In November, discussions began about the preservation of Crestwood’s Ridgewood neighborhood: 268 mid-century modern homes designed by local architect Ralph Fournier from 1951-1953, sitting north of Grant’s Trail and buttressed by Grant Road to the east.
At the Crestwood Board of Aldermen’s April 28 meeting, the aldermen were asked to provide feedback on whether city staff should draft a city code amendment, which would aim to preserve the historic architecture in Ridgewood. This would “establish design criteria” when homeowners are planning renovations to their properties, according to city planner Danny Jendusa.
According to an online survey of Ridgewood residents — which was promoted via 304 postcards and received 104 responses — 75% of respondents said that the architectural character of their homes and neighborhood was “very important” to them. 68% of respondents said that they strongly supported architectural preservation.
Ward 1 Alderman Jesse Morrison, Ward 2 Alderperson Rebecca Now and Ward 4 Alderman John Sebben spoke in favor of city staff drafting the legislation.
“I would not characterize (the amendment) as red tape, but as honoring something that is special and unique. It reminds me of the old Joni Mitchell song, ‘You don’t know what you got till it’s gone,’” Now said. “I think we would be remiss to just let (this neighborhood) disappear.”
On the other hand, Ward 3 aldermen Greg Hall and Grant Mabie raised concerns that a city code amendment altering what can and cannot be done to a Ridgewood home’s architecture would be an extra burden on residents and city staff.
“I think it increases the burden on staff and Planning and Zoning to nitpick folks when they’re renovating their homes,” Mabie said. “I think it’s frankly a solution in search of a problem. We have a thriving neighborhood with people who want to move in. … I think we should always proceed very cautiously when we’re trying to freeze something in amber.”
Morrison, who lives in Ridgewood and has been leading some of this effort from his aldermanic seat, closed the discussion. He said, “I can completely see the bureaucratic side of it. As a property owner, with not unlimited funds at my disposal, I can only imagine what it would be like if I had harsh restrictions. This is something we’re trying to feel out, and on a basis that doesn’t take a lot of the city’s money and time.”
The city code amendment will be drafted over the summer, and the process will incorporate several public meetings to receive feedback from residents, according to Jendusa. He hopes to bring the amendment to the Board of Aldermen in the fall.
“We’ll get continuous community feedback — reworking the proposal as the community asks for it, even withdrawing if that’s what it seems like the community’s preferences are,” Jendusa said.