We need to keep historic zoning
What I really wanted to write about was the puppy I found abandoned recently with a broken leg, but maybe next time. As unlucky as this puppy was, the Historic Zoning Commission seems to be worse off.
I think it might be time to re-evaluate the Historic Downtown District as well as the Historic Zoning Commission and its guidelines. Everyone needs to determine whether they want a historic district or not.
As far as I’m concerned, if millions of dollars are going to be sunk into downtown we need to keep the buildings within it up to a higher standard. If that means telling some property owners what to do with their property, then I’m OK with that.
Quite frankly, I haven’t heard one complaint about the rising value of the property except from those who can no longer afford the rent. For every dollar the city sinks into downtown, the value of the property rises.
I’m sure, if given the choice, they would like to get that rise in value without the pain of having to go through a commission regarding every little change to their building and without the renovation shutting down the street for months. However, without the renovation the value would not be soaring.
In my opinion, officials need to continue with Morford Street. If they don’t, they should have flushed the money they used to renovate Main Street right down the toilet.
The Historic Zoning Commission should also continue. If buildings in the area aren’t under some sort of regulation, there is no telling what some would do. Maybe they would put a front porch rail on top of their historic building.
I find it hard to believe that anyone would look at the rail on New York Grill and see something historic. If that is historic, then my front porch is historic. I think something could have been used that fit in with the area. At the very least, it could have been designed in a way that made it decorative.
Despite its less-than-historic appearance, the rail will remain. Codes requires all decks to have a safety railing and codes trump guidelines. That rail is a slap in the face to the commission and to the other people in the historic district who try and go by the guidelines.
As I drive down Main Street, I can point out businesses that take pride in the buildings and enjoy the benefits of being in a historic district, and I see those that don’t appreciate what the city is trying to do. Those who have made an attempt to be team players and beautify their buildings in a way that compliments the area stand out against those who don’t or won’t.
Personally, I’ve sat through almost every Historic Planning Commission meeting for the last year and a half. I’ve watched as the commission members worked with people who came in willing to work with them. I’ve also watched as people fought to get what they want without giving one inch, or a foot or two, and then bad mouth the commission members and the city for being unreasonable.
If downtown is to remain a historic district, then it needs the Historic Zoning Commission to oversee changes to buildings within the district. If the commission goes, then sit back and watch as those who refuse to decorate their building to compliment the area ruin it for those that do.
There is one thing I would like to see change regarding Main Street. When the phase II part of the project starts, I think it should begin with redoing the intersection of Main and Sparta streets. It is completely unfair to make the businesses suffer through months of no business and then cut them off from the parade route which would bring in needed revenue.
Lisa Hobbs is a reporter for the Standard. She can be reached at 473-2191 or by e-mail at [email protected].