by Olivia P. Tucker
Intern Reporter
The Austin City Council approved establishing historic preservation areas in the city when they met Tuesday, June 14. The next step is working on maps and designations of historical places. Once the map is approved by the to be appointed Historic Preservation Commission, it is to go back to the council for approval of action before it takes affect.
The reason that such a board was suggested is because a number of homes of historic and architectural significance that have already been razed in the community. The area around the stoplight at US 31 & SR 256 was cited as an example.
There is also a house currently on Church Street that also has the potential to be considered historic through the Historic Preservation as well as many other homes inside the city limits.
A legal notice outlining the establishment of the proposed Historic Preservation Commission can be found on Page 3 of this issue of the Times.
In another matter, Austin City Council member Dylan Baker announced that he was stepping down from the Austin City Council.
Baker said that he was elected to the city council at the age of 19 and spent two and a half years on the board. While doing so, he completed his undergraduate degree and has moved out of Scott County.
Baker said that he accepted a new position as the Drug Free Communities Coordinator in Scott County funded by federal grants.
“I look forward to serving the county community within my new role,” said Baker.