Nimz discusses Downtown Historical District benefits Tuesday night

Fort Scott citizens gathered at the Carriage House Tuesday evening to take part in a presentation by Dale Nimz on the nomination of the Fort Scott Downtown Historical District.

Nimz began the presentation by stating that the historic preservation is a local activity. State and Federal assistance is available, but, the local community and property owners are the driving force toward completion of the preservation.

Having a downtown historical district will provide three main benefits:

* Recognition -- The historical district means that Fort Scott would have a high quality downtown to display to tourists and all across the nation. Being known as a historical district could show that Fort Scott takes pride in its history to visitors.

* Financial Assistance -- There is financial assistance that is available through the state as well as the federal government in the form of grants and tax credits.

* Protection -- City governments are encouraged to have ordinances regarding their historic properties and the way that they are treated. Local governments can also apply for a certified local government program in which authority is passed down from the state to the city. The state will offer protection in the form of the State Environs Reviews in which owners request permission to make substantial changes to the building. The federal government will also require permission for any changed to a building that is using federal money or programs.

The City of Fort Scott is looking for the inclusion of the Downtown Historical District to add economic value to the city.

"We've got some great stores in the downtown but obviously we've got vacancies," said Director of Economic Development Dale Bunn.

Projects like this have helped the economy of other cities that Nimz has worked with. A common trend is to rent out the second floor of downtown building to residents.

"The trend in using the second and third stories of building for residences is something that is going to very exciting," said Nimz. "It's good economics, and it's also good community development"

Another meeting will be held in early December in which Nimz will present the nomination documents to the public. The public is also encouraged to attend the review board meeting in February in which the nomination documents will be presented for approval.