Front Street Historical District

The results for the May 27th public workshop on possible expansion of the historical district lead the town government and historical committee to decide not to move forward with plans on expanding.

The workshop was the first of its kind I have been to and it was rather informative. Small groups were asked the following two questions. "What do you like about your neighborhood and what could be improved" was one with the standard answers heard throughout history.

The second question was "In your opinion, what are some pros and cons to expanding the district". A good question

Pros.
Possible voluntary local landmark designation
Possible voluntary deed research group
Possible Financial incentives
Potential resource center at library for materials, websites etc.
May keep developers from rezoning to commercial
Protect property with new guidelines

Cons
Affordability (high cost of making changes)
Doesn't allow for individual choice
Need permission for changes to personal property
What is local government's primary goal?
Limited possible buyers
Hurt resale value
Like homeowners association without any benefits
Restrictions too tight
No exceptions for emergency repairs
Deter redevelopment
Higher property taxes
Doesn't allow for individuality

Several of these "cons" makes my little "small government" heart go all aflutter. People even in all ranges of social and economic levels can see easily the spread of government into too many realms.

The last page of the workshop report stated

"The Front Street historic district expansion public workshop concluded with a show of hands (called for by a participant) of those present who opposed expansion of the historic district. Nearly every present was opposed. A few supported expansion as long as the guidelines were changed"

I had left by then, but a round of applause to the one who called for the show of hands.