The following letter to the Editor was published in the Minden Press-Herald on Friday, April 27, 2007.
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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.
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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.
1 comment:
Well said.
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