EMERGENCY MEETING OF CITIZENS AGAINST RESIDENTIAL REZONING AND MINDEN HISTORIC DISTRICT TO BE HELD TUESDAY NIGHT, 6:30, CIVIC CENTER, CITY COURTROOM
There will be an emergency meeting of the Citizens Against Residential Rezoning/Minden Historic District on Tuesday night, May 1, at 6:30 pm at the Minden Civic Center City Courtroom. You do not have to live in the historic district to attend this meeting! Everyone is encouraged to attend, as this meeting will be a discussion about the possible spot zoning of a very prominent area in our RESIDENTIAL historic district! For more information, call 318-382-8979.
Citizens wishing to resist the movement to rezone a large section of Minden’s Historic Residential District have formed a group entitled Citizens Against Residential Rezoning, also known as CARR. This organization was founded as a way for the citizens of Minden, Louisiana and other supporters of our community to unite and fight the spot zoning of our Historic Residential District, and the possible rezoning of other residential districts. We are focused on securing the prevention of the proposed spot zoning of one of the most prominent areas in our RESIDENTIAL Historic District. If developers have their way, this beautiful historic area will be turned into an "unnamed" business! If you would like to join us in our efforts, feel free to contact us at 318-382-8979 or email us at lewisfamily1908@bellsouth.net. You may also visit our blog at www.helpsaveminden.blogspot.com. Your assistance is appreciated! If you would like to be included in our email listing, which will keep you up-to-date on our progress, please email us at lewisfamily1908@bellsouth.net and type “CARR EMAIL LIST” in the subject box.
At Tuesday night’s meeting, you will have the opportunity to sign a petition to show your disapproval of the commercialization of the Minden Historic RESIDENTIAL District. We also have an online petition available to gather signatures of our supports. This online petition will be particularly beneficial to people that believe in our cause, but cannot sign the petition in person for whatever reason. The online petition may be found at: http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/helpsaveminden/.
We at CARR look forward to working with community leaders to secure the future of Minden’s Historic Residential District. We believe that our community can work out a suitable alternative in an already approved commercially zoned location that will please this corportion, the residents of the Historic District, and the citizens of Minden.
We are expecting heavy media attention from television and newspaper outlets. Residential Historic District spot zoning has attracted national media attention in the past, and we are excited that our local news sources are so eager to help us publicize this matter.
Sunday, April 29, 2007
HISTORIC DISTRICT HOMES
This is the spot that could possibly be replaced with a commercial business... if it is rezoned from residential to commercial.
We must stop this!
Minden Press-Herald Coverage
Here is how we reacted...
http://www.nwlanews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3895&Itemid=1
to this...
http://www.nwlanews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3875&Itemid=1
An editorial about why I feel this way...
http://www.nwlanews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3877&Itemid=29
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Historic home could be site of new business
Written by Jana Ryan
Thursday, 26 April 2007
Restoring a historic home, providing a $50,000 trust for the Minden Historic District and preserving the integrity of Minden's historic district are the goals of an unnamed retailer, who wishes to construct a commercial business on the corner of Homer Road and Elm Street.Craig and Mona Farley, whose 104-year-old Greek revival home stands on the site in question, and Brooks Holstein of Retail Net Lease LLC, Florida, confirmed Wednesday that negotiations are underway for the sale of property, located at 101 Homer Road.Two additional property owners, whose land neighbors that of the Farleys, have indicated that they too have been approached about the sale of their land. Both wished to remain anonymous at this time.The location in question is currently zoned R-2 (single family residence). Such an endeavor would require the Minden Regional Planning Commission as well as the Minden City Council to give their nod of approval to rezoning the area to commercial use.According to Craig and Mona Farley, initial attempts by the developer, Retail Net Lease LLC out of Florida, were rebuffed. However, due to the deterioration of their historic home, which is in need of around $150,000 to $200,000 worth of repairs, they decided to listen to what the company had to offer. The Farleys made a list of, for better lack of a word, demands, and up to this point, the developer and its client has been agreeable to all of the specified stipulations.The list includes that the home be moved to property located on the southwest corner of Broadway and Kirby Circle. This effort will only require the removal of one tulip tree. The developer has also assured the Farleys that their client intends to maintain the grounds of the historic homesite and not clear the property of its majestic trees.The parties have also agreed that the proposed new building and grounds will reflect the historic look and feel of the district, with the buyer requesting, receiving and following appropriate guidelines, direction and approval for the design and features from the State of Louisiana Staff architect for the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, Division of Historic Preservation.A provision will be made part of the deed, which will require the owner of the property to obtain advance approval for any future changes and/or additions to the site from the Louisiana Division of Historic Preservation. This provision will be binding for all future owners of the property.The buyers have also agreed that after construction is completed, it will have signs erected at the location, which describes the historical significance of the site.In addition, the buyer has also agreed to donate $50,000 to the preservation of Minden's Historic District. The funds will go into a trust to be used for historic preservation and betterment of the City."We've asked for some unusual things, but I don't think we've been greedy," said Mona Farley. "We've tried to make it fair for everybody. This is a way to set a precedent, to get something in there that will be maintained for ever and ever in a certain way, get the house fixed and also get $50,000 for historic preservation. You can't hardly beat that."Another provision in the Contract of Purchase and Sell states that prior to the signing of the actual Purchase and Sell Agreement, the buyer will disclose to the Farleys the entity purchasing the property and the specific business that will be constructed at the 101 Homer Road location. The Farleys said if they feel that the specified business will not be conducive at the location, they will pull out of the deal.No contracts have been signed and the Farleys say their property will not be sold if the buyer does not follow through with all of their specified provisions. The project also depends on whether or not agreements can be reached with the other property owners and if the buyers can acquire the support of the City.According to Holstein, the land acquisition project began approximately 60 days ago."We've been actively interested in Minden for well over a year and have evaluated a number of different properties and we felt this was an opportunity to do something beneficial for the landowners, hopefully beneficial for our retailer as well as the city," said Holstein.Holstein said the Farleys have been very clear about their interests and concerns for the quality of life in Minden as well as their commitment to maintain their property and the surrounding area in a "pristine" manner."But, their primary goal was trying to preserve the integrity of their home and insure its longevity," said Holstein.Holstein and each of his partners have been in the development business for 25 years. They also have experience in developing commercial properties within historic districts."I developed a free standing restaurant in Williamsburg, Virginia, which, as you can imagine, has extremely stringent criteria in terms of trying to maintain an economic viable community outside of colonial Williamsburg while at the same time maintaining a sense of place and presence along the Richmond Highway," said Holstein. "This isn't a first time experience for me to do something like this."Holstein said the Williamsburg project was very challenging and the community involvement was a "unique" experience - the same as what is being proposed for the Farley property. "I can assure you we have full support of our retailer to try to find an architecturally aesthetic facility that will compliment the existing public and private structures in the near proximity to the property," said Holstein.According to the developer, one reason for their selection of this particular site was its proximity to downtown Minden."That plays a very big part of it," said Holstein. "We see the viability of downtown - the proximity of other businesses - and downtown is a big part of the long-term redevelopment of most communities. This is a service-oriented business and the more convenient it is, the better they feel that they are as a long-term tenant."At this time, no rezoning requests have come before the Regional Planning Commission or the Minden City Council. However, the Minden-South Webster Chamber of Commerce met Wednesday and agreed to draft a proposition in support of a future commercial site at the Farley home location. Commenting strictly on an economic viewpoint, Jason Ebey, president of the Minden-South Webster Chamber of Commerce said, "Any new retail chain or retail store that were to develop in the Minden area is an absolute positive for our area. The development of jobs and revenue for more sales tax dollars would improve a substantial increase in the economic scope for Minden-South Webster.”"I think it's going to be one of those developments in your city that, over the coming years, your city administration and your elected officials are going to say, 'This is a development where a developer came into town and exceeded our expectations in their willingness to be a part of our community and contribute to our vision rather than detract from our vision of what we're trying to accomplish with Main Street,'" said Holstein.
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Possible business in Historic District met with opposition
Written by Jana Ryan
Friday, 27 April 2007
Historic District residents and other Minden natives are voicing strong opposition to the proposed construction of a commercial business at the corner of Homer Road and Elm Street.On Thursday, the Minden Press-Herald reported that Retail Net Lease LLC out of Florida has entered into negotiations with Craig and Mona Farley, the owners of the 104-year-old Greek revival home, located at 101 Homer Road, as well as several other neighboring property owners. The firm, working for an unnamed retailer, wishes to construct a commercial business at the site, which is currently zoned R-2 (single family residence).According to the Farleys, initial propositions by the developer were rebuffed; however, due to the deterioration of their historic home, which is in need of around $150,000 to $200,000 worth of repairs, they decided to listen to what the company had to offer. Jackie Lewis, a Historic District resident, who lives with her husband and children at 512 Fort Ave., is spearheading a resistance to a commercial business at the location. By Thursday afternoon, she had composed a letter regarding the issue and she, as well as other Historic District residents were going door to door, spreading the word of the proposed commercial property and encouraging people to attend an emergency meeting to discuss the situation. Not only Historic District residents, but all concerned Mindenites are urged to attend the meeting, which will be held at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 1, at a yet to be determined location."This is a corporation — this isn't, 'Oh, we love downtown Minden and we care about Minden,'" said Lewis. "This is what these people do as a profession. If they want to help out the Historic District and restore things, there are plenty of places they could do this without taking out the most prominent historic downtown home."Properties constructed by Retail Net Lease LLC include Walgreens drug stores, Ruby Tuesday restaurants and Starbucks. At this time, neither the name of the company's client or the type of business involved in the proposal has been released; however, in a previous interview with Brooks Holstein of Retail Net Lease LLC, the proposed business is not a restaurant. For several months prior to Wednesday's confirmation of ongoing negotiations between the property owners and the development company, rumors had been circulating that Walgreens was coming to Minden. Even Mayor Bill Robertson said he had heard rumors, from an unofficial source, that Walgreens was coming to town. However, Walgreens Corporate Spokesperson Carol Hively said last Friday that there is no information in the company's database indicating plans for Minden or Webster Parish. She added that doesn't necessarily mean the company isn't scouting the area.After Lewis learned of the proposed commercial property, she began researching the development company."I researched this a good bit," said Lewis. "Let's say this is a Walgreens - this is something that Walgreens does all the time. They pick the most prominent, historic house or houses and tear them down and put in these businesses, or they say, 'We'll move the house,' or 'We're doing this to restore the house,' but they are not. They are doing this for business. This business may be good for five or 10 years and then what are they going to do with it? It's not good at all for the Historic District."Lewis' research provided information on communities who have fought corporate invasion into Historic Districts."Other communities have fought it and said, 'We don't want that,' so they've (developers) gone downtown and revitalized some of the old abandoned buildings downtown and made a beautiful facade in the front where it blended in it gave them what they wanted," said Lewis. "It was absolutely gorgeous for the town and everybody benefited. We're more than willing to go over proposals and help in any way we can in finding an alternate location, but we just do not feel that (Homer Road and Elm Street) is a proper location for a business — not right there."Lewis has contacted the National Trust for Historic Homes, garnering its support in the fight to keep the Historic District intact.Schelley Brown, executive director of the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum and 2007 president of the Historic Residential Association, said she has talked with Craig and Mona Farley and understands their predicament with having a home that needs repairs; however, she believes a business at that location would be "intrusive" and added, "There are plenty of other places in Minden to do something like that.""As being a part of the Historic District, many of the homes need repairs and many of us can't afford it, but having business come in, when they see that can take advantage of the situation — I just don't see how turning a residential area into commercial property can be good for the residents and for our property values," said Brown. "Everybody who bought a house or lives in the Historic District bought those homes because they wanted that distinction, including Mona and Craig. You bought that house because you loved history and wanted to preserve that part of Minden that is precious to us."On Thursday, the Minden-South Webster Chamber of Commerce adopted a resolution in support of the proposed commercial development at the Homer Road site if the following list of conditions set forth by the Farleys are met:1) The home is moved to property located on the southwest corner of Broadway and Kirby Circle. 2) The proposed new building and grounds will reflect the historic look and feel of the district, with the buyer requesting, receiving and following appropriate guidelines, direction and approval for the design and features from the State of Louisiana Staff architect for the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, Division of Historic Preservation.3) A provision will be made part of the deed, which will require the owner of the property to obtain advance approval for any future changes and/or additions to the site from the Louisiana Division of Historic Preservation. This provision will be binding for all future owners of the property.4) After construction is completed, the buyer will have signs erected at the location, which describes the historical significance of the site.5) A $50,000 donation will be made to the preservation of Minden's Historic District. The funds will go into a trust to be used for historic preservation and betterment of the City."The Chamber felt very solid that it could pass a resolution of support for this project to continue with the Farleys being able to reject this proposal if they were not in favor of the specific business coming onto their property," said Jason Ebey, Chamber president. "The Chamber is in support of it mainly because we did not want to see the house lost. By accepting the provisions that the Farleys have set out, Minden will not lose one of its landmarks."Ebey said the Chamber believes that the Farleys, in their negotiations, have tried to look out for Minden's best interest."We feel that the Farleys tried to look out for Minden's best interest," said Ebey. "By getting $50,000 in a historical trust, hopefully, additional preservation of other properties will be contagious and we can see revitalization throughout the Historical District and downtown historical Minden."Mayor Bill Robertson was out of town Friday and not available for comment.Tuesday's 6:30 p.m. meeting is open to the public, not just Historic District residents and all interested parties are encouraged to attend.
http://www.nwlanews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3895&Itemid=1
to this...
http://www.nwlanews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3875&Itemid=1
An editorial about why I feel this way...
http://www.nwlanews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3877&Itemid=29
----------------------------------------------------------------
Historic home could be site of new business
Written by Jana Ryan
Thursday, 26 April 2007
Restoring a historic home, providing a $50,000 trust for the Minden Historic District and preserving the integrity of Minden's historic district are the goals of an unnamed retailer, who wishes to construct a commercial business on the corner of Homer Road and Elm Street.Craig and Mona Farley, whose 104-year-old Greek revival home stands on the site in question, and Brooks Holstein of Retail Net Lease LLC, Florida, confirmed Wednesday that negotiations are underway for the sale of property, located at 101 Homer Road.Two additional property owners, whose land neighbors that of the Farleys, have indicated that they too have been approached about the sale of their land. Both wished to remain anonymous at this time.The location in question is currently zoned R-2 (single family residence). Such an endeavor would require the Minden Regional Planning Commission as well as the Minden City Council to give their nod of approval to rezoning the area to commercial use.According to Craig and Mona Farley, initial attempts by the developer, Retail Net Lease LLC out of Florida, were rebuffed. However, due to the deterioration of their historic home, which is in need of around $150,000 to $200,000 worth of repairs, they decided to listen to what the company had to offer. The Farleys made a list of, for better lack of a word, demands, and up to this point, the developer and its client has been agreeable to all of the specified stipulations.The list includes that the home be moved to property located on the southwest corner of Broadway and Kirby Circle. This effort will only require the removal of one tulip tree. The developer has also assured the Farleys that their client intends to maintain the grounds of the historic homesite and not clear the property of its majestic trees.The parties have also agreed that the proposed new building and grounds will reflect the historic look and feel of the district, with the buyer requesting, receiving and following appropriate guidelines, direction and approval for the design and features from the State of Louisiana Staff architect for the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, Division of Historic Preservation.A provision will be made part of the deed, which will require the owner of the property to obtain advance approval for any future changes and/or additions to the site from the Louisiana Division of Historic Preservation. This provision will be binding for all future owners of the property.The buyers have also agreed that after construction is completed, it will have signs erected at the location, which describes the historical significance of the site.In addition, the buyer has also agreed to donate $50,000 to the preservation of Minden's Historic District. The funds will go into a trust to be used for historic preservation and betterment of the City."We've asked for some unusual things, but I don't think we've been greedy," said Mona Farley. "We've tried to make it fair for everybody. This is a way to set a precedent, to get something in there that will be maintained for ever and ever in a certain way, get the house fixed and also get $50,000 for historic preservation. You can't hardly beat that."Another provision in the Contract of Purchase and Sell states that prior to the signing of the actual Purchase and Sell Agreement, the buyer will disclose to the Farleys the entity purchasing the property and the specific business that will be constructed at the 101 Homer Road location. The Farleys said if they feel that the specified business will not be conducive at the location, they will pull out of the deal.No contracts have been signed and the Farleys say their property will not be sold if the buyer does not follow through with all of their specified provisions. The project also depends on whether or not agreements can be reached with the other property owners and if the buyers can acquire the support of the City.According to Holstein, the land acquisition project began approximately 60 days ago."We've been actively interested in Minden for well over a year and have evaluated a number of different properties and we felt this was an opportunity to do something beneficial for the landowners, hopefully beneficial for our retailer as well as the city," said Holstein.Holstein said the Farleys have been very clear about their interests and concerns for the quality of life in Minden as well as their commitment to maintain their property and the surrounding area in a "pristine" manner."But, their primary goal was trying to preserve the integrity of their home and insure its longevity," said Holstein.Holstein and each of his partners have been in the development business for 25 years. They also have experience in developing commercial properties within historic districts."I developed a free standing restaurant in Williamsburg, Virginia, which, as you can imagine, has extremely stringent criteria in terms of trying to maintain an economic viable community outside of colonial Williamsburg while at the same time maintaining a sense of place and presence along the Richmond Highway," said Holstein. "This isn't a first time experience for me to do something like this."Holstein said the Williamsburg project was very challenging and the community involvement was a "unique" experience - the same as what is being proposed for the Farley property. "I can assure you we have full support of our retailer to try to find an architecturally aesthetic facility that will compliment the existing public and private structures in the near proximity to the property," said Holstein.According to the developer, one reason for their selection of this particular site was its proximity to downtown Minden."That plays a very big part of it," said Holstein. "We see the viability of downtown - the proximity of other businesses - and downtown is a big part of the long-term redevelopment of most communities. This is a service-oriented business and the more convenient it is, the better they feel that they are as a long-term tenant."At this time, no rezoning requests have come before the Regional Planning Commission or the Minden City Council. However, the Minden-South Webster Chamber of Commerce met Wednesday and agreed to draft a proposition in support of a future commercial site at the Farley home location. Commenting strictly on an economic viewpoint, Jason Ebey, president of the Minden-South Webster Chamber of Commerce said, "Any new retail chain or retail store that were to develop in the Minden area is an absolute positive for our area. The development of jobs and revenue for more sales tax dollars would improve a substantial increase in the economic scope for Minden-South Webster.”"I think it's going to be one of those developments in your city that, over the coming years, your city administration and your elected officials are going to say, 'This is a development where a developer came into town and exceeded our expectations in their willingness to be a part of our community and contribute to our vision rather than detract from our vision of what we're trying to accomplish with Main Street,'" said Holstein.
--------------------------------------
Possible business in Historic District met with opposition
Written by Jana Ryan
Friday, 27 April 2007
Historic District residents and other Minden natives are voicing strong opposition to the proposed construction of a commercial business at the corner of Homer Road and Elm Street.On Thursday, the Minden Press-Herald reported that Retail Net Lease LLC out of Florida has entered into negotiations with Craig and Mona Farley, the owners of the 104-year-old Greek revival home, located at 101 Homer Road, as well as several other neighboring property owners. The firm, working for an unnamed retailer, wishes to construct a commercial business at the site, which is currently zoned R-2 (single family residence).According to the Farleys, initial propositions by the developer were rebuffed; however, due to the deterioration of their historic home, which is in need of around $150,000 to $200,000 worth of repairs, they decided to listen to what the company had to offer. Jackie Lewis, a Historic District resident, who lives with her husband and children at 512 Fort Ave., is spearheading a resistance to a commercial business at the location. By Thursday afternoon, she had composed a letter regarding the issue and she, as well as other Historic District residents were going door to door, spreading the word of the proposed commercial property and encouraging people to attend an emergency meeting to discuss the situation. Not only Historic District residents, but all concerned Mindenites are urged to attend the meeting, which will be held at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 1, at a yet to be determined location."This is a corporation — this isn't, 'Oh, we love downtown Minden and we care about Minden,'" said Lewis. "This is what these people do as a profession. If they want to help out the Historic District and restore things, there are plenty of places they could do this without taking out the most prominent historic downtown home."Properties constructed by Retail Net Lease LLC include Walgreens drug stores, Ruby Tuesday restaurants and Starbucks. At this time, neither the name of the company's client or the type of business involved in the proposal has been released; however, in a previous interview with Brooks Holstein of Retail Net Lease LLC, the proposed business is not a restaurant. For several months prior to Wednesday's confirmation of ongoing negotiations between the property owners and the development company, rumors had been circulating that Walgreens was coming to Minden. Even Mayor Bill Robertson said he had heard rumors, from an unofficial source, that Walgreens was coming to town. However, Walgreens Corporate Spokesperson Carol Hively said last Friday that there is no information in the company's database indicating plans for Minden or Webster Parish. She added that doesn't necessarily mean the company isn't scouting the area.After Lewis learned of the proposed commercial property, she began researching the development company."I researched this a good bit," said Lewis. "Let's say this is a Walgreens - this is something that Walgreens does all the time. They pick the most prominent, historic house or houses and tear them down and put in these businesses, or they say, 'We'll move the house,' or 'We're doing this to restore the house,' but they are not. They are doing this for business. This business may be good for five or 10 years and then what are they going to do with it? It's not good at all for the Historic District."Lewis' research provided information on communities who have fought corporate invasion into Historic Districts."Other communities have fought it and said, 'We don't want that,' so they've (developers) gone downtown and revitalized some of the old abandoned buildings downtown and made a beautiful facade in the front where it blended in it gave them what they wanted," said Lewis. "It was absolutely gorgeous for the town and everybody benefited. We're more than willing to go over proposals and help in any way we can in finding an alternate location, but we just do not feel that (Homer Road and Elm Street) is a proper location for a business — not right there."Lewis has contacted the National Trust for Historic Homes, garnering its support in the fight to keep the Historic District intact.Schelley Brown, executive director of the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum and 2007 president of the Historic Residential Association, said she has talked with Craig and Mona Farley and understands their predicament with having a home that needs repairs; however, she believes a business at that location would be "intrusive" and added, "There are plenty of other places in Minden to do something like that.""As being a part of the Historic District, many of the homes need repairs and many of us can't afford it, but having business come in, when they see that can take advantage of the situation — I just don't see how turning a residential area into commercial property can be good for the residents and for our property values," said Brown. "Everybody who bought a house or lives in the Historic District bought those homes because they wanted that distinction, including Mona and Craig. You bought that house because you loved history and wanted to preserve that part of Minden that is precious to us."On Thursday, the Minden-South Webster Chamber of Commerce adopted a resolution in support of the proposed commercial development at the Homer Road site if the following list of conditions set forth by the Farleys are met:1) The home is moved to property located on the southwest corner of Broadway and Kirby Circle. 2) The proposed new building and grounds will reflect the historic look and feel of the district, with the buyer requesting, receiving and following appropriate guidelines, direction and approval for the design and features from the State of Louisiana Staff architect for the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, Division of Historic Preservation.3) A provision will be made part of the deed, which will require the owner of the property to obtain advance approval for any future changes and/or additions to the site from the Louisiana Division of Historic Preservation. This provision will be binding for all future owners of the property.4) After construction is completed, the buyer will have signs erected at the location, which describes the historical significance of the site.5) A $50,000 donation will be made to the preservation of Minden's Historic District. The funds will go into a trust to be used for historic preservation and betterment of the City."The Chamber felt very solid that it could pass a resolution of support for this project to continue with the Farleys being able to reject this proposal if they were not in favor of the specific business coming onto their property," said Jason Ebey, Chamber president. "The Chamber is in support of it mainly because we did not want to see the house lost. By accepting the provisions that the Farleys have set out, Minden will not lose one of its landmarks."Ebey said the Chamber believes that the Farleys, in their negotiations, have tried to look out for Minden's best interest."We feel that the Farleys tried to look out for Minden's best interest," said Ebey. "By getting $50,000 in a historical trust, hopefully, additional preservation of other properties will be contagious and we can see revitalization throughout the Historical District and downtown historical Minden."Mayor Bill Robertson was out of town Friday and not available for comment.Tuesday's 6:30 p.m. meeting is open to the public, not just Historic District residents and all interested parties are encouraged to attend.
ONLINE PETITION
We have created an ONLINE petition for those of us against the commercializiation of the Minden Historic RESIDENTIAL District! This is not the same petition that we will have at the emergency meeting on Tuesday night, so make sure that you sign that one! This one is just for the "morale of our troops" and for informative purposes.
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/helpsaveminden/
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/helpsaveminden/
Rezoning Historic Residential Districts... a NATIONAL problem that needs to be investigated!
We're certainly not the first town in America that has ever needed to deal with the issue of preventing a historic residential district from being rezoned for a major corporation. Here are a few websites to show that we're not alone! I found them individually using search engines, but I think that it's high time for people across the nation to realize what is going on to our Residential Historic Districts and call for action against these corporations! These websites are just the tip of the iceberg... there are thousands more just like these!
http://www.nationaltrust.org/issues/chain_drugstores/drugstores_success_stories.html
http://www.nationaltrust.org/magazine/archives/arc_news/120704.htm
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2002/08/01/MN133594.DTL&type=printable
http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=17090917&BRD=1653&PAG=461&dept_id=12717&rfi=6
http://www.examiner.com/a-468611~Historic_Chinese_eatery_to_become_a_Walgreens.html
http://www.tiftongazette.com/local/local_story_178221105.html/resources_printstory
http://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/cdap/downloads/cdap_pdf14072.pdf
http://www.eurekawebs.com/cityhall/commdevp/docs/City_PRES_PLAN_final-text.pdf
http://www.nationaltrust.org/issues/downloads/drugstore_rockland_ma.pdf
http://www.northside.net/nba/pdf/NBAmeetingWalgreens060605.pdf
http://www.preservationdirectory.com/HistoricalPreservation/Home.aspx
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=136614&format=print
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2002/11/25/BA215296.DTL
http://www.metafilter.com/comments.mefi/33664
http://www.neighborhoodlink.com/org/clubextra.html?nclubid=888222976&nid=337570030
http://www.nationaltrust.org/magazine/archives/arc_news/120704.htm
http://www.timesreporter.com/topFive.php?vote=2&Headline=Drug+stores+are+great%3B+so+are+historic+neighborhoods&ID=55465&Category=6
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/320808930?ltl=1177742960
http://www.tiftongazette.com/local/local_story_178221105.html
http://www.tiftongazette.com/local/local_story_143223536.html
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/97758_walgreens29.shtml
http://www.historicrockland.org/walgreens_development_plan_targe.htm
http://www.savethecumberland.org/what.htm
http://www.baltimoresun.com/business/chi-030113landmarks1,0,3462980.story?page=6&?track=sto-relcon
http://sg.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070310102500AALzs1C
http://www.nationaltrust.org/issues/chain_drugstores/drugstores_success_stories.html
http://www.nationaltrust.org/magazine/archives/arc_news/120704.htm
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2002/08/01/MN133594.DTL&type=printable
http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=17090917&BRD=1653&PAG=461&dept_id=12717&rfi=6
http://www.examiner.com/a-468611~Historic_Chinese_eatery_to_become_a_Walgreens.html
http://www.tiftongazette.com/local/local_story_178221105.html/resources_printstory
http://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/cdap/downloads/cdap_pdf14072.pdf
http://www.eurekawebs.com/cityhall/commdevp/docs/City_PRES_PLAN_final-text.pdf
http://www.nationaltrust.org/issues/downloads/drugstore_rockland_ma.pdf
http://www.northside.net/nba/pdf/NBAmeetingWalgreens060605.pdf
http://www.preservationdirectory.com/HistoricalPreservation/Home.aspx
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=136614&format=print
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2002/11/25/BA215296.DTL
http://www.metafilter.com/comments.mefi/33664
http://www.neighborhoodlink.com/org/clubextra.html?nclubid=888222976&nid=337570030
http://www.nationaltrust.org/magazine/archives/arc_news/120704.htm
http://www.timesreporter.com/topFive.php?vote=2&Headline=Drug+stores+are+great%3B+so+are+historic+neighborhoods&ID=55465&Category=6
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/320808930?ltl=1177742960
http://www.tiftongazette.com/local/local_story_178221105.html
http://www.tiftongazette.com/local/local_story_143223536.html
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/97758_walgreens29.shtml
http://www.historicrockland.org/walgreens_development_plan_targe.htm
http://www.savethecumberland.org/what.htm
http://www.baltimoresun.com/business/chi-030113landmarks1,0,3462980.story?page=6&?track=sto-relcon
http://sg.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070310102500AALzs1C
Letter from Carolyn Day Smith
As a young girl growing up just a few houses from the historic Stewart (now Farley) home, I spent many hours in the historic district walking to school, church, downtown, and to the homes of friends. The beauty, charm, and history of the area is still a treasure to me.
Since my childhood, the commercial area has rapidly advanced toward Broadway. Now to commercialize the CORNERSTONE, the Stewart home area, is an encroachment on one of Minden's finest treasures. As I see it, money is the primary goal of this change. At my age, nearly 75, money is low on my list of priorities. Preserving treasures is high!
When my father and I used to sit on our front terrace at night to look at constellations- that is a treasured memory. Now with nearby bright lights on the Homer Road, the skies are a blur of red glow. A treasure lost!
How far will commercialization go? Think of the memories of both old and young citizens!
The wrecking ball has taken find old buildings downtown and on Broadway - the old courthouse, First Baptist Church, First United Methodist Church, all of which were no longer adequate for their needs. The historic and magnificent Sandlin house is now a parking lot as a re some other fine homes.
PLEASE, let's spare our cornerstone, the historic Stewart home, where it was built!
Carolyn Day Smith
4-27-2007
Since my childhood, the commercial area has rapidly advanced toward Broadway. Now to commercialize the CORNERSTONE, the Stewart home area, is an encroachment on one of Minden's finest treasures. As I see it, money is the primary goal of this change. At my age, nearly 75, money is low on my list of priorities. Preserving treasures is high!
When my father and I used to sit on our front terrace at night to look at constellations- that is a treasured memory. Now with nearby bright lights on the Homer Road, the skies are a blur of red glow. A treasure lost!
How far will commercialization go? Think of the memories of both old and young citizens!
The wrecking ball has taken find old buildings downtown and on Broadway - the old courthouse, First Baptist Church, First United Methodist Church, all of which were no longer adequate for their needs. The historic and magnificent Sandlin house is now a parking lot as a re some other fine homes.
PLEASE, let's spare our cornerstone, the historic Stewart home, where it was built!
Carolyn Day Smith
4-27-2007
Letter from the Carlisle's
To all this may concern,
My husband and I moved to the Minden Historic District about a year and a half ago. We decided to take the plunge and buy an older home that was on the market. We love working on our older home! It's an honor to be able to do what we do, and it's something that we hold very dear to us. We have no problems with Minden growing at a reasonable rate. We think it would be good for the citizens in terms of jobs, and just spending your money in Minden versus driving to Shreveport or Bossier City means positive things for the town as well. But, when corporations come in and want to plant their roots in an historic district, well, that's just wrong. Could they not build out by Wal-Mart where there are other commercial properties available? We also realize that this location is a prime business location, but it would be ashame if this happened. We don't want to see this piece of history gone. Let us know what we can do to keep this from happening. Is there anything that can be done?
Sincerely,
Mr. & Mrs. Carlisle
My husband and I moved to the Minden Historic District about a year and a half ago. We decided to take the plunge and buy an older home that was on the market. We love working on our older home! It's an honor to be able to do what we do, and it's something that we hold very dear to us. We have no problems with Minden growing at a reasonable rate. We think it would be good for the citizens in terms of jobs, and just spending your money in Minden versus driving to Shreveport or Bossier City means positive things for the town as well. But, when corporations come in and want to plant their roots in an historic district, well, that's just wrong. Could they not build out by Wal-Mart where there are other commercial properties available? We also realize that this location is a prime business location, but it would be ashame if this happened. We don't want to see this piece of history gone. Let us know what we can do to keep this from happening. Is there anything that can be done?
Sincerely,
Mr. & Mrs. Carlisle
What YOU can do now...
It has been widely rumored that Walgreens is the corporation remaining "unnamed" in the quest to take over a large section of our residential historic district. We don't know for sure that it's them, but the firm that has approached the Farley's has a strong history of representing Walgreens.
We ask that everyone call Walgreens corporate (847) 914-2500 and ask for Public Relations and tell them that you are calling from Minden, Louisiana, and that we don’t want a suburban drug store to be built at a critical urban corner in a historic neighborhood that is on the National Register. The "corner of main and main" is listed by the National Trust as one of the most endangered places. Please remember that Walgreens makes it a habit to buy historic residences in historic districts all across the country and turn them into cookie cutter pharmacies. We can make a difference.
PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT YOU STRESS THAT WALGREENS IS WELCOMED IN OUR COMMUNITY, but that you feel that it is inappropriate for them to be located in our residential historic district!
We ask that everyone call Walgreens corporate (847) 914-2500 and ask for Public Relations and tell them that you are calling from Minden, Louisiana, and that we don’t want a suburban drug store to be built at a critical urban corner in a historic neighborhood that is on the National Register. The "corner of main and main" is listed by the National Trust as one of the most endangered places. Please remember that Walgreens makes it a habit to buy historic residences in historic districts all across the country and turn them into cookie cutter pharmacies. We can make a difference.
PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT YOU STRESS THAT WALGREENS IS WELCOMED IN OUR COMMUNITY, but that you feel that it is inappropriate for them to be located in our residential historic district!
Food for Thought...
Every community has their own individual identity based on their history. By preserving this history it sets the community off from the rest of the world showcasing the people and events that made that community what it is. This homogenization of our downtown destroys the unique quality and character and separates us from our past. Homogenization is good for milk but not for historic tourism. Find me someone who visits a city because it has an Eckerd's or McDonald's and I'll show you someone who needs therapy.
National Trust for Historic Preservation Link
From Preservation Online: The magazine of the National Trust for Historic Preservation
http://www.nationaltrust.org/issues/chain_drugstores/
http://www.nationaltrust.org/magazine/archives/arc_news/120704.htm
http://www.nationaltrust.org/issues/chain_drugstores/
http://www.nationaltrust.org/magazine/archives/arc_news/120704.htm
Letter to the Editor / Shreveport Times Coverage
The following letter to the Editor was published in the Minden Press-Herald on Friday, April 27, 2007.
-------------------------
Dear Neighbors,
Being a part of the Minden Historic District is something very, very special. On sunny spring days when I am walking through my home and breathing the fresh, clean air spilling in from the open windows, it’s easy for me to imagine what it must have felt like for the Lowe family to live in this very same house when it was brand new in 1908. When I peer out my windows and see my neighbors planting flowers, walking their dogs, riding bicycles or taking an evening stroll around the block, I know without a doubt that there is no other place in the entire world that I would rather call home. At night before I close my eyes and drift off to sleep, I peek out my bedroom window and admire the view of Mrs. Effie, the gorgeous live oak tree on The Irving’s property next door. It takes very little imagination to realize that this view is certainly much the same today as it was over a hundred years ago.
There’s a very simple pleasure that may be gained by living in the Minden Historic District. These old homes are as American as Apple pie, and it is both my passion and my privilege to live in, restore and protect a little slice of our historic district.
It has been brought to my attention, and to the attention of many other Historic District Residents, that a large corporation is trying to take away a rather large slice of our beautiful Historic District. This corporation has sweetened the pot by making bribes of large donations to “benefit” us, but I ask you to look past their guarantees and see the bigger picture. I believe with all of my heart that by removing one of our most famous and beautiful Historic District homes and replacing it with a cookie-cutter corporate-American business, we will be ripping the heart out of downtown Minden. I am particularly disturbed by the fact that we don’t even know what type of business would replace this poignant home. It is of my opinion that NOTHING could be placed upon that lot that would be as beloved as the Farley home.
I would like to state that I do understand completely why The Farleys would consider this as an option. My husband and I have sunk tens of thousands of dollars into our historic home, and the end of our home improvement projects are nowhere in sight. But these projects are a labor of love. We, like The Farley’s, knew when we bought our home that there is an enormous financial responsibility attached to these properties. Yes, it is certainly expensive to keep these houses updated and structurally sound. And each and every one of us would be tempted if corporate America stepped in and offered us mounds of cash for our land and promised to restore and move our houses across town. But there has to be a line drawn somewhere. Fifty years ago there were historic homes all down Homer Road. Those homes have been replaced by businesses like McDonalds and Burger King. I don’t remember those houses. You might not either. They have been whittled away, one by one, and very few people have noticed that they are disappearing. If we don’t do something about this movement now, our historic district can easily become a thing of the past, but not in a nostalgic sense.
Corporate America is not accidentally knocking at The Farley’s door. Walgreen’s, for instance, has made it common practice to prey upon historic district homes perched on prime RESIDENTIAL property and “relieve” them of the “burden” of restoring their historic homes. The bottom line is that this corporation believes that our community is too sleepy to notice that one of our major landmarks is being removed from the heart of our community.
I highly recommend that you visit the website for The National Trust For Historic Preservation at http://www.nationaltrust.org/issues/chain_drugstores/. When I contacted them concerning this matter, I was very surprised to learn that they have an office set up specifically for dealing with this problem. Did you know that The National Trust For Historic Preservation has called "the Corner of Main and Main" as America’s 4th Most Endangered Historic Place? The movement to move and/or replace our historic homes is not something that is only happening in Minden. Large corporations have pulled this stunt and been wildly successful in many hundreds, if not thousands, of American towns. But it doesn’t have to be this way. WE can take a stand against the invasion of our darling little Historic District! Many other small towns of our size have stood up to these corporations and prevailed. You can find many, many success stories at the following web address: http://www.nationaltrust.org/issues/chain_drugstores/drugstores_success_stories.html.
If it is truly the preservation of history that this corporation is after, then why are they not offering to revive our downtown BUSINESS historic district? I propose that this business find a suitable lot in one of the areas of Minden already zoned for business, preferably our downtown area. I wholeheartedly welcome anyone that wants to invest in Minden, and our community certainly needs the additional jobs that a new business would provide. Together, I believe that we can work out a suitable alternative that will please this corporation and the residents of The Historic District.
There will be a special Historic District meeting held on Tuesday night the 1st of May at 6:30 pm. It will be held at Christopher’s on Main Street in Historic Downtown Minden, just across from Capital One Bank.
If you would like more information, or if you would like to help keep our Historic District intact, please call me at 318-382-8979, email me at lewisfamily1908@bellsouth.net or just stop by our house at 512 Fort Avenue in Minden.
Dear Neighbors,
Being a part of the Minden Historic District is something very, very special. On sunny spring days when I am walking through my home and breathing the fresh, clean air spilling in from the open windows, it’s easy for me to imagine what it must have felt like for the Lowe family to live in this very same house when it was brand new in 1908. When I peer out my windows and see my neighbors planting flowers, walking their dogs, riding bicycles or taking an evening stroll around the block, I know without a doubt that there is no other place in the entire world that I would rather call home. At night before I close my eyes and drift off to sleep, I peek out my bedroom window and admire the view of Mrs. Effie, the gorgeous live oak tree on The Irving’s property next door. It takes very little imagination to realize that this view is certainly much the same today as it was over a hundred years ago.
There’s a very simple pleasure that may be gained by living in the Minden Historic District. These old homes are as American as Apple pie, and it is both my passion and my privilege to live in, restore and protect a little slice of our historic district.
It has been brought to my attention, and to the attention of many other Historic District Residents, that a large corporation is trying to take away a rather large slice of our beautiful Historic District. This corporation has sweetened the pot by making bribes of large donations to “benefit” us, but I ask you to look past their guarantees and see the bigger picture. I believe with all of my heart that by removing one of our most famous and beautiful Historic District homes and replacing it with a cookie-cutter corporate-American business, we will be ripping the heart out of downtown Minden. I am particularly disturbed by the fact that we don’t even know what type of business would replace this poignant home. It is of my opinion that NOTHING could be placed upon that lot that would be as beloved as the Farley home.
I would like to state that I do understand completely why The Farleys would consider this as an option. My husband and I have sunk tens of thousands of dollars into our historic home, and the end of our home improvement projects are nowhere in sight. But these projects are a labor of love. We, like The Farley’s, knew when we bought our home that there is an enormous financial responsibility attached to these properties. Yes, it is certainly expensive to keep these houses updated and structurally sound. And each and every one of us would be tempted if corporate America stepped in and offered us mounds of cash for our land and promised to restore and move our houses across town. But there has to be a line drawn somewhere. Fifty years ago there were historic homes all down Homer Road. Those homes have been replaced by businesses like McDonalds and Burger King. I don’t remember those houses. You might not either. They have been whittled away, one by one, and very few people have noticed that they are disappearing. If we don’t do something about this movement now, our historic district can easily become a thing of the past, but not in a nostalgic sense.
Corporate America is not accidentally knocking at The Farley’s door. Walgreen’s, for instance, has made it common practice to prey upon historic district homes perched on prime RESIDENTIAL property and “relieve” them of the “burden” of restoring their historic homes. The bottom line is that this corporation believes that our community is too sleepy to notice that one of our major landmarks is being removed from the heart of our community.
I highly recommend that you visit the website for The National Trust For Historic Preservation at http://www.nationaltrust.org/issues/chain_drugstores/. When I contacted them concerning this matter, I was very surprised to learn that they have an office set up specifically for dealing with this problem. Did you know that The National Trust For Historic Preservation has called "the Corner of Main and Main" as America’s 4th Most Endangered Historic Place? The movement to move and/or replace our historic homes is not something that is only happening in Minden. Large corporations have pulled this stunt and been wildly successful in many hundreds, if not thousands, of American towns. But it doesn’t have to be this way. WE can take a stand against the invasion of our darling little Historic District! Many other small towns of our size have stood up to these corporations and prevailed. You can find many, many success stories at the following web address: http://www.nationaltrust.org/issues/chain_drugstores/drugstores_success_stories.html.
If it is truly the preservation of history that this corporation is after, then why are they not offering to revive our downtown BUSINESS historic district? I propose that this business find a suitable lot in one of the areas of Minden already zoned for business, preferably our downtown area. I wholeheartedly welcome anyone that wants to invest in Minden, and our community certainly needs the additional jobs that a new business would provide. Together, I believe that we can work out a suitable alternative that will please this corporation and the residents of The Historic District.
There will be a special Historic District meeting held on Tuesday night the 1st of May at 6:30 pm. It will be held at Christopher’s on Main Street in Historic Downtown Minden, just across from Capital One Bank.
If you would like more information, or if you would like to help keep our Historic District intact, please call me at 318-382-8979, email me at lewisfamily1908@bellsouth.net or just stop by our house at 512 Fort Avenue in Minden.
---------------------------------
Preservation, commercialization collide in Minden
May 1, 2007
By Vickie Welborn
The Shreveport Times
MINDEN -- Preservation and commercial development could be on a collision course here as the owners of one of the city's most recognizable century-old homes sitting at the edge of the historic district are being wooed by an undisclosed commercial developer.The controversy that has erupted in recent days since news of the discussions became headlines has left a longtime Minden couple bewildered at the rapid advancement of rumors and half-truths. On the other side, however, are a group of citizens opposed to threats of residential spot zoning who have banded together to force the issue into the open at a public meeting set tonight.
The Minden-South Webster Chamber of Commerce has gotten into the picture by supporting the potential of economic development, but it does so with conditions. Further consideration will be given if conditions change, said Jason E. Ebey, president.Homeowner Mona Farley is uncertain if she and husband, Craig, will attend tonight's meeting. Farley believes the issue has been blown so far out of proportion that no one will listen the facts. And she stresses that no request has been made to the city's zoning board."There's no intent as this point. It was simply a conversation of possibilities that took place that got leaked," Farley said.Retail Net Lease LLC, of Florida, is the company that has expressed interest in the Farley's 2.7 acres and a neighboring sliver of land. The company has not disclosed to the Farleys the identity of the retailer it represents.The Farleys purchased the 104-year-old Greek Revival home from the Stewart family estate in 1995 and have been renovating it ever since. The house is located at the edge of the historic district but is not on the National Register of Historic Places.On April 15, the house and the Farleys were featured on an HGTV show, "If These Walls Could Talk."Strong preservationists with an equally strong pride in their home, the Farleys rebuffed all prior offers at a buy-out. But six months ago they learned their house is in need of "some serious work."Farley said the couple could deplete their retirement funds. It's a responsibility, Farley said, they do not take lightly, but the extent of the work has caused them to be realistic about the future.It's the future that residents such as Jackie Lewis are looking at in the fight of commercial encroachment. Lewis and others have formed Citizens Against Residential Rezoning with a goal of preserving the residential historic district and finding suitable alternatives for the business prospect in commercially zoned areas.Lewis, who along with her family lives in a home built in 1908 that is in the city's historic district, said she knows what it is like to live in and continuously renovate an old home. She understands the temptation to give in to large cash offers, but believes a line should be drawn."This house is the pride and joy of our community," Lewis said of the Farley's home. "There is plenty of room out there for this company to go."Lewis said she is "99 percent certain" the company wanting the Farley's property is Walgreen's.Fortunately, Lewis said, Minden residents will not be caught off-guard.Farley said she and her husband are so mindful of the impact of future development in their neighborhood that they have let the realtor know up front they would not agree to any offer not meeting their demands."I sat down and wrote out a wish list of what I wanted. I consider it a list of outlandish things "» but they are listening," Farley said.Requests include:
Covering the cost of moving the Farley house a block and a half down the boulevard, keeping it in the historic district.
Paying costs of renovating the Farley house.
Retaining the trees and garden effect at the corner of Homer Road.
Placing benches and historic signage on the corner.
Seeking guidance from the Louisiana Division of Historic Preservation on the historic look of the new business.
Purchasing the adjacent property.
Donating $50,000 to the preservation of the Minden Historic District."We were pulling things out of left field. Craig and I were so proud of ourselves that they listened. We felt it was a win-win for everybody ... and then our lives turned upside down," Farley said. Obscene phone calls and unsolicited comments from people in restaurants have been unsettling, she added.Lewis is drumming up support for tonight's meeting through e-mail and a newly created Web site. A blog encourages opponents to sign a petition and opposing letters from other Minden residents.
The Minden-South Webster Chamber of Commerce has gotten into the picture by supporting the potential of economic development, but it does so with conditions. Further consideration will be given if conditions change, said Jason E. Ebey, president.Homeowner Mona Farley is uncertain if she and husband, Craig, will attend tonight's meeting. Farley believes the issue has been blown so far out of proportion that no one will listen the facts. And she stresses that no request has been made to the city's zoning board."There's no intent as this point. It was simply a conversation of possibilities that took place that got leaked," Farley said.Retail Net Lease LLC, of Florida, is the company that has expressed interest in the Farley's 2.7 acres and a neighboring sliver of land. The company has not disclosed to the Farleys the identity of the retailer it represents.The Farleys purchased the 104-year-old Greek Revival home from the Stewart family estate in 1995 and have been renovating it ever since. The house is located at the edge of the historic district but is not on the National Register of Historic Places.On April 15, the house and the Farleys were featured on an HGTV show, "If These Walls Could Talk."Strong preservationists with an equally strong pride in their home, the Farleys rebuffed all prior offers at a buy-out. But six months ago they learned their house is in need of "some serious work."Farley said the couple could deplete their retirement funds. It's a responsibility, Farley said, they do not take lightly, but the extent of the work has caused them to be realistic about the future.It's the future that residents such as Jackie Lewis are looking at in the fight of commercial encroachment. Lewis and others have formed Citizens Against Residential Rezoning with a goal of preserving the residential historic district and finding suitable alternatives for the business prospect in commercially zoned areas.Lewis, who along with her family lives in a home built in 1908 that is in the city's historic district, said she knows what it is like to live in and continuously renovate an old home. She understands the temptation to give in to large cash offers, but believes a line should be drawn."This house is the pride and joy of our community," Lewis said of the Farley's home. "There is plenty of room out there for this company to go."Lewis said she is "99 percent certain" the company wanting the Farley's property is Walgreen's.Fortunately, Lewis said, Minden residents will not be caught off-guard.Farley said she and her husband are so mindful of the impact of future development in their neighborhood that they have let the realtor know up front they would not agree to any offer not meeting their demands."I sat down and wrote out a wish list of what I wanted. I consider it a list of outlandish things "» but they are listening," Farley said.Requests include:
Covering the cost of moving the Farley house a block and a half down the boulevard, keeping it in the historic district.
Paying costs of renovating the Farley house.
Retaining the trees and garden effect at the corner of Homer Road.
Placing benches and historic signage on the corner.
Seeking guidance from the Louisiana Division of Historic Preservation on the historic look of the new business.
Purchasing the adjacent property.
Donating $50,000 to the preservation of the Minden Historic District."We were pulling things out of left field. Craig and I were so proud of ourselves that they listened. We felt it was a win-win for everybody ... and then our lives turned upside down," Farley said. Obscene phone calls and unsolicited comments from people in restaurants have been unsettling, she added.Lewis is drumming up support for tonight's meeting through e-mail and a newly created Web site. A blog encourages opponents to sign a petition and opposing letters from other Minden residents.
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