Brookhaven aldermen continue to fine tune a proposed historicpreservation ordinance and tentatively agreed Monday on four sitesfor consideration for historic district status.

Officials began pursuing the ordinance as a way of helpingBrookhaven Little Theatre seek a grant to help restore The HavenTheatre. During discussions, other areas – such as the AlexanderTeen Center – were also mentioned as ones that could possibly behelped by being declared a historic district.

Last night, Mayor Bob Massengill discussed some details of thehistoric district designation process, including the formation of apreservation commission and what powers it would have. He alsocautioned that there would likely be objections to some propertiesbeing included in a historic district.

“We need to know that going in,” said Massengill, who mentionedtwo property owners who had expressed concerns to him.

Alderman at large Les Bumgarner said he reviewed the proposedordinance. He questioned the process involved in historicdistrict-related activities.

“I’ve never seen so much red tape in my life,” Bumgarnersaid.

In an effort to narrow the scope of the ordinance, Bumgarnersuggested The Haven, the Alexander Teen Center, the Chamber ofCommerce building and the Multi-Modal Facility as possible historicdistricts.

Ward Four Alderwoman Shirley Estes labeled those “a greatstarting point.” She said other areas could be added in the futureif needed.

“Changes can take place,” she said.

Bumgarner complimented downtown business owners on their effortsto maintain historical aspects.

“Everybody’s moving in the right direction without any force,”Bumgarner said. “I think everything’s going pretty good.”

Officials discussed seeking members to serve on a historicpreservation commission, but held off until the proposed ordinancecould be amended. Aldermen said the proposal needed provisions toallow the commission to spend money in carrying out its duties andto remove members or abolish the commission if needed.

Regarding the commission, Massengill said it would have “aconsiderable amount of authority” over what can take place indesignated areas, particularly regarding the exteriors ofbuildings. However, he also advised the commission would have nosay about the interiors of buildings or what paints or colors maybe used.

Massengill cited merits to the historic preservation plans butalso voiced concerns about businesses in designated areas.

“What we don’t want is to make it so cumbersome it’s a burden onthe business owner,” Massengill said.

In other business during Monday’s meeting, aldermen approvedseeking bids to re-stripe Brookway Boulevard. Massengill said thecurrent road markings are fading.

“It’s getting in bad shape,” said Ward Five Alderman D.W.Maxwell.

Massengill suggested the board set aside funds over the next fewyears to pave the boulevard. He said, though, the striping needs tobe addressed as soon as possible.

“We can’t wait a couple of years to stripe it,” the mayorsaid.

Massengill also suggested the board consider returning mediansto several places on the boulevard.

“That would dress it up,” the mayor said.

The medians were removed a number of years ago under a previousadministration. Massengill said the medians could not be placed allthe way, but putting them in certain areas would improveappearances.

Following an executive session, aldermen named Raymond Boutwellas a second municipal court judge. Boutwell will work with JudgeJerry Nations, who is going through some health concerns, to carryout duties of the court, officials said.

The board meeting was held last night instead of Tuesday becausemost officials will be heading to Oxford today for a small townconference.