A Broken Preservation Ordinance - The Intended Purpose

As stated in Ordinance 51-05 of Ashland, Ohio

“Council, being mindful of the proud history of this community and of the importance of beauty in the everyday lives of our residents hereby declare as a matter of public policy that the identification, evaluation, designation, and protection of designated historic and prehistoric resources within the boundaries of Ashland be provided for and preserve and rehabilitate eligible historic properties within Ashland for future generations

A. Safeguard the heritage of Ashland as represented by those buildings, districts, objects, sites and structures which reflect significant elements of Ashland History. B. Foster civic and neighborhood pride in the beauty and accomplishments of the past, and a sense of identity based on Ashland history. C. Stabilize or improve the aesthetic and economic vitality and values of such sites, improvements and objects. D. Assist, encourage and provide incentives to private owners for preservation, restoration, redevelopment and use of outstanding historic buildings, districts, objects, sites and structures. E. Promote and facilitate the early identification and resolution of conflicts between preservation of historic resources and alternative land uses. F. Conserve valuable material and energy resources by ongoing use and maintenance of the existing built environment.” The irony of the purpose statement of this preservation law was accentuated when the A.N. Myers home was destroyed by the Ashland County Historical Society. One member of Ashland’s City Council served on the board of the historical society. Council and the historical society didn’t “Safeguard the heritage of Ashland as represented by those buildings...which reflect significant elements of Ashland history”, “encourage and provide incentives”, or “Stabilize or improve the aesthetic and economic vitality and values”. The National Register of Historic Places nomination form for the Center Street Historic District referred to the street as a “veritable textbook of architectural styles”. As more historic structures in the district are destroyed, the historic architectural primer loses the vitality that made it so great. Safeguarding these properties is essential to what caught the eye of the US Department of Interior, leading to the distinction of a Nationally Registered historic district. Traditionally, historic district property values have been higher than other neighborhoods. Without safeguards and incentives to provide stable property values, sale prices for properties in the Center Street Historic District may not recover. During conflicts over the demolition of 408 Center Street and 309 Center Street, Ashland City Council did little to promote and facilitate a resolution of conflicting parties. This opportunity to display leadership was lost. The foundation and purpose of Ordinance 51-05 is solid. While some verbiage must be transformed, it is the metamorphosis of the minds of leaders to fully comprehend the assets that lay before us in the Center Street Historic District that is needed most.