Just about every community has properties that are significant in history, architecture, archaeology, engineering or culture. Usually, there are many parties that have invested time, money, and interest in restoring or preserving these places. But how do we control the very many emotional attachments people have for these places? Whose to say what should be saved and what shouldn't? Its a both local and national level of decision making. At the state level communities are able to protect the heritage of the state while at the national level government is able to protect patriotic places or monuments as well as much more. There are strengths and weaknesses in both systems.
For historic homeowners, there are many rules and regulations they must follow while maintaining or restoring their properties. Many argue that Section 106, which enforces special requirements for renovation and construction projects, infringes on property rights. Section 106 balances historic preservation concerns with the needs of federal undertakings ensuring that federal agencies identify any potential conflicts between historic preservation and public interest. For example, why should I have to ask you about something I want to do with my house that I make the mortgage payments for? Maybe the real question here is: What does home ownership really mean? Though, at the national level historic homeowners are allowed to apply for a tax credit of 20% towards the reconstruction/renovation for the structures, but unfortunately there are many rules and regulations as well. As a matter of fact, the NPS has invested $58 billion to preserve and reuse 37,000 historic properties since 1976. I agree that Section 106 takes a positive approach to historic preservation but I'm afraid that they hinder the possibilities and rights of homeowners especially those in historic districts.
Outside of Section 106, Section 4F protects 3 basic types of resources: publicly owned public park and recreation areas, publicly owned wildlife and waterfowl refuges and historic sites. Section 4F takes responsibility for publicly owned recreation areas including places like baseball fields and soccer fields. Protecting public resources like these seem to be a reasonable undertaking of local preservation. It builds an area for communities to enjoy and interact in a significant way.
Overall, I think that act of preservation between local and national levels can sometimes play against each other leaving property owners distressed but ultimately government responsibilities should continue and be modified appropriately as culture changes.
It's reassuring to read about the human perspective that you described in your post. Emotional attachment is very much a reason why things are seen as historic. In analyzing the way it is done both in a local and national level, however is somewhat ironic because they are quite similar in essence. Both are linked to an event that many people can relate to and be associated with. Both seemingly have the same purpose and in both ways one can appreciate the process that occurs. With this in mind, it's all about the people. We as humans seek to be identified, recognized and remembered because we want to be a part of something. It's inevitable to escape from our surroundings and find a connection that attracts us. The great thing about the national level of preservation is that everyone in the nation can relate and be included in something that is both historic and emotional. A state level, however is also needed because it allows people to connect with those who are nearby while providing the same attachment that brings value to an area.
ReplyDeleteThe inclusiveness that a historic place can provide is unique because it allows the individual to emerge him/herself in everything that the place stands for and as time changes cultures should evolve with the respect and unification that the past serves for in this world.
I think that the emotional ties to a site are one of the many things that complicate the issue of preservation. Excellent point for us to remember.
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