Council, being mindful of the proud history of this community, the importance of beauty in the everyday lives of our residents and the need to further efforts to provide for sound community and economic development, hereby declares as a matter of public policy that the preservation, restoration, rehabilitation and overall aesthetic improvement of our community are matters of public necessity involving the health, safety, prosperity and welfare of the people. The purpose of this chapter is to:
(a) Contribute to the economic, recreational, cultural and educational development of the City by:
(1) Stabilizing and improving property values;
(2) Stimulating business and attracting industry by providing a sound economic climate;
(3) Protecting and enhancing attraction to residents, tourists and visitors;
(4) Improving the quality of life by enhancing the visual and aesthetic character, diversity and interest of the City;
(5) Fostering civic pride in the accomplishments of the past;
(6) Promoting the use of preservation of prehistoric and historic locations, architecturally significant structures and other notable objects, archaeological and historic sites for the education, enrichment and general welfare of the people of the City of East Liverpool, County of Columbiana and the State of Ohio.
(b) Provide for the establishment of procedures whereby certain areas, structures, objects and works of art of prehistoric, historic, architectural or cultural importance to the community shall be safeguarded and allowed that measure of protection afforded by a thorough study of alternatives to incompatible alterations or demolition before such acts are performed;
(c) Maintain and enhance the distinctive character of preservation districts by safeguarding the architectural integrity of the various period structures within them, and to prevent intrusions and alterations within the districts that would be incompatible with the established character.
(Ord. 19, 1989. Passed 4-3-89.)