[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: >Once again, Al is using scare tactics instead of the truth in an attempt to >make his case. Don't fall for it! Is anyone else getting as tired as I am >of writers putting complete falsehoods onto the listserv about the proposed >historic district? Does the opposition think that the average reader is >completely stupid and hopelessly naive? Come out to the meeting this >Wednesday, the 24th, at the Spruce Hill Christian School at 7:30 p.m. to hear >the actual facts and ask questions! > >The Philadelphia historic preservation ordinance uses Federal guidelines - >which DO NOT limit paint colors. Even if the Phila. Historical Commission >"hires a color-freak", as Al suggests, they CANNOT tell anyone what color to >paint a house. Everyone does NOT know, because what Al states ISN'T TRUE, >that the Commission could decide "..only certain colors get approval." That >simply could not happen! > Melani, I can't agree that such a thing "simply could not happen." It certainly can.
The Historic District proposal gives authority over a number of home renovation issues to the PHC, which exercises them at the discretion of its staff. They do not _currently_ make decisions on the painting of wood trim. One of the reasons why the PHC doesn't enforce paint colors is because documentation of paint colors is relatively spotty. Most photos of the area are black and white. There may be some records of paint colors used by the original contractors, perhaps, but that doesn't turn up very often. In other words, one reason why the PHC can't enforce color choice is because they don't have colors to enforce. But there is no reason why changing this policy "simply could not happen." The PHC could change this policy on its own. We can debate how _likely_ this is-- you could say it's very unlikely, and Al might say that it's very likely. (Personally, I think this particular issue unlikely to change.) But we cannot say that it "simply cannot happen." > > >There are legitimate reasons to support, and to oppose, the proposed >district, based on what it actually does to and for the neighborhood. We >should be weighing those, not inventing restrictions that don't exist. We >all live here together. Can't we be honest and respectful with one another >and tell the truth? > ---- 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>.
