Re: [UC] Cost of "historically correct" work

[Anthony West]

I haven't commented on this subject for six months. But I should point out some unhelpful muddles below, since they are widespread.   A "strong historical commission" plays NO role whatsoever in "preventing the decay of these old buildings." It didn't prevent the decay of that church and it won't save your house either. It just makes repairs more expensive, in ways that don't make the house work any better; that tends, if anything, to encourage decay.   "Proper care" for University City's buildings has nothing to do with historic standards. A roof or a window is just as proper when it exploits the technology of 2004 as when it imitates the methods of 1904. Those of you who use modern construction methods in your houses: you have nothing to be ashamed of! You contribute just as much to University City by your good work as the hardcore preservationist next door does.   Finally, all this landlord-bashing is bogus. The chief victims of HDs are ordinary middle-class homeowners -- we're the ones who get stuck with the bill. Most of the homeowners on my block don't like the HD and don't want it. We like our property rights exactly the way we bought them. If you don't like the way we keep them, you can always buy them from us and knock yourself out historically -- using your own family's money.   Don't get me wrong. I delight in the works of my pure preservationist brethren and I'm most thankful that they live among us. But we don't all have to live like them! I don't force the preservationists to participate in *my* hobbies, or to pay for them for that matter. Participation should be voluntary. I'm a strong believer in voluntary community action.   -- Tony West   Obviously, if you reduce these matters to pure dollars and cents your argument seems logical.  Having a strong historical commission should help prevent the decay of these old structures so that they do not become so dilapidated that they require massive amounts of cash to repair.  Reducing these matters to dollars and cents is a simple minded approach to fixing this problem posed by simple minded people who see no value to preserving historical architecture.  The loudest mouths in this issue are those seeking to extract as much rent out of as many students as they can before these 100-200 year old buildings fall down around them.  I am all for affordable housing but the buildings in university city and powelton village ARE NOT AFFORDABLE!!!!  Taken as is they cost a fortune to heat, a fortune to insure, and a fortune to repair even negating historical correctness.  Either agree to tear them down or sell them to people who care about them and can afford to care for them properly.