Jane Fellner

Jane Fellner

Seattle School Board Director District 5

RESPONSE RECEIVED: September 2

• Why is historic preservation important?

Historic preservation links a community to its cultural roots, with visible reminders of its heritage and identity.

• What should government’s role be in local, state, and national preservation issues, concerns, and opportunities?

Government should be flexible in allowing communities to preserve buildings that are perceived to be of historical value, where other circumstances or priorities do not overshadow historical concerns.

• What is your track record of supporting local historic preservation programs?

I have not been involved in historic preservation in the past, other than restoring old furniture.

• 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?

Historic preservation plays a role in the growth and development of a community, and buildings must be protected from irreversible damage. Funding must be contingent on available resources and conflicting priorities. Government should work with the community to find a blend of public and private funds that supports preservation and is affordable to the community.

• What policy changes would you support to strengthen protections for designated landmarks?

I am not knowledgeable regarding current policy, so am not aware of the need for increased protections.

• 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 knowledgeable regarding current policy or the need for possible changes.

• 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?

I am not knowledgeable regarding current policy or the need for possible changes.

• 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?

When communities identify properties as having significance, there should be a process in place to evaluate these properties for landmark potential. The public must be willing to support such endeavors with their tax dollars if it is done at public expense.

• 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?

Historic landmarks add character and distinctiveness to our communities. I support the preservation of historic properties and their incorporation into plans for neighborhood growth and development.