How closely should we protect our historical buildings and neighborhoods? Should they be placed under a glass dome and preserved forever or should they be allowed to evolve in some circumstances? And how do we balance these interest against common interests like property tax rights and increasing property tax revenue?
In Bismarck, they’re wrestling with all these questions in the form of an application for variance. And while stories like this may seem mundane and inconsequential — it’s in these decisions that the larger attitudes that are conveyed by our communities are set.
And in case you didn’t know, Minot’s in the process of completely reviewing it’s Zoning and Planning ordinances to ensure our policies are in alignment with our community goals. For more on that ongoing work, committee agendas and meetings are posted on the City’s website.
