Historic districts topic of workshop

Pamela Kennedy, deputy director of the Rhode Island Historical Preservation and Heritage Commission, will address the pros and cons of establishing historic districts - in particular of establishing one in Jamestown - at the Jamestown Philomenian Library, on Thursday, June 21, at 7 p.m. Kennedy is the commission's expert on historic districting. She has 25 years of experience in the field.

Historic districts are used to stabilize historic neighborhoods by ensuring that new construction in those neighborhoods is compatible with the existing buildings. Consideration of historic districting is part of the town's long-range plan. The state takes no direct role in the formation of historic districts. This meeting is an opportunity to become informed on the subject and decide if historic districts have a place in Jamestown.

Kennedy will discuss how a historic district functions, how a Historic District Commission is formed, and how its standards are developed. She will explain the financial incentives for residents of historic districts, such as the 20 percent state tax credit for renovations.

The meeting is sponsored by of the Shoreby Hill Historic District Study Committee in cooperation with the Jamestown Planning Commission and the Jamestown Historical Society.