For those who have been watching, one sees the time consuming path Al Lampert must take to develop his properties on Franklin Street. Forget the eyesore his "historic" garage at 1 Franklin Street now presents, it would seem that members of the Historic District Commission (HDC) would rather it continue standing than to have it demolished and an attractive building constructed in its place. Yes, the HDC has the authority to make him adhere to their self-generated guidelines before they pass along their approval to the Planning Board who will ultimately issue the permit to begin demolition. However, one cannot help but ask the question, "Is this process the most efficient it can be?" And more to the point, "Are the Boards and Commissions even following the legally established process?"
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Exeter Open for Business? - Part I
For those who have been watching, one sees the time consuming path Al Lampert must take to develop his properties on Franklin Street. Forget the eyesore his "historic" garage at 1 Franklin Street now presents, it would seem that members of the Historic District Commission (HDC) would rather it continue standing than to have it demolished and an attractive building constructed in its place. Yes, the HDC has the authority to make him adhere to their self-generated guidelines before they pass along their approval to the Planning Board who will ultimately issue the permit to begin demolition. However, one cannot help but ask the question, "Is this process the most efficient it can be?" And more to the point, "Are the Boards and Commissions even following the legally established process?"
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Economic growth is encouraged by known and predictive processes. What is the economic development philosophy in Exeter and do all the departments, committees and commissions have the same hymnal?
ReplyDeleteThis is precisely the point. This very subject was to have been covered in last year's All Boards meeting. It is likely each Board/Commission, protecting its turf, feels they are doing just fine. Change needs to start with Sylvia von Aulock.
ReplyDeleteDo we throw all regulations out for the sake of Economic development? We could do that and become like Rte 1 in Saugus. Many developers come in front of the board and spend little time there because they put together a knowledgable group of consultants that understand the different regulations.
ReplyDeleteNo one is suggesting throwing out all regulations so not sure where you got that notion. I think you will find as we develop this subject is that developers don't know what to expect when they go before a Board or Commission. I think you will also find that individual agenda come into play for which there is no authority. Keep in touch.
ReplyDeleteThe Loaf and Ladle is regarded by 10's of thousand of patrons as a prominent gateway landmark of Exeter. A town that is "open for business" would have called the new owner of this deserted run-down historic building/business with- "welcome to Exeter and how can we possibly help you". Can anyone go on the record and document that outreach? This reception would have telegraphed a culture to other real estate developers/investors and business prospects. Economic well being starts with a philosophy and culture. Is that concern, innovative thinking and pride alive among the merchants of downtown Exeter and Exeter government?
ReplyDeleteI guess that is what the new Economic Development Director's job will be. Also if you watched the HDC meeting when Al's project came up, afterwards the new Loaf and Ladle owner got up and presented a preliminary design to the HDC which was met with pleasure because it was in keeping with the historic nature of the town. He asked for input before he goes ahead any further with his design. And both sides listened to each other. That's how it should work.
ReplyDeletePonder this- the new owner of the Loaf and Ladle did not need a EDDC Nanny to encourage him to buy the business and create a plan for rebirth of an economic engine.
DeleteAlso, The business review committee members are all ambassadors of Exeter and need to use their leadership appropriately in and out of the Novak Room.
Where are the HERON or ECC groups in helping newcomer businesses feel welcome and have dialog with the town?
What is the quality of Business dialog that Sylvia Von Aulock delivers?
The HDC would have Al lose money by designing a business around a building that does not make the most efficient use of space. Even if Al did this, the facade would no longer be a garage, but likely have shop/resturant-type windows and a front door rather than garage doors. How does that maintain the historic character of the original building? It is more an exercise in power than a concern for preserving the past. If the HDC members are so concerned about preserving the garage, I suggest that they pool their own money and buy it from Al. Then they can turn it into a museum. Otherwise, let Al get on with improving that corner. Regarding the L&L building, the new owners proposal for adding a second story is a no-brainer. All he has to do is add a facade that looks like the current building. That being said, kudos to him for wanting to invest in Exeter.
ReplyDelete