The process to create a Historical and Architectural District is Downtown Butler is continuing to move forward.
Council approved the introduction and first reading of a motion that would amend an ordinance involving the creation of the Ritts Historical and Architectural District.
Phase one was to designate the area entirely Residential or R1. According to Councilman Jeff Smith, this new action is the second phase of the project to create the district.
“Part of it is to somewhat soften the R1 designation that those homes are under right now in recognition of their character,” Smith said.
“I think it’s very positive for the community and it’s certainly not an attempt to turn the area into a Williamsburg-type place,” Smith said. “It’s really intended to preserve the architecture and to keep people from doing bad things.”
Council anticipates hearing from residents as well as the City’s Planning Commission before taking a final vote to enact the ordinance change.
The purpose behind the creation of this district is to try to preserve the architectural history of Butler in the Ritts District Area as well as to stimulate and encourage home ownership growth.