Historic Preservation in Piqua: New City Historic Review Commission to Safeguard Landmarks and Community Heritage
Could Troy follow Piqua's Leadership on Historic Preservation?
Things are happening in Piqua. So much so, that this publication has woefully fallen behind some of the more interesting aspects of the local discussion to our county’s most northern city, and this publication knows that more attention is needing to be paid to that community. Today’s publication is an attempt to rectify our negligence.
In a significant move toward preserving the rich historical fabric of the community, the Piqua City Commission has established the City Historic Review Commission (CHRC) under Ordinance O-3-24 that was adopted after it’s third reading on May 21st. This new commission is a crucial step in safeguarding the historical structures and landmarks that define Piqua's unique character.
The CHRC is empowered to make final decisions on the appropriateness of modifications and improvements to historical structures within the city. Additionally, it has the authority to designate local landmarks, ensuring that any changes to these important sites align with the community's preservation goals. This move is part of the city's broader effort to become a Certified Local Government (CLG), a designation by the Ohio State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) that promotes the preservation of local historic resources.
The commission will meet quarterly, with the schedule determined by its appointed members. It will be staffed by the City of Piqua city planner and include a non-voting member from the City Commission and a representative from the Piqua-Caldwell Historic District. The City Commission will appoint four additional members who are residents of Piqua. These members must have expertise or experience in fields such as architecture, architectural history, history, archaeology, planning, or related disciplines.
The ordinance outlines a comprehensive framework for the CHRC's operations, including criteria for the designation of landmarks and districts, processes for reviewing modifications to historic properties, and enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance. The ordinance also details the historical significance of Piqua, highlighting its Native American roots, early industry driven by the Miami River, and significant landmarks like Fort Piqua Plaza and the Caldwell Historic District.
Piqua: A Community Rich in History
Piqua's history is rich and varied, dating back to its Native American roots. The name Piqua is derived from a Native American word meaning “man who arose from the ashes” or “ashes to ashes.” The area was inhabited by various indigenous tribes, including the Shawnee, Miami, and Delaware. Fort Piqua was established in 1793 by General Anthony Wayne during the Northwest Indian War, and the City of Piqua was founded in 1807 and incorporated in 1823. Piqua's early industry was successful due to its location along the Miami River, which provided power for mills and other industries. The city became known for its manufacturing, including paper mills, foundries, undergarments, and agricultural equipment.
The construction of the Miami and Erie Canal in the 1830s further stimulated Piqua's economy by providing a transportation route for goods and people. The canal connected Piqua to other major cities in Ohio and beyond. Piqua was also a center of abolitionist activity in the mid-19th century. The town was a stop on the Underground Railroad, and many residents were involved in the anti-slavery movement. Nearby Rossville became home to freed slaves from Virginia in the 1830s.
Piqua boasts several historic structures and landmarks that are still standing today, including the Fort Piqua Plaza, which now houses a library and meeting spaces. The Johnston Farm & Indian Agency provides insight into the area's early history and the interactions between Native Americans and European settlers. The Caldwell Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985, includes portions of North Main Street, Wayne Street, Downing Street, Caldwell Street, West Ash Street, Greene Street, North Street, Mound Street, and Park Avenue. These areas contribute tremendously to the vibrancy of the downtown area, which is why the City has made significant efforts to preserve their historical character, including applying to be a Certified Local Government (CLG) with the State of Ohio and establishing local guidelines and standards for renovation, rehabilitation, and demolition.
The Certified Local Government Program: A unique partnership
The Certified Local Government (CLG) program is a federal, state, and local partnership that promotes the preservation of local historic resources by providing assistance to local communities, including funding that can be used for a variety of preservation projects. The benefits of becoming a CLG for the city of Piqua are numerous and impactful:
Access to Funding: One of the primary benefits of becoming a CLG is access to matching grants for various preservation activities. These grants can fund projects such as historic resource surveys, preservation planning, and educational programs. This financial support can help the city undertake preservation projects that might otherwise be financially unfeasible.
Technical Assistance: CLG status provides the city with access to technical assistance from the SHPO. This assistance includes guidance on best practices for preserving historic properties, advice on meeting federal and state preservation standards, and support in developing local preservation ordinances and programs. This expertise is invaluable in ensuring that Piqua's preservation efforts are effective and sustainable.
Enhanced Community Involvement: The CLG program encourages public participation in the preservation process. This involvement can help build a sense of community and pride in the city's historic resources. By engaging residents in preservation activities, the city can foster a greater appreciation for its historical assets and promote a culture of preservation.
Economic Benefits: Preservation of historic properties can have significant economic benefits for the community. Restored historic buildings can attract tourists, businesses, and new residents, contributing to the local economy. Additionally, preservation projects often create jobs and stimulate investment in the community. By maintaining its historic character, Piqua can differentiate itself from other communities and create a unique identity that attracts economic development.
Educational Opportunities: Becoming a CLG provides opportunities for educational programs that can raise awareness about the importance of historic preservation. These programs can be targeted at various audiences, including students, property owners, and the public. By educating the community about its history and the value of preservation, the city can cultivate a new generation of preservation advocates.
Recognition and Prestige: Achieving CLG status is a recognition of Piqua's commitment to historic preservation. This designation can enhance the city's reputation and provide a sense of pride for residents. It also signals to potential investors and visitors that the city values its heritage and is dedicated to preserving its unique character.
Piqua is Being Proactive
There is absolutely no doubt that the leaders of the City of Piqua have recently seen what has transpired in the community seven miles south. For over four years, the citizens of Piqua watched from the sideline as a building in downtown Troy became the target of local government wrangling and multiple lawsuits that resulted in the main corridor in downtown to be shut down for nearly 10 months; an inexcusable fact by any measure.
By adopting this ordinance, the City of Piqua is being proactive; they are taking the decisions on renovations and demolitions of historic properties out of the hands of a board that deals largely with re-zoning applications and subdivision requests and putting that authority in the hands of residents that actually have technical expertise in the fields such as historic preservation, architecture and history.
These are some of the exact measures that the Troy Historic Preservation Alliance have been calling for when it talks about “creating a culture of stewardship”. This publication has talked at length about the Planning Commission process is broken in our community, and this publication would argue that being part of the Certified Local Government program is worthy of discussion by both the City’s Planning Commission and the City Council.
Currently, the City of Troy is going through the process of creating a new comprehensive plan; an all inclusive document that will help guide land use and infrastrucutre decisions for the next few decades. This publication would advocate that the plan should explicity mention the Certified Local Government program and place being a part of the program as a goal for the community to achieve in the plan.
Calling All Citizens!
Residents who meet the criteria and are interested in contributing to the preservation of Piqua's historical heritage are encouraged to apply for a position on the CHRC. Applications must be submitted by noon Eastern Time on Friday, May 31, 2024.
This is a unique opportunity for community members to play a vital role in maintaining the historical integrity of Piqua. By serving on the CHRC, members will help ensure that the city's architectural legacy is preserved for future generations to appreciate and enjoy. For more information or to apply, please visit the City of Piqua's official website at www.piquaoh.org.
Thanks for reading today’s Civic Capacity Newsletter! Did you know, for less than $1 per week, you can support this effort to bring local news and information directly to you and your neighbors? If you have not considered being a paid subscriber to this effort, please do so. Through your generous paid subscription, you are helping provide this information to our community!
Feel free to share this information! Through informing and educating our community’s stakeholders, we are creating a stronger community.
Also, our reader survey for May is looking for responses! Feel free to share your thoughts and ideas, you can access the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PF6SPPN
Bill, the website is piquaoh.gov not .org
Way to go, Piqua!