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YourHub.com \\ Golden \\ Stories \\ Sound Off \\ Letter to the Editor

Preservation questions face Golden

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Contributed by: Richard Gardner on 9/29/2007

Recently historic preservation has been much on the minds of some in the Golden community, with those who see Golden's character as being destroyed, and others seeing their property rights as being threatened.

To be sure Golden's historic character is something not to be taken for granted, since it has a history of unusual worth for a small town. It is also a very mortal commodity, as presently only one Golden historic landmark, the East Street Barn, is legally assured of perpetual protection from harm.

As the council election nears I suppose one may often hear from folks that they support historic preservation. Everyone under the sun will say they support it; it is quite an effortless thing to do. However, it is what they do to support it that makes a difference. So, I ask this of Golden's electoral candidates:

If you support historic preservation, what will you do to support it?

Which brings up a secondary question: When there is a preservation conflict, what might you do to help resolve it?

And brings up a last question, relating to recent issues: If you believe Golden's preservation regulation should be voluntary at this time, then should the city also be helping owners to harm historic landmarks?

There are many things one can do to support preservation, which is why I ask the first. The second I ask from knowing how trying to amicably resolve preservation conflicts can be a thankless task that can get you a pat on the back and a vote against you to show for your efforts.

I ask the last question in light of recent events. Just because you support property rights does not mean you have to help anyone harm landmarks. One might not want to force historic designation on someone, but that doesn't mean you have to grant them a rezoning, a site plan approval, a variance or a subsidy that helps harm places.

Indeed, if Goldenites do support historic preservation and an owner does not want to preserve something important to the community, why should the city help them along?

If voluntary is the direction council wants to take, then I should think this question is well worth answering and investigating doing something about in light of how the city goes about its business.

The city can even voluntarily set its own example through designating and preserving its own historic places, and helping people take out preservation easements which can be a costly process to folks on their own.

Mine may not be easy questions, but to be sure preserving history can be a challenging thing to do. I personally feel Golden is in great need of leadership when it comes to historic preservation, if it truly wants to see its historic landmarks preserved. Golden also needs to speak with a more united voice on preserving its character, lest outside threats begin believing they are held to a higher standard of preserving Golden than Golden holds itself. In any event, I hope these questions might help understand where Golden may go in preserving its historic treasures for future generations.

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CONTRIBUTOR INFORMATION

Richard Gardner

Golden , CO

Richard Gardner has posted 109 stories and 1 comment since joining on 9/15/2005. Richard Gardner 's average story rating is 4.95.

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