Mrs. Girvan-- A Preservationist???????

Today, former Mayor Beck endorsed Mrs. Girvan because, in his words, Mayor Tomzak has an, “obvious disdain for those to whom history is important.” He points to the recent demolition of building and comment’s made by the Mayor about preservationists such as they want to, “preserved (the City) in amber,” and they are, “very affluent people who would like to freeze the city in time.” Mr. Beck, by implication, is putting forth the argument that Mrs. Girvan is stronger on preservation issues. What is perplexing to me is that he knows that this is not true.

Two years ago in an OpEd Mr. Beck stated:

“One worries that had Ms. Girvan held sway in the 1890s, the Mary Washington House would have been shipped off to the Chicago World's Fair. The offered $5,000 was certainly more than its appraisal would have been.”

It’s Time for our City to Approve the Easement
http://fredericksburg.com/News/FLS/2006/022006/02232006/169640/index_html?page=1

Let’s ponder at what Fredericksburg would have looked like if Mrs. Girvan had held sway between 2004 and 2008—

--The parking deck would be one story higher and instead of a brick and block, award winning architecturally compatible structure, it would have been made of pre-cast panels.

--There would be a cookie cutter Marriott hotel on Sofia Street.

--The buildings that have come down would still have come down. It should be noted that one of the owners of these buildings made a $200.00 donation to Mrs. Girvan’s campaign. The builder of the new office building on Wolfe Street is a supporter.

--The Demolition Ordinance would not have been rewritten. Mrs. Girvan opposed the concept that if it was economically viable to restore the building, regardless of the owner’s economic position, that was a basis of denial for a demolition permit.

--The ARB review process would not have been tightened because Mrs. Girvan felt the recommendations were too restrictive and would discourage downtown development.

--We would not be looking at expanding standing in the Historic District because Mrs. Girvan applauded the courts decision to deny standing to Historic District residents.

--We would not be looking at trying to end McMasions being built in the City because Mrs. Girvan questions the amount of extra work developers will be required to do to meet the conditions of the new ordinances. I would recommend a check of the ownership of some of the properties Girvan signs are in.

The concern Mr. Beck articulated two years ago is just as relevant today when it comes to Mrs. Girvan preservation record.

While I would agree that Mayor Tomzak has not been an ardent supporter of preservation he does recognize its importance. He supported the smaller parking deck and the need for the downtown hotel to be compatible with its surroundings. He endorsed the changes made to the ARB process (except for standing), and the Demolition Ordinance. He is now also ready to consider the expansion of standing in the Historic District. Mayor Tomzak has made some unfortunate comments over his tenure but his actions shows he sees the importance of preservation. While you may question the level of his preservation credentials they are much higher than those held by Mrs. Girvan.

I do take exception to the inclusion of the Frederick Street property in Mr. Beck’s list of demolished or endangered properties. He is well aware of the efforts the city have, and are, making to preserve that property. An effort that shows that the City has, and will continue to take steps, to protect the historic character of Fredericksburg. Currently we are working on a citywide preservation plan, which I hope will be in place within the next year.

Mr. Beck has issues with the direction of the City Council, which we have, and hopefully will continue, to discuss. I understand and respect his positions though I do not agree that they meet the future needs of Fredericksburg. What I cannot understand is why he would support a candidate that he knows does not believe as he does on most issues facing the city. For him to imply that her election would benefit preservation in the City is incomprehensible.