Greensburg dissolves Historic and Architectural Review Board

Greensburg Council on Monday unanimously voted to dissolve the city’s Historic and Architectural Review Board, an advisory body that supervised construction and renovation projects in the city.

The city has been laying the groundwork for HARB’s dissolution since May. Monday’s vote passed without discussion or fanfare.

HARB will remain active until Aug. 12 while city leaders work out the details of the transition with the Greensburg Planning Commission, which will take over HARB’s duties.

Mayor Robert Bell previously said the board created unnecessary red tape for developers.

Major construction projects need to be considered by three groups — the planning commission, HARB and council, before work can begin.

Having the planning commission take over HARB’s duties will streamline the process for property owners, Bell said.

The seven-member board, established in 2007, oversaw all proposed construction in downtown Greensburg and along Main, Otterman, Pittsburgh and West Newton streets — the main roadways through the city.

It could not approve or deny projects. It made recommendations to council, which has final say over development.

When the city first announced it was considering dissolving the HARB, board Chairwoman Barbara Jones asked council to give someone from the board a seat on the planning commission to help continue the board’s mission.

The details of the transition have not been decided.