"I for one moved to this neighborhood for the diversity and "character" that such diversity provides. If Oakhurst is designated as a LHD, the diversity of Oakhurst and such character is likely to be jeopardized, which presents a real and valid concern for many of our neighbors who truly value diversity. "
This is a comment from an earlier post. It is not true that LHD will jeopardize the diversity of Oakhurst. The majority of residents we speak to in and outside of the proposed local historic district state their number one concern is losing the character of the neighborhood. The second most frequent concern is losing the diversity of the neighborhood. As posted on an earlier post "Neighborhood character is expressed in at least two distinctive elements: the physical landscape and the social dynamic. Many inner city neighborhoods have the physical building blocks present to be successful, sustainable communities that provide homes for residents throughout their life cycles. Single-family homes come in small, medium and large sizes and price ranges." This mirrors the concerns of the neighborhood. The first and most important element of the local historic district is to preserve the historic landscape - meaning architecture, view from the street, set backs, sidewalks, etc. This is the first impression, if you will, of the character. As mentioned in another previous post older neighborhoods that have a local historic district do a better job of preserving the mix of people in their neighborhood. Why? Because there is a variety of single-family homes from small, medium, and large that have a variety of price ranges. This provides housing for people throughout their life, through their many cycles of life. If every home was replaced by a new home priced at $600,000 we would lose that very diversity. Studies support that older neighborhoods with a local historic district do a better job reflecting the racial and socio-economic mix of the community at large. New construction tends to segregate both racially and socio-economically.
Saturday, August 25, 2007
I for one moved to this neighborhood for the diversity and "character" that such diversity provides.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comments:
Why does this blog continue to entertain the abrasive questions of those posed by ONE Oakhurst? It is obvious from the language of this comment that is where this question is coming from. As examples look at the post on oneoakhurst.blogspot.com dated April 22nd. From the very beginning that site questioned the integrity of the nominators (4/12 & 4/18 posts). They continue to state that the nominators have racially motivated reasons to pursue the lhd (6/25). They generally try to create divisiveness in the community (4/26, 5/10, 5/18, 6/6). That zoning preserves character (through out the site). Arguments such as these have been escalated when they have spoken to individual residents. The comments I have heard from my neighbors are at best shocking. Additionally, they are spending much of their time trying to stop the process all together. Is this what we want to encourage in our City? If you disagree with someone you should attack their character and confuse the underserved? That you should try to usurp the process and intimidate the employees of the City of Decatur?
This site has done a good job of standing above that fray and I request that comments such as these be removed to avoid the manufactured hysteria ONE has tried to create from the beginning. Most of us are capable of a conversation. Most of us are concerned about preserving character. Allowing such comments only gives them fuel to survive.
All residents in support of local historic district should contact your commissioners NOW. ONE is actively trying to halt the process.
Post a Comment