RESOLUTION NO. ____, SERIES 2017
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A RESOLUTION OVERTURNING THE DECISION OF THE LANDMARKS COMMISSION DESIGNATING THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 609 BLANKENBAKER LANE IN LOUISVILLE METRO AS A LOCAL LANDMARK (CASE NO. 17DESGNATION1000).
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SPONSORED BY: COUNCIL MEMBERS REED, STUCKEL, ENGEL, FOWLER AND SEXTON SMITH
WHEREAS, the Legislative Council of the Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Government (the “Council”) has considered the evidence presented at the public hearings held by the Landmarks Commission on April 20, 2017 and July 20, 2017 and the evidence presented at the public hearing held by the Council’s Planning/Zoning, Land Design and Development Committee on November 14, 2017, as well as the visitation of the subject property by more than nine members of the Metro Council; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to LMCO § 32.260(G), the Council disagrees with the decision of the Landmarks Commission dated July 20, 2017 designating the home located on 609 Blankenbaker Lane as a local landmark and makes the following findings of fact:
(1) With respect to Guidelines 32.260(E)(1)(a),(b), (e) and (i), the hearing before the Committee revealed the subjective nature of the criteria and the failure to consider the number of buildings in existence that exhibit this type of building and architecture.
(2) With respect to Guideline 32.260(E)(1)(f), the petitioner fails to take into account the existence of other more symbolic buildings of the architecture noted, as well as the significant damage to the original home that was sustained in a fire that led to the complete reconstruction of the home in the early 1950’s. The application also gives merit to the claim that the reconstruction of the home is credited to Stratton Hammon, which is not documented within the construction documents of the home, and was part of a settled lawsuit between the owner and Mr. Hammon.
(3) With respect to Guideline 32.260(E)(1)(g), the use of nontraditional mortar techniques while different than what was typical in Kentucky was not representative of a “significant architectural innovation” and is not credited with changing the techniques or construction habits of others in the area after its construction.
(4) With respect to Guideline 32.260(E)(1)(h), the subject home in question was not constructed until more than a century after Locust Grove Estate. The subject home along with hundreds of other homes is located on the vast estate that was once Locust Grove, but is not within sight of either Locust Grove, River Road or many of the historic buildings mentioned by the petitioner.
(5) The Council has determined that the property does not meet Guidelines set forth in 32.260(E) (1) (a), (b), (e), (f), (g), (h) and (i) for designation.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OF THE LOUISVILLE/JEFFERSON COUNTY METRO GOVERNMENT AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION I: The July 20, 2017 decision of the Landmarks Commission designating the property at 609 Blankenbaker Lane in Louisville Metro as a local landmark is overturned and set aside.
SECTION II: This Resolution shall take effect upon its passage and approval.
_______________________________ ________________________________
H. Stephen Ott David Yates
Metro Council Clerk President of the Council
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Approval Date
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY:
Michael J. O’Connell
Jefferson County Attorney
By: ____________________________