Urbana aldermen defend settlement in house demolition case

URBANA – One of Urbana's leading preservationists is sharply critical of the city council's decision this week to settle a lawsuit by allowing developer Howard Wakeland to tear down a century-old house in a city historic district.

But two aldermen said the city had a weak case – and that city officials will use the experience to strengthen the city's historic preservation ordinance.

Earlier this week, the city council voted unanimously to authorize the mayor to sign a settlement with Wakeland that will let him tear down a house at 809 W. Main St., which is part of a city historic district covering most of the 800 block of West Main.

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