Local Historic Districts have been successful in preserving historic character while allowing growth in West End, Castleberry Hill, and in Decatur including the MAK Historic District right down the street. Is there any reason we should not expect similar benefits and success in Oakhurst?
Oakhurst, like all of the City of Decatur, has a lot going for it. It has a government that took the time to plan well in advance so that it could become the kind of place people want to live. The community that lives here are proud, social and giving, which makes for a nice place to live. We have wonderful architectural character. All of these factors indicate that Local Historic District could successfully protect the historic character of the neighborhood while allow growth and retaining diversity while being economically sustainable.
The overwhelming majority of the people I have heard from in this neighborhood are concerned about losing the historic character of our neighborhood. Unfortunately, many people are being told that LHD will not allow them to take advantage of the maximum square footage allowed under current zoning and/or that current zoning is sufficient to protect the unique historic character of the neighborhood. Both of these assertions are false. To make matters worse it appears that the new zoning will actually allow for bigger houses and more potential for loss of homes in Oakhurst.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Is there any reason we should not expect benefits and success in Oakhurst as a result of LHD?
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3 comments:
This is a slippery sloap. I live in the largest nationally designated Victorian home historic district. Over 450 homes (and businesses)on the registary. We are known as the "Near Westside Neighborhood" These things can be worked out but changes need to be know ahead of time. If it is in the long term interest of a past business or a growing family this needs to be taken into the bottom line acount. If you know you are purchasing in a historic district, well then you know. Good luck take a look at us at www.historicnearwestside.com
Samuel
Isn't this really about trying to accomplish something that you failed to do through zoning? I agree, our current zoning code sucks and encourages out of scale, out of character houses.
But if it really was just about preserving old homes, why do you need to tell me whether I can paint the brick on my house or not?
Please stop telling everyone that supports the LHD that you do not believe the reason they are supporting it is really to preserve the unique historic character. As anonymous I must assume you do not know most of us that support this move.
I do not presume to tell you that the only reason you do not support the LHD is because you are a greedy developer. That would be unfair, sense I do not know you.
Be fair. Keep this to conversation. Your assertions are bordering on the equivalent of calling people names.
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