Where Have all the Architects Gone?

The most appropriate word I can use to describe the feeling that came over me at the October Historic Preservation Commission meeting is: dumbfounded. I can think of a few other words. I continue to be dismayed, astonished, and incredulous over the recent resignation of the HP Commission’s two architects, who have served our community with honor and integrity for years, offering their expertise to applicants and fellow commissioners during the HP Commission proceedings. Their absence at the October meeting, along with the recent resignation of Eva Osborne (architect of the City’s HP office), leaves the Historic Preservation Commission to flounder around without architectural knowledge and guidance. This is entirely untenable.

My understanding of why this has come about is a bit muddled. In the past, commissioners with a perceived conflict of interest have simply recused themselves from the proceedings at hand. Recently, however, it seems that the City’s Municipal Counselor’s Office has issued a new ruling regarding conflicts of interest (fished out of the state statute) that prohibits architects (or others) from serving on our City’s various boards or commissions if the architects own more than 25% of their firms, and if they have (or hope to have) contracts with the City. This eliminates almost all of the qualified architects who have the time and interest in Historic Preservation, as well as many others who want to contract with the City now or in the future. So. . . not only is the HP Commission without architectural expertise, but our other City boards and commissions are, too.

There will evidently be an amendment on the November 4th ballot to City Charter, Article IV, Section 11, that will address this issue. If it passes, the amendment will also have to be signed by the governor. This would solve the problem on the city level. Eventually, the state statute will have to be amended if we hope to eliminate the rule altogether. I’m no attorney, and I’m certainly no expert regarding all the legalese that goes on in City and State government. I do know one thing, though. Without committed and experienced HP architects on the Commission, we will all lose, and I’ll be forever dumbfounded. [Contact me with questions regarding HP issues at hp@mestapark.org]