Facing The Challenge

With futurists projecting urban Atlanta growth to the northeast border of the state in 25 years, do we want to save our historic district that is a living historic neighborhood? As the 2030 Master Plan Steering Committee begins its work, is anyone considering the economics of preserving the city's irreplaceable history, the very core that fuels the city's future survival? Will the Norcross we know be recognizable in 10 years?

Do we want just "prettiness," or will we make a genuine commitment to conserve the unique sense of Place we are so fortunate to possess that for generations has given so much pleasure to so many?

Saving historic properties has been a daily struggle. Since 2005 in Norcross, more than 20 contributing properties have been endangered. More than a dozen period houses fell to the wrecking ball in the past three years, some of them more than 100 years old. Two were presented on the much-loved Tour of Homes in prior years.

• SEE LIST OF PROPERTY EITHER LOST OR "PRESERVED FOR NOW"

With progressive growth on-going, if remaining properties are not protected now, new growth will take us over. Norcross will not be Norcross anymore, but an Atlanta high density in-fill haven.

Last year the city council appointed a Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) and requisitioned a Historic Resources Survey. HPC members worked through the summer with Terracon. Besides recording a historic date, the study organizes properties according to four Tier classifications. The study data for each property will be cataloged and accessible on the state-wide NARGHIS data base.

• SEE TIER CLASSIFICATION DEFINITIONS

Until now, we were not sure what we had until the parcel-by-parcel survey was completed. This new study performed by National Registry Standards, found some 260 properties 50 years old or older and meeting some, if not all, criteria for historic status. Surveyors note that even over- altered property could be returned to original condition with sensitive restoration. Property owners are invited to review the study map and give input. After a public hearing next month, the HPC will recommend local district boundaries to the city council.

• SEE STATE STUDIES ON ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF PRESERVATION