Vartan Gharpetian

I do support the designation of additional historic districts in Glendale. As a father of three children who were born and raised in Verdugo Woodland neighborhood of Glendale, I feel responsible and obligated to save our history and character of neighborhoods for our future generation to enjoy and appreciate. During my term on City Council (2015-2020) , I have voted in favor of Niadorara Historic District in Verdugo Woodlands. I also voted in favor of 18 beautiful homes to be registered as Historic property with Mills Act contract. I have also voted to fund the South Glendale Historic Survey to be conducted by a professional company approved by TGHS. I am proud to say that I am the only candidate with such a voting track record. My voting record on historic resources and preservation related items during my term on City Council, speaks for itself.

I am also in favor of New Historic District in Verdugo Woodlands that is currently in review stages.

Andre Haghverdian

I would support Historic district if it has the petition and signature of majority of the district property owner’s.

Vrej Agajanian

No response submitted

James Clarke

I am a staunch supporter of designating additional historic districts in Glendale. My belief in this stems from my deep appreciation for our city's rich history and character.

Historic districts play a vital role in preserving the cultural and architectural heritage of a city. They serve as living museums, showcasing the evolution of our community over time. These districts not only preserve important landmarks but also contribute to the city's charm and distinctiveness, which is essential in a world where cities often risk becoming indistinguishable from one another. Additionally, historic districts can boost local economies by attracting tourism and fostering a sense of community pride and belonging.

The designation of a historic district is a decision of significant weight and consequence. It necessitates a thoughtful equilibrium, harmonizing our commitment to preserve our past with the diverse needs and aspirations of our present and future community. My approach to approving a historic district would be cautious and community-centric, particularly in scenarios where such a designation could inadvertently impact the community's overall well-being.

I would be mindful of instances where establishing a historic district could lead to disproportionate financial strains on homeowners, especially those who may not have extensive resources. Preservation should be inclusive and equitable, not a burden to those who are part of our city’s fabric. Moreover, while recognizing the importance of development, it should not come at the expense of erasing our rich historical legacy. Any development should be thoughtful and considerate, ensuring that it aligns with the community's values and enhances the collective quality of life in Glendale.

Ardy Kassakian

I support the designation of historic districts in Glendale and my record on the city council is proof of my commitment. I believe that it is important to preserve the past and the story that it tells of the people who lived here and helped make Glendale what it is today.

I would not readily approve a historic district when it is not supported by the majority of the residents living or owning property in the proposed area.

Karen Kwak

Yes. A friend walked me around Adams Hill the other day and showed me several historic houses. She is not sure if there are enough historic houses to qualify for a historic district, but these houses certainly add to the character of the neighborhood and are worthy of consideration as a historic district, if the residents of the area apply for one. There may be other areas in Glendale that have not yet been designated as historic districts, that may qualify.

The current criteria of 50% plus 1 is sufficient for designation as a historic district. From many years of knocking on doors, I know that it is very difficult to reach 50% plus 1 for anything, and requires persistent effort over time.

However, there are some groups that use the tools of historic preservation not primarily to preserve worthwhile history, but as a weapon to block certain types of people from entering their neighborhoods. I have heard some ugly statements along those lines spoken during public City Council meetings over the years. Therefore, I would always look at as much data and context as is available, to see what kind of results would be produced. In Salem, MA, a house built in 1925 may not be considered historic, but it is a different story in Glendale, CA; this is why context always matters, in a case-by-case basis. 

I grew up in Honolulu, Hawaii, which has an entirely different history than either Salem, MA or Glendale, CA.

Denise Miller

Yes, I support the designation of additional historic districts in Glendale.

• Historic districts often contribute to the unique character of a neighborhood. Preserving these areas can enhance the overall aesthetic appeal and distinctiveness of a city.

• Historic districts can attract tourists, and the preservation of such areas can lead to economic benefits through increased tourism, cultural events, and the promotion of local businesses. I support policies that preserve our herit-age, protect our environment and proper our economy forward fostering in-novation and job creation.

• The decision to incorporate historic resources into new development de-pends on a careful consideration of the specific context, the significance of the historic resources, the economic feasibility, and the community's prefer-ences. Balancing the preservation of cultural heritage with the practicalities of modern development is often a complex and nuanced process.

• It is critical to strike a balance between preservation and economic growth.