PORT TOWNSEND — Sometime in the next month, City Council members will again consider revisions to the Historic Preservation Code after delaying a vote Monday night.
Council members heard comments from staff and the public as well as offering their own thoughts during the nearly two-hour session, but they took no action.
And they didn’t set a date for the next attempt at passing the code, but it’s likely to come in June.
There appear to be three major issues facing the council as it moves toward adoption. They are:
* Rules surrounding demolition or partial demolition of buildings.
* Adoption of guidelines and standards for historical buildings in the downtown area which would be interim until a permanent rules are prepared.
* Demolitions or partial demolitions in areas governed by sub-area plans, such as Point Hudson Marina, which is owned by the Port of Port Townsend.
Councilman Kees Kolff called for focused discussion of the code, saying he believes it needs only “a few tweaks” to be ready for passage.
Council members Freda Fenn and Frank Benskin presented opposing views on how rapidly the decision-making process should take.
“I don’t think we need another review,” Fenn said.
She said she was willing to vote on the code Monday night.
Benskin urged a slower pace.
“I’m really tired of rushing,” Benskin said. “Everything is a crisis that has to get done today.”
Benskin also spoke in favor of “crafting something equitable for everyone.”
