Thoughts on Historic Preservation in Loveland

The views expressed in this commentary are my own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the City of Loveland, its staff, or other members of City Council.

I apologize in advance for the length of this piece, but historic preservation is central to why I chose to serve. I believe many residents elected me because they know I will speak up when Loveland’s charm, character, and history are at stake.

At the April 14, 2026 City Council meeting, there was an important discussion about Loveland’s Historic Preservation and Planning Commission (HPPC) — and whether City projects in the Historic Preservation and Planning District should be reviewed through that process.

I left that discussion deeply disappointed.

Many of us on Council have spoken publicly about protecting Loveland’s charm, character, and the qualities that make our city special. But those words have to mean something when decisions are being made behind the dais.

I encourage residents to listen for themselves. The link to the YouTube video of the meeting is included. The HPPC discussion happens throughout the meeting (including at open forum), but is targeted between time stamp 44:00 and 53:47.

During the meeting, the position was expressed that the city does not need to take its own projects through HPPC. Comments included describing HPPC as a “subordinate committee,” stating, “I do not subscribe to this notion that we have to ask permission from a subordinate committee” (time stamp 53:30), and noting that Council could “vote to dissolve the entire committee” (time stamp 52:03).

Here is my concern: nobody is debating that committees are subordinate to Council. Of course they are. That is how our form of government works.

But being subordinate does not mean being unimportant. Council regularly relies on committees, boards, and commissions for their expertise. For

example, when Council needed additional guidance on how a new water treatment facility might be financed, the matter was referred “back” to the Finance Commission. That was not because the Finance Commission is superior to Council. It was because the Finance Commission serves a critical advisory role in an area where its input matters (same meeting time stamp

1:26:36)

HPPC serves the same kind of critical role for historic preservation.

The issue is not whether HPPC has authority over Council. The issue is whether the City should hold itself to the same spirit and standard it expects from residents, business owners, and developers in the historic district.

If a property owner in the Historic Preservation and Planning District wants to build a new deck or build an addition, that project is expected to go through HPPC review. Yet the City’s position appears to be that when the city itself undertakes a project in the same historic district, it does not need to follow that same process.

Does that seem right to you?

To me, historic preservation should not be something we expect from others but excuse ourselves from following.

We already live with the consequences of past decisions that did not adequately prioritize historic context. We have a large apartment building in the heart of our downtown historic district with vinyl siding — a design choice that will shape the appearance of downtown for decades. That is exactly why process matters. Once these decisions are built, they are not easily undone.

Loveland’s historic charm is not protected by words alone. It is protected by consistent decisions, good process, and humility from the people residents have entrusted to lead.

HPPC does not exist to obstruct progress. It exists to help ensure that progress respects the character, history, and visual identity of Loveland. If we believe our historic downtown is one of the things that makes Loveland special, then the city should lead by example.

I believe City projects in the Historic Preservation and Planning District should be reviewed with the same seriousness, care, and respect that we ask of everyone else.

That is not “the tail wagging the dog.” That is good governance.

LINK - City Council Meeting - Apr 14 2026

The views expressed in this commentary are my own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the City of Loveland, its staff, or other members of City Council.

Sherry Hamlin is a member of the Loveland City Council elected in 2025