In a message dated 4/5/04 12:08:08 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: <<... I'm still trying to find time to write back to Al Krigman, who mentioned to me that since I was asking about house painters, aren't I glad we don't have an HD to get in the way of my plans (which is kind of ironic because HDs typically don't deal with paint as an issue.) >>
Philadelphia's local historic districts don't deal with paint colors, Elizabeth! This is a scare tactic being used by the anti-HD's! As I recall, this thread started last Thursday or Friday because Al posted a story decrying communities with extra rules, true to his Libertarian beliefs, and Kyle sort of wondered if it might help him with his neighbors whose trash finds its way to his sidewalk, causing him to get tickets. Brian conjectured that nobody expects rules like this, upping the ante to <<...to be forced out of their home if they choose the wrong color for their paint trim, and neither do we expect our neighbors to turn into craven, sanctimonous aesthetics cops>>. I wrote that places like the Dorchester Condominiums have had very strict appearance rules for years, and it doesn't seem to bother the occupants very much, and Brian turned the discussion right back to our proposed HD (NOT mentioned in my email!). He asserted that the HD has <<...the potential for abuse, the arbitrary nature of the decisions, the lack of a proper appeals process, the suspension of our property rights, and the secretive nature of the advocates throughout this whole process>>. When I responded about <<holding onto our irreplaceable Victorian history>>, he told the list that <<one of the biggest problems with the HD designation is that it does _not_ require democratic review or consultation-- all it requires is a bunch of motivated advocates, money, and the PHC's approval.>> This is not, actually, a fact - merely his opinion - but when that is posted to the listserv as a fact, others (in this case, Jim Lilly and I) felt the need to CLARIFY that it isn't a fact. I wasn't writing to change Brian's mind - I know that isn't going to happen - I wrote because I'm concerned that newer subscribers won't know that he is not explaining the long process for HD designation honestly or accurately - the process that has not yet begun, and requires notice to all and public meetings. If people didn't write untrue statements on the list, other people wouldn't need to point out that they are untrue. If the anti-HD people didn't keep posting threatening emails about planned communities forcing people out of their homes, regulated paint colors, and suddenly-completed historic district designations with no local input, I don't think that those of us who are pro-HD would be bothering the rest of you at all. (Except, of course, to make sure that you all receive NOTICE when the actual process starts, at which point everyone will have the opportunity to their voices heard.) So, can we stick to the facts? As long as no one else posts untrue follow-up about this topic, I will say nothing further! Melani Lamond ---- 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>.
