Leimert Park Needs HPOZ
hpoz-website-survey.doc
As the country celebrates the rich contributions of African Americans to the American landscape with Black History Month,the Save Leimert Neighborhood Coalition launches a campaign to preserve the architectural and cultural integrity of a neighborhood with a long-standing tradition of dedication to African American culture and the arts.
Save Leimert has initiated steps to establish a Historical Preservation Overlay Zone(HPOZ)designation for Leimert Park and Leimert Park Village.HPOZ is a city-designated historic district composed of a group of buildings in either an entire neighborhood or part of a neighborhood that are related to one another historically, architecturally and/or culturally.HPOZ is designed to safeguard a community’s identity by preserving its architecture and scale.The HPOZ designation gives communities a tool to control new construction and retain their unique character.According to numerous studies,homes and structures within HPOZs experience greater property value increases than do similar properties.Designation as HPOZ also makes all contributing structures eligible for property tax deductions ranging from 25-60%.
The survey that was recently mailed to community residents asks them to indicate their support for the HPOZ designation by completing and returning the Support for Leimert Park HPOZ postcard to the Save Leimert campaign.At least 1400 signatures from Leimert Park property owners are needed to introduce a City Council motion initiating the HPOZ process.If you are a homeowner or property owner in Leimert Park take a minute to fill out and return the attached surveyat the start of this section.Surveys can also be picked up and dropped off at Zambezzi Bizare in the Village on Degnan.
