Many cities and towns want to maintain their historical character. As communities grow, that ideal can be challenged.
In recent years, the city of Monroe has seen a push to re-energize its downtown district. Like other municipalities, city officials seek to establish and blend historic sites with newer developments.
"It's important to preserve that built-in environment," says Monroe Planning and Zoning Director Joanne Poret, a panelist in KEDM's Policy and a Pint on historic preservation on July 28. "It not only keeps aesthetic appeal, but provides character."
Poret says her office works closely with the the Heritage Preservation Commission in reviewing potential projects to the exterior of historic properties. She says the group looks foremost at maintaining the character or a building or a house.
There are three districts centrally-located in Monroe. Poret says those areas are routinely evaluated to see what opportunities may exist to blend historic sites with more modern buildings in the future.
