Email from Pierre Levy, Norcross Citizen and trained Historic Preservation Commissioner who resides in Norcross and is a historic homeowner

Date: February 24, 2008

I am taking the risk of being perceived as crying wolf too many times. However, as most of you know Norcross has been going through a rather turbulent period as far as its historic preservation is concerned. So those of us who care are especially sensitive to any issues that threaten the further destruction of "historic' Norcross.

The requested demolition of the late 19th century (1897) cooks cottage at #35 Williams Street, which was vehemently opposed by the local Col. Jones community and other concerned citizens, has only been shelved until the April 7th Council Meeting. At this time the request will be revisited by the Council for a vote. At the last Council work session a Councilman proposed a new demolition procedure for Norcross. This new procedure will be voted on at the March 3rd Council Meeting.

The Councilman is proposing that in future all demolition requests in Norcross, whether they are historic or non historic in nature, shall no longer be subject to a council vote. The applicant, if opposed, will have a 90 day waiting period where any objector can object to the application, offer to purchase the property from the applicant or pay to move the structure off the applicants property. After the 90 day period the applicant can do what they want without further recourse to anyone. As far as the little cottage at 35 Williams Street is concerned, the house would be demolished. The timing of this "new" demolition ordinance is very convenient.

I know that I am biased, but I don't think that I am alone when I say that I am concerned at the direction the council is taking us. As citizens of Norcross, we mostly moved here because of the unique life style that the historic city afforded us. If we erode the historic nature from the city, we become just another Duluth, etc. Norcross has a heart, not just the historic downtown but the many large and small historic houses that are sprinkled around the city limits. These 255 odd structures create a uniqueness that is attracting an ever increasing public interest, which in turn is increasing the trade to our downtown businesses and the values of our homes. The Council instead of finding ways to make it easier to destroy our heritage, should be looking for ways to capitalize on our historic uniqueness which is the envy of most of Atlanta's other communities.

Pierre Levy