DATE: July 22, 2015
MEDIA CONTACT: Rick Ferrer, Historic Preservation Officer
Planning and Redevelopment Division
PHONE: 954-357-6634
EMAIL: rferrer@broward.org
BROWARD COUNTY, FL- During a special inaugural meeting on July 16th, Broward County officially welcomed members of the new Historic Preservation Board. This Board was created as a result of the adoption of a new County Historic Preservation Ordinance that replaced Broward's former long-serving Historical Commission. This Board launches a new era for archaeological and historical resources as it reaches out to serve more than half of Broward's municipalities as well as Broward's Municipal Services District.
The purpose of the Board is to encourage respect, understanding and preservation of the local history of Broward County. The Board designates or recommends for designation historic landmarks and districts, and reviews applications to alter, add on to, demolish or move a landmark or properties within a historic district.
Fort Lauderdale architect and native son, Leo Hansen was elected Chair of the Board, and former Broward Historical Commission member and licensed contractor, Sheldon McCartney was elected Vice-Chair. The Board includes professional architects, a historian/folklorist, a curator, contractor and historic preservationist. Three seats remain to be filled and the County is actively seeking qualified and interested candidates. Visit Broward.org/history for details on how to apply.
Broward's Historic Preservation Board will be operating with the guidance and support of the County's Environmental Protection and Growth Management Department. Henry Sniezek, Deputy Department Director provided an introductory welcome recognizing that the Board was "making history" at its first meeting. The Board was given an overview of the County's historic preservation past, present and future, which included a 40-year overview of the Historical Commission. Broward's new Historic Preservation Officer Rick Ferrer outlined a new vision for the County's historic preservation program including the recognition of Mid-20th Century architecture and development as well as assessing the historic impacts by Broward's diverse ethnic, minority and social groups.
An exciting road lies ahead as Broward moves forward with this Board and program that seeks State recognition as a Certified Local Government and preserving more of the County's significant historical, cultural and archaeological past. The next scheduled meeting of the Board is Thursday, September 17, 2015, 6PM, at the Broward County Governmental Center, 115 S. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale, Room 430. Meetings are open to the public.
For more information regarding historic preservation in Broward County visit broward.org/history