[Res. No. 135-90, § 1, 11-27-1990]
It is hereby declared as a matter of public policy that the
protection, enhancement, and perpetuation of landmarks and monuments,
and the establishment of historic districts and/or historic interest
districts is necessary to promote the cultural, educational, economic,
and general welfare of the public. Inasmuch as the identity of a people
is founded on its past, and inasmuch as Olean has many significant
historic, architectural, and cultural resources which constitute its
heritage, this chapter is intended to:
(1)
Protect and enhance landmarks and monuments and historic districts,
when created, which have a special character or special historical
or aesthetic interest or value which represent distinctive elements
of Olean’s historic, architectural, and cultural heritage;
(2)
Foster civic pride in the architecture and historic accomplishments
of the past;
(3)
Protect, promote, and enhance Olean’s aesthetic qualities for
the benefit of residents and visitors; and
(4)
Ensure the harmonious, orderly, and efficient growth and development
of the city.
[Res. No. 135-90, § 4, 11-27-1990]
(a)
When consulting with owners of property in landmark or historic districts,
the historic preservation commission shall determine whether the proposed
alteration, demolition, or construction is compatible with its historic
character, as well as with the surrounding properties. If the commission
determines that it is not, the commission’s efforts shall be
directed toward convincing the owner to eliminate from his plans any
work which would alter the special character, historic or aesthetic
interest, or value which constituted the basis for the landmark, monument,
or historic district designation.
(b)
When deciding whether or not any alteration, demolition, or new construction
is compatible, the commission shall consider the following criteria:
(1)
General design, character, and appropriateness to the property of
the proposed alteration, demolition, or new construction;
(2)
Scale of the proposed alteration or new construction in relation
to the property itself, surrounding properties, and the neighborhood;
(3)
Texture, materials and color and the relation to the similar features
of other properties in the neighborhood;
(4)
Visual compatibility with surrounding properties, including proportion
of properties, front facade, proportion and arrangement of windows
and other openings within the facade, roof shape, and rhythm of spacing
of properties on street;
(5)
Importance of historic, architectural, or other features to the significance
of the property; and
(6)
Each and every other factor which the commission deems appropriate
to its decision.
