The small ad hoc Downtown Strategies Committee, appointed by Mayor Jerry Jackson under the umbrella of the HHBA (Historic Harrison Business Association) non-profit, has been meeting weekly to discuss options and plans for protecting the historic downtown, preserving property values, and assisting business owners with practical ways to attract customers.
The Certified Local Government Coordinator for the Division of Arkansas Heritage, Iain Montgomery, spent the night downtown, walked the streets, and met with the committee the next day.
Montgomery was impressed with the downtown area and its potential. After explaining the duties and responsibilities of a CLG/Historic District Commission, he encouraged the group to proceed.
The major positives of having a Historic District Commission would hopefully save building owners investigation time when renovating a historic building.
Montgomery said, “It would also protect property values and add value to the downtown area. This Historic Preservation Commission would help keep Harrison unique and preserve the downtown for the future.”
Montgomery said most Historic District Commissions are staffed with volunteers with backgrounds as historians, archeological historians, architectural historians, landscape architects, and archeologists. He also said that if a community cannot find all of these professionals, other considerations can be made.
The HHBA is presenting a letter to Mayor Jackson asking the City Council to establish this commission. It will be presented to the city council's committees on June 13.
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