FREDERICK, MD - Frederick's Board of Alderman are keeping a close eye on historic properties. They approved a demolition delay to make sure valuable historic properties outside the historic district are not torn down.

"Frederick is known in the state for having a great historic district and downtown," says Lisa MroszczykMurphy of the Historic Preservation Program.

A building will qualify as being historic if it is 50 years or older along with other criteria. City leaders want to make sure these structures outside the historic district are also protected.

"Once they're gone, they're gone, so this is a way for us to protect them, and ensure future generations can enjoy them," says Alderman Kelly Russell.

While some support the measure, others like former Mayor Jeff Holtzinger say the ordinance will create a burden, and isn't fair to property owners.

 "It's their property and the last time I checked private properties owners have rights," say Holtzinger.

Demolition on Park Hall started back in April 2012, and City leaders say there was no conversation about saving that historical building.

"There was nothing we could to do to stop them from demolishing that building under the ordinance we might have an opportunity to protect a building like that," says Mroszczyk Murphy.