City staff recommends Ridgewood neighborhood for National Register listing; council to send nomination to state

City planning staff on Sept. 30 told the Ames City Council that a reconnaissance survey and consultant analysis concluded the Chautauqua–Ridgewood neighborhood is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. The city applied for a state grant to fund the nomination and hired a consultant to prepare the documentation. "The conclusion is that it is eligible for listing on the national register," planning staff said, describing the nomination and noting the State Historic Preservation Office requires local review recommendations. Staff asked council to adopt a resolution supporting the nomination so it can be considered by the state review committee on Oct. 10. Councilmembers said national register listing imposes no restrictions on homeowners’ rights to alter or demolish properties and that the listing can increase neighborhood desirability. The council approved the resolution by roll call and will forward the nomination to the state committee for review.