City Commission Approves 1st Reading of Historic Preservation Ordinance

A public hearing on a proposed ordinance on historic preservation brought plenty of debate to last night’s Huron City Commission meeting. Speaking on behalf of the Huron Board of Historic Preservation, Ron Volesky made it repeatedly clear to the Commission about what is covered in the proposed ordinance…

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Volesky also made it clear that the owners of the six properties are in agreement with the Historic Preservation Boards draft ordinance. Ron Wheeler is against what the ordinance and worried that the large Campbell Park Historic District will be added too it…

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Wheeler also expressed concerns over people living in the properties being able to make proper upgrades to keep their buildings in compliance. Volesky maintains the ordinance is simply an avenue for educating owners of the importance of preserving Huron’s Historic places…

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Commissioners Kerwin Haeder and Dale Schneider expressed concern in the ordinance including possible jail time if the ordinance is not followed. The Commission approved the first reading of the ordinance 5 to 0. Also endorsing the ordinance is the South Dakota Board of Historic Preservation and the National Trust.