Title
An Ordinance to Amend Chapter 103 (Historic Preservation) of Title VIII of the Code of the City of Ann Arbor by Adding Section 8:425.15 Establishing the Robert and Erma Hayden House Historic District, 1201 Gardner Avenue (Robert and Erma Hayden House Study Committee Recommendation: Approval - 3 Yeas and 0 Nays) (ORD-23-03)
Memorandum
Background
On August 2, 2021 City Council created the Robert and Erma Hayden House Historic District Study Committee to study the parcel at 1201 Gardner Avenue. On September 20, 2021 City Council appointed three members to the Committee, including the property’s homeowner. The study committee was to deliver its findings to City Council no later than August 2022. Transmittal of the study committee report was made to City Council on September 6, 2022.
Historic District Study Committee Process
The Committee first met on January 25, 2022. There were additional monthly Committee meetings February through June. These meetings were held virtually via Zoom. In February and March, Committee members individually visited the site and the project consultant toured the house with the homeowner.
On April 26, 2022 the Committee discussed the draft Robert and Erma Hayden House Historic District Study Committee Report, approved the report for distribution and started the 60 day public comment period. As required by local and state ordinance, the preliminary report was distributed to the State Historic Preservation Office, the City Planning Commission, and the Historic District Commission.
The State Historic Preservation Review Board, at their May 20, 2022 meeting, reviewed the report and had comments about the cultural significance of the landscape plan at 1201 Gardner Avenue. Those comments were incorporated into the final report before it was adopted by the Study Committee.
On June 29, 2022 postcards were sent by first-class postage to the property owner and all property owners and occupants within 300 feet of 1201 Gardner Avenue advising them of the public hearing, which was held on July 14, 2022 in Council Chambers in City Hall, pursuant to Section 8:408 of Chapter 103 of the Ann Arbor City Code. The public hearing was held during a regular meeting of the Historic District Commission. A quorum of the Study Committee members was present. At the public hearing a presentation was made by the project consultant on the history of the district and the process of the Committee. During the public hearing three people spoke, all in favor of the historic district. Four emails were distributed to the Committee, all expressing positive opinions on the district’s creation. The minutes of the meeting are attached.
After the public hearing, the Committee reviewed the final report and on July 26, 2022 unanimously voted to adopt the proposed Robert and Erma Hayden House Historic District Study Committee Final Report.
Recommendations
The Committee recommends that Council establish the Robert and Erma Hayden House Historic District with the boundaries described in the final study committee report. The Committee has determined the Hayden House to be of exceptional importance in the context of modern American poetry due to its association with Robert Hayden. Attached for your consideration is an ordinance amending Chapter 103 to establish the Robert and Erma Hayden House Historic District.
Attachments: Proposed Ordinance
Proposed Robert and Erma Hayden House Historic District Legal Description
Proposed Robert and Erma Hayden House Historic District Study Committee Final Report
Minutes of the Robert and Erma Hayden House Historic District Study Committee Public Hearing, from the July 14, 2022 HDC meeting
Staff
Prepared by: Jill Thacher, City Planner/Historic Preservation Coordinator
Reviewed by: Brett Lenart, Planning Manager
Derek Delacourt, Community Services Area Administrator
Approved by: Milton Dohoney Jr., City Administrator
Body
(See Attached Ordinance)