Washington County exploring ways to help owners afford renovation of historic properties

Washington County’s new comprehensive plan emphasizes redevelopment of previously developed areas as a means of meeting growth needs while preserving rural areas. But giving new life to older properties can be an expensive proposition. So county planners are exploring expanded options to help property owners afford it. “You’re talking about different kinds of costs” for redevelopment,” said Washington County Planning Director Jill Baker, particularly when you’re “trying to reclaim some of these areas that have not been very well taken care of.”