Paul A. Bascomb

Paul A. Bascomb

Seattle City Council, Position 6

RESPONSE RECEIVED: September 12, 11:27 a.m.

1. Why is historic preservation important?

Historic preservation helps make the City of Seattle a beautiful and desirable city in which to live, work and visit. The structural design, scale and distinctiveness of the city’s old buildings have a broad appeal for those experiencing Seattle’s charm. The future of our city will in large part be determined by our ability to successfully rejuvenate commercial and residential buildings throughout our great city and capitalize on the unique assets of the past.

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

For historic buildings, achieving code compliance is often perceived as one of the most formidable challenges. Pioneering treatments and technologies, and the growing adoption of rehabilitation codes present new opportunities for building owners, architects, experts and local officials. New code materials and other planning and technical resources can aid life safety goals, while accepting treatments that preserve the character of historic buildings

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

I have not played a direct role in the preservation or support of any preservation programs. It is not hard for one to see the necessity of preserving the character and rich cultures that differs in ethnic character of the historic growth of the city’s fine communities. I am a native of Seattle and would always support the preservation of our rich heritage as much as practicable, as it is also a part of who I am.

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?

My position on the stewardship of historic and future historic properties is that city government can use historic building codes to be applied to old buildings that a community would like to preserve to help allow the identification of buildings that meet community standards. There appears to be a number of federal, state and local programs that could be utilized to meet the needs for maintenance and rehabilitation. Not having the luxury of seeing the immediate funding source of the Seattle Housing Preservation group, I am not in a good position to effectively identify and categorically state how I would suggest administering funds.

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

There appears to be a number of protections already in place that allows for the support of designated landmarks, i.e., increased adoption of rehabilitation codes, continued planning with architects, consultants and local officials. Local governments could modify or change a code to meet a specific to the local surroundings and circumstances. I would work very closely with the housing preservation experts so that I could be a positive accomplice to keeping the character of our diverse communities.

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 think that supporting City Council Member Tom Rasmussen would be a great step in strengthening protections of eligible landmarks. To wit; “Protect historic resources in Seattle neighborhoods by investigating new tools to encourage their re-use and rehabilitation, by maintaining and updating the City’s historic resources survey and inventory, and by working with communities and historic preservation organizations.”

7. 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, I think that Tom Rasmussen has hit it dead on by making proposed amendments that serve “to connect historic resources with overarching priorities like conservation of the natural environment and economic development.

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?

The best answer I find is from Congress….”although the major burdens of historic preservation have been borne and major efforts initiated by private agencies and individuals, and both should continue to play a vital role, it is nevertheless necessary and appropriate for the Federal Government to accelerate its historic preservation programs and activities, to give maximum encouragement to agencies and individuals undertaking preservation by private means, and to assist State and local governments and the National Trust for Historic Preservation in the United States to expand and accelerate their historic preservation programs and activities.

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?

As I stated earlier, I think the proper use of building codes and zoning can play a vital role in preserving community character and pride. Educating the communities year around as to the significance of civic history in their neighborhoods that adds value to home, businesses and quality of life becomes a vital process to strengthen support for protection historic properties and landmarks.

10. The Mayor has proposed height and density increases in the downtown area. This proposal, combined with an improving economy, will increase pressure to demolish historic structures. To address this concern, the proposal includes additional incentives for retaining historic structures. Do you support these changes as proposed? If not, why not? What other preservation incentives or controls do you think should be considered?

I do agree with the Mayor that we should retain our historic structures whenever possible. I have had the opportunity to do so historic preservation research in responding to this questionnaire, but I have not had the opportunity to review all of the available information as it pertains to the City of Seattle. Therefore, I would not be doing this questionnaire just by giving a vision of what I think should be considered for future incentives.

11. Designated historic districts are already established in Seattle, including Pioneer Square, the International District, Columbia City, and Ballard. How would you support the allocation of additional city resources to continue architecturally sensitive development in these historic areas?

Being the challenger to the position that I seek, I do not have a working knowledge of the budget process and the various items that affect it. As the candidate that has a lifetime history of growing up utilizing each of these historic districts, I would be very proactive in making sure that these areas have someone in city leadership to promote preservation wherever and whenever needed.