Downey signals interest in historic preservation commission

DOWNEY — Implementation of a historic preservation ordinance will have to wait just a bit longer, as the City Council on Tuesday chose to pursue the creation of an Arts, Culture, and Historic Preservation Commission.

At this week’s council meeting, city staff presented the city council with a proposed ordinance that would protect Downey’s historic landmarks that are either listed or deemed eligible to be listed in the National Registrar of Historic Places or California Registrar of Historical Resources, or recognized as historically significant in the Downey General Plan.

The ordinance sets clear definitions of properties which would be considered historic, minimum maintenance and upkeep standards, as well as enforcements and remedies when violations occur. It also set a review procedure and criteria for any alterations, requiring a permit to demolish or modify a historic resource.

The ordinance originally set the Planning Commission as the review board.

However, The Council opted instead to create a new commission – theoretically composed of individuals with background in historical knowledge and conservancy - to oversee the ordinance, calling it the Arts, Culture, and Historic Preservation Commission.

“I want to make sure that we are getting individuals who have the historical knowledge and background that we would like to be part of this ordinance, and not just go through the Planning Commission,” said Mayor Claudia M. Frometa.

City Staff will now need to bring back an amended ordinance that includes the new commission at a later meeting for final approval.

The city currently has six known historic landmarks, including the James C. Reeves House, The Casa De Parley Johnson Assistance League House, the McDonald’s Sir Speedee sign, the NASA industrial plant, Rancho Los Amigos Medical Center, Los Angeles County Poor Farm, and Morton Bay fig tree, and Bob’s Big Boy Broiler (former Johnie’s Broiler, originally Harvey’s Broiler).

There are also two potentially historic locations, including the Downey Police Department Arch and the Dismukes House.