SOS's stand on 1325 Laura

[Gloria]

Strange as it may seem, there has been some confusion about SOS's stand on condemned houses and their corresponding blight. I'm in the process of posting our testimony at the HPC meeting to, hopefully, clear up any confusion.

None of us wish to live next to a house which has not been cared for. All of us understand the blight that neglected homes can bring. We clearly understand that and are eager for city resources to help reduce the blight that neglected and abandoned houses bring to Springfield.

As Commissioner Mansfield stated at the last HPC meeting, it isn't an either or situation. It is unfair to place the commissioners or the neighborhood in that position. To choose to preserve our historic fabric we much embrace neglect?

Here is our stand on 1325 Laura Street. It is the minutes from the last HPC meeting and I'd be glad to forward you the entire transcript should you so desire. What I hope you can get from reading this is that preservationists want beauty as much as anyone. In fact, that is why we have a "beautification committee."

[Gloria]

[Gloria]

[Debbie Thompson]

It's also why Nicole posted the Mothballing for Dummies thread last September. Much of that information, and other research on the part of SOS was presented to the City at the HPC hearing on condemned structures. I've been looking for a copy of our presentation for about a half hour, but can't find it. Here's the link to Mothballing 101 though.
http://www.myspringfield.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=37&t=734

It's why we are pursuing that legislation, working with anyone who will allow us to try to board up, secure and make neglected properties safe until someone comes along who WILL love them and fix them up.

We would be more than glad, eager even, to assist the owner of 1325 Laura to properly secure the property, board the windows, nail down any loose parts of the roof until he can proceed with repairing or selling it.

[Gloria]

As many of you know, 1325 Laura is up for another demolition hearing this Wednesday at the HPC meeting. This will be the 4th time it has been heard in as many months.

Last month we were offered an opportunity to view the inside of the structure by the general contractor who was acting as the owner's agent for the purposes of this meeting. I have emailed and called and have not been given permission, as of yet, to enter the property.

Joel and Tom Goldsbury both have been inside this house and have concluded that it is not in imminent danger of collapsing as the doctor would like us to believe.

The commissioners seem, at this point, to be leaning toward denying the demolition request; however, they want to hear from the doctor, personally.

I have no idea if he will show or what they will agree to do after he speaks. I have no idea if Preservation SOS will be allowed access to inspect the interior.

We will just see what happens.

[Gloria]

FYI: I sent this email to Lisa Sheppard. I encourage any of you interested, to do the same.

Lisa,

As you are aware, Shannon Palmer has been documenting the deterioration of this property that PSOS defended against demolition at HPC meetings.

The property's roof is becoming more unstable with each passing month.

This IS the property for the city to force a mothball. As we know, it is within MCCD's legal authority to mothball and lien a property to ensure safety to nearby residents.

Please enlist general counsel's help, if needed, to force this doctor to mothball his properties or face the fines and liens that a city mothball would cost.

If PSOS can do anything to help, please let us know.

Thank you,
Gloria

[JaxUnicorn]

FYI: I sent this email to Lisa Sheppard. I encourage any of you interested, to do the same.

Lisa,

As you are aware, Shannon Palmer has been documenting the deterioration of this property that PSOS defended against demolition at HPC meetings.

The property's roof is becoming more unstable with each passing month.

This IS the property for the city to force a mothball. As we know, it is within MCCD's legal authority to mothball and lien a property to ensure safety to nearby residents.

Please enlist general counsel's help, if needed, to force this doctor to mothball his properties or face the fines and liens that a city mothball would cost.

If PSOS can do anything to help, please let us know.

Thank you,
Gloria

Great email Gloria. Perhaps if someone knows Shannon they could encourage her to request the city force the mothballing as well? Or is she totally against it? Just a thought.

[Gloria]

I'm sure Shannon would be for anything that would improve the safety and remove the blight from her doorstep!