Council, being mindful of the proud history of this community and of the importance of beauty in the everyday lives of our residents hereby declare as a matter of public policy that the identification, evaluation, designation, and protection of designated historic and prehistoric resources within the boundaries of Ashland be provided for and preserve and rehabilitate eligible historic properties within Ashland for future generations in order to:
(a) Safeguard the heritage of Ashland as represented by those buildings, districts, objects, sites and structures which reflect significant elements of Ashland History.
(b) Foster civic and neighborhood pride in the beauty and accomplishments of the past, and a sense of identity based on Ashland history.
(c) Stabilize or improve the aesthetic and economic vitality and values of such sites, improvements and objects.
(d) Assist, encourage and provide incentives to private owners for preservation, restoration, redevelopment and use of outstanding historic buildings, districts, objects, sites and structures.
(e) Promote and facilitate the early identification and resolution of conflicts between preservation of historic resources and alternative land uses.
(f) Conserve valuable material and energy resources by ongoing use and maintenance of the existing built environment. (Ord. 51-05. Passed 6-7-05.)