CJ:
Our mural is on Brick.
It is 8 feet tall x 52 inches.
Someone at the HC meeting tried to describe our mural as a probable
exemption by miming a "frame" that was about 3' by 2'. To me, it was
another proof that the Commissioners will "see" what they like as
"conforming" and what is not liked as "blight" that requires removal.
A big problems I have with the UCHD proposal is with the words like
"probable" which are all to prevalent in the HC codes. It scares me to
think that a committee composed of people like you will be making
arbitrary decision about "reasonable" and "probable". You are someone
who couldn't retreat from an ugly, public attack on a young waiter and a
wonderful new addition to our neighborhood, because despite all the hard
work of the Restaurateurs and all the improvements they made to a
prominent corner, they couldn't please you.
My original missive makes it clear that I am joining the battle on behalf
of myself, my neighborhood, my friends and my clients. I don't speak for
them or patronize them. Like Paul Revere, I shout a warning. They must
make up their own minds, and I believe OPEN PUBLIC meetings and education
are a part of that process.
Yes, my home is one block outside the proposed district, because it is
(by choice) one block outside of Spruce Hill.
I happen to like Cedar Park, Squirrel Hill, easy parking and proximity to
SFDS better than life in Center City or areas like SH that are closer to
the University Campuses.
But, our home is on a relatively intact street of gorgeous Victorian
Twins and is a likely target for an expansion if the HS is able to ram
through in SH.
Let's compare experiences.
I was born in Spruce Hill 46 years ago. I have been a home owner since I
was 21. My first home purchase was 4130 Ludlow. Once I and a few
friends renovated and occupied that very distressed block, Spruce Hill
came and declared it inside their boundaries. Since than I have watched
the UCHS and SHCA be manned by a fairly homogenous group of folks who
have been very selective and self serving in their approvals and
disapprovals.
I perceive a huge difference between improvement and gentrification and I
have watched SHCA members rush to bed with gentrifiers and ignore or
blast or say "ENOUGH" to anyone who might be pro-heterogeneity.
So Christopher, you and James have owned your home since 1999.
Can you really say you have the same
Ties to, and
Care (even love) for, or
Real Estate knowledge of
your Spruce Hill neighborhood that I, who have lived here, was educated,
worked and played here for 46 years have?
So, enough (go stick a sock in it) to you and your attempts to stifle
private growth, education and public debate.
Real improvement is organic and comes from the people.
Institutional improvement rides and falls with the current administration
of the institution.
Smart folks will take the time to read the proposed codes, examine who
stands to gain (or lose) the most and will find the balance and decision
that will work best for themselves and their neighborhood and interests.
You can't dismiss someone like Al Krigman.
You may not like his style, but he has time, talent, energy and intellect
without the distractions of kids.
His submissions are generally fact filled and well researched.
And, I was one of 12. I am not one to back off from a brawl with someone
who has taken two stands
Pro- Taking of easements
and
Con- Self improvement and self education
that I abhor.
Sincerely,
Liz
On Mon, 18 Mar 2002 04:29:37 -0800 (PST) C J Card <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
writes:
>
> "Elizabeth F. Campion" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> I would not have gone to the trouble to restore my "Fish Scale"
> siding if
> I had to paint it ochre.
> Because it is restored, the folks who follow me into my home can
> choose
> Ochre, but I want to enjoy light and color and the pleasure of
> coming
> home to something which feels like a retreat from my auto and
> office.
> I choose rainbow colors, partly in support of those troubled by the
> actions of some homophobic thugs in Powelton Village. I left the HC
> hearing fearful that
> a homophobic person might create a complaint or hassles under the
> guise
> of
> preventing my "Bright" "Not Historic" color choices or that
> a racist person could object to my mural,
> without revealing that the content
> which portrays the joyful interaction of folks with
> nonhomogeneous skin tones,
> is what really caused their offense.
>
>
>
> Liz,
>
> Enough! For openers, your house that is painted in rainbow colors
> in support of the gay bashing in Powelton is not even in the
> proposed historic district. And if it was, the historic district
> does not regulate paint colors. It could stop you from painting
> brick, but that doesn�t seem to be your concern.
>
> You are making the argument that if the proposed historic district
> is approved, it would somehow adversely effect the quality of life
> of the many gay and lesbian couples that live in the neighborhood.
> Not to mention the possibility that the non-white people in the
> neighborhood would be forced out. You are not doing the gay and
> lesbian community any favors by making such ridiculous statements.
> I find both statements offensive.
>
> You are right. There is a possibility that the cost of maintaining
> your home IF IT WAS IN THE DISTRICT would cost more. And red tape.
> On the other hand, there is real (hotly contested) possibility that
> the value of property would increase.
>
> What role where you playing in the debate about a mural in center
> city? Agent? Citizen?
>
> Chris Card
> "Elizabeth F. Campion" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>
>
> C J Card
> 42nd Street and Osage Ave
> Philadelphia Pa 19104
> cell: 215.681.3732
>
>
> ---------------------------------
> Do You Yahoo!?
> Yahoo! Sports - live college hoops coverage
Elizabeth Campion - Neighbor & Real Estate Broker -
Mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Direct & VM: 215-790-5653 / Cell Phone (emergencies): 215-880-2930
Mail to : P.O. Box 23632 / Phila, Pa 19143
PRUDENTIAL, FOX & ROACH - Reception:215-546-0550, Shared Fax:
215-546-9781
Office at 210 W. Rittenhouse Sq., Suite # 406 / Phila, Pa 19103
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