Rhode Island Senate Bill S2190

Rhode Island 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/24/24
• Refer: 1/24/24

Caption

Authorizes the town of South Kingstown to adopt a local ordinance to delay the demolition of historic properties located in the town.

Impact

The proposed bill is significant in that it enhances local governmental authority regarding the preservation of historic buildings. By granting the town of South Kingstown specific powers to delay demolitions, it reinforces the town's ability to safeguard its architectural heritage. This act is intended to enable more thoughtful consideration of the impact of demolishing old structures, thereby fostering a sense of historical continuity and community identity. This local empowerment could potentially influence broader approaches to historic preservation across Rhode Island and beyond.

Summary

Bill S2190, titled 'An Act Relating to Towns and Cities - Historical Area Zoning', has been introduced to empower the town of South Kingstown to create a local ordinance aimed at preserving historic structures. This specific measure allows the town's historic district commission to compile a list of buildings or structures considered to possess historical or architectural significance. The ordinance would enable the town to not only add to or remove structures from this list but also mandate a delay in the demolition of listed properties. This delay would provide time to explore alternatives to demolition, promoting the preservation of historic assets within the community.

Contention

While the intention behind S2190 is to promote historical preservation, potential points of contention may arise regarding the implications of granting local governments power over demolition processes. Critics may argue that such ordinances could lead to conflicts with property rights and hinder development initiatives. Supporters, however, contend that the benefits of preserving historic integrity far outweigh the challenges posed by regulatory delays. The discussions around S2190 may reflect broader conversations about balancing development interests with the need to maintain the historical character of local communities.