Updated October 28 – The deadline to submit written testimony on the Proposed Draft amendments of the Historic Resources Code Project has been extended to November 10, 12:30pm, so you still have the opportunity to weigh in on a city plan that impacts Portland’s historic resources. You can access a sample template for writing your own letter to the PSC here.

Members of the AHC’s volunteer advocacy committee turned out to give verbal testimony to the Planning and Sustainability Commission (PSC) at Tuesday’s hearing. The AHC also submitted written testimony that you can read here.

 (If you want it, the link to Tuesday’s hearing is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Djui41jOJbE&list=PLfrETCbg3gsjbN6XejJe_CS1tlRcX87k-&index=6).

 

October 21, 2020 – The City’s Bureau of Planning & Sustainability (BPS) is working on an ambitious plan to revamp its historic preservation program. Known as the Historic Resources Code Project (HRCP), it will lay the groundwork for how and if Portlanders are able to save the places that matter!

3610 SE Hawthorne. Photo by Brian Johnson

The HRCP includes big changes, so it’s important that to weigh in. Some elements will likely be good for preservation policy, including one possible outcome that could allow protections of close to 2,000 historic buildings, especially in Conservation Districts, while other proposed changes may weaken existing protections and hinder the designation of future historic districts.

The Planning & Sustainability Commission (PSC) will be holding a hearing at 5 pm on Tuesday, October 27, 2020. You can help by having your voice heard!

There are two ways to participate:

  1. You can submit written testimony through the MapApp up until the start of the hearing. Click on the “TESTIFY” button (upper right corner) and it will guide you through the process. To make it easy for you, we’ve put together a sample testimony template. You can copy and paste template or use your own words and include examples in your neighborhood that relate to the proposed code changes. Then hit “SUBMIT”…it’s that easy!
  2. Or, you can testify live at the PSC virtual hearing. Click on the “Register to testify” link to be able to provide oral testimony. You need to register by 5pm on Monday, October 26th.

Anti-preservation groups will be submitting numerous testimony in opposition to any protection for historic or conservation district, so it’s important to show the PSC that there is strong support for protecting our unique historic resources. The Architectural Heritage Center (AHC) Advocacy Committee is in the process of reviewing the proposed document and will be submitting written testimony.

If you really want to dig into the details of these proposed changes, you can go to the City’s HRCP website: https://www.portland.gov/bps/hrcp