The Natchitoches City Council is scheduled to hear an appeal concerning an art installation on St. Denis Street during its Aug. 24 meeting, starting at 5:30 pm. City Council chambers, located adjacent to City Hall at 716 Second Street.
The appeal was filed by property owners Henry Cook Taylor Jr. and Deborah Lee Taylor following a July 28 decision by the Natchitoches Historic District Commission requiring the removal of the artwork.
The Historic District Commission determined the installation had been placed on the building without first obtaining the required approval and permit.
During the July 28 meeting, the Taylors acknowledged the installation was completed without first seeking approval from the commission. Henry Taylor apologized for not following the required process and said the artwork was intended to celebrate Natchitoches’ history and attract visitors. He said the project was privately funded and that future projects would go through the proper approval process.
Commissioners emphasized that the issue before them was whether city ordinances requiring prior approval had been followed, rather than whether they liked the artwork. The commission also discussed consistency in enforcing the rules and conversations earlier this year about proposed mural regulations that could eventually be adopted by the City Council.
Several people spoke during public comment in support of the artwork, citing its historical theme and community support, while others questioned how murals have been handled in the Historic District.
The commission unanimously approved a motion requiring the Taylors to remove the installation within 60 days. If it is not removed within that timeframe, the matter will be referred to the city attorney for enforcement, with a $50-per-day penalty beginning after the 60-day period until the installation is removed.
The Taylors were advised that several other projects on the property, including a sunshade, construction of a stage, wrought iron fencing and lamp posts installed in the park, and a small storage building, will also require applications and formal approval through the Historic District Commission.
The Natchitoches Historic District Commission was established by City Council Ordinance No. 50 in 1977. The Natchitoches Historic Landmark District was formed in 1984 under the supervision of the National Parks and Recreation Department.
The district’s designation has allowed businesses and property owners to apply for federal and state grants and tax credits. The commission has said the designation also carries a responsibility to preserve the district’s historic, architectural and cultural heritage.
The Natchitoches Historic District Commission has been charged with preserving structures in the Historic District that have architectural and historical value, following guidelines set by the U.S. Department of the Interior and the ordinances of the City of Natchitoches.
The Taylors’ appeal of the July 28 decision is listed on the Natchitoches City Council’s Aug. 24 agenda.