(A) The Woodford County Fiscal Court finds that many structures and improvements having a distinctive character or special historic, aesthetic, architectural or cultural interest or value have been irrevocably altered, modified, demolished or uprooted, notwithstanding the feasibility and desirability of preserving and continuing the use and existence of these structures and improvements, and without adequate consideration of the irreplaceable loss to the people of the county. In addition, distinctive or historic neighborhoods, areas, places and archaeological sites have been and may be similarly uprooted or may have their distinctiveness destroyed, although the preservation thereof may be both feasible and desirable. It is the finding of the Woodford County Fiscal Court that the distinctive character of this county can only be maintained and enhanced by respecting its historic, aesthetic, architectural, archaeological and cultural heritage, and by preventing the destruction of these civic and community assets.
(B) The Woodford County Fiscal Court hereby declares as a matter of public policy that the preservation, protection, perpetuation and use of neighborhoods, areas, places, structures and improvements having a special or distinctive character or a special historic, aesthetic, architectural, archaeological or cultural interest or value, and which serve as visible reminders of the history and heritage of this county, Commonwealth or nation is a public necessity and is required in the interest of the health, prosperity, safety, welfare and economic well-being of the people.
(C) The purpose of this chapter is to effect the goals as set forth in the above findings and declaration of public policy and specifically, but not exclusively, to:
(1) Effect and accomplish the preservation, protection, perpetuation and use of historic landmarks, landmark sites and neighborhoods, areas, places, structures and improvements having a special or distinctive character or a special historic, aesthetic, architectural, archaeological or cultural interest or value to this county, Commonwealth or nation;
(2) Promote the educational, cultural, economic and general welfare of the people and safeguard the county’s history and heritage as embodied and reflected in the landmarks, sites and districts;
(3) Stabilize and improve property values in those districts and in this county as a whole;
(4) Foster civic pride in the value of notable accomplishments;
(5) Strengthen the economy of this county;
(6) Protect and enhance this county’s attractions to residents, tourists and visitors and serve as a support and stimulus to business and industry; and
(7) Enhance the visual and aesthetic character, diversity and distinctiveness of the county.
(Ord. 1-99, passed 2-23-1999)