Here is the text of the petition:
Statement of Support for theIf you agree that our vibrant Fondren Strip should be saved, head over to the petition and add your voice! Thank you!
Preservation of the Fondren Strip
We are citizens, both inside and outside the Fondren community who are aware of the proposed development known as “Whitney Place.”
We recognize that the issues surrounding this development may be sensitive, and of that we take note.
We cannot, however, remain silent on the possibility of demolishing the circa-1938 businesses which have come to be known as the “Fondren Strip.” We believe these particular buildings and the long-standing businesses that occupy them reflect the history and fabric of the community and must be preserved.
Therefore, in the tradition of community unity and action, we join each with the other in stating that:
1. We, under no circumstances, want the Fondren Strip demolished.
2. If development is to occur in that area, we want the current buildings, in their natural state, incorporated into the plans.
3. If development is to occur, we believe the scale of the proposed development is too large for that area. We do not want such a density level there, and feel it would overwhelm our community and ruin the unique and livable village of Fondren.
Two people have signed the petition stating their opposition to the petition and supporting the demolition of the Strip. Since by definition signing a petition indicates support for that petition, we have moved these comments to the blog, which is an appropriate forum for discussion.
ReplyDeleteThe first Anonymous commenter (Feb 11, 2011 at 9:04 AM) stated that:
"Isn't it likely many former property owners sold out to Mr. Walker to escape costly maintenance of declining structures that were only mediocre buildings with poor foundations to begin with and are now obsolete money pits. Watkins bought the buildings to redevelop the property to produce an attractive, profitable, low maintenance project with appeal for various targeted markets. He should have known there'd be whining Fondrenites to object and held back on saving the Theater so he could toss a bone. Todd Sanders made sense in referring to the strip's function as "They give an area flow and connectivity", but this can also be done with a different, two story configuration. 1938 and earlier had some better looking, more substantial architecture that can influence Watkins' theme for the project and accomplish connectivity and/or other criteria for complimenting the community as well as fulfill the developer's goals."
The second Anonymous commenter (Feb 11, 2011 at 10:23 AM), who posted twice with the same e-mail made the following two statements:
"I AM NOT IN FAVOR OF THIS PETITION but there is no place for me to vote no!!! I've gotten so many mass mailings to sign this petition that is pretty clear there is an organized campaign going on here. I thought I'd share my opinion, in case you care, since it seems to be against what most of you are saying. I heard Mr. Watkins make a presentation on this project and I think it is brilliant. Has anybody bothered to talk to him about this development before signing this petition? It looks to me like he has a good idea but that some folk are just fixated on hanging on to vestiges of the old south. If you don't own the property, what gives you the right to force your personal opinions of taste and preference on Mr. Watkins? Have any of you naysayers put your money where your mouth is and offered to buy the property from Mr. Watkins? As a young, African-American professional, I welcome Whitney Place development with open arms. Stop holding back progress in our capital city. I don't want to live back in the 50's. Maybe all you white folks want to relive the past, but I think that's part of the problem that's holding this city and state back. Get with it."
This same Anonymous commenter made the following statement on Feb 12 (12:39 AM):
"I also am against this petition. I think the buildings look tacky. Let Watkins do his thing and leave him alone. Or just buy him out and you try to do something."