Email from Norcross resident Anne Webb who served on the former City of Norcross Historic Preservation Commission

Date: February 25, 2008

Dear Norcross Residents,

Please be alert to the dire consequences if the council goes ahead Monday night with the proposed "new" demolition policy that is, in effect, a wholesale invitation to knock down the town without even a council vote. Our city council is now taking a different direction. Proponents will argue they have the right to do whatever they like on their property and to maximize profits. Do they? Did you know you are entitled to certain safeguards under the US Constitution and the state constitution that charge local city governments with regulating for the common good, if these governments will act responsibly?

What are some examples of local government regulations for the common good allowed by state and U.S. Constitutions? Public Health, Building Codes, Zoning Ordinances, Subdivision Regulations, Pollution Controls, Sign Regulations, Environmental Regulations, Historic Preservation Ordinances.

Are you willing to surrender your rights to enjoy quality of life in our special town to the few who would take away your rights? Many of us have invested in our homes and have worked to create the quality of living we enjoy here. Whether we are fortunate to own homes in the National Registry district or not, all of us depend on preserving the historic district responsibly to maintain home value and the character of the town we so enjoy. With the destruction of the preservation ordinance and the dissolution of the trained preservation commission, the historic district has no protection. The dozen or so citizens who worked on the ordinance and bringing the commission into being have done all they can to bring responsible preservation practices into our city government. It is now up to citizens to attend Monday night and speak out. This may well be the last opportunity for all of us to join together and speak as one.

Sincerely,
Anne Webb