinance because ordinances contain punitive language. <br /> <br />Ms. Garbarino replied that she would like the City to rely on existing language and <br />clearer guidelines with educational components and transparency, which are things the <br />City does not currently have. <br /> <br />Louis Rivara, Downtown property owner, referring to Commissioner B <br />on disclosure, stated that he has been licensed realtor in seven states and has sold <br />properties in over 60 cities, and he has never encountered this type of disclosure. He <br />suggested not going in this direction, given the paperwork involved. With respect to the <br />ordinance, he stated that it is not so much the history as the experience people have <br />when they come into the Downtown. He added that there are a number of creative and <br />inspired ideas that would contribute to a vibrant Downtown. He noted that the <br />Firehouse Theater has become a great gathering place. He indicated that the design is <br />good but not historic for the most part, and that keeping history to the extent that it <br />supports people being able to share experiences during the times they are together is <br />valuable. <br /> <br />Mr. Rivara stated that he does not think the City should be locked into only history in the <br />preservation of the Downtown. He noted that the Downtown is not very vibrant as a <br />whole right now, and people give up because they are encumbered by the process. He <br />PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MINUTES, March 9, 2011 Page 13 of 24 <br /> <br />