Editor,
When the HDC issue comes up on the Nov. 3 ballot, I hope voters are aware of how valuable a tool the HDC is for people renovating historic homes in the Eureka Springs Historic District. My husband and I purchased a historic home in ES two years ago. It had been vacant a number of years and showed substantial decay/neglect.
The HDC, through the office of Glenna Booth, was a great resource to us. At no time did we find the HDC requirements daunting or even difficult. These safeguards ensure quality renovations, adherence to simple practical guidelines, and protect the important historical integrity of ES.
ES business owners depend heavily on tourist trade. Tourists come partly to experience the charming historic architecture, elements that could easily be lost if not safeguarded by the HDC. Historic homeowners know the value of having cohesive historic neighborhoods, another casualty in areas that disregard organizations like the HDC.
Hopefully voters will educate themselves on the many positive benefits of the HDC, not the least of which are grants and funding opportunities available to historic districts with HD committees.
There will always be a few disgruntled people who cannot seem to, or do not wish to, follow simple rules and do their part to contribute to the historic fabric of a community. Many of these people want to do “scab” renovations then resell their properties with no thought to the harmful impact their shortsightedness will have.
The HDC goes a long way to preventing this type of damage. HDC oversight costs the average homeowner very little and offers so much in return. Let’s keep it.
Janet Seefeldt