Yet another post from me about the Sealy proposal for the 2700 block of University Boulevard. Please share this. Item number 3 from the city’s website under Core Beliefs of the Mayor (the Maddox Administration): “Comprehensive Planning will be essential to preserving our neighborhoods, promoting economic development and ensuring a high quality of life.” In response to an email asking that, in keeping with the mayor’s core beliefs, the city implement the Tuscaloosa Greater Downtown Plan, I received the following response from Mr. Maddox: “During my time with the City, we have never forced a historic designation on an unwilling property owner. . . . Since the property owner in this matter has never sought a historic designation, I would imagine [that] is the likely reason why it has never been designated as historic.” That would be a fine argument but for a few facts. The city routinely imposes its will on citizens, collectively and individually. For example, it establishes and levies taxes; closes, reroutes, and creates streets; enacts landscaping and building codes; rezones private space; and shuts down businesses that violate codes. It also exercises its right to acquire property through eminent domain. It can certainly designate a city block as historic. When the block in question is adjacent to a historic public park that is beloved by residents and visitors alike, the city has not only the right to designate the surrounding area as historic but the responsibility to do so. Elected officials should stop coming up with excuses. It’s time to implement the Greater Downtown Plan.
Posted on: Mon, 10 Jun 2013 15:49:15 +0000
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