Council Considers Lifting Windsor Hotel Height Restrictions

Millions in federal dollars could be placed in jeopardy

By George K.

Scott Schwebke provides a good article this morning about the City Council’s discussion at their work session last night, “Work on 25th St. hotel at stake.” He did a good amount of digging and research to fill in the details. So we must say, “Good job, Scott.”

One thing that he did not mention that was brought up at the work meeting and that is: If Ogden’s 25th St. Historic District were to lose its designation on the National Historic Register, the city would forfeit millions of dollars in federal funds to restore buildings within the 25th St. Historic District. That is quite a large penalty for allowing seven feet to be added to an old historic building. Granted one building modified correctly would not result in the loss of the District’s historical designation, but as Councilwoman Jeske pointed out, the Council would be setting a dangerous precedent. It was made known to the Council that if they approve the zoning change to allow for exceptions of the 45’ height limit, the decisions in the future for other buildings would be out of their hands and given to the LandMarks Commission and the Planning Commission. I would hope that the Council would not hand over that authority to others!

There is a lot more at stake here than allowing the owners of the old Windsor Hotel to add a fourth floor. Another twist to this little drama is the fact that Mr. Peay is denying that Scott Brown is connected in any way to the Windsor Hotel. How does he account for Scott Brown threatening members of the LandMarks Commission last year when their approval for the variance was first sought? True to his promise, the members who had voted against the variance were removed from the Commission. One had served for only a year or two and had taken training for the job which her replacement did not have. This was pointed out to the Mayor, but he would not allow her to remain on the Commission. Now you have “the rest of the story!” You be the judge – do you think Scott Brown is involved with the Windsor Hotel? And Godfrey backs him!