REVISE DESIGN GUIDELINES

A session providing education for members of the City of Frankfort RDC may also reinforce the spirit behind the Guidelines. The Indiana Landmarks document “The Role of a Local Preservation Commission” at http://www.indianalandmarks.org/SiteCollection Documents/PreservComms_12.pdf.) is a good resource to start. For additional benefits of design guidelines for a historic district see the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Top 10 List at https:// savingplaces.org/stories/10-on-tuesday-10-benefits-of-establishinga-local-historic-district#.VpvGyfkrK01.

Hands on examples will also promote the Design Guidelines as a positive tool for change. For instance, Frankfort Main Street could partner with a property owner to undertake a sample project to illustrate the guidelines. Another tool could be highlighting and celebrating the incremental changes achieved on facade improvements made through the use of local financing or private investment.

Additional resources about historic preservation may include the following:

1. Frankfort Commercial Historic District National Register Nomination (accessible through the Indiana Department of Natural Resources SHAARD database http://www.in.gov/dnr/historic/4505.htm.)

2. The National Park Service’s Preservation Briefs website (http:// www.nps.gov/tps/how-to-preserve/briefs.htm.)

3. Request acquisitions by the Frankfort Community Public Library related to historic preservation and building maintenance such as Old Building Owner’s Manual by Judith Kitchen; A Layperson’s Guide to Preservation Law: Federal, State, and Local Laws Governing Historic Resources by Julia Miller; What Style Is It?: A Guide to American Architecture by John C. Poppeliers and S. Allen Chambers; and The Economics of Historic Preservation: A Community Leader’s Guide by Donovan D. Rypkema.

Implementation Chart

The goals and objectives from the previous section have been reassembled below in a chart. Under timelines, short term refers to one-three years, mid-term to four-six year and long term to seven or more years.

Under Responsible Entity, FMS to Frankfort Main Street, COC to the chamber of commerce/ LIG to the local investment group and CVB to the convention and visitors bureau.

Goals/Objectives: Economic Development Timeline Cost Funding Source Responsible Entity

Goal: Encourage Local Entrepreneurs

Review zoning policies to encourage entrepreneurs

Help existing business grow

Simplify and promote existing business start-up programs

Goal: Form a Local Investment Group

Approach potential investors to share downtown vision and gauge their interest

Contact people from case studies to learn about structuring the group

Acquire Property

Goal: Create Incentives for Downtown Housing

Review zoning ordinances to remove roadblocks and encourage housing

Assess current minimum parking requirements, making sure that on-site and off-site parking is not difficult or cost prohibitive

Make downtown housing affordable by reducing fees, tax incentives, loans and starting a loft program

Form a downtown liaison group