The Florida Division of Historical Resources says the ordinance does not comply with requirements for Orlando to remain a Certified Local Government (CLG). The city has 180 days to correct the violations, or it could face decertification.<\/p>\n
More than $3 million in historic preservation grants have been awarded for projects in Orlando since 2017, according to Jeff Thompson, chair of the Orlando Historic Preservation Board.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s been a million dollars awarded to Black Bottom House of Prayer, another million dollars to Maxey Crooms, the Plaza Live received $500,000, Greenwood Cemetery received $50,000,\u201d Thompson said.<\/p>\n
He said Orlando losing certification could have the greatest impact on smaller organizations that rely on grants to help preserve historic properties.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey\u2019re small, local groups that don\u2019t have access to those types of funds,\u201d Thompson said. \u201cSo those are the types of projects, those are types of organizations that will suffer most.\u201d<\/p>\n
Funding for one current city preservation project has already been put on hold amid the dispute.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe city is currently reviewing the comments and will make any clarifications within the six-month response timeline,\u201d a spokesperson for Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer\u2019s office said in a statement.<\/p>\n
Thompson said city officials had warning before approving the ordinance.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey knew it,\u201d Thompson said. \u201cThey had the information, and they proceeded anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n
The mayor\u2019s office says the temporary change is intended to encourage private investment downtown by making it easier to renovate, reuse, and invest in older buildings.<\/p>\n
The city says it remains committed to historic preservation and maintaining its status as a Certified Local Government.<\/p>\n
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