The Rockland Historic Preservation Commission will hold an educational program for the public to help them decide where to recommend their next Local Historic Districts. The meeting will be held Thursday, Sept. 17, at 6 p.m., in the Community Room of the Rockland Public Library.

 

Commission members will explain Local Historic Districts and how the Commission works to preserve the historic appearance of each district. Dan Dalrymple will show examples of historic buildings we have lost, and Ann Morris will show examples of historic architectural styles and their defining characteristics.

 

The Commission will pass out maps of Rockland on which audience members can indicate streets they think are important historic resources and should become Local Historic Districts.

 

According to a Rockland Public Library news release, the Commission will pursue making one street a Local Historic District at a time, because historic and architectural research is required before they recommend that the City Council designate it as a Local Historic District.

 

After the City Council designates a Local Historic District, owners of buildings within the district must apply for review of their plans before making changes to the streetside exterior of their building and attend a meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission to discuss those changes. The Commission will give advice and make recommendations for preserving the historic appearance of the building. The property owner does not have to follow the recommendations, but they must sign the application indicating they have heard the recommendations.

 

The Historic Preservation Commission is in the process of recommending that the City Council amend the Historic Preservation Ordinance to require an Application for Review ONLY for income producing properties located within designated Local Historic Districts.

 

"The Commission hopes you will come and share your ideas of where Rockland’s most important historic resources are," said the Library.

All are welcome to attend. The Rockland Public Library is located at 80 Union St., in Rockland. For more information, please contact Jeannie Sullivan at 207-594-0310.