The Swanton House is on the National Register of Historic Places. Correct me if I am wrong, but this designation is a federal designation that does not automatically make a property come under local historic district zoning. In my mind, that means that HPC does not have jurisdiction. Of course, maybe English as a second language is a problem here.

As for the code, to paraphase what I see as what is covered under the code is that (1) HPC can point out places they think need protection, (2) can advise the City that purchasing the property may be the best way to protect it, (3) can write grants to try and raise money for protection of designated properties or (4)work on getting property gifted to the City (kind of like the efforts being made for Ryan Gainey’s garden, right?). Relating this back to Swanton House (1) HPC could point out its significance, but really it already has National Historic designation, (2) as someone pointed out, what would the City’s ownership really bring and why would we spend that money now (3) federal grant money is available, but would HPC do that for a property operated by the County? does the all volunteer staff have that kind of time and skill? I still think they are under the narrow purview of local designation (4) I think this is a non issue.

I still think the comment about “ivory tower” and “all they do is ‘insert sarcasm'” is essentially unproductive name calling.

Ahh … City Code Steve, check out Sec 58-34 of the City Code detailing the DHPC’s powers:

Paragraph 2 says: Recommend to the city commission specific places, districts, sites, buildings, structures, objects, or works of art to be designated by ordinance as historic properties or historic districts.

Pargraph 5 says: Advise the city on the restoration or preservation of any historic properties acquired by the city.

Paragraph 9 says: Seek out local, state, federal and private funds for historic preservation, and make recommendations to the city commission concerning the most appropriate uses of any funds acquired.

Paragraph 12 says: Where such action is authorized by a specific resolution adopted by the city commission and is reasonably necessary or appropriate for the preservation of a unique historic property, the preservation commission may enter into negotiations with the owner for the acquisition by the city by gift, purchase, exchange, or otherwise of the property or any interest therein.

So, it seems to me that if they DHPC had the leadership and the wherewithal, they have quite a bit of power in Decatur. It doesn’t look like they really use it though.

On the other hand, a truly rare and historically significant structure like the Swanton House surely deserves this attention. If DHC can’t properly maintain it, perhaps it’s time to discuss some means of transferring ownership to the city. Might be interesting.

One reason the DHC may not have approached the DHPC about funding is that the DHPC has no money to spend on it anyway. They are a volunteer commission with part time shared staff support.

As for the City purchasing the property, how would that help the situation?

I never said that the Swanton House was under the HPC’s jurisdiction. I asked why there isn’t more support to help repair the Swanton House by all parties. Why did the DHC go to the commission for money and not drum up support?

And I do give money to local orgs that protect historic resources and I do attend functions…but not with a DM nametag.

Complaining after the fact can be constructive if it brings this issue of a fragmented and unfocused preservation effort back to light. Why are preservation efforts in this city so darn reactionary and so full of pent up animosity? Preservation needs a serious positive PR campaign and all I was saying is that going to the commission for $10,000 looks like a lost opportunity to me. People need to know more about this city’s history if you’re going to convince them that they should protect it. The Swanton House roof seemed like a good rallying point.