Update: temporary demolition moratorium approved

According to the Greater Houston Preservation Alliance, City Council has granted a temporary halt on demolitions in Old Sixth Ward. This measure was brought up a last week, but was delayed until today.

The ordinance, number 39 on this week's agenda, reads:

Ordinance discontinuing the applicability of Subsection 33-250(a) of the Code of Ordinances, Houston, Texas, relating to the demolition of historic structures in the Old Sixth Ward Historic District; making findings and containing other provisions relating to the demolition of historic structures in the Old Sixth Ward Historic District; providing for severability.

Section 33-250(a) (text here) is the BS 90-day waiver certificate that the city currently uses if a certificate of appropriateness has not been issued by the HAHC for a demolition proposal.

The demolition ban will be in effect until September of this year, and will buy the city some time to devise plans for the future of this historic neighborhood.

Photo: Flickr user WesternGulf