The Norcross City Council heard arguments for the creation of a local historic preservation district at the city’s most recent council work session. The proposed area would include the central downtown district along South Peachtree Street, Jones Street and West Lawrenceville Street. The area might also include Lillian Webb Park, Norcross Cemetery, and the historic Norcross Waterworks on Barton Street.
The goal of the committee pushing for the designation is to maintain the historic appearance of buildings in the area while encouraging economic vitality. As proposed, the Historic Preservation Committee would have no say in the color buildings are painted, or the property’s landscaping, but would have approval over the size and scale of any physical additions.
A HPC would also allow the city to apply for grants to fund preservation efforts, obtain training by the Georgia State Historic Preservation Division, update the city’s inventory on structures, and provide professional guidance for additions, major renovations and/or new construction.
The City Council has heard a great deal of positive input for the creation of an HPC, but wants to gather more information and obtain legal advice to ensure the ordinance meets the needs of both residents and business owners. The issue will return to policy meetings before the council votes on the ordinance.
