City tackles historic preservation amid demolition crisis

In a recent government meeting, city officials discussed the ongoing challenges and strategies related to the preservation of historic buildings, particularly in light of recent emergency demolitions. The meeting highlighted the need for improved processes following the demolition of eleven structures on Bridge Street, which has sparked significant dialogue among city commissioners.

City Manager David Bertram emphasized the importance of a citywide condition assessment, conducted every five years, to evaluate the state of buildings. The last assessment in 2019 identified fewer than 50 buildings rated as dilapidated. To address these issues, the city is implementing programs aimed at assisting property owners in rehabilitating their historic structures, particularly in areas like Lincolnville and West Augustine, where Community Redevelopment Agencies (CRAs) are being established.

A key point of discussion was the widespread issue of termite infestations affecting historic buildings, which officials acknowledged as a significant concern. The city is also looking to enhance its enforcement of the International Property Maintenance Code to ensure that property owners maintain their buildings, aiming to prioritize repair and rehabilitation over demolition.

Looking ahead, the city plans to propose legislation to increase fines for unpermitted demolitions of historic structures. Additionally, there are discussions about recognizing property owners who successfully rehabilitate their buildings through an awards program.

The meeting concluded with a call to action, urging officials to leverage the lessons learned from recent demolitions to strengthen the city’s historic preservation efforts. The city aims to create more flexible zoning regulations to accommodate adaptive reuse of historic properties, ensuring that these structures can be preserved while meeting modern needs.