ASK THE CANDIDATES

PERSPECTIVES ON HISTORIC PRESERVATION:
RESPONSES FROM CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATES

The Glendale Historical Society reached out to all candidates running for two open seats on the Glendale City Council. TGHS asked about the candidates' positions on important historic preservation issues affecting Glendale. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, TGHS cannot endorse candidates, but it can provide information to help members make informed decisions. 

Please remember that March 5, 2024 is Election Day; voting takes place Feb 5 - March 5. Your polling place has almost certainly changed; you can find more information at https://www.glendalevotes.org/ 

The seven candidates who have qualified for the ballot (in ballot order) are: Vartan Gharpetian, Andre Haghverdian, Vrej Agajanian, James Clark, Ardy Kassakian, Karen Kwak, and Denise Miller. Vrej Agajanian did not respond to the TGHS questionnaire.

Click on the links below to view their answers.

QUESTIONS

Note: response links will be unavailable until we have received all candidate responses or the deadline has passed.

Q1:
The current penalties for illegal modifications and demolition of buildings in historic districts, including pending districts, are outlined here. Do you believe these penalties are appropriate? What changes, if any, would you make to the current penalties outlined in the municipal code?
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Q2:
“Demolition by neglect” is defined as “knowingly and willingly allowing a declared historic resource to deteriorate in hopes that it will eventually be demolished.” What do you believe are the appropriate enforcement actions and penalties for owners of such properties?
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Q3:
On April 11, 2023, Glendale City Council voted 3-2 to demolish the three-unit 1913 Craftsman at 1642 S. Central Avenue, which was considered eligible for local landmark designation by City staff and the City's consultant. The Historic Preservation Commission voted to deny the project application due to the building’s historic status. City staff and TGHS advocated for an alternative to retain the building and incorporate it into the proposed project. How would you have voted? What alternatives to demolition would you have suggested? Project Materials & Video of City Council Meeting (April 11, 2023).  See item 9.b here.
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Q4:
TGHS believes that historic resources, including those that qualify for the Glendale Register, should be incorporated into new development instead of being demolished whenever possible. Do you agree? Why or why not?
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Q5:
Do you support designation of additional historic districts in Glendale? Why or why not? Under what circumstances would you not approve a historic district?
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