Guest column

Here is part I of a guest column on the historic district meeting from an anonymous submitter.

Report from the Front
by Patrick Henry II

Having just attended the first planning meeting on the proposed new historic district, one thing struck me above all others - private property appears to be almost extinct. And with it, a large chunk of the freedom we inherited from our ancestors.

The meeting today began with a look at some proposed changes business owners hoped to make on their properties in the "Historic Front Street" district. One fellow hoped to install a new window in his gas station so the cashier could see the pumps from his/her post. He was interrogated about this and some other minor changes he hoped to make. And mind you - this building was NOT historic. If I remember correctly, it was built in 1972.

But our wise and benevolent overseers want to make sure that businesses stick to the 'historic' look of their properties. So.. since it's from the 70's, does that mean it should be wood paneled and decorated in burnt and avocado?

Eventually, they recommended he find a way to move his cash register station. And that he make a brick enclosure around his dumpster.

He got off easy.

The next fellow, hoping to change the front door and windows of the building he was using for a consignment store, was hoping the town would slip him through approvals so he could buy the property and make the changes needed to improve his business. As it is, he stated he was losing money since he can't improve the space and the double doors he'd like to change are currently inoperable.

No luck.

Even though he brought in pictures and made his case, it wasn't good enough. They told him to get an architectural drawing showing precisely what he wanted to do with the doors - on his 1970's building, no less! - before they'd hear his case again. He protested that it was expensive to do so and that he was trying to keep his place afloat.

But he was dismissed by the committee head who told him something along the lines of, "You're an investor, spend the money."

I was worried that this district would end up the noose it seems to be on the verge of becoming when I first heard about it. Sadly districts like this take rights away to keep the 'look' of an area, and we know image is important in the new Smyrna that will be created through the new standards from the comprehensive plan.

Part II soon.