Highlands HIstoric District

This turned out to be a very interesting post! 

Vivian- went to the Council meeting last night. Heard three or four people stand and talk about the dedication to the area, the upkeep of their homes, previous "movers and shakers" who lived in their homes and that 66% of the residents that had bought into the idea, paying what appears to be H.O.A. dues to the "Highland Historical Society", run by what appeared to be a self-important group of people. Now- which is it? Do these people actually want to preserve the integrity of the area and develop HOA rules to police that integrity OR, do they want the area to be designated an historical area to regulate what can and can't be built on that big piece of vacant ground formerly known as the Middletown Regional Hospital? Seems awfully coincidental, that when the land became vacant, they want to start a preservation group to dictate what will go on that property using the excuse that the area is historic. Why didn't they claim historical significance BEFORE the hospital left? If a piece of property became vacant in another older area of town, would the people living in that area have the same options as these people seem to have- ie claiming historical significance to regulate what can be built on that land? Probably not. Might be another example of the snooty rich imposing their power for special favors.

Marty, In your pp presentation last night with the dozen or so photos of the most noteworthy homes, you never mentioned why the other 50-55 structures merit inclusion in a zone that historically should normally include only the handful of homes really tied to Middletown's history. Why so many homes and why now? Did these people just get up one morning after 30+ years of the city having one legitment historical district and then decide to have another or is it all about what's next on the hospital property?

I am not getting all of the hoopla about this matter.  Last night no one spoke against this matter.  This has supposedly been in the works for two years.  No one that owns a house there complained.  I don't blame them for possibly wanting a say in what goes on the old hospital site.  We don't need anymore multi family housing units, young or old.  Yup they have to follow the rules and the time to voice your opinion was last night.  It isn't like this was sprung on everyone like the Adkins fiasco.

Vivian Moon wrote: TudorBrown   Glad you enjoyed the discussion however it isn’t over yet. As Mr. Kohler stated last night about 20 homes did vote to approve their home being within this new historic district.   Last night Mr. Kohler addressed the questions of rules and regulations placed on these properties since they are part of a historic district. Now we will see what the homeowners think now that they are fully informed.   I still do not agree with this area being declared a historic area because of the age span and number of homes involved.

I've been told that Main Street would be in better shape today had it gained Historic District status earlier?

I'm not exactly for or against the idea, I do enjoy reading this boards opinions on the matter.

Pac, I try to let you guys handle the real important stuff.

Sorry Tudor,  I now see it was Vivian Moon which made the claim. Ditto to the question Vivian.

Look I live two blocks over the High Lands, My house is 150 years old and was owned by a prominent doctor back when it was built. So why is not my home or thew ones around me included in this historic District? I can tell you why! I dont live close enough to the old hospital. We all know thats what it is all about. I dont have a problem with that, but just say that. Stop with all the talk about it is needed to preserve Middletown crap. Just say it for what it is...You dont want section 8 built there. I dont blame you, but stop with the my old house crap.