How Does a Home Become Historical? Coronado City Council to Examine This, Other Issues

To bulldoze—not to bulldoze? The answer to that question has huge aesthetic and financial implications for Coronado and its property owners. If a house is deemed historical, it cannot be demolished, and the property may qualify for certain tax breaks, such as those afforded by the Mills Act. Over the years, the city’s process of determining whether a house is historical or not has generated , often pitting historical preservationists against homeowners looking to tear down or expand their properties.

Critics say the process is capricious and confusing, with vague criteria.

For example, what exactly is a notable architect? Everyone agrees on Irving Gill, but what about the lesser-known architects, such as ? Does the criteria include living architects? Would a house built by Frank Gehry, widely viewed as the preeminent architect of his time, be torn down because it was constructed less than 75 years ago? 

There are criteria for designation, but no system for verification. The city requires that each house meets more than one criterion, but, as the process currently stands, it is possible to use the same information to meet more than one criterion.

These and other concerns prompted Councilwoman Carrie Downey to ask city staff to find ways to amend, or at least clarify, the process in October 2010. Other council members concurred. Based on criteria used by the National Register, the staff has responded with three options, which the council will examine on Tuesday.

In a related issue, the council will also consider modifying its Mills Act Program. Under the act, property owners receive tax relief in exchange for preserving historical homes. In recent months, council members have expressed concerns about the waiting list and the application process for altering homes already protected by the Mills Act.

Along with historic preservation topics, the council will vote on whether to incorporate the proposed Bicycle Master Plan into the city’s General Plan. It will also listen to and discuss more . 

The , whose general concept has already been approved by the council, comes back for one final review, this time with specific proposals and a call for the establishment of an advisory body—a committee, subcommittee or working group.

The continuing saga of redevelopment makes a third consecutive appearance on the agenda. This time the council will hear from Dave McEwen, a special council from a bond-writing firm. McEwen will discuss the best ways to prepare for the possible demise of the agency.

The city hopes McEwen can answer the following questions: What is the current status of the Coronado Development Agency? Can it issue bonds? What is the cooperative agreement being used by the city of San Diego?

The next City Council meeting is Tuesday, March 15, at 3 p.m. in the at 1825 Strand Way.