Rockton eyes historic preservation

ROCKTON Linda Eaton has always been partial to historic homes having grown up in a restored barn.

So when her father passed away at a young age while the family home in Rockton was being restored, she knew she had to see through the restoration of their 1843 Limestone Talcott.

In a way, its a gift to the village because it will be here long after Im gone, Eaton said of her Greek Revival style home at 101 W. Chapel St.

Eatons home is one of more than 200 in the village that could be protected under a Historic Preservation Commission being proposed.

After weeks of discussions in committee, the Administration Committee decided to hold a second public hearing at their Dec. 2 board meeting. A previous hearing at a committee only drew supporters to the hearing, so the second hearing would ideally draw from a larger group of residents who want to weigh in, said Village President Dale Adams.

We want to try to get a broader cross section of the community, Adams said.

Under the ordinance, homeowners have an opt-in option as to whether they want their home deemed a landmark a designation that could get them tax benefits for home maintenance. If there is a group of homes that could be made into a historic district, at least 51 percent of homeowners within that area have to agree to be part of the district.

Adams said the option plan came after more than a year of talks and concerns raised about homeowners rights.

We dont want them to have to go to a board for approval if they want to put in energy efficient windows, Adams said. Thats always been a concern of the pastBy allowing homeowners to opt in and be part or not, I think it stands a better chance of approval.

Trustee Tricia Nelson said she would have liked to see the entire village fall under the ordinance, but despite the opt-out option she thought it would be good for preserving the character of the village.

View original post here:
Rockton eyes historic preservation