City officials are working on an ordinance to prohibit the unnecessary demolition of a historic building.

Before city officials potentially can enact a local preservation ordinance, two online public meetings will be held, with the first at 6 p.m. Thursday and the second at 6 p.m. Tuesday. To attend the online Zoom meetings, go to https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83768354735?pwd=dFdmQk9kMFF5aHRGbWVSTD dJNzRNUT09.

Ellen Shadle, city principal planner, said the meetings will mostly be an overview and introduction to preservation work, which will tie into what city officials are working on to possibly pass into law. She said a local preservation ordinance will provide the city a layer of protection against the unneeded demolition of a historic building. She added the ordinance, if approved by city officials, won’t prohibit demolitions, but will provide a layer of oversight to possible delay the demolition of a historic building.

“This will provide a mechanism for options. Currently, we don’t have that,” she said. “If a property owner of a historic building wants to demolish it we don’t have anything that prohibits that. This is a mechanism that provides (another possible solution) legally.”

During the meetings, a presentation will accompany a conversation regarding the scope and objectives of a local preservation ordinance and how it can contribute to community stabilization and Jamestown’s subsequent advancement as a viable and welcoming place to call home. The information that will be provided during the meetings is also accessible on the city’s website via the Department of Development page, www.jamestownny.gov/departments/department-of-development/preservation-public-meetings. Those who are unable to attend the meeting are invited to submit their comments, in writing, to the Department of Development, Third Floor, Municipal Building, 200 E. Third St., Jamestown, New York, 14701, no later than June 2.

Shadle said after the two public meetings are held, a task force of city residents will be created to craft the ordinance. After that step, the city’s Planning Commission would then review the ordinance. If approved by the Planning Commission, the Jamestown City Council would then review it and need to approve the ordinance before it would become law.