So, please calmly and carefully consider this:
- We were told by Councilman Picard that the “Historic Ordinance” would only apply to "Historic Districts or Historic Landmarks". (But don’t believe me! Read it for yourself in the good councilman’s post of 10 Sep 2010 at 7:40am here http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3274)
- There are only two “Historic Districts” in Middletown: The South Main Street District and The Highlands District. (But don’t believe me, watch the replay of the 1/182011 City Council meeting wherein Councilman Smith asks that very question and receives that very answer.)
- The Historic Commission itself has gone to great lengths to establish that 7 N. Broad--the Pendleton Art Center--is NOT a “Historic Structure”. (But don’t believe me. Read it for yourself in the Historic Commission’s very own minutes of their 11/23/2010 meeting, available in the workbook for the 1/18/2011 city council meeting. http://www.cityofmiddletown.org/docs/council/01182011_w.pdf Page 40 of 124)
With all of the forgoing in mind, what can possibly--or logically--give the Historic Commission the legal authority to usurp jurisdiction from City regulatory departments over building or zoning matters in this case???
This is not to even mention that, at the time of their alleged action, the Historic Commission had ZERO appointed members since its creation by an ordinance that was passed on September 7, 2010 and went into effect thirty days later. (It has only THREE as of today!!!)