By Mark Cowling | Florence Reminder
Town staff are working to persuade historic district property owners to improve their derelict buildings.
Florence Community Development Director Larry Harmer told the Historic District Advisory Commission (HDAC) on Jan. 30 that Community Development staff have been meeting with the fire marshal and building official to identify properties to go after first in an “Absentee Owner Program.”
A Fire Department employee on light duty following surgery is also assisting with the program. Harmer said they’re taking a hard look at both 220 and 230 N. Main, both long-vacant properties held in trust. If the town can successfully persuade “a hard one” to rehabilitate, hopefully more will fall in line, Harmer told HDAC.
