How did this happen?

One of the agenda items on the docket for tonight’s city commission meeting is providing up to $10,000 to the DeKalb History Center so it can put a new roof on the Swanton House.  While $5,000 is already included in this year’s budget, the city manager recommends that the commission give the DeKalb History Center a $5,000 advance on next year to cover the $10,000.

After reading this I was genuinely shocked that the DHC has to approach the city to come up with enough money to put such a critical item like NEW ROOF on the oldest building in the city . Here’s how the executive director of the DeKalb History Center, Melissa Forgey, describes it in a note to the city manager (page 13)…

“We are asking for a greater amount this year so that we can replace the wood shingle roof on the Swanton House; this type of shingle now has a very short life-span.  It is in great disrepair, continues to leak and is an eyesore to the neighbors.”

There are few things more threatening to a historic home than a failing roof.  And though it no longer sits at its original location, it’s upsetting to me that the city’s oldest building (circa 1825) has such extensive structural problems and the DHC has to go to the city for assistance.  Why is no one else acting on this?  Where are the hardcore preservationists? The Historic Preservation Commission? The Preservation Alliance?  Is there really no public desire for conserving such an important city landmark?