Historic PreservationHistoric Preservation
There have been great strides in the last few years to promote historic preservation. Quite a number of local citizens joined together to develop a series of small museums and outdoor displays that focus on different historical events and products. That effort led the groups to continue as an organization which interacts with the City offices responsible for reviewing proposals for development/ redevelopment, so that impacts on valued historical factors can be addressed.
As a basis for doing that, there was a concerted effort to inventory sites and resources. The product of that effort was highlighted in The Dominion Post, and that generated public concern and support for ongoing preservation projects. Working with the Landmarks Commission, the associated interest groups provide public information packages via the Convention and Visitors' Bureau, materials to prospective WVU students, Main Street Morgantown, and the Chamber of Commerce. Some of the Vision 2020 program (previously Vision 2000) committees have adopted projects that promote aspects of historic preservation, too. All of this has resulted in public and private activities to upgrade and preserve the functional and aesthetic qualities of the area.
This section of the Plan focuses on the importance of preserving a sense of the community's rich historic past. It is important to current and future residents to keep in mind the historic preservation goals and objectives in evaluating proposed, ongoing development and subtle changes, too. Much of the City and County history has been ignored and overlooked as development decisions have been made.
Morgantown is a community that dates back to the mid 1700's, with names, places, events, and buildings that have an important place in national history as well as local lore. Unless efforts are made to promote this history to the public on an ongoing basis, the historical assets and values of the community will be lost as redevelopment takes place. This can have serious economic impacts on designated historic districts and structures. The Morgantown Landmarks Commission's existence is good evidence of City Council's commitment to identify and preserve the City's historic assets, and the Commission's involvement in the process of evaluating redevelopment proposals will help achieve that objective.
Goal A. A community that is aware of, and which has high value for, the City's history and historical resources.
Objective A1. Residents who are informed about the City's rich history and resources, and who can relate to and carry them on in the city's continued development.
Strategies
A1a. The Landmarks Commission will regularly present opportunities for organizations and individuals to participate in the preservation and interpretation of the History of the Morgantown Area.
A1b. The Landmarks Commission will seek citywide support in celebrating Preservation Week each May.
A1c. The Landmarks Commission and the Met Theater Board will join forces to encourage continued support for the restoration and maintenance of the Metropolitan Theater because of its importance to the vitality and success of the Central Business District.
A1d. Solicit funds to develop resource materials, to be available at the City Library, for property owners and builders to be acquainted with the advantages of historic preservation and techniques of restoration.
Goal B. Historic Districts that recognize the historic resources of the City, whether they be National Register class or locally designated.
Objective B1. To give incentives to property owners to maintain historically important properties.
Strategies
B1a. The Landmarks Commission will assist the Historical Society and other allied groups to develop local museums showcasing the history and heritage of the Morgantown area, encouraging the preservation of the material evidence of the community's important role in America's growth and development.
B1b. The Landmarks Commission will provide National Register nomination information to businesses, schools, and libraries in the county to promote expansion of citizen support for historic preservation, and to encourage formation of a County Landmarks Commission with which the City's Commission could cooperate.
B1c. The Landmarks Commission will coordinate the efforts of various organizations concerned with community history and preservation.
B1d. The Landmark Commission will establish media contacts that can promote the Commission's initiatives to the public.
B1e. The Landmarks Commission will provide a speakers bureau to offer programs to area civic groups interested in preservation.
Objective B2. Designation of historic places and structures, whether or not they are in a locally designated historic district or on the Federal Register of Historic Places.
Strategies
B2a. Continue to inventory historical events, sites, buildings, and related resources.
B2b. Extend and enrich the inventory of historical sites and buildings, and implement design review guidelines for historic districts and properties.
B2c. Identify, preserve, and use the historical resources for future generations, including structures, artifacts, sites, and oral tradition.
B2d. Establish a review process for proposed remodeling or demolition of structures and artifacts in the historic district, wherein the Landmark Commission would be involved in approving required permits.
B2e. In the City's process of reviewing plans for development/redevelopment, the Landmark Commission shall be informed and given opportunity to ascertain the relative historic preservation concerns.
B2f. Achieve historic district status for all of Morgantown's historic areas, and adopt zoning overlay districts that incorporate design/rehabilitation/restoration/preservation criteria.
B2g. Strengthen the Landmark Commission's capabilities by having staff and/or consultant resources.
B2h. The Landmarks Commission will work with others to achieve a national historic park along Decker's Creek and the Monongahela River, from Reedsville to Brownsville, relative to the area's role in American colonial history, economic history, and the second industrial revolution.