Opinion

Preservation efforts good for Geneva

Posted February 03, 2016 11:01 pm

Place matters - to everyone.

For over 12 months Geneva has had a lengthy public process to change its historic preservation ordinance. At the last Monday City Council meeting yet another amendment was proposed, one that would throw up serious financial barriers to the landmark process by charging unprecedented application deposits of $750, $1,000 and $1,500. No other community in Illinois imposes such fees and this will be among the five highest imposed by a municipality in the nation.

Geneva has long relied on the strength of its historic downtown and its beautiful historic neighborhoods for its economic success. Study after study has shown that historic preservation is a spur to economic development. As a former village official in the western suburbs, I have watched Geneva's attempt to dismantle its preservation ordinance in amazement. Landmarks and historic districts help support property values for all and keep Geneva a desirable place to live and shop. The city council should stop this attempt to discourage landmarking. What's good for preservation is good for Geneva.

Jean Follett

Wheaton

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