The council in September declined to amend an ordinance allowing the city's Historic Preservation Commission and Planning Commission to let buildings go as high as 52 feet. The current ordinance has a 45-foot limit, and the council said it worried opening the door to higher buildings would jeopardize the street's historic character, if not its place on the National Historic Register.

The vote wasn't about a specific project, but the owners of the historic Windsor Hotel had been asking for a higher limit to build a penthouse.

The possible loss of that project sent more than a dozen business owners to the council last week. They blistered the council, accusing them of undermining economic development and not trusting their own preservation commission.

On Tuesday, council member Doug Stephens, who initially opposed the ordinance, failed in his attempt to bring it back for more discussion. His motion died on a 4-3 vote.

Investor Thayne Fisher angrily denounced the council, saying he had bought four buildings on 25th Street and now may not be able to get financing for renovations.

“There is a good possibility that the Windsor will never get developed because it will fall down or burn down," he said. "It's a shame. All we ask is you listen.”

The builder who was to work on the Windsor accused the council of political motives and said the vote hurts Ogden's economy and people.

Several speakers praised the council, however.

“The historic district is a treasure and if you're not very, very careful, we'll lose it,” said Valerie Bentley.

kmoulton@sltrib.com