Albany-Dougherty Historic Preservation Commission observes National Historic Preservation Month

ALBANY, Ga. – The city of Albany celebrates National Historic Preservation Month, showcasing the city’s heritage and history.

The Albany-Dougherty Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) has rolled out a series of events throughout may to educate the Albany community about historic preservation of the region.

“Historic preservation is really the effort to review buildings. Whether it be an administrative process or a certificate of appropriateness process, which is more public in front of the historic preservation commission for alterations. And, the whole idea is to preserve history and enhance the history of buildings of significance. Normally, we go after buildings of at least 50 years of age, predominantly in the historic district in town that covers much of the downtown and then up north towards Tift Park and then over towards Hillsman Park to Slappey Boulevard. That’s our historic district in kind of a nutshell. And, that’s what predominantly our historic buildings are located,” said Todd Kennedy, Planning and Development Services, Planner II.

The Albany-Dougherty historic preservation commission showcased a series of community events in honor of National Historic Preservation Month. Highlights included a Historic Preservation Committee Lunch & Learn, a city cleanup initiative, and the creation of a mural to revitalize downtown Albany on behalf of the Albany Museum of Art (AMA).

Todd Kennedy,  Planner II of Planning and Development Services, discusses the HPC’s role in historic preservation in Albany.

“The commission plays a role of reviewing certificates of appropriateness. They also play a role of reviewing the district inventory of which buildings need to be reviewed and so forth. Also, education as well and providing information for either applicants or residents alike. Also, you know, doing events like these, hosting events like these during the preservation month as well. So, we do want to encourage it. That can be not only just within the month of may, but throughout the year itself,” said Kennedy.

How citizens can gain more knowledge and become involved in the historic preservation process.

“Several ways. What they can do is definitely contact me directly here at the office and I could definitely walk through. Also, it is highly encouraged that interested citizens attend HPC meetings. The HPC Historic Preservation Commission meets on the first Wednesday of every month. And right over here in Room 380 at 240 Pine Avenue, and they are more than welcome to come and participate, ask questions and offer ideas. I highly recommend anyone interested to stop by and attend our meetings, first Wednesday of every month, 240 Pine Avenue, Room 380, 10 a.m.,” said Kennedy.

De’Andra Jacobs reporting.

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