Historic Preservation Commission Public Outreach ProgramPlanning Services Department
City Hall
50 West 13th Street
Dubuque, IA 52001 -4864
(563) 589 -4210 phone
(563) 589 -4221 fax
(563) 589 -6678 TDD
planning@cityofdubuque.org
The Honorable Mayor and City Council
City of Dubuque
50 W.13 Street
Dubuque, IA 52001
RE: Historic Preservation Commission Public Outreach Program
Dear Mayor and City Council Members:
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
December 20, 2010
Introduction
The Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) has renewed its commitment to public
outreach. This letter provides a report on our initial efforts for the City Council's
consideration.
Background:
The Historic Preservation Commission hosted a National Alliance of Preservation
Commission (NAPC) Commission Mentor Assistance Program (CAMP). One outcome
of the NAPC CAMP was a renewed emphasis on public relations and education for
historic preservation in the City of Dubuque. The NAPC CAMP brochure is enclosed.
At the October HPC meeting, the Commission established the HPC Education Task
Force. The Task Force consists of three members of the Commission. The principal
duty of the task force is to educate the public about the responsibilities and benefits of
owning property in a historic district.
Discussion
The first order of business for the HPC Education Task Force was to develop the
enclosed information brochure. The brochure is meant as an introduction to the role of
the HPC as well as the responsibilities and benefits of owning a historic property. The
brochure is designed to market historic preservation and make people aware that
preservation is an asset to the community and the HPC serves as a resource to the
community, rather than solely a regulatory body as is often times presumed.
The brochure will be distributed to property owners in historic districts, Realtors, and
mortgage brokers. The brochure will also be made available in public buildings as well
as on the City website.
Historic Preservation Commission Public Outreach Program
Page 2
The Commission looks forward to undertaking future educational outreach programs.
The Commission has discussed utilizing City Channel 8 to broadcast informational
presentations on historic property issues. The Commission has also discussed hosting
educational programs for property owners, Realtors and bankers.
Requested Action:
The Commission requests that the City Council receive and file the educational
brochure. Thank you for your continued support of historic preservation efforts in the
community.
Respectfully submitted,
Michael Knight, Chairperson
Historic Preservation Commission
Enclosures
cc: Michael Van Milligen, City Manager
Barry Lindahl, City Attorney
Jeanne Schneider, City Clerk
Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager
Historic Preservation Commission
F: \Users \djohnson \Council Items\ HPC Public Outreach Program
OCTOBER 9, 2010 I 8AM - 5PM I HOTELJULIEN DUBUQUE I 200 MAIN STREET I DUBUQUE, IA
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the next five years would
define the next fifty for Dubuque. "'
■M /WOti ROY 0. BIIOL
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CAMP is a wonderful opportunity to
understand that we can do more in order
to preserve our past and create a future
that will honor the rights of citizens
not yet born to enjoy all the natural
resources, beauty, and amenities we live
with each day in our communities.
As stated in our community's Vision
Statement, Dubuque is a city of history,
beauty, opportunities, and excitement.
We take pride in our history and
heritage and have actively preserved our
picturesque river and community.
I encourage you to join us for this CAMP
opportunity. It is not just our lives that we
have the ability to change and preserve,
it is the world around us.
$ o
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commission assistance and
mentoring program
CAMP is the focus of the NAPC's training
efforts. CAMP is based upon the NAPC's core
curriculum of four fundamental elements:
The legal framework of local preservation,
identifying and protecting historic resources,
the commission's role and responsibility,
and public support and outreach. CAMPs
are tailored to meet local, regional, or
statewide needs. Modeled after summer camp
experiences, this entertainingly effective
training program features terrific counselors
who help the "campers" improve their
preservation skills while everyone has fun.
The NAPC is the only organization devoted
solely to representing the nation's preservation
design review commissions. NAPC provides
technical support and manages an information
network to help local commissions accomplish
their preservation objectives. The Alliance also
serves as an advocate at federal, state and
local levels of government to promote policies
and programs that support preservation
commission efforts.
CAMP features nationally recognized
experts from the National Alliance of
Preservation Commissions
Sincerely,
it
Roy D. Buol
LEGAL ISSUES
Covering the legal basis for commission operation, this topic includes procedural
due process, takings, appeals, ethics, property rights, economic hardship, and
more. Extra emphasis can be given to different areas.
STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES
This component gives participants an understanding of the relationship between
Federal Standards and local design guidelines and how to use these essential tools
most effectively.
PROCEDURES
The strongest defense preservation commissions have against accusations of
arbitrary and capricious decisions is to consistently follow established review
procedures. This CAMP topic deals with the essential elements of those procedures
and how to ensure that they are consistently followed.
HANDS -ON DESIGN
The "Sports and Games" of CAMP, this session teaches commission members
and staff how to view change before it occurs in historic districts, and provides
opportunities to learn from instructors and from each other in a lively and fun
format.
Breakfast and lunch will be provided, dinner will be on your own
CAMPers are encouraged to stay at the
recently renovated Hotel Julien Dubuque,
located in Dubuque's historic downtown
and Old Main District. For other lodging
opportunities, please refer to the Dubuque
Area Chamber of Commerce website at www.
traveldubuque.com. Please come for the CAMP
and stay for Dubuque's many attractions!
Dubuque offers many dining
opportunities! For more information,
visit www.traveldubuque.com or
www.dubuque365.com
Please direct questions to
David Johnson
Planning Services Department
563.589.4120
djohnson @cityofdubuque.org
B ' , E
Masterpiece on the
Mississippi
Located on the Mississippi
River, Dubuque is a progressive,
sustainable city, but one that
respects and cherishes its rich
history. Home to breathtaking
views, museums, a Farmers'
Market, restaurants, shopping,
festivals, casinos, a ski resort,
dozens of parks, and much more,
Dubuque has something for
everyone, year- round!
THE CITY OF
DUB
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
Dubuque
bitd
2007
The CAMP registration fee is $75
FORM
To register for CAMP, please return the registration form and fee by September 24 to:
David Johnson
Planning Services Department
50 W. 13th St.
Dubuque, IA 52001
Checks should be made payable to the City of Dubuque
* A separate registration form must be completed for each participant
Name:
Organization:
Address:
City:
Primary Phone:
Alternate Phone:
E -mail:
State:
In order to serve you better, please indicate your preference below:
Vegetarian Non - Vegetarian
We look forward to seeing you at
Zip:
HAPPY
Since its inception in 2001, CAMP has trained over 3,000 local commission
members, staff, elected officials, and others from throughout the United States.
• CAMP was the best training session I've attended in years, and the
only one with :cinores!
• All of the trainers were very knout'ledgeable and informative. Their
energy and fun attitude are truly awe - inspiring.
•
CAMP is the first time l've really felt like I understand the
economic hardship issue.
• If our commission had gone to CAMP two years ago,l town
would still have an ordinance!
• Inc a new commissioner and this training was exactly what I
needed to get oriented.
• A perfect balance of theory and practice from experienced trainers.
This was the most fitn I've ever had at a workshop.
Finally! An explanation of the Secretary's Standards that makes
sense and has information we can use. Thank you!
SUMMER CAMP?
You had fun, made friends, and
learned things you never thought
possible while the counselors did all
the work!
NAPC's Commission Assistance and
Mentoring Program (CAMP) works
just the same way. It's an intensive,
high- energy program customized to
meet your training needs. Nationally
recognized CAMP counselors from
local preservation programs across
the country provide the highest
quality training in an atmosphere of
camaraderie and celebration.
Every CAMP is built around NAPC's
four -point curriculum:
• The legal framework of local
preservation
• Identifying and protecting
historic resources
• The commission's role and
responsibility
• Public support and outreach
• NAPC works with CAMP hosts
to build a customized program
that explores these essential
concepts to provide commission
members, staff, elected officials,
and others with the tools they
need to build strong local
preservation programs.
CAMP participants (CAMPers) receive
a resource manual compiled by
NAPC with the most comprehensive.
concise, and up to date material
available. The manual serves as
a valuable reference for CAMPers
when they return home.
What is the role of the Historic Preservation
Commission (HPC)?
Commissioners are residents appointed by
the City Council. They volunteer their time to
review exterior alterations that will impact the
historic integrity of a building or district. The
Commission also serves as a resource to help
inform the community on historic preservation
issues and help preserve and enhance the
historical characteristics of a property. The
Commission recognizes that historic properties
and neighborhoods are not frozen in time.
They need to honor the past and make
preservation part of the future. The
Commission welcomes investment in historic
neighborhoods and serves to help manage
change so the historic character of a property
or district is respected while accommodating
compatible improvements.
What items require Commission or staff
review?
Not every alteration to a building in a historic
district requires +F, HPC. City
iSti requires review by the r r v. i
vn'),
Planning Services Staff can approve changes
to a building that result in "no material effect"
to the appearance of the building. In other
words, if a property owner is simply replacing
or repairing a portion of a building and using
the same construction materials that do not
change the visual appearance of the feature or
building, city staff can approve the required
building permit. Items that require Commission
review include those items where there is a
proposed change in materials and /or design.
Currently, there are five Historic Preservation
Districts which include: Jackson Park, W. 11th
Street, Cathedral, Old Main and Langworthy.
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What happens at a Historic Preservation
Commission Meeting?
If a proposed alteration requires HPC design
review, the Commission will discuss the project
application with the applicant. The Commission will
decide whether the proposed work complies with
historic standards and guidelines and whether the
proposed work will have an adverse impact on the
aesthetic, historic or architectural significance of
the property and neighborhood.
Benefits of
Historic
Preservation
Districts
For more information please visit the
City of Dubuque website at
www.cityofdubuque.org /
HistoricPreservation
or contact: City of Dubuque
Planning Services Department
50 W. 13th Street
Dubuque, IA 52001
(563) 589 -4210
"Preservation ensures that future
generations will have a past to
appreciate. Preservation is more than
just saving buildings. Its about
creating and enhancing environments
that support, inform, and enrich the
lives of all Americans."
Richard Moe, National Trust President, Forum 2000
What is a Historic District?
Historic Districts are neighborhoods or areas
within the city that contain historically
significant buildings and cultural resources
that are important to the community.
Dubuque has 5 historic districts. Please see
the back panel for a map of Dubuque's
historic districts.
Why does the community care about what
happens to my property?
Historic buildings are one of the top reasons
people visit Dubuque. Preserving historic
buildings preserves the stability of
neighborhoods and the community. The
removal of a historic feature such as a porch,
trim boards, brackets, chimneys or other
character defining features are not easily
reversed and usually means they are lost
forever. The building's historic integrity is
significantly damaged and, little by little, the
integrity of the entire historic neighborhood
and community is altered over time.
Benefits of Historic Preservation Districts
What are the benefits of being in a Historic
District?
The benefits of preserving local historic resources
goes beyond the lot line of an individual building.
Some benefits include: 1) increased property
values; 2) enhanced quality of life, sense of
neighborhood and community pride; 3) private
investment is stimulated; 4) areas of deterioration
reversed; 5) new jobs created; 6) new businesses
formed; 7) stimulated tourism, and 8) financial
incentives for property improvements.
Financial Incentives for
Properties Located In
Historic Districts:
Historic Preservation Revolving Loan Fund: A
low interest loan offered to property owners in
historic districts for exterior improvements that
meet the Secretary of the Interior's Standards
and Guidelines for Rehabilitation. Qualified
property owners can receive up to $25,000 at
a 3% interest rate amortized over 10 years.
Historic Preservation Housing Grant: Grants
(in the form of a forgivable loan up to $5,000)
are available on a competitive basis to income
- qualifying owner - occupants and to qualified
non - profit organizations in any local historic
district or City- designated Landmark for
specific rehabilitation projects that preserve
the original building materials and character -
defining features of the home.
Urban Revitalization Program: This program
offers a property tax exemption to qualified
residential properties and limited commercial
properties. Owners who upgrade their
residential properties located within a
designated Urban Revitalization district may
receive a 10 -year exemption from the property
tax liability that would normally accompany
numerous property improvements. All 5
Historic Districts participate in the Urban
Revitalization Program.
" The above financial incentives are subject to change.
Additional financial incentives to assist with historic
properties may be available through federal, state, and
other local agencies.