Dear Tim,
Several recent Inquirer articles illustrated the who and how of using HD Tax Credits to subsidize "Non-Change". The reporter focused on properties in the Chestnut Hill Historic District. I believe Al provided links to the articles in an earlier missive. I know you do lots of good deeds in our neighborhood, but... you shouldn't submit a contradiction that is base only upon your reasonable (but nonfactual) beliefs. What "should be" and "what is" are two very different (and dangerously loosely defined) things in the Historic Codes. It was your post that offers false info and false hope. I ADDRESS YOUR SPECIFIC POINTS IN BOLD, BELOW. Best! Liz Re: On Mon, 18 Mar 2002 10:45 "Tim Wood" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes: > Liz- > I just wanted to correct a few assertions you make in your message. 1. I doubt that Rapoport did any projects like that. If he did get tax credits on his decaying buildings (and he may have) I doubt they were historic preservation credits. RAPPAPORT DID GET HUGE TAX CREDITS AND HISTORIC EASEMENT CREDITS. THE HC COMMISSION HELPED CREATE A SITUATION OF DETERIORATING VACANCY WHICH FESTERED UNTIL THE ONLY BUYER WHO COULD AFFECT IMPROVEMENT AT THE VICTORY BUILDING, COMES ALMOST 20 YEARS TOO LATE FOR THE NEIGHBORHOOD AND IS SUBSIDIZED BY THE INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS OF THOMAS JEFFERSON UNIVERSITY / HOSPITAL. 2. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has ruled that historic preservation regulations do not constitute uncompensated taking. I AM SURE THAT "RULING" WILL BE A BIG COMFORT TO MY FRIEND IN THE ART MUSEUM HISTORIC DISTRICT AS SHE CONTINUES TO TEST HERSELF AND HER CHILDREN FOR LEAD POISONING. SHE FEELS THAT $600 / WINDOW HAS BEEN TAKEN FROM HER AND HER TAXABLE INCOME IS NOT SO GREAT THAT SHE FEELS FULLY COMPENSATED. 3. How does designation limit development? New construction on vacant lots is allowed... EVERY NEW BUILDING PERMIT WOULD HAVE TO UNDERGO AN ADDED STEP AND THE ADDED EXPENSES OF HD DESIGNATION. 4. How would historic designation complicate resale? a.) BUYERS AND THEIR ATTORNEYS OFTEN HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT EASEMENT ON TITLE. b.) SOME BUYERS ONLY WANT THE TAX CREDITS AND DON'T VEST IN THE PROPERTY OR THE NEIGHBORHOOD. c.) MANY BUYERS WILL AVOID PROPERTIES NEEDING EXTERIOR REPAIRS, TO AVOID THE TESTS OF AN HD. 5. The Spruce Hill Historic District is thematically-defined as a residential area HOW CONVENIENT FOR PENN, DREXEL AND USP (PCP&S). 6. All of those neighborhoods (CEDAR PARK, ETC.) as well as Garden Court and Powelton are also eligible for listing... THIS IS WHERE MY FEAR GETS PERSONAL. 7. What easements are you talking about? There are no easements provided by designation. THERE ARE "FACADE EASEMENTS"... HOMEOWNERS CAN'T CHANGE ROTTED WINDOWSILLS, REPLACE LEAD PAINT COATED WINDOWS OR MAKE AFFORDABLE (TO THE AVERAGE UC HOME OWNING FAMILY) REPAIRS TO FRONT PORCHES, BECAUSE THE H.D. HAS A FACADE EASEMENT. ---- You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named "UnivCity." To unsubscribe or for archive information, see <http://www.purple.com/list.html>.
