Sept. 29 is the re-scheduled date for the community meeting to discuss the benefit of seeking the Riverside County’s approval to apply the state’s Mills Act to the local historic district. The Local Review Board of the Idyllwild Historic Preservation District had originally planned the meeting in June but had to unexpectedly cancel it.
The Mills Act provides property tax relief in exchange for an equivalent investment in the historic property. The owners commit to restore, rehabilitate, repair and preserve the property. To be eligible, local, county or state government must designate the property as having historic value.
All properties within the IHPD that have been designated as contributing to its historicity would be eligible.
Notification of the meeting will be mailed to all property owners within the district, according to Warren Monroe, LRB chair in late August or early September.
Keith Herron, the Riverside County chief of Resources and Planning, told the LRB that he has met with 3rd District Supv. Chuck Washington to explain the Mills Act and how it might be used in the IHPD.
“I highlighted the Riverside city process and explained that the Board of Supervisors would have to authorize for the county,” Herron said. “If it gains momentum, property owners will likely approach him about the issue.”
The Mills Act meeting is at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 29, at the Idyllwild Library community room.
