Geneva drafts first historic preservation plan

The city has drafted its first plan for historic preservation entitled "City of Geneva, Historic Preservation Plan". The draft is now ready for review and public comments. A PDF version of the plan is available on the city's Web site at www.geneva.il.us and includes an online form for comments.

Why preserve Geneva? City officials say that conserving historic and architecturally significant buildings makes a community better.

The draft plan is a dynamic statement on how Genevans view their heritage and what they intend to do to preserve it. The plan recommends goals and priorities for the city's continuing historic preservation efforts. The plan is also intended to serve as an information guide about historic preservation in Geneva for residents, property owners, business owners, the Historic Preservation Commission and city council.

Mayor Kevin Burns said, in a prepared statement: "Geneva's historic center is a source of pride to residents and an attractive walkable commercial district to visitors. Historic preservation has always played an important role in maintaining the city's authentic sense of place. This discussion is critical in determining the future of historic preservation in Geneva."

A public meeting to review the draft plan will be held at 7 p.m. Sept. 2 in the public works training room, 1800 South St.

Have questions? Contact Karla Kaulfuss, historic preservation planner, at (630) 938-4541 or kkaulfuss@geneva.il.us.