The board of Historic Fort Worth Inc. is dismayed by the "creative" process being used to remove the Landmark designation of the Dillow House. The established process is for Landmarks Commission to hear the issues and make a decision based on a building's current significance and the economic ability of the owner to rehab the building. If the owner does not agree with the decision, an appeal can be filed.
However, the Dillow House owner withdrew its appeal, and the case is being reviewed under an unprecedented process that sent the request to the Zoning Commission, where the designation removal was approved. The Fort Worth City Council is set to hear the case Tuesday at 7 p.m.The Dillow House case is on a precedent-setting course that undermines the city's preservation ordinance, Landmarks Commission, Appeals Board and city preservation staff. It opens the door for other owners of designated properties to follow suit, which would be a shame, given that last year designated buildings in Fort Worth generated $19.6 million in improvement projects.The council needs to get the Dillow House back in compliance with the established process by sending the case to the Appeals Board, or by voting "no."-- John Roberts, chairman, Historic Fort Worth Inc.Have more to add? News tip? Tell us
