Landmark Ordinance to Continue to be Reviewed

The Ordinance & License Committee, after hearing Monday night a request from Alderman Duane Paulson to change the ordinance governing landmarks and the opposition to that request, voted to form a study group to take a further look at the issue.

“Don’t take this away from historical Waukesha,” said Landmarks Commissioner Reginald Sprecher during the meeting.

City Administrator Lori Luther said after the meeting that members from the Landmarks Commission and Common Council could possibly serve on that study group as the ordinance is reviewed.

Paulson brought the issue forward after the Waukesha Family YMCA lost an appeal claiming a former house-style gas station it owned should not have been named as a landmark by the Waukesha Landmarks Commission.

Paulson has brought forward a proposal that property owners either request a landmarks status or consent to a landmarks status before a building can be deemed a landmark.

Paulson said during the meeting the YMCA paid far more for the property than what it was assessed for only to have it deemed a landmark a few months later.

“This goes to a fairness issue,” Paulson said. “This goes to property owner rights.”

Alderwoman Kathleen Cummings made it clear during the meeting that she disagreed with Paulson's views and urged the Ordinance & License Committee to keep the landmarks ordinance the same.