What does the group think of strict Historic Preservation Ordinances. By that, I mean ordinances that require homeowners (or commercial property owners) to receive "approval" from some kind of Historic Preservation Board before they can modify the exterior of their homes?
I have to admit that I have mixed feelings about this. I generally prefer older buildings-particularly commercial buildings. But, I have a little bit of a philosophical problem with strict rules about protecting private residences from change. I remember reading about a subdivision in the San Fernando Valley going for a designation, and the leader of the effort stating something like "By stopping any further major additions, we will preserve the original character of the neighborhood" This is not some colonial historic district, mind you, but a 1950s tract home subdivision of Eichlers. I LIKE Eichlers, but giving some appointed committee of busybodies the right to dictate to me what color I can paint my house bugs me a little.
So, I can see it for downtown commercial districts, but have a problem with single family neighborhoods-"My home is my castle."
What do you think?
I have to admit that I have mixed feelings about this. I generally prefer older buildings-particularly commercial buildings. But, I have a little bit of a philosophical problem with strict rules about protecting private residences from change. I remember reading about a subdivision in the San Fernando Valley going for a designation, and the leader of the effort stating something like "By stopping any further major additions, we will preserve the original character of the neighborhood" This is not some colonial historic district, mind you, but a 1950s tract home subdivision of Eichlers. I LIKE Eichlers, but giving some appointed committee of busybodies the right to dictate to me what color I can paint my house bugs me a little.
So, I can see it for downtown commercial districts, but have a problem with single family neighborhoods-"My home is my castle."
What do you think?