The Historic Preservation Review Commission (HPRC) will consider supporting a request from the Arts and Culture Commission for the Arsenal to be designated as a cultural district by the California Arts Council. If approved, the request could go before the Benicia City Council as soon as its March 28 meeting.

In a staff report, Community Development Director Christina Ratcliffe noted that the application would fit in with two of the city’s General Plan goals: maintaining and enhancing Benicia’s historic character, and increasing public awareness of cultural resources and activities.

Moreover, Ratcliffe noted that the status as a cultural district would “promote the preservation and enhancement of historic neighborhoods, commercial areas and governmental districts” and “permit new development, remodeling and building renovation in historic districts when consistent with the policies of the applicable Historic Conservation Plan,” in keeping with two policies of the General Plan.

Celeste Smeland, the executive director of Arts Benicia, will be providing information and is requesting support from the HPRC for the application, which Ratcliffe noted could result in grant and additional funding possibilities for the Arsenal. Additionally, Smeland will be requesting approval from the City Council next week. The deadline for the application is Wednesday, March 29.

In other business, Rick Knight— the superintendent of the Parks and Community Services Department—will be delivering a presentation on the re-roofing and tower netting project at the Clock Tower, and the commission will be voting on a resolution requesting an amendment to the design review for a new detached garage at a West H Street property.

The HPRC will meet at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, March 23 in the City Hall Commission Room, located at 250 East L St. The public is welcome to attend.

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