Steps continue toward a vote on setting up a formal Historic Overlay District in downtown Plattsmouth. The city has been a Certified Local Government for historic preservation since 2005 and has used almost $100,000 in related funding, but to this point the guidelines have only been suggestive. The Cassgram reports legislation to make the guidelines enforceable is on a path to come before the city council.

According to City Administrator Erv Portis, the city has in hand petitions consenting to the creation of the district from more than 60% of property owners of the privately-owned property in the proposed district. In action at last night’s city council meeting, the council also included the city—the owner of 13% of the property in the district—as a petition consenter. The county board is considering its petition consent today. The county holds 17% of the property within the district.

The next step involves a public hearing and a draft ordinance going before the city planning commission. Final action on a land development ordinance then rests with the city council after another public hearing is held.