CROWLEY - Approximately 35 people were in attendance, for a preliminary discussion on a suggested proposal on a professional recommendation of guidelines to protect Crowley’s commercial and residential Historic Districts was held Tuesday evening at the Crowley City Court Building.

The project is being considered by the Crowley Planning Commission and the Crowley Historic District Commission.

The meeting was the beginning of a dialogue with the eventual goal being to protect the community assets of the Historical Districts while simultaneously protecting personal property rights. The City of Crowley was one of several communities selected by the Louisiana Division of Historic Preservation to receive design guidelines for the Crowley Historic District, which is listed in the National Rgister of Historic Places. The purpose of the guidelines is to enable property owners contemplating renovation and/or restoration within the Crowley Historic District to maintain the historic look feel and character of the district.

Tara Dudley, a Princeton University graduate who works for Hardy, Heck and Moore, a professional consulting firm in Austn, Texas, a preliminary historic design guideline proposal from her firm.

“The key is for the business owners and residents in the historic districts to maintain a dialogue,” said Dudley. “To put additional features that emphasize Crowley’s character.”

A couple members of the audience had questions for .

“So if I am to understand you correctly this meeting is simply to listen to your suggestions and consider this project along with the issues that need to be addressed?,” asked Ann Mire to which Dudley said ‘yes.

“Also would the city council be allowed to agree to mentions constructing of the of the project in parts are would they have to agree to the entire package,” she added.

Dudley was unsure of the answer to the question nor were any of her partners so she told Mire that she would check with her bosses and have an answer during her next visit.

Public comments can be sent to the Planning and Development Office at Crowley’s City Hall.

The public can view the proposal at www.crowley-la.com.