Legislation has been introduced into the Michigan state legislature that would severely undermine a local government’s ability to protect areas of historic significance from insensitive development or demolition. Add your voice TODAY in support of your heritage!
Michigan’s current law enables municipalities to safeguard its treasured resources within local historic districts. This is the only way a community can protect its historic buildings from harmful alteration or destruction. More than 75 communities across the state have acted to establish local historic district ordinances, effectively protecting 20,000 of Michigan’s priceless historic resources. House Bill 5232 and Senate Bill 720 would seriously hamper a local government’s power to protect its historic resources by diminishing their ability to identify, assess and protect their historic resources. For example, these bills would unnecessarily complicate district designation by requiring majority property owner consent, when the current process is already built upon extensive community input.
Join with us in speaking up for Michigan’s historic districts. The MHPN has prepared a sample message to Governor Rick Snyder and your legislators. All we ask you to do is copy the letter below into an email or letter and add your personal message of why this issue is important to you. Copy Mayor Duggan and City Council so they, too, can hear your voice.
