Kathy Cline: Fighting words
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Statements like these have been getting a lot of print lately: "Preserve the past, while investing in the future"; "A classic mountain community"; "Steamboat is alive and there is history to be learned"; "Create a legacy:" These are not quotes from a Partners in Preservation Meeting, but rather from recent ads and publications for Realtors and developers. Steamboat Springs' community character is not only important to those of us who live here, but it is also used as a marketing tool.
With the recent unprecedented rate of new construction projects, in place and pending, our unique character is being challenged. Although the Steamboat that we know and love means different things to different people and may be difficult to define, it is important to preserve it - and by so doing, enhance it.
Historical preservation is neither anti-growth nor anti-development (case in point: Larimer Square in Denver). Historic preservation does not lead to a decline in property values. Studies show it actually improves the value of a property.
This past week, City Council boldly moved to put the issue of historic preservation on the agenda for its Tuesday meeting. This is an important and critical opportunity to show support for incorporating preservation guidelines that are not just "voluntary," but codified in an ordinance.
Cities, big and small, have taken this initiative, and it is time for us, citizens of Steamboat Springs, to follow in their footsteps. The process will take time and will involve everyone who wants to participate. But we cannot wait any longer. We need to help define how our community grows, and at the same time not lose the sense of where we came from. Help "Create a Legacy." Come to City Council on Tuesday and show your support and gratitude to the council for having the political will to make historic preservation a higher priority in Steamboat Springs.
Kathy Cline
Steamboat Springs
Comments
Steve Lewis 5 years, 9 months ago
As the owner of a historically registered home, 410 Pine, I object to being used by you. THis should be a voluntary action. I'm also a structural engineer and know that to make my 105 year old house last another 100 years will cost a fortune. I've been arguing this stuff with Towny. He predicted in 10-12 years my home would be seen as a value again. I doubt it. Does your study acknowledge the carrying costs of a 100 year old house? Will you help with my heating bills in 2020?
another_local 5 years, 9 months ago
inmate, I hope you are kidding.
Matthew Stoddard 5 years, 9 months ago
How long have you owned your house at 410 Pine, Steve?
Steve Lewis 5 years, 9 months ago
My wife Linda bought 410 Pine 18 years ago. She and I were married in it in '95. We registered it as historic about 3 years ago.
Matthew Stoddard 5 years, 9 months ago
So you and your wife registered your house already? What's the problem then? Are you trying to undo it?
inmate2007 5 years, 9 months ago
Unbelievable, You registered your house and now can't afford it! What engineering firm do you work for? I need to avoid them.
Ms. Cline if you really want to "Create a Legacy." then you should be demanding the preservation of the mountain! "Early Resort" structures are being lost as we wait for the city to preserve downtown, once they are gone they will be lost to all future generations. You do realize that what the last (and the ones before it) generation built is tomorrow's historic buildings and there is no time like the present to start saving what people 100 years from now will want to see (historic tourism).
inmate2007 5 years, 9 months ago
Don't you think it's important for your great grand children to be able to see where Billy Kidd laid his head?
The buildings downtown are just old, the properties on the mountain have had celebrity guests.
elphaba 5 years, 9 months ago
Frankly, I am nostalgic for the historic lumber yard that used to be where the ersatz victorian house is that Towny lives in.
trollunderthebridge 5 years, 9 months ago
I personally liked Councilman Anderson's passionate plea for the homes brought to Steamboat on the backs of the working class the "then affordable housing" which we have to preserve...Would that include the lumberyard for the working class?
zadgreb 5 years, 9 months ago
ONE OF THE CONSEQUENCE OF THIS MORATORIUM PASSED TUESDAY NIGHT IS THAT THE R.C. BUILDING DEPT. CANNOT ACCEPT ANY APPLICATIONS FOR A BUILDING PERMIT OF ANY PROPERTY IN OLD TOWN, REGARDLESS OF HISTORIC STATUS. HOWS THAT FOR UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCE!
id04sp 5 years, 9 months ago
Not only is it good for all the contractors and craftsmen in town, it also prevents people from upgrading their electrical and plumbing systems too!
Excellent idea.
What an incredible bunch of bozos.
elphaba 5 years, 8 months ago
Can't wait for the November elections!
retiredinss 5 years, 8 months ago
The preservation of Steamboat, and all of Yampa Valley, isn't just about historic homes, but rather about all of those qualities that brought us here and cause us to stay here. If you want to see your opinions count for more than a comment here, then I suggest you get involved in Vision 2030, which is going to come to grips with the heart and soul of the Yampa Valley and what needs to be done to preserve it, for future generations.
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