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the SHPO's evaluation that the White Cross School was worthy of consideration for local <br />landmark designation. The HPC voted unanimously to request a joint public hearing with the <br />BOCC, as required by Section 3.7 of the Historic Preservation Ordinance. <br />Built in 1933, the White Cross School is one of only three brick consolidated schools to survive <br />in rural Orange County. The property consists of the 1933 brick school, built in the Colonial <br />Revival style, along with the cafeteria wing added in 1948. Both portions retain a high degree of <br />architectural integrity, with most of its original historic exterior and interior features still <br />preserved. The White Cross School played a pivotal role in the social and cultural life of lower <br />Bingham Township until it closed in 1961. It now serves as the home for a privately- operated <br />preschool. <br />This is a routine joint public hearing required by state enabling legislation and the <br />county's Historic Preservation Ordinance. Following this joint public hearing, the BOCC and <br />the HPC will take into consideration any public comments in preparing the final ordinance. The <br />HPC will then return the final version of the proposed ordinance back to the BOCC for the <br />Board's consideration and adoption this spring. <br />FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no fiscal impact associated with this public hearing. Should the <br />Board adopt the proposed ordinance designating the White Cross School as a Local Landmark, <br />the owner of the property would be eligible for a 50- percent property tax deferral. A detailed <br />breakdown will be provided with the materials for that meeting. <br />RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board: 1) open a joint public <br />hearing with the Historic Preservation Commission to receive public comment on the draft <br />designation ordinance for the White Cross School, 2) close the public hearing; and 3) refer the <br />draft designation ordinance back to the Historic Preservation Commission for its final review and <br />recommendation. <br />