Richard “Rich” Berkowitz
Richard “Rich” Berkowitz
Port of Seattle Commissioner, Position No. 3 (open seat)
RESPONSE RECEIVED: August 14
1. Why is historic preservation important?
Historic preservation provides residents and visitors alike a sense of place and perspective to assist in tracking Seattle's vibrant and interesting history.
2. What should government's role be in local, state, and national preservation issues, concerns, and opportunities?
Local, State and Federal agencies can, along with private sector businesses, offer support and lead in the development of preservation issues, address local concerns and study future opportunities for enhancement of the historical elements of Seattle.
3. What is your track record of supporting local historic preservation programs?
I am currently the Vice President of the Pike Place Market Foundation and am a member of the City of Seattle /King County 4 Culture Task Force on Maritime Heritage. The mission of this Task Force group is to create a vision and chart a course for a sustainable maritime heritage presence in Seattle/King County. As an executive board member of the PPMF, I am most interested in preserving the soul of Seattle, the PPM. The Foundation is also responsible for leading historic tours of the PPM and we have a history program exhibit on Western Ave. that provides visitors with a compelling history of aspects of the Market. I have also been an assigned board member of the PPMF to the effort to draft and pass a tax levy to support a $50 million restoration and refurbishment of the PPM. I have also been a member and president of the Propeller Club of Seattle and we are attuned to promoting and preserving Seattle's maritime heritage. You may have seen some of our plaques on the waterfront.
4. Local government entities own many historic properties, both designated as well as eligible for designation as landmarks. What is your position on the stewardship of these properties? What amount of funding for maintenance and rehabilitation would you support for these properties?
Since I am not familiar with the various properties in question, I can only say I am in support of efforts to continue with a high degree of stewardship for properties of interest and attempt to retain them in a high state of maintenance.
5. What policy changes would you support to strengthen protections for designated landmarks?
Protection of designated landmarks is of interest to all citizens of the Seattle/King County area. I will have to review the current policies in order to make a sound judgment on any changes that may be related to strengthening protection of designated landmarks.
6. What policy changes would you support to strengthen protections for buildings which have previously been surveyed and were determined to be eligible for a landmark designation?
I am not sure what the present policies are towards these structures, however, properties which have been determined to be eligible for landmark designation should be given a high priority for further investigation and study to develop an acceptable degree of protection.
7. What policy changes would you support to strengthen protections for older buildings which have not yet been surveyed and have not been evaluated for eligibility for a landmark designation?
Again, I am not familiar with the current policies for protection. However, I support landmark designation and believe older buildings should be considered for protection. I also believe they must be individually evaluated and surveyed to determine costs for rehabilitation, along with meeting the safety concerns and other related issues which must be addressed with older structures.
8. In communities across the nation, public funds have been used to survey the historic integrity of neighborhoods. In what ways would you support a comprehensive survey to identify, evaluate, and potentially designate properties as historic landmarks?
Again, depending of the areas in question, each must be evaluated on the merits of the preservation taking into account the costs of each endeavor.
9. Some community plans call for protection of architectural character and historic buildings with the establishment of conservation districts and design controls. What actions would you support to sustain community character?
Historical buildings and their unique architecture are an enhancement to any city. Design controls for newer structures can be developed to retain the character of the area. Pioneer Square and the Union Station areas are examples of this kind of conservation. The old bath house/church on Second is another good example of preserving some of the old with the new. I am for keeping Fishermen's terminal for fishermen!