Beaufort is demolition crazy
Beaufort’s Historic Review Board, with its recent decision to allow two more demolitions in our
Historic district, is providing encouragement to other owners of run-down properties. In essence they’re saying, “just continue to ignore them and allow them to deteriorate and we’ll let you tear them down.”
It seems that the national trend to give less and less value to tradition, authenticity and honesty has infected our National Landmark Historic District. Sure, it can cost just as much to renovate a long-ignored old house to high standards as it might cost to build a new one of similar size and finish, but what is worth more to an owner and the public in a historic district, a carefully restored vernacular house on its original site or a modern replacement?
In my 30-odd years of restoring buildings in Beaufort, I have been involved in the restoration of many that were in a similar or worse condition than the two houses the HRB has just slated for demolition – 807 North Street, 900 North Street, 707 Prince Street, 814 Charles Street and others were all in collapsing condition when work began and now, years later, they and lots of others like them have been restored and are in daily use and making their contributions to our historic heritage.
The owners restored them partly because of their own personal integrity and historic sensitivity and partly because they knew that the HRB of the day was committed to the Historic District and was not going to give them permission to demolish. That commitment seems to be lacking today as evidenced by the conflict between the city and our primary preservation organization and by the proliferation of demolition permits granted in the district.
There remain a lot of houses in the Northwest Quadrant in bad condition. Many of them are vacant and abandoned. Almost all of them, like the two recently slated for demolition on Duke Street, are candidates for sensitive renovation by committed owners and talented craftsmen. There are lots of challenges in making that happen but those challenges can be met.
Unfortunately, as long as a vacant lot is worth more than one with an old house on it and unless the Historic Review Board develops the resolve to say “no” to demolition, the losses will continue until the whole NW Quadrant looks like Midtown
– Beekman Webb, Beaufort
Haley is the wiser choice
Our country is at a crossroads, and in the upcoming Republican primary the people of South Carolina will determine whether we go down a path of decline or prosperity. We have two choices.
Donald Trump, despite enacting several policies that were popular, is a narcissistic, habitual liar, who coddles up to tyrants while calling American heroes who died for their country losers. His major campaign promises are revenge, retribution, and dictatorship.
The most important thing he wants to accomplish in a second term is to self-pardon himself for his efforts to overturn the last election and stealing, withholding, and likely divulging, top secret defense documents. Although not as far gone as Biden, he is showing clear evidence of cognitive decline coupled with the unhinged rants and temper tantrums that don’t MAGA, they make America a laughingstock around the world.
Nikki Haley is a proven conservative, who as governor created tens of thousands of jobs, got tough on illegal immigration, increased government transparency, signed pro-life legislation, and cut taxes. Her innate toughness, coupled with her experience as U.S. ambassador to the U.N. has demonstrated she is ready for the world stage. She can work with others to achieve consensus, and would likely win in a landslide, pulling down ballot candidates with her. She is the only major candidate running who will not set the record of being the oldest president ever, and who could serve eight years in office working for the American people; ALL the American people.
– Randy Hahn, Simpsonville
Say ‘no’ to latest utility megaproject
Did you know that right now, S.C. House legislators are trying to fast-track another risky, expensive utility megaproject (remember VC Summer?) that will endanger our environment and lead to decades of high bills for ratepayers? They are.
Did you know that the S.C. House legislators are doing this even though the utilities have yet to disclose how much the project would cost? Or where the pipeline would run? Guilty on both counts.
Did you know that the S.C. House legislators are trying to throw out the protections (permitting and periodical project reviews, e.g.) that were put in place after VC Summer to prevent another similar disaster? They are.
South Carolina’s economic development is booming right now, with several massive wins over the last year. A lot of this new industry falls within the Clean Technology sector. Why then would State Legislature (and the utilities themselves) want to force these companies – and us ratepayers – to rely on dirty, expensive energy when there are much better options readily available?
It doesn’t have to be this way. Your legislators need to hear from you that the recently introduced proposals (S.909 and H.5118) should be rejected.
– Mike Bogle, Beaufort
Please consider Haley
I am writing from California in support of Nikki Haley. I hope you will consider voting for Haley in this coming primary for two reasons: national security, and the national debt. We need a strong leader to deal with both.
As a young adult, I spent the summer of 2005 on a Coast Guard cutter in the Bering Sea. Older members were vigilant about the nearby Russian ships, and talked often about the threat of Russia to our country. I thought they were out of touch. Now I’m their age, reaching out after a sleepless night, wondering what terrors the world – and Russia in particular – may bring my son in years to come.
Trump has shown deference and admiration to Russia’s violent authoritian leader as he invades and threatens our allies. Haley has commitment and experience to stand up against aggressors and preserve American security interests.
Also, the national debt increased by more than $8 trillion during Trump’s term – almost a quarter of the current $34 trillion total. Continuing on this path is unsustainable. If Trump comes back he’ll do more of the same. We need to change course and give the next generation a chance at solvency.
Please consider Haley to help us all through our nation’s challenges.
– Bronwen Tomb, West Sacramento, Calif.
