Auburn’s past has a direct influence on its future — Column by Lisa Brouillette: — Feb. 20, 2009
by Lisa Brouillette
[First published in the Opelika-Auburn News --Â February 20, 2009]
Two of Auburn’s few remaining historic buildings — the Auburn Railroad Depot and the Ogletree-Wright-Ivey House — appear to be in danger of what is sadly but descriptively termed “demolition by neglect.” Both have strong historical, cultural and architectural significance.
The Ogletree-Wright-Ivey House sits at the intersection of Drake Avenue and North Gay Street and is “one of two surviving domestic structures owned and occupied by the original settlers of the village of Auburn.”
The Depot on Mitchum Avenue, in addition to its transportation role, “became a centerpiece of social, business and political culture. It has been the venue for many farewells, goodbyes, invasions, rivalries and celebrations.”
Recently both have been nominated for the Alabama Historical Commission’s “Places in Peril” designation. It is given to historically and/or architecturally significant structures that are in danger of demolition, either by intention or neglect. Such recognition could spur protection and preservation of these important landmarks in our cultural landscape.
Thanks are due to those who researched and nominated these structures. They include local resident and Alabama Historical Commission member Dr. Ralph Draughon Jr., the Auburn Historic Preservation Commission and Auburn Assistant Planning Director Carl Morgan. The Auburn Heritage Association and the Auburn Preservation League also lent their support.
Auburn’s history is still unfolding, heralded in the last few decades by expansion and development.
Unfortunately these factors have hastened the demise of many historic buildings, pressured our neighborhoods, substantially changed our area’s physical landscape, reduced our forestland cover, and loaded our streams with sediment.
The result is an informed public concern about the quality of our city’s growth and development.
A current focus of that concern is West Pace Village on Shell Toomer Parkway. Many regard it with skepticism and concern. I’m one of them.
Auburn City Council members’ recent comments about this project also show clear concerns and a consensus: no financial help from taxpayer dollars unless the project meets high standards secured by enforceable, legally binding agreements.
Further, they say there’ll be no such agreement until the developer presents sufficiently detailed marketing and development plans.
That’s a wise position and one likely to meet with taxpayer agreement.
So far, though, as shown by his actions, it has not met with the developer’s agreement.
His property still isn’t annexed into the city. The requested plans haven’t been presented. The proposed tax district and tax-sharing agreement have expired.
The developer could resolve this and raise his credibility with three simple actions.
Annex into the city. Willingly follow its regulations. Be a good neighbor to adjacent landowners.
We’re waiting, Mr. Developer. The next move is yours.
Lisa Brouillette is a community activist, editor, and writer. Contact her at placeforum@gmail.com or visit her website http://placeforum.org
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