Historic preservation officer outlines COA activity, grants and Monmouth overlay plans

Jennifer Williams, the city’s historic preservation officer, briefed the commission on preservation work and next steps.

Williams said staff reviewed 197 Certificates of Appropriateness in 2025, with 31 cases going to the Historic Preservation Commission (about 16%). Of the staff‑reviewed applications, roughly 75% were approved at staff level; the commission’s approval rate for cases it considered was about 90%, and none of the projects brought before the commission were denied outright (some applicants withdrew components after requests for additional information).

She described outreach and capacity work — a process guide, updated website resources, YouTube videos, neighborhood visits and collaboration with the historical and genealogical society — and noted new incentives, including façade grant programs. Williams said the office is pursuing CLG grant funding from the Kentucky Heritage Council ("a little under $14,000") and $10,000 to establish a community archive for materials related to Southgate Street School; both grants are pending receipt of federal funds at the state level.

Williams said staff are working to designate the Southgate‑Thompson House as a local historic landmark and to develop a Monmouth Street overlay and updated design review guidelines; she also encouraged tracking tax‑credit applications to quantify economic impact.

Why it matters: Preservation work affects property owners, economic development incentives, and neighborhood character. Grant funding and landmark designations can unlock rehabilitation incentives and training for realtors and property owners.

What was said: "We reviewed 197 COA applications... 31 of those went to the Historic Preservation Commission," Williams said. She asked commissioners to "mark your calendars for Thursday, June 4 for the history crawl."

Next steps: Staff will continue ordinance and guideline updates, pursue proposed CLG grants, finalize hearings for the Southgate‑Thompson House designation and present the Monmouth overlay and guideline updates to the commission for action later in the year.