Thursday, February 28, 2013
Lawrenceburg Invited To Become Certified City With Tennessee Historical Commission
Dan Brown with the Tennessee Historical Commission addressed the Lawrenceburg Board of Mayor and Council Thursday, extending an invitation to become a certified city.
Brown said that THC works to assist cities in the area of economic development through the protection of historic resources. They offer consultations free of charge along with various types of advisory services, to cities that become certified.
Brown told the council that THC is currently working with local Main Street organizations in twelve different cities, as well as various other historic organizations and development districts.
He explained that since Lawrenceburg already has an established Historic Zoning Commission, it is already “eighty percent there” as far as the certification process goes.
Brown assured the council that THC exists solely to assist with historical protection and has no authority “except to outline state law.” Preservation and restoration efforts are required be carried out under strict guidelines set forth under Tennessee Codes Annotated.
Mayor Keith Durham said that one problem the city has encountered in the past regarding historic preservation is the lack of interest on the part of property owners. “It’s hard to get property owners to jump on board,” he explained.
Brown said becoming a certified city could prove very beneficial locally because it would allow property owners access to various incentives and resources. Of particular interest to many is an enticing tax incentive program specifically geared toward encouraging participation by property owners.
