Mission Statement:
To protect and preserve Rochester's
historic and prehistoric resources for the use, education, enjoyment and economic benefit
of present and future generations.
Rochester Historical Commission:
In 1976, the Mayor of the City of Rochester
appointed nine members to the Rochester Historical Commission. The first
meeting of the Rochester Historical Commission was held at City Hall on February 3, 1977.
The Commission's duties are:
- To investigate and study the history of the
City of Rochester, Michigan
- To record such history at the offices of the
City of Rochester
- To recommend to the City Council plans and
procedures for observance of important historical dates within the City
- To cooperate and assist the City Council of
Rochester in promoting appropriate activities for commemorating such dates
- To promote a continuing public interest in
history and current events of the City of Rochester
The Commission soon developed its goals and
objectives, one of which was to make recommendations to the City of Rochester Planning
Commission regarding the creation of a historic district(s) and, then, following a public
hearing, to submit a proposed ordinance. The Commission began a historic district study in
October 1977. In January 1978, the Commission discussed boundaries and
proposed historical sites. At the same time, Avon Township (now the City of Rochester
Hills) submitted a proposal for a historic district(s) in Avon Township (not including
the City of Rochester).
The Historic District Ordinance as proposed
by the Commission in 1978 was not passed by the City Council of Rochester, Michigan.
Today, the Rochester Historical Commission is again examining the creation of a
historic district(s) within the City of Rochester. In 2000, the Commission oversaw
the creation of the Historic District Study Committee (HDSC), which will:
- Conduct a photographic inventory of
resources within a proposed historic district(s) following procedures established or
approved by the State Historic Preservation Office
- Conduct basic research of the proposed
historic district(s) and the historic resources within the district(s)
- Prepare a preliminary Historic District
Study Committee report to be presented to City Council
Not less than sixty calendar days after the
transmittal of the preliminary report, the Historic District Study Committee shall hold a
public hearing in compliance with Act No. 267 of the Public Acts of 1976, as amended.
Upon recommendation to establish a historic district(s) by City Council, the
Historic District Study Committee shall than draft a final report of a proposed Historic
District Ordinance.
