FOCUS: FAIRNESS, BENEFIT OF HISTORIC EFFORT

A recent study of historic-preservation efforts in Cape Girardeau appears to recognize that the creation of ultrarestrictive historic districts might be unpopular. The report suggests less restrictive conservation zoning districts. However, these districts also would impinge on property owners' rights in an effort to have everyone in the district conform to a set of rules and limits regarding future develop and changes to existing structures.

And the report, prepared by Thomason and Associates of Nashville and presented to the Cape Girardeau Historic Preservation Commission, further recommends that full-blown historic districts be formed sometime down the road if conservation zoning districts are created.

The current chairman of the historic preservation commission, Brian Driscoll, correctly observes that "things have been done piecemeal" regarding historical buildings, both residential and commercial. But that's because most Cape Girardeau neighborhoods, old and new, frequently contain a mixture that ranges from first-rate preservation to a total disregard for the historical value of a particular piece of property. In each case, property owners have made a determination based on their own needs, interests and financial concerns.

Piecemeal hasn't been all bad. There are many outstanding examples of historic preservation in the community. Part of the Thomason report suggests that those property owners deserve to have their investment in preservation protected, including requiring neighboring property owners, who may or may not favor preservation, to participate.

Before the City Council is asked to take action on either conservation zoning or historic districts, a few things ought to be established as ground rules:

-- The city should support and encourage property owners who want to make special efforts to preserve the unique historical aspects of their homes or businesses. At the same time, the city should recognize that not every property owner is interested, either for financial or philosophical reasons.

-- If conservation zoning or historic districts is adopted, the city should make allowances for current property owners who oppose government-imposed restrictions on their property.

-- Any historic-preservation plan officially adopted by the city should be based on the interest of property owners regarding financial ability to participate.

-- City sanctions of historic preservation should be focused on one key question: Of what benefit will such a plan be to all the residents, those who favor protection and those who desire to make their own choices about their own property?

When historic-preservation groups spend money on a study, there is never any doubt about the outcome. Perhaps the city might want to invest in its own study that looks at the issue of historic preservation from a boarder perspective than an organization whose purposes are clearly subjective.