Wed 26 Sep 2007
Historic Districts - Boon or Pariah?
Posted by Kendyl under Northwest Glendale
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The lead story for today’s News-Press Leader is about the Ard Eevin Historic District - The Ard Eevin Highlands. This new district is a subset of the withdrawn Cumberland Heights and, presumably, the residents of this smaller area are of a more cohesive mind. In other words, they stand a better chance of getting to the City Council for a vote. Click here for the News-Press story.
Now, I’ve kept carefully neutral on the Cumberland Heights issue. As a Realtor, I have little doubt that Historical Districts are a good thing. Marketing a branded neighborhood equals higher values. There just isn’t any arguing that fact. At the recent meeting, titled “The Real Skinny on Historical Districts” hosted by the Glendale Historical Society, panelist after panelist extolled the virtues of a such a designation. One Realtor claimed that Bungalow Heaven out performed the rest of Pasadena by 10% more appreciation and he felt that was due to the designation.
That being said, I talk frequently to some of our long time residents and I sympathize with their concerns. Glendale already has a building and permit system that is onerous, convoluted and difficult to work with. I share their concerns that this is just one more layer of bureaucracy that will make even the simplest of home renovations ridiculous. I also have skepticism that the rules will prevent the occasional mansion from being built.
All things considered, however, I really think that Historical Districts are a good things - at least in the appropriate places. I wish to see the vital character of Ard Eevin Highlands, and Cumberland Heights, preserved, cherished and appreciated. I truly believe that those who appreciate modern architecture and imposing facades are better served in a community of similar homes - and we have many such neighborhoods in Glendale.
Those who oppose the district have very valid concerns, but I believe the good out weighs the bad. Let us hope that, through the process, we can mitigate the worst of the red tape and come together to preserve our heritage and our architectural integrity.
