As promised, there have been meetings between Mayor Garner, city officials and Floyd County historical preservation advocates with regard to the future of the Pennsylvania Railroad Freight Depot at the foot of State Street by the floodwall.
Not unexpectedly, what happens next probably will be prefigured by cash … or more likely (and sadly), by its absence.
It’s easy to see how the 1880’s vintage building, which currently is used by Schmitt Furniture as a mattress warehouse, might be integrated into the Scribner Place project as a theme restaurant or pub.
Unfortunately, the depot’s distinctive architectural features almost entirely have been removed, bricked in and painted over, and the price tag for restoring the building to some semblance of its original appearance and making it usable for business may be as high as $1,000,000.
Given the present appearance of the rail depot, the building’s inconspicuous location, and with Scribner Place’s completion still 18 months away, renovation is looking like a very hard sell, indeed.
Both Develop New Albany and New Albany’s Economic Development Director, Paul Wheatley, are to be commended for shopping the renovation-and-restaurant idea to local interests. All hearts seem to be in the right place on this one, and we wish them luck.
Previously in NA Confidential: It's the Pennsylvania Railroad Freight Depot, and here's the story.
It has been good to see Paul Wheatley diving into his new job. I think he's doing a fine job in sussing out the players and learning the interests of New Albany businesses.
ReplyDeleteI think we need to understand that even if historic preservation isn't our area of interest or expertise, their are commonalities of interest in each endeavor. Historic preservation is one of the elements of the growing constituency for progress in New Albany.
The neighborhood associations and their identity, clean-up, and preservation projects are part of this. New businesses that cater to an underserved patron base are part of it. The survivors, pioneers and retail legends can't carry all the weight. Clean Up New Albany is but one of the signs of a "New Albany Spring" and it's heartening to see all the activity sprouting.
We need to spot and nurture all those who might share the interests of this constituency. It is the coalition of interests that will lead to progress.
So when you see a progressive idea sprouting, even if it's not your particular cup of tea, show your support in any way you can...if only by making a purchase, sending a card of support, or telling a friend.
With all the forums being spun off from NAC, it's important to take note of a more global set of interests. That's how we can demonstrate that the constituency exists, and votes, and will hold to account any officeholder who ignores those interests.
Politicians act in the way they think their supporters will approve of. If they are secure that no opposing constituency exists, they will trust that what has always worked before (delay and confusion) will work again to befuddle the voters.
Frankly, I fear a global disgust and a "throw the bums out" movement is building. That movement shows no discernment, no discrimination between the good guys and the bad guys.
We need to find alternatives to the bad guys. But more importantly, we need to let the good guys know that when they propose and enact a progressive agenda, there exists a bloc of voters who will rally to support them.
As Roger advocates above, we need to be more visible. Get out in the community and beat the drums. Let people outside the blogosphere know you exist...and that you vote.
And if you (secretly) aren't registered to vote, we won't tell. Just hie your butt down to the County Clerk's office or go online and register.
As Chance, the Gardener, would say, "all is well in the garden."
BONUS ROUND: Harriet Schock begins a 1995 essay with this pithy lede: "When Chauncey Gardener in 'Being There' says 'I don't read,' all the party guests agree that no one reads, no one has the time. And the audience laughs. Of course Chauncey means he simply doesn't know how to read. So that's his excuse."
Food for thought...