Atherton seeks public comment on historic preservation plan Atherton seeks public comment on historic preservation plan (June 29, 2005)

By Andrea Gemmet

Almanac Staff Writer

Anyone with a burning interest in Atherton history could have a chance to weigh in on the drafting of the town's preservation ordinance.

The town's historic consultant Laura Jones said last week that she is seeking volunteers and public input as she and her staff go about documenting, researching and evaluating approximately two dozen artifacts, most in the Lindenwood neighborhood.

Ms. Jones told the Atherton City Council at its June 15 meeting that she aims to create a map of artifacts, such as walls, statues and urns that are at least 75 years old, and will seek permission from their owners to photograph them.

The basis of her research will be the list of artifacts compiled by the Atherton Heritage Association and submitted to the City Council earlier this year. However, several furnishings from James Flood's Linden Towers mansion that were on the list will be omitted, Ms. Jones said.

Atherton's foray into the inevitably controversial process of historic preservation began in April, when the prospective buyer of 42 Flood Circle announced his intention to remove a more-than century-old three-tier Flood estate fountain from the property. The council passed an urgency ordinance to protect the fountain and other historic objects while permanent regulations are drafted.

Besides documenting the artifacts, Ms. Jones said she also plans to evaluate the objects' significance, using what she termed "widely recognized" state and national criteria. The Flood estate was one of America's most famous gardens, she said.

She said she would also provide information about historic preservation ordinances in other towns, in order to help council members decide what kind of regulations they want to create.

"We're not proposing to write the ordinance for you," Ms. Jones said.

She and her staff plan to go out and photograph artifacts in July, draft reports in August and return with their findings to the council at its September 21 meeting, Ms. Jones said.

Anyone interested in participating may call the town offices at 752-0500.

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