Like so many of us, last night I attended the meeting regarding the historic district issue. I brought along a friend who lives in Boston, and who works for the National Park Service Building Conservation Branch. I know him from an old house listserv, and I had recently posted there regarding the designation issue, soliciting opinions from those who might have experienced it already. Jeff responded, and when I found out he was in town on business yesterday, I invited him along for the meeting. As for his comments, his post to the old house listserv is attached.
-----Original Message----- From: Jeff Finch Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2002 11:03 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: Opinions on Historic Designation, Please At 10:24 AM 3/19/02 -0500, Karen wrote: >There's a meeting tonight to discuss the designation issue, and the >Historical Commission and the Spruce Hill Civic Association have both >declined to attend, saying that there's nothing left to discuss. Karen noticed that I was in Philly for a meeting and invited me to tag along to this meeting. I went with the idea that I might be able to quell fears and speak generally in favor of the district. I came away with a feeling that this is the most fascist preservation commission with which I have ever been familiar. Based on what I heard, it appears that there are no guidelines under which decisions are made therefore making the review process capricious and subjective. I came away giving advice to the small group remaining after the meeting on how to fight the implementation of this district. Karen has a nice little gem in the rough. She has a lot to work there. Now all she needs is the time and money to bring out the polish. She's made a great start in the relatively short time she's been there. Hers is one of a number of late 19th century and early 20th century buildings in this area. The area is certainly worthy of protection but not at the cost of property rights as put forth at tonight's meeting. A woman who spoke at the meeting said that the mahogany T&G flooring she had used on her porch would have been rejected as an inappropriate species if she had been required to bring it before the board for approval. If these are in fact true, I see the commission as being counter-productive. Especially when they refuse to show up at a meeting held to discuss implementation of a new historic district against which public sentiment is growing. Jeff Finch Independent color, construction, and design consultation for owners of antique buildings. 1981 until June of 1997: Owner/craftsman, Golgotha Restoration Services; Greater Syracuse, NY area and beyond. Then Historic Building Specialist with: Landmark Services; Boston, MA Metrowest area. Since Nov. 1998: Preservation Specialist with the National Park Service Building Conservation Branch, based in Lowell, MA. Contributor and furloughed "Expert" to Old House Chronicle: http://www.oldhousechronicle.com ---- 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>.
