Quinn Costs Lake County residents 100's of thousands of dollars with the stroke of his pen

BIG UPDATE>>>  Governor, Now you have a chance to write the wrong since we received a temporary injunction to stop this bad legislation in its tracks. Please push for legislation to remedy this injustice to Lake County ASAP.... This is now again in your hands.. .. .. ..

Governor Quinn did cost Lake County residents a projected $700,000 plus by signing HB 2418 into law. HB2418 requires only Lake County to establish an election commission, an entirely new branch of government. There was No referendum, No Lake County resident discussions, No communication with our Lake County government officials, just a poke in the eye to our residents and our Lake County Clerk by a Renegade State Senator.

As a Lake County Board member and a fellow democrat I am stunned and disappointed at the 1950's politics still used down in Springfield by the so called "Power Brokers" and now condoned by Governor Quinn.

This injustice must not be ignored or allowed to stand. Fighting political bullies like these perpetrators is a must and I will not be silent until this wrong is righted. Stand with us and call your state representatives to protest.... Email or call me for more details.
UPDATE - We have filed suit to attempt to stop this HB2418 legislation from effecting our election process. Governor Quinn as responded that he was justified passing this legislation in total because it enabled Online registration... Would he feel the same about the legislation if they snuck in a law that enabled residents to wear six guns on their side?? Bottom line is this backroom, bullying type of politics that Quinn has endorsed must stop. Support Lake County and let legislators know you are not happy about bullying legislation that just targets Lake County and no one else!

70 MPH on the Tollway sounds good to me.

Traveling across the country in the auto is mostly boring these days and I don't do it too often. Having to slow down to 55, 60, or even 65 is even more grueling. Spending time in New Mexico the interstates are all 75 mph and it is great on making time on long road trips. All of these super highways and interstates are designed to accommodate 75 mph traffic safely.

I was very happy to see the legislature pass the 70 mph allowance in Illinois and am hopeful to see it on all interstates and our tri-state toll way system. While understanding that County's will have a chance to opt out, I don't think this will ever come up for a vote. . . . . .  But if it does, I will support the 70 mph speed limit.

Just a spectator in this years parade and Happy Fourth to ALL

Well, I think I will be on the sidewalk for the first time in 20 years watching the parade on the 4th of July. Last year I rode on the fire truck and had my wife drive the Electric Nissan Leaf with the Natural Resource Commission as a promotion of clean energy and zero emissions. This year I am happy to sit and watch all the politicians, musicians, merchants, organizations, and invited entertainment march on by. Happy Independence Day to All and enjoy this glorious holiday!

Big Dogs are Cool

Big Dogs will be on display through July 26th. Art is a very cool part of Highland Park. We are lucky to have several Art Shows visit us throughout the year and this new exhibit in front of City Hall and our downtown is no exception. Check them out while you shop and eat!!  RUFF!!

Pushing for a Green Courthouse Tower

Shortly after I was sworn in on the Lake County Board I asked staff about the work that had gone into making our new Court Tower project Green. I have been assured that while Lake County does not look for any Leeds designation, that any green cost effective measure has been analyzed and moved forward if it makes sense.

It seems to me that promoting green infrastructure on a 100 million dollar project in a Green County is a no brainer... I will continue to dig into the project and look for opportunities to promote the GREEN. Clean Air, Clean Water, and a healthy habitat is important to our residents and that point is of great value in trying to promote this GREEN agenda.... Stay tuned.!!

Construction and Demolition Recycling

The Lake County Board just passed a Construction and Demolition Recycling ordinance that requires recycling of material on structures over 1500 square feet. This ordinance is stricter that our City of Highland Parks ordinance that only requires recycling on structures over 2500 square feet.

Again, Walter Willis and SWALCO has been instrumental in providing leadership to our Public Works and Transportation Committee on moving forward on the recycling issue. In accordance with our 60% recycling objectives and commitment, I am hopeful Highland Park and other Lake County communities will move forward in increasing their recyclables accordingly.

Guns, Violence, and the USA

There is no doubt that we are overwhelmed with gun violence in Chicago and this nation. Family break down, mental illness, economics, and social failures have given fuel to this problem.

We are a nation that rules the world with peaceful assistance and the mighty arm of our military. Armed soldiers, missiles, drones, bombs, and many other deliveries of death are used by us daily to protect our great nation. To say that we do not live by the gun is not reality. We are not a non-violent nation within and without.  I do support the use of our might to level those enemies in this world that want our destruction. It is interesting to me that when we depend on violence so often to deal with  our enemies and terrorists, some Americans believe in total passive resistance when it comes to us personally in our homes and community.

Dealing with criminal events within our country is complex and should always demand our attention. With the Supreme Court ruling on personal rights to carry firearms we need to focus on remedies that are legal and can help us mitigate criminal firearm violence. With all the issues that face our municipalities and state, I have little tolerance to watch my tax dollars fight a battle that has already been decided. I also don't think the City of Highland Park should pass ordinances that will not increase safety in our community and only continue to divide our citizens.

The City Council of Highland Park voted 6-1 to pass a assault weapons ban in Highland Park. During one of my initial terms on the City Council I had the pleasure of negotiating our 20 year ordinance between Highland Park firearm owners and the ladies from the League of Women Voters that wanted a total ban. From that discussion we passed a law that prevented any sale of firearms in Highland Park and regulated handguns to individuals by requiring registration with the City and taking a course on gun safety. I thought it was a good compromise at the time that has seemed to work for the past 20 years. With the recent court rulings my understanding is that our old ordinance is now on shaky ground.

While I personally don't need to have an "Assault Weapon" as defined by the new city ordinance, I don't see that this firearm is any different from the many thousands of other semi-automatic firearms that are currently in Highland Park. Yes, there are thousands of guns currently owned by law abiding residents in Highland Park. Laws regarding personal firearm ownership in a small town like ours only causes conflict and continued disobedience to the legal system we must uphold. As most citizens have had enough with government inaction, over taxation, and intrusion, I would ask this City Council to retreat from this current position and let the State and Federal government deal with these issues.

Together, we can do a better job

Over the last few months I have met with Elected Officials and Staff in Highland Park, Highwood, and Deerfield to discuss how Lake County government can help network, reduce costs, and create efficiencies for local government. Additional meetings are planned and the conversation will continue.

I have been joined by the County Chairman Aaron Lawlor, my colleagues Member Ann Maine, Member Mike Rummel, and County staff to take notes and find points of commonality to build a better future Lake County government model.

Over the past few weeks the County Board has discussed this goal and is on the way to further incorporating it in our strategic plan, exploring opportunities, and promoting operations based on a shared premise.

While we are currently working with local governments on future transportation projects, joint building inspections, and other matters, I am hopeful that during the summer months you will see the County step up this collaboration initiative to increase progress on additional governance models that will reduce overall costs to taxpayers.

Budget Time in Lake County

Well, we are looking at budget policies for Lake County and getting our first glimpse at the proposed budget from the staff at the Lake County Forest Preserve District. We will be receiving the Lake County budget from staff around the end of the summer.

For the several of us that our new we have many questions about ways to reduce costs and save money for our citizens. One thing I have always stated to anyone that will listen is that I work for the citizens of Lake County, not the governments. Lake County and the Lake County Forest Preserve District are managerial style governments for whom we hire management and then are put in trust of directing policies that the management needs to incorporate in their programs.

During this process I will be asking many questions, making suggestions, and requesting performance data for analysis and future recommendations to my fellow board members.  A lot to learn so..... Stay Tuned!!

Highland Park Theater needs to Open its doors . . . .

Hey, enough is enough. We need to put the money into the HP Theater that will make it safe and get those doors open. Myself and many others are available to help this happen if the Council and Mayor wish to get moving. Enough with the past slamming of what we could have done or should have done. Enough with the past rhetoric of if we should have bought it or should not of bought it. Enough of demonizing those of us that put the deal together leaving the citizens holding the bag.

We need leadership from folks that love theater, love this community, that are willing to make something happen today and come up with a short and long term strategy. Past City Councils negotiated the Ravinia Festival Fee that is now producing over 3/4 of a million a year as the nexus to this theater redevelopment before we even negotiated to purchase. I am so sick and tired of hearing how we had wasted taxpayers money when in fact we imported a large amount of out-of-towners money to initiate this progressive program to reinvigorate our downtown and cultural arts.

Stand up and stand proud and get these doors open soon. Fix the safety issues within the legal codes so people are safe, put in new seats, digital projectors, and lets start having fun at the Highland Park Theater again. The Ravinia revenue source is growing every year and this funding can create jobs, support our restaurants, and bring increase vitality to our downtown. Let's get on with it!!!

New Council Folks can hit ground running....

Congratulations to my endorsements that DID get elected to the Highland Park City Council - Kim Stone, Dan Kaufman, and Alyssa Knobel.. Actually, while I might want to think I had some impact on this election, these fine candidates won on their own hard work, dedication to matters important to our community, and their tools and capacity to create constructive change. While they don't have the years of institutional knowledge some of us have, they know where us old fogy's are and surely will reach out for our historical prospective.

New governance models to reduce costs, business revival and retention, sustainability, and community networking needs to be front and center with this new group as they head off from the starting line. After Nancy got elected Mayor I do regret we never had that retreat to work out our Council Vision for the community. I would encourage this City Council to hold a retreat with a facilitator to help create the group vision and goals as a first step A.S.A.P. My number is 847.831.0373 if you wish to talk folks...... Go Get Em!

Early Voting Begins Monday March 25th

PLEASE VOTE EARLY........Starting Monday, March 25 until Saturday, April 6, all early voting is open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. You can vote at the Lake County North Shore Health Center at 1840 Green Bay Rd. in Highland Park. Phone number is 847.984.5323 .

Kim Stone is my #1 vote for City Council

Along with fiscal responsibility and core service support, our community leadership and commitment to our Environment is of great importance to me. While I am supporting three City Council candidates that care about the environment, only Kim Stone has demonstrated strong passionate leadership on the subject.

Almost a year ago our City Council had a chance to promote 100 percent Green Power and still slash the cost of electricity with our aggregation process. Only myself, Jim Kirsch, and Paul Frank voted to support this renewable energy alternative. The Mayor and 3 Councilman found reasons not to go green and supported the BROWN option. This showed me who was willing to stand up and make a difference. Kim Stone has a true and solid commitment to support our community's commitment to the environment and that is why she will be my 1st vote when I cast my ballot.

Kim Stone will be the strong and passionate environmental voice that Highland Park needs on City Council. During my 20 years on City Council, I advocated on behalf of the environment, as did Joyce O’Keefe before me.  With my departure for County Board, we need someone who can provide environmental leadership on the Highland Park City Council, protecting and preserving our natural resources for future generations.  Kim Stone is that person.  With 20 years of professional experience on issues ranging from energy efficiency and renewable technology to pollution prevention to transportation, Kim Stone has the knowledge and commitment we need on City Council.  In addition to her environmental background, Kim has experience managing tight budgets and will ensure that the City uses taxpayer money efficiently and effectively. Please join me in voting for Kim Stone.

The way I see things...

April 9th is the Election Day that voters will choose who fills my seat for the past 20 years on the Highland Park City Council. My respect for the citizens of this town is enormous and I am enthusiastically endorsing Kim Stone to sit in that seat for the next four years. Please support and vote for Kim Stone.

I have endorsed others for the City Council, Park District, School Boards, and have my opinion on the referendum being floated by 113. I do have four signs on my lawn if you wish to look at 2157 St. Johns Ave.......

If anyone would like to discuss my views on these endorsements or subjects please call me at 847.831.0373 or 847.456.6933. My email is stevemandel@comcast.net if you would prefer to email me.  PLEASE VOTE, the earlier, the better!!!

How Lake County Can Help Us?

On April 11th and April 24th, the County Board will be reviewing the data from the public to tweak our Strategic Plan. As you may know, the two priorities I have adopted in my first year on the board is to work with Chairman Lawlor to adopt a better regional governance model to increase efficiency and reduce costs as well as set up a county driven sustainability leadership model.

In past public discussions these themes have shown strong public support. To be able to achieve these goals starting with consensus of the board is required. Our strategic plan process will give all of us and the staff direction to spend monies and delegate staff time over the next several years. I look forward to the April meetings being a launching point for these endeavors and will give you updates as we proceed.

Sign Up.. for my County Newsletter

Please sign up for my Lake County Newsletter at my County Website. Or I can sign you up if you email me at stevemandel@comcast.net . This newsletter will inform you of current news, web links, meetings, etc. It will also include Forest Preserve items and personal comments as I fine tune the format.... PLEASE SIGN UP..

Property Taxes Grow and Increases Stress

In 2013 there will be increased property taxes for schools (112 and 113), our city, and additional costs of water, sewer, and many other costs associated in living at my residence. How much more can you take before your savings are gone or at a minimum cause concern about the future security of your life.

While I have been in government for 20 years now beating the drum of new governance models that reduce costs, very little has been done to change the framework of current government models. This being said, I always support maintaining our buildings and assets that produce the services we require. Yes, we have reduced staff and now have several bare limbs(departments) on the tree (government), but it is time to plant a new smaller tree (government) that does not have bare limbs (departments) and does not grow to the size of past and current trees (governments).

While my wife Linda and I still have a small margin of funds to encumber increased costs of property taxes, many residents have exceeded those limits and many of us have immense stress added to our lives by increases in government costs. Also, the reality is I do not want to pay more! Actually, I want to pay less for the services I receive! I know there are many economically comfortable folks that have the dollars to pay more, but a large portion of the current population are on a reduced or fixed income and just can't take anymore. HOW WILL GOVERNMENT RESPOND?

The answer is reducing administration, consolidation, outsourcing, shared services, a contribution defined pension system, and a willingness of elected officials to spend the time needed to create a framework that changes governments,.......... AND the WILL to fight through the adversities that are coming to accommodate major change. At the County, I will continue to cultivate new governance models.

ZUZU? REALLY?

When I saw the NEON SIGN and heard what happened at City Hall I was very surprised. How can we allow anyone to put a sign like this one that is contrary to the code up and then condone those actions. Maybe someone can tell me under which standards this was allowed?

This sign is ugly and does not belong in our community. Are we Las Vegas or Ohio street in downtown Chicago? Just my opinion and I have not had the pleasure of reading the packet or staff report but I would say this City Council was moved by the "Billy" thing and not the proper standards of our design review ordinance and code...... Shame, Shame, Shame....  Bet you folks are missing me now!! Right!

Winchester House and Senior Care

One of the first issues I was challenged on when I ran for Lake County Board was my position on rebuilding Winchester House, a nursing home located in Libertyville and owned by the County.

Over the next few months we will be studying the options of how to replace the facility and continue to offer a safety net to those Lake County seniors that do not have money to afford decent care.

What I am learning is that the dynamics of this care is changing by the hour and careful thought and analysis are required to come up with a solution that will carry us well into the future. Assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing have all been redefined with a focus on specialty care and the dollars available from Medicare, Medicaid, and overall changes to federal laws. What use to be a nursing home visit or residence is now more specialized on more acute care.

Anyway, I am just getting into this stuff and will write more about the decision points in the future.

Density Proposal Increase for Downtown

Keep your eye on what is being discussed at the City about changing the zoning in our downtown. I attended a meeting last night with the Plan Commission, Design Review, and the City Council where I was stunned to see a recommendation that was clearly pointing towards tripling the unit density, raising heights of buildings to 60+ feet and 5+ stories, and reducing parking requirements some 25+%.

Now, when this process started .... I was excited about visioning and master planning for our downtown (currently focused on Sunset foods and North of Elm). All had agreed that some adjusting of zoning needed to occur so additional density could occur within a modest increase in volume of buildings in these B4 perimeter sites. This adjustment would allow owners to use modestly increased bulk to promote redevelopment of these underutilized areas that could become contributing to our community.

What I heard last night could just simply take the lid off of our zoning and push the pedal to the medal on uncontrolled development regulations. I guess it is figured that since it is so hard to make money on any development, certain folks are desperate enough to allow almost anything!

Then again, maybe it is just SOME HP folks that want more of everything and don't appreciate the level of excitement us old timers can handle.  Seriously, the quality of life for us folks that live here and have business here needs to be thoroughly examined on how any change impacts the rest of us. Traffic, retail competition, small town ambiance, and public costs associated with increased development must be evaluated. We must be sure the pill we take for the current slow economy is not a poisoned one. Stay Tuned!!

Happy Holidays and New Year

Just wanted to pass a message of thanks for the support this year concerning my public service and wish everyone a great holiday.

Especially during these times when we are reminded about violence, poverty, and the overall struggles of mankind, reflection and action of how we can help each other is not a bad thing.

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy New Year.

Steve

December 20th Round Up

Food Composting will go Citywide on January 1st with a winter seasonal biweekly pickup through March. First 250 signors will receive a free kitchen compost pail, compostable bags, a 33 gal rolling cart, and a 50/50 cost split of normal $30/3mo. cost reduced to $15/3mo. In April this program will be merged into landscape pickup and be pay-as-you-throw by sticker. Sign up NOW by calling 847-272-4145.  City HP press release...

Holiday Recycling Extravaganza Event will take place again on January 5th from 8am - 12noon at our Public Services Campus 1180 Half Day Road. Recycle Electronics, Styrofoam, Fluorescent, and Household Batteries. Learn more on Extravaganza Flier Link!!

Lake County passed a balanced budget with a Zero % levy increase. YEA! The Burden on our taxpayers is great and while still in the shadow of the recession we need to pull back spending and reduce the costs to our residents... NOT raise them! Governance should begin with that thought!

County Elects New Chairman Aaron Lawlor and Five new Board Members take the Oath of Office.

Want to know what is going on with Lake County Traffic?? Check out PASSAGE and be Traffic Intelligent! Along with the online link there are Apps for phones and IPads.

Wow! Lake County is a Whole New World!

On December 3rd I took off my City Council hat and put on one hat as your Lake County Board Member and another hat as a Commissioner of the Lake County Forest Preserve District. While I could never be finished with the workings and policy of the City of Highland Park, I am very excited to embark on my new positions up in Waukegan and Libertyville.

Up in Waukegan I have been given my new locker, mail cubby shelf, and badges to show I am official. I have been assigned to the Rules, Financial and Administrative, and Health and Community Services Committees for Lake County. For the Forest Preserve I am the Vice Chair of Legislation and a member of the Land Acquisition and Preservation Committee.

The Boards are made up of 21 individual member districts (reduced from 23 prior to Dec 3rd) and I represent (District 11) a great majority of Highland Park, all of Highwood, and a slice of Deerfield. I am excited about working with this new bunch of elected officials I am serving along side. Us 5 new Elected have been received very warmly and my expectations to promote a progressive governance agenda seems to be well received by many.

LCTV is a great communication center for you to learn about Lake County.  County Board meetings are Online as well as the LCFPD meetings. In the future not only will I bring up current issues we are discussing on the boards but would like to attempt to educate you on the services, assets, and functions of Lake County and the LCFPD.

STAY TUNED!!!

Last City Council Meeting

Last night was my last City Council meeting sitting as Mayor Pro Tem and Councilman for the City of Highland Park. I want to thank Mayor Nancy Rotering and my fellow Council members for all their kind words that they expressed and the friendship they have shared with me.

Sitting on the Council for my 20th year has been a great experience with many rewards. Having the support of the community and the citizens over the past 20 years and as recently expressed in my Lake County Board victory election, has been one of the finest gifts I have ever received.

I have always been impressed by the dedication and heart felt allegiance to our citizens by the four mayors and many Councilman I have served along side over the past two decades. I have learned and grown as a public servant understanding the methods that have achieved good outcomes for our community within our City Council Partnership.

From the bottom of my heart I want to thank my family, the citizens, and my fellow City Council members over my 5 terms for their support and contribution to making Highland Park a great community and putting a big smile on my face!

Steve

Veterans Day

As I think of all the help and support we receive from fellow citizens, we must never forget the sacrifice and commitment of our Veterans that have put it all on the line for our freedom. Paying tribute to these soldiers is something I am grateful we do as well as consider their welfare off the battlefields when they come home.

The ability to go where we wish, say what we feel, and believe what we know should never be taken for granted. Our soldiers play a prominent role in preserving our life in this great country, I wish them all well, and thank them for their service.

Vote for Steve Mandel for County Board

If you haven't early voted, I am asking you to Vote for Steve Mandel for Lake County Board  Tuesday Nov. 6th. Most of you know who I am and the many things I have done during my years of public service on the City Council of Highland Park. If you need a refresher please go to my website at stevemandel.com and read through my blog entries dating back to 2006.

The main reasons I am asking you to vote for me is I wish to provide leadership countywide on:

   -Working for new models of collaborative governments to
     reduce the cost of government.
 
   -Getting a fair share of the county services in proportion to the
     tax dollars we pay.

   -Building environmental sustainability networked between
     our communities.

   -Enhancing government transparency and communications
     to our residents.

My years of experience with government finance, land use, communications, environmental initiatives, county government, human services, and direct connection to the residents have given me the tools to be successful as your Lake County Board Member. I will also continue to be the most accessible elected official by email or by phone (847.456.6933 cell / 847.831.0373hm).

Please Vote Tuesday November 6th and urge all your family and friends to do the same. Call them, Email them, and remind them that if we want to make a difference we need to elect leaders that care about us and will be responsive to our wishes, needs, and welfare. Please vote!
Thank you for your consideration,
STEVE

A few days until ELECTION DAY

Early Vote Now! through November 3rd at the North Shore Health Center (behind Sunset Foods) 1840 Green Bay Road. Please pass the word about Steve Mandel for Lake County Board. Polls are open Monday-Friday 9:00 to 4:30 and Saturday 9:00 to 2:00. YOUR vote is very important and the turnout is going to be very HIGH!

Visit www.stevemandel.com to learn more and forward my website to all your friends.  Learn more about my public record and achievements. I am also a 100% Pro-Choice candidate. Along with many links and information about me, listen to my Debate (fast forward to time 2:14:15 for County Board) and link to my blog where I have published since 2006.

Please Forward to your friends and email to your newsletter lists to promote our campaign and insure a victory on November 6th. Our opponent is working very hard and it is up to you to continue to network so I am elected to the Lake County Board on NOV 6th. Please call with any suggestions, questions, or requests. Only a few days left and time is short. Please Help!

Steve

847.831.0373 home
847.456.6933 cell

September 29th Roundup

City budget discussions are being discussed at neighborhood meetings with the Mayor and will be held throughout the month of October. Information is also available on our "know your city budget" city website and our budget page.
Greentown Highland Park is coming October 17-19 and hope you will take part in this great three day event. Greentown Kicks off on October 17th at 7pm at Ren. Place with the movie Waste Land. Learn about the conference from HP Greentown press release and learn about the schedule of events and register at the Highland Park Greentown Website.
Recycling containers are on the way to our Central Business District and Train Stations soon. They are the same design as trash containers but will be a dark green color with different lids...long time coming!!
Bike Walk Plan (draft form) was passed unanimously creating benchmarks to get folks out of their cars and in non-motorized modes of moving. The Greenways Plan and Greenways Brochure does barely survive this new policy document but needs revision to update connections and importance of the Lakefront and other natural destinations.
PTAD Parents the Anti-drug work with our High School parents to help educate on best practices of informing our children about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse. In response to recent events and tragedy within our communities the following letter was released. As parents, we can't make choices for our children but can continue to push good information and demonstrate good choices.

One month until Election Day

Along with a presidential race, congressional race, state senator and representative race, there are a few Lake County races including mine for Lake County Board. I am running in the new Lake County Board District 11 which is about 85% of Highland Park, Highwood, and one Moraine precinct in Deerfield. The district area is currently represented by Anne F. Bassi and Michelle Feldman which have both decided not to run for re-election. The responses I have received has been all good and am very excited to move my public service to the County level.

The three main bullet points of my campaign are as follows: First, I want to continue my quest on creating a new government model that shares services, creates efficiencies, and reduces the overall tax and fee burden on our public. Second, work on a more regional methodology to promote our sustainability and environmental work creating partnerships and stakeholders. Third, push for transparency, open government, and more integration of citizen involvement.

If you want a sign for your lawn or want to send friend to friend cards to voters please contact me at stevemandel@comcast.net or call me on my cell at 847.456.6933.

Historic Preservation Demo Delay imposed

In 1998 we passed a law that gave authority to the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) to put a  hold on a tear down of a historically significant home when the demolition permit is requested.  If the residential structure is shown to be significant, the petition is reviewed by the HPC for determination of a demolition delay. To put a demo delay on a residence is serious business and rarely used. The HPC can impose a six month or one year delay on a demolition to give more time for a buyer to emerge to live in the significant residence.

This past week a resident and his buyer appealed a decision of the HPC to put a one year demolition delay on a residence described as a poster child for preservation by the Chairman of the HPC. The City Council upheld the HPC decision by a 4-2 vote under the eyes of a full Council chamber.

As property values have dropped significantly it becomes much harder enforce these delays. I do however believe we should still attempt to get folks to buy and maintain these historic significant structures and not let them simply be torn down without a second chance.