Historic preservation moves forward in Langley

Langley’s newly-formed Historic Preservation Commission is ready to put its first three choices on the local historic registry.

The city council authorized the mayor earlier this month to nominate the old portion of Woodmen Cemetery, Langley City Hall and the building that houses the South Whidbey Historic Society Museum on the Langley registry.

A public hearing will be held later this year. If there aren’t any objections, the sites will be placed on the registry to help protect and preserve them for future generations.

“We’re hoping to encourage the owners of building in the commercial district and older homes to consider being part of this,” said Councilman Bob Waterman, who is the chairman of the commission.

“Our hope is that owners downtown will view preserving the look and feel of Langley as an economic benefit,” he added.

The city followed the guidelines of the National Historic Registry. Homes, and sites older than 50 years are eligible but must have historic significance to the city.

That may not be a problem, Waterman noted.

“That includes most of Langley,” he said.

Buildings and sites on the Langley registry may be protected from being torn down. Waterman said the commission has no problem with changing the layout inside of buildings or making structural repairs, but they hope that people will keep facades with their historic look.

Waterman will give a historic tour of city hall and show off the newly installed historic picture gallery as a part of the Neighbor-to-Neighbor walking tour of Langley and open house at City Hall from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday.

The event is rounded out with the Langley Community Club Ice Cream Social at 4 p.m. on Second Street and De Bruyn Avenue.

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