Newton Citizen

CONYERS - The Conyers City Council got its first look at updated design guidelines for development in Olde Town Conyers Historic District on Wednesday night.

The guidelines, which cover everything from construction material to architectural styles, are designed to assist property owners and builders in maintaining the historical integrity of the area.

The City Council approved a Historic Preservation Ordinance in November 2006 but did not update the design guidelines at that time.

"These guidelines basically better fit the historic district and take advantage of materials that were previously available," said Marvin Flanigan, director of planning and inspection services for Conyers. "They are not designed to inhibit a project but help developers make a project compatible with the area."

The new guidelines, developed by the consulting firm Jordan, Jones and Goulding, replace those created in 1990.

While the guidelines serve as a tool and are not considered mandatory, projects within the historic overlay district must be reviewed by the Conyers Historic Preservation Commission before a certificate of appropriateness is issued. A certificate of appropriateness acknowledges the new construction or renovation has no adverse aesthetic effect on the historic district.

"In truth, it would be rare that anyone buying or building in the historic district would not want to follow these guidelines because that's one of the reasons (they) want in the historic district," Flanigan said.

Flanigan said members of the Conyers Historic Preservation Commission and a representative of JJ&G would gather input from City Council members and then plan to meet soon to tweak the design guidelines documents.

Plans are for the final version of the guidelines to be presented to the council at its March 7 meeting.

Ric Latarski can be reached at ric.latarski@rockdalecitizen.com.