ASHTABULA — City Council approved an ordinance Monday night enacting a Harbor Historic District, aimed at preserving and restoring the homes, businesses and other structures as they existed from 1885 to 1925.
Council members unanimously voted yes at the special 5:45 p.m. meeting, preceded by a public hearing at 5:30 p.m.
The Architectural and Restoration Review Board, chaired by Ann Rapose of Ashtabula, recommended approval of the historic district, which includes Bridge Street, the Bascule Lift Bridge, Walnut Beach, Walnut Boulevard, Lake Avenue and Goodwill Drive. Rapose explained that several months ago, then City Council President Rodger Altier suggested the board reconsider the district’s boundaries after a question surfaced about whether the district was legal.
“There was no proof a public hearing was held 30 years ago,” she said. “And over the years, we’ve had some successes and some failures.”
Problems arose over enforcement, and some business owners complained about the board’s stringent sign specifications. So Altier asked the board to review the historic district; perhaps, they wanted to downsize it, he said.
Monday night, Rapose said that wasn’t the case. The board unanimously agreed to keep it as it is.
“Keeping the district the same size will help property values,” she said. “The Harbor used to be one of the worst places in the city, and it’s improved. I would like to believe we have had something to do with that.”
City Manager Anthony Cantagallo wanted to know who’s going to enforce the architectural review board’s regulations.
“I want to know what my marching orders are,” he said.
After some discussion, Rapose and council members decided it was the city.
Ward 2 Councilman August Pugliese said, “Put ‘stop work’ orders on it.”
“Who else is going to do it but the city?” Vice President Betty Kist asked.
Rapose said the board’s previous problems stemmed from the city giving permits before the board got to look at them.
Local businessman and land developer Ron Kister said he believes the district is too big. Since 1978, when the architectural review board came into existence, only 11 new buildings have been built in the Ashtabula Harbor, he said.
“I’m concerned because the housing stock is deteriorating,” he said. “The area is too large.”
Ashtabula contractor Scott Lester agreed.
Rapose said enforcement is a problem that needs to be dealt with but she wanted the boundary issue to be voted on Monday night.
Harbor businessman Mike DeFina agreed.
“I think it’s important to maintain the area,” he said. “We don’t want to go backwards.”
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History made
Council affirms Harbor boundaries
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