OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The City Council has rejected a proposal that would have let the council block demolition of historically significant Omaha buildings.

The proposed ordinance rejected Tuesday would have required a new review process before a demolition permit would have been issued for buildings identified as potentially historic.

The proposal was designed to preserve Omaha’s architectural history. Council member Chris Jerram said his proposal arose from residents concerns about recent demolitions of older houses in their neighborhoods.

Opponents said the proposal would have discouraged development by creating more red tape.