From Historic Nashville - In an op-ed in todays Tennessean, Keel Hunt suggests that in this years mayoral election, we seek candidates that speak plainly. In Nashville, we have tended to elect mayors who, even as candidates, spoke to us clearly, not in persistent generalities, writes Hunt. The six candidates who want to be mayor arent saying much so far. Soon, as voters we will need to be very clear about who stands where, especially on these issues: Transit, Affordable Housing, and Schools. We here at Historic Nashville would like to add to that list the critical issue of Preservation: How do we as a city balance preserving our historic landmarks with the pressure of redevelopment? How do we save the historic places that make us unique? That draw tourists from around the world? That have helped make Nashville one of the fastest growing cities and robust economies in the country? We strongly encourage you to ask these questions to our current elected officials and to not only the six mayoral candidates but all candidates for Metro Council. Our elected officials are our leaders and set the tone. Our leaders must hear from us repeatedly on the issue of Preservation in order for real change to occur. We are not anti-development, not at all. Since the early 1980s, we have offered a Preservation Easement program that offers financial incentives to renovate and rehabilitate historic buildings - the first in Tennessee. Preservation and redevelopment can work together extremely successfully. For proof, look to Lower Broadway, 2nd Avenue, Germantown, East Nashville, Marathon Village, etc. There must be balance between preservation and redevelopment. Right now, there is no balance. Just look to Music Row and Midtown where we are losing historic landmarks left and right. Or Hillsboro Village or 12South or West End. The scales are tipped heavily in the favor of developers who are demolishing our historic buildings at a dizzy pace. We see this happening over and over again. If we dont speak up now, nothing will ever change. For more information about how you can get involved, visit our Advocacy page at historicnashvilleinc.org/support-us/advocate. Thank you!
Posted on: Sun, 04 Jan 2015 22:37:30 +0000
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