Whittier Preservationists Map Out Plan for Historic District

Preservationists in Whittier are drawing up plans to protect dozens of the city’s architectural treasures.

Although some property owners’ concerns remain to be addressed, city planners hope to present the Central Park Historic District to the City Council in January.

The area would include about 50 homes, some of them dating to the turn of the century and representing Victorian, Craftsman and Spanish Revival architectural styles.

Senior City Planner Julie Christian-Palma said the designation would benefit neighborhoods within the district by requiring a rigorous application process for demolition and remodeling.

“It’s added insurance that the homes will not be demolished without a proper review process,� she said.

Some homeowners within the area are skeptical of the move, citing the possibility that the review process would mean more red tape if they try to add rooms or install new siding. Negotiations between residents and the city’s planning department are intended to work out a compromise on the role of city inspectors.

Meanwhile, city planners are reminding homeowners that inclusion in such a project could aid their applications for having their homes registered individually as state historic residences--a property tax-saving proposition, they said.

As proposed, the district borders Hadley Street to the north and reaches Bailey Street on the south. Its boundaries extend to Bright Avenue on the west and Painter Avenue on the east.