Portland’s Historic Preservation Board met Wednesday evening to review a proposal that would designate the neighborhood around India Street as a historic district.

Board members reached general agreement during a two-hour-long workshop that the district, if it is created, should include sections of Congress and India streets.

The board will hold a public hearing Sept. 2 before making a recommendation on whether the neighborhood should receive the designation, something Greater Portland Landmarks says would celebrate the history of the city’s immigrants and working people, as well as preserve the character of the India Street neighborhood.

“Things are going in a very good direction. This (district) will help manage change in the neighborhood,” said Greater Portland Landmarks’ Executive Director Hilary Bassett.

If the historic district is endorsed by the Historic Preservation Board and the city’s Planning Board, it would be left up to the City Council to approve the designation.

The landmarks group said a historic district designation has proven to be a powerful economic tool in other areas of Portland, fueling tourism, attracting new residents and helping to define the city as a historic seaport.