SAN ANGELO, Texas — The City of San Angelo will hold a public town hall meeting from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Mar. 2 at 72 W. College Ave. to discuss the proposal of a new commercial historic district downtown.
Businesses will now be required to submit a certificate of appropriateness approval from the Design and Historic Review Commission (DHRC) for any exterior new construction, reconstruction, alteration, restoration or rehabilitation, as well as any material change to exterior elements, including signs, fencing and light fixtures visible from public rights-of-way in the district.
Approval is not required for interior work.
Businesses who may be affected by decisions made in the meeting include those within a commercial area of Chadbourne Street north of the Concho River, east of North Irving Street, south of East 4th Street and west of South Oakes Street.
Just recently, Urban Salt Kitchen and Bar opened its doors downtown and business has been great so far. But co-owner Michelle Chapa said the constant changes for businesses downtown is not consistent and could use some adjustments.
“It's already been a challenge for many years. I feel like this new proposal will add additional obstacles that are going to completely discourage anybody from wanting to make any changes. It's just a lot of different things that I haven't seen in other cities," Chapa explained.
The goal for COSA is to continue to preserve downtown San Angelo, but Chapa said the City lacks consistency and could be more organized so business owners can avoid fines and stay up-to-date.
COSA Chief Planner Jeff Fisher explained hearing business owners thoughts on the proposal will have a lot to do with steps moving forward.
"We're gonna gather all of our information and all of the feedback in what was televised tonight and then if we decide we want to bring this historic district forward, it would go to our planning commission for recommendation. From there, it would go on the following month to city council. So we can then take the recommendations tonight and bring it forward for a vote." Fisher said.
Applicants should submit, along with their applications, drawings showing all site improvements and full building elevations detailing proposed building materials and colors to City staff and the DHRC.