The Natchez Board of Aldermen is written out of the process of preservation commission approvals for a reason: It keeps politics out of the system.

So while we hope a compromise can be worked out between the preservation commission and the developers of a condo complex on the bluff, we’re wary of the aldermen getting involved in the situation.

Last week, the preservation commission sent developers Ed Worley and Larry Brown back to the drawing board &045; literally &045; by tabling the design for the five-story condo development because it did not meet the guidelines of the city’s preservation ordinance.

Even allowing some room for a difference in taste, it’s fairly clear the condo complex as currently design does not meet the ordinance’s guidelines, which include making sure new construction must be visually comparable with the buildings and environment around it.

The mayor and board are set to meet tomorrow with Worley and Brown and members of the preservation commission, assuming any of them are able to attend. The board of aldermen hopes to mediate a discussion that will lead to a compromise between the developers and the commission.

But these are, understandably, high stakes for the board of aldermen. The condo complex is a major project that could bring more money &045; and further development &045; into the city.

Still, that development must be tempered with good planning and good design.

The preservation commission has not made a decision on the design plans; the commission has merely explained the design does not fit the ordinance and have asked for revisions. Perhaps Monday’s meeting could further explain how the design could be changed to meet the guidelines.

In any case, aldermen should keep Monday’s meeting open to the public. While state law allows them to go into executive session to discuss economic development and real estate &045; under which the condo complex certainly falls &045; neither of those aspects is under the purview of the preservation commission, which looks only at the design. Meeting in executive session would violate the spirit, if not the letter, of the open meetings law.

Moreover, it simply leads to questions about the board of aldermen’s role. Aldermen need to make sure they are mediators in this discussion. It would be out of line for them to put pressure on the members of the preservation commission to accept a design that does not adhere to the preservation ordinance that protects the character and history of our community.