At a meeting on October 30, the Livery Project formed into three subcommittees to undertake the work of creating a proposal for the DDA to save the livery. Chairpersons and committee members were identified.
The subcommittees are:
grant writing; construction--contamination & structural; fundraising and philanthropy.
Those wishing to join the work of the Livery Project may contact Jan Bernath at 475 5753 and leave contact information. All persons wishing to assist are welcome!
_________________________________________
You can access the new blogspot detailing progress of this new phase, by click on the link in the left column titled:
The Chelsea Livery Project
All new activity will be posted on that site. We hope you continue to follow this effort.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Thursday, October 22, 2009
What Happened at the Forum
Lively City Council Candidates' Forum
The Chamber of Commerce sponsored a City Council Candidates Forum on Wednesday, October 21, from 7 – 9 pm. at the Washington Street Education Center. Those candidates participating in the Forum were: Cheri Albertson, Jason Lindauer (running for mayor unopposed), Ann Fenney, Richard Steele, Frank Hammer, and Kent Martinez-Kratz). Three seats are available, and only Steele is not currently serving on Council Cheri Albertson introduced herself by saying she guides her service to the city using the “five ethical principles” that are incorporated into the city charter. The five principles are: public office is a public trust; independent objective judgment is required; principal accountability is to the citizens; democratic leadership honors citizen input; respectability and fitness for office are required as stewards of the community.
Throughout the Forum, the topic of saving the livery from demolition in preparation for the Downtown Development Authority's Plan B was a frequent topic for discussion. When asked if the five ethical principles had been realized by the city's response to the appeal of the Save the Livery Coalition, Albertson answered “no.” Both Lindauer and Fenney said, “yes.”
When addressing the merit of working with the Chamber of Commerce to list the downtown on the National Register of Historic Places, Albertson explained that there were definite protections afforded the city with no restrictions. For instance, should MDOT decide to widen M52 that would remove street parking on Main Street, a National Designation would be useful. Lindauer claimed to be ignorant of the benefits and would want to see how such designations have affected other communities. Fenney said she had tried this approach some time ago, and it didn't happen due to building owner resistance.
Candidates were asked about their response to Joe Merkel's proposal to the City Council made Oct 13 and to the DDA on Oct 15 for one year stay of demolition of the livery to pull together a group of citizens to work in partnership with the DDA and city to find funding for adaptively reusing the livery. Albertson said she saw no reason that the DDA cannot work with Save the Livery Coalition; Hammer thought that substantial progress would need to be demonstrated by June 1; Martinez-Kratz thought a one year stay was reasonable before a decision is made that can't be reversed. Fenney replied that she didn't think the DDA would grant a one year stay; Steele is unfamiliar with the issue but thought the deadline should not be extended past spring. Fenney suggested that the Save the Livery Coalition buy the Longworth property for $425,000 from the city.
Hammer commented that he thought heritage tourism might be a market niche for Chelsea. Organizing packaged tours where people came to learn about the history of Chelsea and the historic buildings, perhaps have lunch and shop were suggested as possibilities. Albertson added that since Chelsea has motels at which tour people could stay, historic tours could go on to Dexter. Martinez-Kratz encouraged the Chamber to be flexible and open to all options for marketing Chelsea.
Steele believes a parking problem exists in some places. While Hammer agreed, he said he didn't think the destruction of the livery was a way to solve it. Martinez-Kratz commented when identifying places to create more parking, we need to ask, “At what cost?” He feels the true need for more parking is in the Purple Rose area, and that building a two storey structure should be considered.
In terms of the composition of the twelve member DDA, Fenney reported that eight members must have a business interest in the DDA district. Four can be non-business owners who live within the district. There is an application process, and the DDA members are appointed by the mayor. Criteria for appointment include a demonstration of working for the improvement of the community.. In addition to economic development, the DDA's mission includes enhancement of the historic character of the district.
The full two hours of the Forum can be viewed on channel 18.
The Chamber of Commerce sponsored a City Council Candidates Forum on Wednesday, October 21, from 7 – 9 pm. at the Washington Street Education Center. Those candidates participating in the Forum were: Cheri Albertson, Jason Lindauer (running for mayor unopposed), Ann Fenney, Richard Steele, Frank Hammer, and Kent Martinez-Kratz). Three seats are available, and only Steele is not currently serving on Council Cheri Albertson introduced herself by saying she guides her service to the city using the “five ethical principles” that are incorporated into the city charter. The five principles are: public office is a public trust; independent objective judgment is required; principal accountability is to the citizens; democratic leadership honors citizen input; respectability and fitness for office are required as stewards of the community.
Throughout the Forum, the topic of saving the livery from demolition in preparation for the Downtown Development Authority's Plan B was a frequent topic for discussion. When asked if the five ethical principles had been realized by the city's response to the appeal of the Save the Livery Coalition, Albertson answered “no.” Both Lindauer and Fenney said, “yes.”
When addressing the merit of working with the Chamber of Commerce to list the downtown on the National Register of Historic Places, Albertson explained that there were definite protections afforded the city with no restrictions. For instance, should MDOT decide to widen M52 that would remove street parking on Main Street, a National Designation would be useful. Lindauer claimed to be ignorant of the benefits and would want to see how such designations have affected other communities. Fenney said she had tried this approach some time ago, and it didn't happen due to building owner resistance.
Candidates were asked about their response to Joe Merkel's proposal to the City Council made Oct 13 and to the DDA on Oct 15 for one year stay of demolition of the livery to pull together a group of citizens to work in partnership with the DDA and city to find funding for adaptively reusing the livery. Albertson said she saw no reason that the DDA cannot work with Save the Livery Coalition; Hammer thought that substantial progress would need to be demonstrated by June 1; Martinez-Kratz thought a one year stay was reasonable before a decision is made that can't be reversed. Fenney replied that she didn't think the DDA would grant a one year stay; Steele is unfamiliar with the issue but thought the deadline should not be extended past spring. Fenney suggested that the Save the Livery Coalition buy the Longworth property for $425,000 from the city.
Hammer commented that he thought heritage tourism might be a market niche for Chelsea. Organizing packaged tours where people came to learn about the history of Chelsea and the historic buildings, perhaps have lunch and shop were suggested as possibilities. Albertson added that since Chelsea has motels at which tour people could stay, historic tours could go on to Dexter. Martinez-Kratz encouraged the Chamber to be flexible and open to all options for marketing Chelsea.
Steele believes a parking problem exists in some places. While Hammer agreed, he said he didn't think the destruction of the livery was a way to solve it. Martinez-Kratz commented when identifying places to create more parking, we need to ask, “At what cost?” He feels the true need for more parking is in the Purple Rose area, and that building a two storey structure should be considered.
In terms of the composition of the twelve member DDA, Fenney reported that eight members must have a business interest in the DDA district. Four can be non-business owners who live within the district. There is an application process, and the DDA members are appointed by the mayor. Criteria for appointment include a demonstration of working for the improvement of the community.. In addition to economic development, the DDA's mission includes enhancement of the historic character of the district.
The full two hours of the Forum can be viewed on channel 18.
Monday, October 19, 2009
City Council Candidate Forum--this Wednesday, Oct 21, 7 p.m.- 9p.m. Washington Street Education Center, Board Room
This is an important election for City Council. Among other civic matters, citizens have been appealing to the council to work toward a positive outcome on the Longworth property that honors Chelsea's history and historical buildings. At the last council meeting (Oct 13). Joe Merkel offered a win-win proposal: "The GOAL should be to preserve the historic, small town, feel of this community while utilizing these historic structures for modern day and future purposes...consideration in granting a 1 year stay from demolition so ALL OPTIONS may be considered. Prior to next months Council Meeting, I will commit to providing City Council a proposal with timelines for each function necessary to stay within the 1-year window. As we all know, once the buildings come down, we will not be afforded the opportunity to rethink our decision in the future. I believe, after your review of the proposal, you will be able to embrace the idea that a individual or group of people, on behalf of the city, can be appointed to work with the Livery Coalition and the Chelsea Area Historical Society to incorporate ideas in concert with planning and studies you have already completed. I do believe there is a WIN/WIN scenario that will allow the city and its’ residents a finished project that will both preserve tax revenues and enhance the historic feel of the downtown area."
Ellen Thackery, Michigan Historic Preservation Network field representative remarked: "The stock of historic buildings is one of the downtown's greatest assets. Demolishing these highly visible historic buildings flies in the face of the care that has been exercised in the past and doesn't make sense in terms of promoting the downtown’s and city’s image as a cool and historic place. Instead, I would respectfully encourage the city to market these buildings for adaptive reuse, with the requirement that the historic character be maintained."
The council received about 700 signatures in support of saving the livery, almost 500 of which are Chelsea residents.
The Council heard the appeal, and positions of council candidates on this public appeal need to be heard before the election. Don't miss this opportunity to hear responses from the candidates. There will be a one hour period to answer questions from the audience. In addition to the four candidates standing for re-election, Ann Fenney, Cheri Albertson, Kent Martinez-Kratz,and Frank Hammer, Richard Steele is also a candidate. Three seats are open. It would also be important to know what Jason Lindauer,unopposed mayoral candidate, is thinking.
In the comment area below, please write the questions you would want to ask the candidates. Better yet, come to the forum and ask the questions in person!
Ellen Thackery, Michigan Historic Preservation Network field representative remarked: "The stock of historic buildings is one of the downtown's greatest assets. Demolishing these highly visible historic buildings flies in the face of the care that has been exercised in the past and doesn't make sense in terms of promoting the downtown’s and city’s image as a cool and historic place. Instead, I would respectfully encourage the city to market these buildings for adaptive reuse, with the requirement that the historic character be maintained."
The council received about 700 signatures in support of saving the livery, almost 500 of which are Chelsea residents.
The Council heard the appeal, and positions of council candidates on this public appeal need to be heard before the election. Don't miss this opportunity to hear responses from the candidates. There will be a one hour period to answer questions from the audience. In addition to the four candidates standing for re-election, Ann Fenney, Cheri Albertson, Kent Martinez-Kratz,and Frank Hammer, Richard Steele is also a candidate. Three seats are open. It would also be important to know what Jason Lindauer,unopposed mayoral candidate, is thinking.
In the comment area below, please write the questions you would want to ask the candidates. Better yet, come to the forum and ask the questions in person!
Friday, October 16, 2009
DDA Update 10.15. & previous background
A Summary of ongoing DDA Discussions (for actual DDA minutes go to:
http://www.city-chelsea.org; choose Downtown Development; choose minutes & click on dates)
At the regular DDA meeting on Oct. 15th, copies of Joe Merkel’s letter, Ellen Thackery’s letter and the petitions were presented by the Save the Livery Coalition. No action was taken. The stay of demolition expires on Oct. 19th. However, the Jackson Street corridor Plan B with probable due process (meaning this still could mean a delay of demolition until Spring). Jim Myles presented his “Longworth Complex Development – Proposal Information and Guidelines” for consideration, including a time line to bring the process forward. City Manager Hanifan also presented Draft #1 of “Request for Proposals – Former Longworth Plating Site”. City Manager John Hanifan suspects that a developer will not take the RFP seriously if there is a parallel track with a government unit. Further discussion will take place at the November 5 meeting with a larger number of Board members present.
Last Thursday's meeting followed as a result of discussions at the DDA meeting held on Sept. 3 and Oct 1. On Sept. 3, concern was expressed about demolishing the Livery and front building and leaving it all winter without a specific plan for development. Two other remarks made on Sept. 3 were: this demolition is NOT about a parking lot and there is intent that at some point in the future, the property could be back on the tax rolls.
On Oct 1, Jim Myles read a summary of his impression of the intended plan for the corridor. There was a spirited discussion regarding going forward with the DDA “Plan B” including getting plans drawn and submitted to the Planning Commission. The conclusion was that until the Livery building is down, it is not possible to see the lot and the possibilities. There is agreement that if the Mack Building is to be used, the Livery Building has to go because without sufficient parking, redevelopment is unlikely. City Manager Hanifan was asked to prepare an RFP for qualified persons to draw potential plans for the space. Admittedly that is troublesome because without the Livery gone, it is hard to assess the state of the Mack Bldg. It was agreed that the DDA needs to keep its options open.
Written by members of the Save the Livery Coalition.
http://www.city-chelsea.org; choose Downtown Development; choose minutes & click on dates)
At the regular DDA meeting on Oct. 15th, copies of Joe Merkel’s letter, Ellen Thackery’s letter and the petitions were presented by the Save the Livery Coalition. No action was taken. The stay of demolition expires on Oct. 19th. However, the Jackson Street corridor Plan B with probable due process (meaning this still could mean a delay of demolition until Spring). Jim Myles presented his “Longworth Complex Development – Proposal Information and Guidelines” for consideration, including a time line to bring the process forward. City Manager Hanifan also presented Draft #1 of “Request for Proposals – Former Longworth Plating Site”. City Manager John Hanifan suspects that a developer will not take the RFP seriously if there is a parallel track with a government unit. Further discussion will take place at the November 5 meeting with a larger number of Board members present.
Last Thursday's meeting followed as a result of discussions at the DDA meeting held on Sept. 3 and Oct 1. On Sept. 3, concern was expressed about demolishing the Livery and front building and leaving it all winter without a specific plan for development. Two other remarks made on Sept. 3 were: this demolition is NOT about a parking lot and there is intent that at some point in the future, the property could be back on the tax rolls.
On Oct 1, Jim Myles read a summary of his impression of the intended plan for the corridor. There was a spirited discussion regarding going forward with the DDA “Plan B” including getting plans drawn and submitted to the Planning Commission. The conclusion was that until the Livery building is down, it is not possible to see the lot and the possibilities. There is agreement that if the Mack Building is to be used, the Livery Building has to go because without sufficient parking, redevelopment is unlikely. City Manager Hanifan was asked to prepare an RFP for qualified persons to draw potential plans for the space. Admittedly that is troublesome because without the Livery gone, it is hard to assess the state of the Mack Bldg. It was agreed that the DDA needs to keep its options open.
Written by members of the Save the Livery Coalition.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
City Council Meeting--10.13. can be viewed on Channel 18
During the public comments portion of the Council meeting on Oct 13, Joe Merkel & Ellen Thackery spoke about the importance of the win-win adaptive reuse of the livery at the council meeting. Jan Bernath submitted the approximately 700 signatures to save the livery--well over 400--almost 500-- were Chelsea residents. Approximately 60 people supported the speakers at the council meeting.
Statement from Joe Merkel:
Ladies and Gentleman, I come before you this evening as a voice of the
community. Prior to a week ago, I had no real concept of the course
that it appears we are on to dismantle or take down the Livery and
Mack Buildings.
Both public and private outcry, has afforded this opportunity to share
the following:
My experience in Real Estate Development, Historical Research and
Business provides me the ability to assess this situation with what I
believe to be, reasonable objectivity.
There are 2 primary ways to increase revenues in a growing community:
1) Development
2) Enhancement of the community itself. ie. attractions, tourism, and
merchant diversity.
Actually, there are 3. The 3rd way is to raise taxes and we all know
how that feels.
I am asking you to hear my voice in both a historical and business capacity.
With that said, my beliefs are:
1) Funding can be obtained for the restoration and utilization of
these buildings.
2) A plan can be formed that will meet the needs of the city, (ie.tax
rolls) and the desire for historical preservation and utilization of
these historic structures.
3) I will , volunteer my time and experience, to work with a
body/group for the specific task of designing and implementing a plan
to such regards.
4) I propose this plan be called the “Chelsea Livery Project”.
If restored/utilized, a number of value added benefits come to mind:
1) Tax revenues for the City of Chelsea are preserved/enhanced.
2) Historical Tourism- Another place for approximately 90,000. Annual
tourism/visitors to consider.
3) Permanent Chelsea Area Museum location for our long standing and
interesting heritage to be displayed and enjoyed.
--Museums that focus on the history of their community do their
communities great justice. In doing so, many families choose to call
those towns/cities home, giving this new arrival/family a part in the
rich history and a true feeling of small town America, Thus enhancing
Chelsea as a great place to raise a family. Everyone wants to fell and
be part of a community. Should we not make this a integral part of the
plan.?
If objectively approached, the plan will incorporate both the North
and South side of the tracks having a improved pedestrian crossing to
encourage traffic in both directions for business owners of the
downtown district. And a small park/sitting area along main street.
As most or all of you know, I was asked to chair the Chelsea Area Fire
Authority millage effort.
As a result of good planning, intelligent thinking and honesty with
the taxpayer’s, we were successful in our efforts. On Sunday evening,
I clearly told the Save the Livery Coalition that the only way any
plan has a chance of success is one that considers the needs of both
the city and the individuals who live there.
With that said, it is my belief that a group of intelligent and
qualified people can and will be assembled upon your granting their
desire to wait on the demolition of these buildings.
During the CAFA millage project, I knew there was strong opposition
from the majority of taxpayer’s for any increase in taxation.
Likewise, I was supremely confident that the voters would rally if
given the facts and able to see the true need for the increase. The
outcome and success of that project affords me the opportunity to go
before the community again, providing facts and rallying their support
for both tourism and the DDA. It can and will be a attractive finished
product that the city and its’ residents shall be proud of. I will not
tell you that I or any of the people who have worked toward solutions,
before me, have all of the answers at this time. I will tell you my
dedication and commitment to projects that I believe in and that I
will help to find the appropriate people, funding sources, engineers,
planners and developers in attempt to save a portion, if not all of
these historic structures.
In Summary,
The GOAL should be to preserve the historic, small town, feel of this
community while utilizing these historic structures for modern day and
future purposes.
I would like to thank the Board, in advance, for their consideration
in granting a 1 year stay from demolition so ALL OPTIONS may be
considered. Prior to next months Council Meeting, I will commit to
providing City Council a proposal with timelines for each function
necessary to stay within the 1-year window. As we all know, once the
buildings come down, we will not be afforded the opportunity to
rethink our decision in the future. I believe, after your review of
the proposal, you will be able to embrace the idea that a individual
or group of people, on behalf of the city, can be appointed to work
with the Livery Coalition and the Chelsea Area Historical Society to
incorporate ideas in concert with planning and studies you have
already completed. I do believe there is a WIN/WIN scenario that will
allow the city and its’ residents a finished project that will both
preserve tax revenues and enhance the historic feel of the downtown
area.
Statement from Ellen Thackery:
To Mayor Feeney and Members of City Council,
My name is Ellen Thackery and I am the Southeast Michigan Field Representative for two organizations—the Michigan Historic Preservation Network and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. I am here tonight to advocate for the preservation and stabilization of the Livery and the other buildings from the Longworth Complex. I believe that these buildings can be and should be adaptively reused and I see that all three buildings have architectural interest, and strongly contribute to the historic character of Chelsea's business district.
Some may say, “Who cares about a livery?” and they may look at the livery’s concrete block and say that it doesn’t look like something worth keeping. I can tell you that one of the reasons I care about historic architecture is that it tells the story of a community and it provides continuity in a community. This concrete block building and its neighbors help to tell the story of the development of Chelsea, and I submit that you are lucky to have these pieces of your history still standing. Bob Christensen is the coordinator of all nominations from our state to the National Register of Historic Places. He has held this position for many, many years and he knows as much as anyone I could name about architecture throughout the state. When I asked him about the livery, he said, “The Livery Building is, to my mind, a Big Deal. Every town had its hotels and most of these hotels had livery barns. Both the hotels and the livery barns were characteristic features of business districts. Many of the barns were wooden. In any event, few of these buildings survived for long into the auto age. Chelsea's stands out not only as one of the few survivors of these buildings, but also for its substantial concrete block construction.”
Now, I know that a National Register nomination for downtown Chelsea has been completed and is waiting to be reactivated. I would encourage you to reactivate it. The National Register is an HONORARY designation—it provides almost no protection for the buildings listed on it, but it does raise awareness of your historic places for visitors and residents alike, and it provides a marketing tool for your community to attract even more heritage tourists. Further, it allows property owners to access the federal income tax credits for rehabilitating historic buildings. The federal and state rehab tax credits were created so that buildings like the livery could be adaptively reused.
I want to leave you with this: despite the fact that Chelsea’s commercial district is not listed in the National Register, it still seems to me that the business and government leaders of Chelsea have valued the historic character in Chelsea and have preserved that character over the years. The stock of historic buildings is one of the downtown's greatest assets. Demolishing these highly visible historic buildings flies in the face of the care that has been exercised in the past and doesn't make sense in terms of promoting the downtown’s and city’s image as a cool and historic place. Instead, I would respectfully encourage the city to market these buildings for adaptive reuse, with the requirement that the historic character be maintained.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Ellen Thackery
Southeast Michigan Field Representative
Michigan Historic Preservation Network and the National Trust for Historic Preservation
107 E Grand River
Lansing, MI 48906
(517) 371-8080
info@mhpn.org
Recordings of the council meetings can be viewed on Channel 18. Watch for an article in Thursday's Chelsea Standard this Thursday.
Ask the council members their position on supporting the save the livery effort as proposed by Joe Merkel and Ellen Thackery at the meeting. To communicate with city council members, please refer to the following contact list:
2009 City Council Members
Mayor, Ann Feeney (term ends 11/09)**
email: afeeney@city-chelsea.org
Home Phone: 475-1493 Work Phone: 475-1909
Jason Lindauer (term ends 11/11) (mayoral aspirations)
email: jason_lindauer@ml.com
Cheri Albertson (term ends 11/09)**
email: cheriaa@umich.edu
phone: 475-8313
Bill Holmberg (term ends 11/11)
email: holmbergwilliam@sbcglobal.net
phone: 433-9733
Rod Anderson (term ends 11/11)
email: rod.anderson@sbcglobal.net
phone: 475-5898
Kent Martinez-Kratz (term ends 11/09)**
email: kkratz@jpsmail.org
Frank Hammer (term ends 11/09)**
email: beemerguy@fastmail.fm
phone: 475-1828
Council Meetings are held the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. Meetings will be held at Washington Street Education Center, 500 Washington Street.
Statement from Joe Merkel:
Ladies and Gentleman, I come before you this evening as a voice of the
community. Prior to a week ago, I had no real concept of the course
that it appears we are on to dismantle or take down the Livery and
Mack Buildings.
Both public and private outcry, has afforded this opportunity to share
the following:
My experience in Real Estate Development, Historical Research and
Business provides me the ability to assess this situation with what I
believe to be, reasonable objectivity.
There are 2 primary ways to increase revenues in a growing community:
1) Development
2) Enhancement of the community itself. ie. attractions, tourism, and
merchant diversity.
Actually, there are 3. The 3rd way is to raise taxes and we all know
how that feels.
I am asking you to hear my voice in both a historical and business capacity.
With that said, my beliefs are:
1) Funding can be obtained for the restoration and utilization of
these buildings.
2) A plan can be formed that will meet the needs of the city, (ie.tax
rolls) and the desire for historical preservation and utilization of
these historic structures.
3) I will , volunteer my time and experience, to work with a
body/group for the specific task of designing and implementing a plan
to such regards.
4) I propose this plan be called the “Chelsea Livery Project”.
If restored/utilized, a number of value added benefits come to mind:
1) Tax revenues for the City of Chelsea are preserved/enhanced.
2) Historical Tourism- Another place for approximately 90,000. Annual
tourism/visitors to consider.
3) Permanent Chelsea Area Museum location for our long standing and
interesting heritage to be displayed and enjoyed.
--Museums that focus on the history of their community do their
communities great justice. In doing so, many families choose to call
those towns/cities home, giving this new arrival/family a part in the
rich history and a true feeling of small town America, Thus enhancing
Chelsea as a great place to raise a family. Everyone wants to fell and
be part of a community. Should we not make this a integral part of the
plan.?
If objectively approached, the plan will incorporate both the North
and South side of the tracks having a improved pedestrian crossing to
encourage traffic in both directions for business owners of the
downtown district. And a small park/sitting area along main street.
As most or all of you know, I was asked to chair the Chelsea Area Fire
Authority millage effort.
As a result of good planning, intelligent thinking and honesty with
the taxpayer’s, we were successful in our efforts. On Sunday evening,
I clearly told the Save the Livery Coalition that the only way any
plan has a chance of success is one that considers the needs of both
the city and the individuals who live there.
With that said, it is my belief that a group of intelligent and
qualified people can and will be assembled upon your granting their
desire to wait on the demolition of these buildings.
During the CAFA millage project, I knew there was strong opposition
from the majority of taxpayer’s for any increase in taxation.
Likewise, I was supremely confident that the voters would rally if
given the facts and able to see the true need for the increase. The
outcome and success of that project affords me the opportunity to go
before the community again, providing facts and rallying their support
for both tourism and the DDA. It can and will be a attractive finished
product that the city and its’ residents shall be proud of. I will not
tell you that I or any of the people who have worked toward solutions,
before me, have all of the answers at this time. I will tell you my
dedication and commitment to projects that I believe in and that I
will help to find the appropriate people, funding sources, engineers,
planners and developers in attempt to save a portion, if not all of
these historic structures.
In Summary,
The GOAL should be to preserve the historic, small town, feel of this
community while utilizing these historic structures for modern day and
future purposes.
I would like to thank the Board, in advance, for their consideration
in granting a 1 year stay from demolition so ALL OPTIONS may be
considered. Prior to next months Council Meeting, I will commit to
providing City Council a proposal with timelines for each function
necessary to stay within the 1-year window. As we all know, once the
buildings come down, we will not be afforded the opportunity to
rethink our decision in the future. I believe, after your review of
the proposal, you will be able to embrace the idea that a individual
or group of people, on behalf of the city, can be appointed to work
with the Livery Coalition and the Chelsea Area Historical Society to
incorporate ideas in concert with planning and studies you have
already completed. I do believe there is a WIN/WIN scenario that will
allow the city and its’ residents a finished project that will both
preserve tax revenues and enhance the historic feel of the downtown
area.
Statement from Ellen Thackery:
To Mayor Feeney and Members of City Council,
My name is Ellen Thackery and I am the Southeast Michigan Field Representative for two organizations—the Michigan Historic Preservation Network and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. I am here tonight to advocate for the preservation and stabilization of the Livery and the other buildings from the Longworth Complex. I believe that these buildings can be and should be adaptively reused and I see that all three buildings have architectural interest, and strongly contribute to the historic character of Chelsea's business district.
Some may say, “Who cares about a livery?” and they may look at the livery’s concrete block and say that it doesn’t look like something worth keeping. I can tell you that one of the reasons I care about historic architecture is that it tells the story of a community and it provides continuity in a community. This concrete block building and its neighbors help to tell the story of the development of Chelsea, and I submit that you are lucky to have these pieces of your history still standing. Bob Christensen is the coordinator of all nominations from our state to the National Register of Historic Places. He has held this position for many, many years and he knows as much as anyone I could name about architecture throughout the state. When I asked him about the livery, he said, “The Livery Building is, to my mind, a Big Deal. Every town had its hotels and most of these hotels had livery barns. Both the hotels and the livery barns were characteristic features of business districts. Many of the barns were wooden. In any event, few of these buildings survived for long into the auto age. Chelsea's stands out not only as one of the few survivors of these buildings, but also for its substantial concrete block construction.”
Now, I know that a National Register nomination for downtown Chelsea has been completed and is waiting to be reactivated. I would encourage you to reactivate it. The National Register is an HONORARY designation—it provides almost no protection for the buildings listed on it, but it does raise awareness of your historic places for visitors and residents alike, and it provides a marketing tool for your community to attract even more heritage tourists. Further, it allows property owners to access the federal income tax credits for rehabilitating historic buildings. The federal and state rehab tax credits were created so that buildings like the livery could be adaptively reused.
I want to leave you with this: despite the fact that Chelsea’s commercial district is not listed in the National Register, it still seems to me that the business and government leaders of Chelsea have valued the historic character in Chelsea and have preserved that character over the years. The stock of historic buildings is one of the downtown's greatest assets. Demolishing these highly visible historic buildings flies in the face of the care that has been exercised in the past and doesn't make sense in terms of promoting the downtown’s and city’s image as a cool and historic place. Instead, I would respectfully encourage the city to market these buildings for adaptive reuse, with the requirement that the historic character be maintained.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Ellen Thackery
Southeast Michigan Field Representative
Michigan Historic Preservation Network and the National Trust for Historic Preservation
107 E Grand River
Lansing, MI 48906
(517) 371-8080
info@mhpn.org
Recordings of the council meetings can be viewed on Channel 18. Watch for an article in Thursday's Chelsea Standard this Thursday.
Ask the council members their position on supporting the save the livery effort as proposed by Joe Merkel and Ellen Thackery at the meeting. To communicate with city council members, please refer to the following contact list:
2009 City Council Members
Mayor, Ann Feeney (term ends 11/09)**
email: afeeney@city-chelsea.org
Home Phone: 475-1493 Work Phone: 475-1909
Jason Lindauer (term ends 11/11) (mayoral aspirations)
email: jason_lindauer@ml.com
Cheri Albertson (term ends 11/09)**
email: cheriaa@umich.edu
phone: 475-8313
Bill Holmberg (term ends 11/11)
email: holmbergwilliam@sbcglobal.net
phone: 433-9733
Rod Anderson (term ends 11/11)
email: rod.anderson@sbcglobal.net
phone: 475-5898
Kent Martinez-Kratz (term ends 11/09)**
email: kkratz@jpsmail.org
Frank Hammer (term ends 11/09)**
email: beemerguy@fastmail.fm
phone: 475-1828
Council Meetings are held the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. Meetings will be held at Washington Street Education Center, 500 Washington Street.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Urgent newest post--City Council Meeting--Tuesday
Please come to the city council meeting at 7 p.m. this coming Tuesday, Oct 13, at the Board Room at Washington Street Education Center. Support saving the livery with your physical presence at the beginning of the meeting. Thanks for your signature, now we need your presence at this critical meeting.
Friday, October 2, 2009
DDA Minutes October 1 2009 from city website + other comments
7:30 A.M., THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2009
DRAFT
Present:
Jackson, Feeney, Flintoft, Frisinger, Heydlauff, Morrel-Samuels, Myles, Pierce, Winans, Hanifan
Absent:
Galvin, Holman, Schwarz
Others Present:
William Harmer, Director Chelsea District Library; Councilman Jason Lindauer, Zoning Administrator Jim Drolett, Janet Bernath, Carey Church, Mark Cresswell, Jane Cresswell, George Till, Realtor Robert Mihelich
President Jackson opened the meeting at 7:30 a.m.
2.Public participation –(a) Mark Cresswell summarized the meeting held at the depot the previous evening, sponsored by the Save the Livery group. He asked that the DDA delay the demolition of the Livery Building at the Longworth property until all efforts have been exhausted to raise the money to purchase the property and restore it to a useful life. Heydlauff emphasized the point that the DDA has viewed the issue as the improvement of the entire corridor with the long range view of perhaps having the remaining building purchased for a use that would put it back on the tax rolls. There was a general consensus that it is too late for the demolition and securing of the site this late in the fall, therefore there will be time to allow the group to pursue means to purchase the property. However, when and if there is an offer to purchase, the opportunity must be extended to the general public.(b) Robert Mihelich of CB Richard Ellis Real Estate Inc. represents Warner family whose property is for sale east of the Longworth property. He suggested that there might be a possibility of arranging for a sale\donation combination. He also mentioned a lease\sale\land lease. President Jackson and Mark Heydlauff take on the research on this matter. The current asking price is $299,000.
Jackson Street Corridor – General Discussion Jim Myles read a summary of his impression of the intended plan for the corridor. There was a spirited discussion regarding going forward with the DDA “Plan B” including getting plans drawn and submitted to the Planning Commission. The conclusion was that until the Livery building is down, it is not possible to see the lot and the possibilities. Heydlauff explained and the board concurred that The Plan was just a starting point on improving the corridor and the DDA is the catalyst to have something happen there. There is agreement that if the Mack Building is to be used, the Livery Building has to go because without sufficient parking, redevelopment is unlikely. Hanifan was asked to prepare an RFP for qualified persons to draw potential plans for the space. Admittedly that is troublesome because without the Livery gone, it is hard to assess the state of the Mack Bldg. It was agreed that the DDA needs to keep its options open. NOT in the official minutes but stated: The City owns the property and has not applied for restoration grants. The Coalition would need a "sign-off" by the City to assist in this effort. At the Town Hall Meeting the previous night, Mark Heydlauff stated that he "didn't think this would be a problem." This option was discussed during the DDA meeting. John Hanifan said there had been no request from anyone thusfar.
Motion by Heydlauff, second by Flintoft to go into closed session at 8:45 a.m. to discuss purchase of real estate. Roll call vote: all yays. Motion carried.
DRAFT
Present:
Jackson, Feeney, Flintoft, Frisinger, Heydlauff, Morrel-Samuels, Myles, Pierce, Winans, Hanifan
Absent:
Galvin, Holman, Schwarz
Others Present:
William Harmer, Director Chelsea District Library; Councilman Jason Lindauer, Zoning Administrator Jim Drolett, Janet Bernath, Carey Church, Mark Cresswell, Jane Cresswell, George Till, Realtor Robert Mihelich
President Jackson opened the meeting at 7:30 a.m.
2.Public participation –(a) Mark Cresswell summarized the meeting held at the depot the previous evening, sponsored by the Save the Livery group. He asked that the DDA delay the demolition of the Livery Building at the Longworth property until all efforts have been exhausted to raise the money to purchase the property and restore it to a useful life. Heydlauff emphasized the point that the DDA has viewed the issue as the improvement of the entire corridor with the long range view of perhaps having the remaining building purchased for a use that would put it back on the tax rolls. There was a general consensus that it is too late for the demolition and securing of the site this late in the fall, therefore there will be time to allow the group to pursue means to purchase the property. However, when and if there is an offer to purchase, the opportunity must be extended to the general public.(b) Robert Mihelich of CB Richard Ellis Real Estate Inc. represents Warner family whose property is for sale east of the Longworth property. He suggested that there might be a possibility of arranging for a sale\donation combination. He also mentioned a lease\sale\land lease. President Jackson and Mark Heydlauff take on the research on this matter. The current asking price is $299,000.
Jackson Street Corridor – General Discussion Jim Myles read a summary of his impression of the intended plan for the corridor. There was a spirited discussion regarding going forward with the DDA “Plan B” including getting plans drawn and submitted to the Planning Commission. The conclusion was that until the Livery building is down, it is not possible to see the lot and the possibilities. Heydlauff explained and the board concurred that The Plan was just a starting point on improving the corridor and the DDA is the catalyst to have something happen there. There is agreement that if the Mack Building is to be used, the Livery Building has to go because without sufficient parking, redevelopment is unlikely. Hanifan was asked to prepare an RFP for qualified persons to draw potential plans for the space. Admittedly that is troublesome because without the Livery gone, it is hard to assess the state of the Mack Bldg. It was agreed that the DDA needs to keep its options open. NOT in the official minutes but stated: The City owns the property and has not applied for restoration grants. The Coalition would need a "sign-off" by the City to assist in this effort. At the Town Hall Meeting the previous night, Mark Heydlauff stated that he "didn't think this would be a problem." This option was discussed during the DDA meeting. John Hanifan said there had been no request from anyone thusfar.
Motion by Heydlauff, second by Flintoft to go into closed session at 8:45 a.m. to discuss purchase of real estate. Roll call vote: all yays. Motion carried.
Endorsement
This week the Save the Livery Coalition received an important endorsement.
The Chelsea Area Historical Society (CAHS)board voted to endorse the Save the Livery Coalition (STLC) and also gave a $250 donation.
Thank you!
The Chelsea Area Historical Society (CAHS)board voted to endorse the Save the Livery Coalition (STLC) and also gave a $250 donation.
Thank you!
Town Hall Meeting Update
We're trying to figure out how to share the slides in the powerpoint presented at the Town Hall Meeting last Wedneday on this blogspot. Stay tuned. We were very happy that two DDA members attended, Mark Heydlauff and Palmer Morrel-Samuels.
Also, thank you to participants who agreed to assist this effort by writing letters to the editor, attend the City Council meeting on October 13, attend the DDA meeting on October 15, contact DDA members, stand next to the Livery, and donate to Preservation Chelsea and/or the Chelsea Area Historical Society for expenses related to this effort.
Since our historic buildings are not protected, we can save our visible heritage only by public pressure.
We've been pleased to notice that some are commenting on the blogpost. Thank you! We encourage more of you to comment. Simply press "comment" under the posting and you will be able to share your thoughts.
Thank you for your continued interest...we need an informed public on this important issue!
Also, thank you to participants who agreed to assist this effort by writing letters to the editor, attend the City Council meeting on October 13, attend the DDA meeting on October 15, contact DDA members, stand next to the Livery, and donate to Preservation Chelsea and/or the Chelsea Area Historical Society for expenses related to this effort.
Since our historic buildings are not protected, we can save our visible heritage only by public pressure.
We've been pleased to notice that some are commenting on the blogpost. Thank you! We encourage more of you to comment. Simply press "comment" under the posting and you will be able to share your thoughts.
Thank you for your continued interest...we need an informed public on this important issue!
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
How do we handle the contaminants??--Environmental Statement
Environmental Statement
By Rob MacLeod and Larry Bean
The Livery building can be used in a manner that is protective of human health and the environment. The Livery Building is completely reusable once the inner surface is sealed. The last occupant of the Livery Building was Longworth Plating. They were a small plating operation that hand dipped parts (trophies, machine parts) to add a metal coating to them. As is typical with all plating operations, some of the solutions ended up on the floors and in the ground below the building. The solutions had heavy metals in them that have the potential to be a health risk. Typically heavy metals don’t move in the environment without some carrier like acid or other liquid to mobilize them. The heavy metal contamination on the floor and below the building can be sealed in place by resurfacing the floor. The metals contamination in the soil and groundwater below the building will not affect the use of the building. An epoxy floor and paint on the walls will create an exposure barrier that will protect any users of the building from any residual contamination on the floor or walls. The tanks in the back have been cleaned and can be closed out by filling them and covering them with concrete.
By Rob MacLeod and Larry Bean
The Livery building can be used in a manner that is protective of human health and the environment. The Livery Building is completely reusable once the inner surface is sealed. The last occupant of the Livery Building was Longworth Plating. They were a small plating operation that hand dipped parts (trophies, machine parts) to add a metal coating to them. As is typical with all plating operations, some of the solutions ended up on the floors and in the ground below the building. The solutions had heavy metals in them that have the potential to be a health risk. Typically heavy metals don’t move in the environment without some carrier like acid or other liquid to mobilize them. The heavy metal contamination on the floor and below the building can be sealed in place by resurfacing the floor. The metals contamination in the soil and groundwater below the building will not affect the use of the building. An epoxy floor and paint on the walls will create an exposure barrier that will protect any users of the building from any residual contamination on the floor or walls. The tanks in the back have been cleaned and can be closed out by filling them and covering them with concrete.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Friday, September 11, 2009
Dispite the disappointing news, the Coalition moves forward at meeting on Monday, September 21
The Coalition to Save the Livery learned a few hours before the website press release that Mark Creswell is withdrawing the proposal on behalf of the zoo for the Longworth Buildings. See the article posted on the Chelsea website below.
Despite this impending withdrawal, the Coalition will meet as planned on Monday, September 21, in the Chocolate Gourmet Shop at 7 p.m. to discuss ways to stop the demolition of the livery--one of five remaining in the state. Please attend, be a part of the planning to halt this yet another demolition in Chelsea's downtown by the DDA.
Chelsea zoo proposal for Livery building withdrawn
Published: Thursday, September 10, 2009
By Terry Jacoby
Heritage Newspapers
Mark Creswell, founder of the Great Lakes Zoological Society (GLZS), informed the Chelsea Downtown Development Authority (DDA) on Thursday that his group was withdrawing its proposal for development of the Longworth buildings in downtown Chelsea.
The "Save the Livery Coalition," a group of citizens attempting to save the Livery, which is part of the Longworth complex, recently supported Creswell's plan to bring a destination, indoor animal zoo to Chelsea. The DDA gave the group a 60-day extension, putting on hold plans to knock down the historic building.
While the extension still exists, hopes for a zoo at that location do not.
"The board voted (Thursday) that it would not be in our best interest fiscally to pursue the Longworth building for our purposes," Creswell said. "We voted this morning (Thursday) and will be retracting our offer. We are currently drafting a letter to inform the DDA."
Creswell said he was "disappointed" that this project fell apart.
"The bottom line is we don't feel the offer we would make would be accepted," he said. "So there is no point in wasting everyone's time putting something together that we know wouldn't get accepted. We felt we had to be fiscally responsible."
Creswell called the Longworth buildings "ideal" as far as location and size.
"There could have been some problems with parking, but overall we wouldn't have pursued it in the first place if we didn't feel it was an ideal spot," he said.
Creswell and the GLZS will now look for another "ideal spot," this one a little more fiscally responsible. He said putting an indoor zoo in Chelsea has been on his drawing board for four years and he will continue his search for a suitable location.
"We believe this would create tourism revenue for Chelsea and believe it's going to be another great attraction for this community," he said.
But not in the Longworth Building.
Despite this impending withdrawal, the Coalition will meet as planned on Monday, September 21, in the Chocolate Gourmet Shop at 7 p.m. to discuss ways to stop the demolition of the livery--one of five remaining in the state. Please attend, be a part of the planning to halt this yet another demolition in Chelsea's downtown by the DDA.
Chelsea zoo proposal for Livery building withdrawn
Published: Thursday, September 10, 2009
By Terry Jacoby
Heritage Newspapers
Mark Creswell, founder of the Great Lakes Zoological Society (GLZS), informed the Chelsea Downtown Development Authority (DDA) on Thursday that his group was withdrawing its proposal for development of the Longworth buildings in downtown Chelsea.
The "Save the Livery Coalition," a group of citizens attempting to save the Livery, which is part of the Longworth complex, recently supported Creswell's plan to bring a destination, indoor animal zoo to Chelsea. The DDA gave the group a 60-day extension, putting on hold plans to knock down the historic building.
While the extension still exists, hopes for a zoo at that location do not.
"The board voted (Thursday) that it would not be in our best interest fiscally to pursue the Longworth building for our purposes," Creswell said. "We voted this morning (Thursday) and will be retracting our offer. We are currently drafting a letter to inform the DDA."
Creswell said he was "disappointed" that this project fell apart.
"The bottom line is we don't feel the offer we would make would be accepted," he said. "So there is no point in wasting everyone's time putting something together that we know wouldn't get accepted. We felt we had to be fiscally responsible."
Creswell called the Longworth buildings "ideal" as far as location and size.
"There could have been some problems with parking, but overall we wouldn't have pursued it in the first place if we didn't feel it was an ideal spot," he said.
Creswell and the GLZS will now look for another "ideal spot," this one a little more fiscally responsible. He said putting an indoor zoo in Chelsea has been on his drawing board for four years and he will continue his search for a suitable location.
"We believe this would create tourism revenue for Chelsea and believe it's going to be another great attraction for this community," he said.
But not in the Longworth Building.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Saturday, September 5, 2009
The second opinion below
The post below was read at the DDA meeting by Greg Raye on Thursday, August 20th. The report contracted by the DDA presents a dire circumstance--yet it is one professional opinion only. Watch for an upcoming report by two DEQ toxic waste experts on how BEST to handle contamination.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Sound and Sights Signatures
Although the crowd was slightly down from its usual size, over 250 signatures were collected on Thursday night! Thanks to the willing signature collectors: Rick, Larry, Elsie, Lee, Janet, Michelle, Tom, and Jan. We encourage you sign the petitions located downtown (see previous post), and tell others who care about visible history, reusing and rehabbing "green", and providing our area families an indoor, educational zoo experience. But, first--we have to STOP the demolition still actively being discussed by the DDA.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Look for this petition to sign
This petition needs your signature, address, and date signed. By signing it, you are supporting the Save the Livery Coalition (STLC) and supporting the proposal for an destination, indoor zoo. This means that, the Longworth buildings will not be unnecessarily demolished, and will be rehabbed and reused. We encourage you to sign. They will be available at Sounds and Sights on Sept 3, and later at New Chelsea Market, Mission Marketplace, Chelsea Print and Graphics, Cranesbill Books, Chocolate Gourmet Shop, Farmers' Supply, ZouZou's, Aberdeen Bike and Outdoors (near new post office)...
Your name and signature is important! Please follow this blogspot and pass the address on to others. We have LESS than 60 days!
____________________________________________________
SAVE THE LIVERY COALITION PETITION*
for shoppers, visitors and area residents in Chelsea
We, the undersigned, urge the DDA and City of Chelsea to preserve the Chelsea Livery located on Jackson Street from demolition. Instead of demolishing it, we support the adaptive reuse of the livery and the Great Lakes Zoological Society's proposal to develop a destination, indoor zoo in all the Longworth Buildings. A zoo would be another opportunity to attract visitors, add tourist traffic and increase business in Chelsea as well as serve families in the wider area. For any adaptive reuse, retaining the exterior of all the buildings would promote historic tourism by keeping the transportation corridor of old Chelsea intact. Historic tourism is another growth industry on which Chelsea can build its reputation as a place to visit, shop, and live. This is a GREEN solution!
Name_________________________
Address______________________
Date_________________________
Save the Livery Coalition petition to City of Chelsea Council and DDA
*Donations for STLC may be made to “Preservation Chelsea” at 138 East Middle, Chelsea, 48118
tax deductible
Your name and signature is important! Please follow this blogspot and pass the address on to others. We have LESS than 60 days!
____________________________________________________
SAVE THE LIVERY COALITION PETITION*
for shoppers, visitors and area residents in Chelsea
We, the undersigned, urge the DDA and City of Chelsea to preserve the Chelsea Livery located on Jackson Street from demolition. Instead of demolishing it, we support the adaptive reuse of the livery and the Great Lakes Zoological Society's proposal to develop a destination, indoor zoo in all the Longworth Buildings. A zoo would be another opportunity to attract visitors, add tourist traffic and increase business in Chelsea as well as serve families in the wider area. For any adaptive reuse, retaining the exterior of all the buildings would promote historic tourism by keeping the transportation corridor of old Chelsea intact. Historic tourism is another growth industry on which Chelsea can build its reputation as a place to visit, shop, and live. This is a GREEN solution!
Name_________________________
Address______________________
Date_________________________
Save the Livery Coalition petition to City of Chelsea Council and DDA
*Donations for STLC may be made to “Preservation Chelsea” at 138 East Middle, Chelsea, 48118
tax deductible
Monday, August 31, 2009
DDA Meeting August 20--Demolition Stay--see roll call vote
CITY OF CHELSEA
DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
7:30 A.M., THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2009
DRAFT
Present:
Jackson, Feeney, Flintoft, Galvin, Heydlauff, Morrel-Samuels, Myles, Pierce, Schwarz, Winans, Hanifan
Absent:
Frisinger, Holman
Others Present:
Bill Harmer, Lynn Fox, Chelsea District Library; Kevin Riley, Chelsea Market; Greg Raye, Charles Shiver, Cathy Clark, Jackie Frank, Robert McLeod, Janet Bernath; Leann Smith, Jackson Citizen Patriot; Scott McElrath, Janet Ogle-Mater, Donia Dunlop-Herndon, Jane Creswell, Mark Creswell, Carey Church
Longworth\Jackson Street proposal – Mark Creswell presented a proposal to the Board to purchase the property for $100,000 and secure financing to install a small animal zoo the the buildings. He noted the educational and conservation value as well as making it a rescue, rehab and replacement facility. The Great Lakes Zoological Society will solicit funds from foundations and historical preservation organizations. Several guests spoke in favor of preserving all the buildings, citing their sources which say the” Livery building is eminently re-usable.” Attorney Flintoft noted that he would not support any plan that did not have all the financing committed. “We are asked to give up our authority over the project.” The cost of renovation and adaption is quoted to be approximately $1.1M. Zoning Administrator Drolett pointed out that there is no accommodation for a zoo in the C-5 District, and if the zoning was changed it would open up the entire district to this special use zoning. Heydlauff's concern was the abandonment of the long range plan the DDA has already voted to proceed with.
5.
Motion by Myles, second by Morrel-Samuels to delay the demolition of the two buildings for 60 days, until October 3 DDA Board meeting. Roll Call Vote: Morrel-Samuels, Galvin, Winans, Jackson voted YES; Heydlauff, Flintoft, Schwarz, Pierce voted NO. Absent Holman, Frisinger and Myles (who left before the vote was taken.)
6.
Meeting adjourned at 9:30 a.m., without completing the agenda.
DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
7:30 A.M., THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2009
DRAFT
Present:
Jackson, Feeney, Flintoft, Galvin, Heydlauff, Morrel-Samuels, Myles, Pierce, Schwarz, Winans, Hanifan
Absent:
Frisinger, Holman
Others Present:
Bill Harmer, Lynn Fox, Chelsea District Library; Kevin Riley, Chelsea Market; Greg Raye, Charles Shiver, Cathy Clark, Jackie Frank, Robert McLeod, Janet Bernath; Leann Smith, Jackson Citizen Patriot; Scott McElrath, Janet Ogle-Mater, Donia Dunlop-Herndon, Jane Creswell, Mark Creswell, Carey Church
Longworth\Jackson Street proposal – Mark Creswell presented a proposal to the Board to purchase the property for $100,000 and secure financing to install a small animal zoo the the buildings. He noted the educational and conservation value as well as making it a rescue, rehab and replacement facility. The Great Lakes Zoological Society will solicit funds from foundations and historical preservation organizations. Several guests spoke in favor of preserving all the buildings, citing their sources which say the” Livery building is eminently re-usable.” Attorney Flintoft noted that he would not support any plan that did not have all the financing committed. “We are asked to give up our authority over the project.” The cost of renovation and adaption is quoted to be approximately $1.1M. Zoning Administrator Drolett pointed out that there is no accommodation for a zoo in the C-5 District, and if the zoning was changed it would open up the entire district to this special use zoning. Heydlauff's concern was the abandonment of the long range plan the DDA has already voted to proceed with.
5.
Motion by Myles, second by Morrel-Samuels to delay the demolition of the two buildings for 60 days, until October 3 DDA Board meeting. Roll Call Vote: Morrel-Samuels, Galvin, Winans, Jackson voted YES; Heydlauff, Flintoft, Schwarz, Pierce voted NO. Absent Holman, Frisinger and Myles (who left before the vote was taken.)
6.
Meeting adjourned at 9:30 a.m., without completing the agenda.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Monday, August 24, 2009
New Destination in Chelsea
A new family destination is being created in Chelsea, Michigan.
The GLZS Zoo will be an indoor zoo featuring reptiles, amphibians, birds, small mammals,invertebrates, & fish.
The Zoo’s primary objectives are education and conservation. We also participate in the rehabilitation and rerelease of endangered native animals and the rescue and placement of displaced pets.
Location
The Great Lakes Zoological Society wants to locate this awesome wildlife experience in the heart of downtown Chelsea in the Longworth Buildings. If you are in favor of this location or if you are opposed to it, please visit our website blog spot and vote:
http://www.glzszoo.com/location-blog
Great Lakes Zoo
Business Office:
300 N Main St
Suite 4
Chelsea, MI 48118
Phone: 734-433-9670 ext. 16
Fax: 734-433-9671
http://www.glzszoo.com
E-mail: info@glzszoo.com
A Great Family Zoo!
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Chelsea Standard
Thank you to the Chelsea Standard for the history published in the paper and posted on this blog. We look forward to the continued excellent coverage by our hometown paper.
Friday, August 21, 2009
LONGWORTH BUILDINGS
Facing the railroad tracks, close to the train depot are three diverse historical buildings that complement Chelsea’s somewhat forgotten industrial neighborhood. They are known as the “Longworth” buildings linked together in Chelsea’s industrial past for the last 100 years. Their presence provides a visual continuity and a sense of place to anyone passing by. Architecture styles range from the commercial brick Victorian of the early 20th century, to Art Moderne of the late 30s and early 40s. One building is a rustic cinder block structure built to be used as a livery and barn.
Mack Building
The oldest middle brick building was constructed in circa 1901. A. R. Welch, with prior Chelsea Manufacturing Co. success in manufacturing bicycles, moved in to build about 10 prototype Welch automobiles. One of the early investors of the Welch Manufacturing Co. was Chelsea banker George P. Glazier and later his son Frank Glazier. The Chelsea-made Welch car was exhibited at the 1903 Chicago Automobile Show. Only four Welch autos are known to exist today; one is displayed at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn. After Welch went bankrupt, he left Chelsea, merged with Pontiac continuing to manufacture the Welch and Oakland cars until 1911 when the firm was sold to General Motors Corp.
Glazier Stove Company bought the building in early 1904, using it as building No. 18 to store or assemble Brightest & Best stoves until 1907. The Chelsea Tribune moved in late 1907 and published a new newspaper that year which lasted until 1923. Space was shared with Chelsea Screw Co. starting in 1913, and Chelsea Elevator Co. The Mack Co. of Ann Arbor bought the building in the teens.
Sometime in the 1920s, Warren R. Daniels of Daniels Motor Sales, took over this building. Daniels was a sub-dealer for Dodge Bros. automobiles. He received his first car the day before Thanksgiving in 1917, and sold his first two cars in March of 1918 to Jules Strieter and Herb Paul. In 1925 Daniels was Chelsea’s Buick dealer, and by 1933 he added the Oldsmobile line. It was during Daniel’s ownership in the 1940s that the front Art Moderne car showroom was added. Daniels Motor Sales, Inc. was sold to the Sprague family, and eventually moved south of Chelsea to become the Faist-Morrow Buick dealer.
The second floor is said to have been used by Chelsea Milling Company in the 1930s. Mabel Holmes, the creator of packaged Jiffy mixes, may have packaged some of the first boxed mixes there. Fluorescent light bulbs were once manufactured in the building also.
For many years Longworths loaned the vacated front car showroom and adjoining floor space for various community uses. After Heydlauff’s Frigid Products’ devastating August 1970 fire, Longworths loaned this space for Heydlauff's business to continue business until their new appliance store could be built.
Longworth Plating Plant
The Longworth Plating Co. legacy began in 1946 Marion Longworth in the Clock tower building as a continuation of the industrial plating business which had started previously at the Federal Screw Company. In 1952, Longworth bought the livery building spending three months remodeling it for the industrial plating business. Later on in the decade he acquired the Mack building, with car showroom which had been used by Warren Daniels and later Sprague Motors.
The Heydlauff family business used the showroom for about 6 months in 1970 while their present building was being built . A disastrous fire destroyed their old building in 1970 and the showroom proved very adaptable for their purposes and thus saved their business.
Longworth specialized in industrial electroplating which included decorative auto parts and hand-rack plating using cadmium, nickel, tin, copper, zinc and chromium. They also did barrel and still plating. Plating mechanical components with these metals provided protection against friction, heat, rust and corrosion.
Marion Longworth retired in 1984 during his 38th business year. Longworth Plating was carried on by his son David, and daughter Flo Ann. David’s daughter Kim, and son Kent, represented the third generation in the business. Through the years Longworth’s work force averaged 10 employees, with Homer and Bill Beach working for about 40 years. Ed, Ted and Walter Bennett were a few of the old-time employees. By the closing year 2002, Odis Richardson had worked there 38 years in electroplating.
Chelsea House Livery Building
A few feet east of the Mack building, a Livery stands retaining the last vestiges of Chelsea’s horse and buggy days with its sign “Chelsea House Livery-Feed and 10 Cent Barn.”
John Wagner, proprietor of the Chelsea House Hotel, built this livery in 1905 to replace previous structures that served the same function in the same location. Since 1863, the hotel livery had been a place for customers to park their horses and carriages during their stay in Chelsea. Horses were stabled on the upper floor; feed and carriages were housed on the ground floor.
It appears that Wagner sold the Livery to B. J. Conlan some time in 1911 while he was still the proprietor of Chelsea House. In 1916 Chelsea House was sold and renamed the Crescent Hotel. A 1918 Sanborn map shows the Conlan Livery as a “horse and auto” livery open into early 1920s. The Jones Co. used the building for a used car garage and repair shop into the 1940s. Leigh Palmer of Palmer Motor Sales used the Livery to store cars during World War II.
Interim Livery building uses included a processing warehouse for onions, and wool storage and processing by a man named Alber.
Today the three buildings set quiet and vacant, devoid of noise from industrial machinery or the loading and unloading of supplies. Longworth Plating closed in 2002, selling the property to the City of Chelsea in December of 2008.
Mack Building
The oldest middle brick building was constructed in circa 1901. A. R. Welch, with prior Chelsea Manufacturing Co. success in manufacturing bicycles, moved in to build about 10 prototype Welch automobiles. One of the early investors of the Welch Manufacturing Co. was Chelsea banker George P. Glazier and later his son Frank Glazier. The Chelsea-made Welch car was exhibited at the 1903 Chicago Automobile Show. Only four Welch autos are known to exist today; one is displayed at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn. After Welch went bankrupt, he left Chelsea, merged with Pontiac continuing to manufacture the Welch and Oakland cars until 1911 when the firm was sold to General Motors Corp.
Glazier Stove Company bought the building in early 1904, using it as building No. 18 to store or assemble Brightest & Best stoves until 1907. The Chelsea Tribune moved in late 1907 and published a new newspaper that year which lasted until 1923. Space was shared with Chelsea Screw Co. starting in 1913, and Chelsea Elevator Co. The Mack Co. of Ann Arbor bought the building in the teens.
Sometime in the 1920s, Warren R. Daniels of Daniels Motor Sales, took over this building. Daniels was a sub-dealer for Dodge Bros. automobiles. He received his first car the day before Thanksgiving in 1917, and sold his first two cars in March of 1918 to Jules Strieter and Herb Paul. In 1925 Daniels was Chelsea’s Buick dealer, and by 1933 he added the Oldsmobile line. It was during Daniel’s ownership in the 1940s that the front Art Moderne car showroom was added. Daniels Motor Sales, Inc. was sold to the Sprague family, and eventually moved south of Chelsea to become the Faist-Morrow Buick dealer.
The second floor is said to have been used by Chelsea Milling Company in the 1930s. Mabel Holmes, the creator of packaged Jiffy mixes, may have packaged some of the first boxed mixes there. Fluorescent light bulbs were once manufactured in the building also.
For many years Longworths loaned the vacated front car showroom and adjoining floor space for various community uses. After Heydlauff’s Frigid Products’ devastating August 1970 fire, Longworths loaned this space for Heydlauff's business to continue business until their new appliance store could be built.
Longworth Plating Plant
The Longworth Plating Co. legacy began in 1946 Marion Longworth in the Clock tower building as a continuation of the industrial plating business which had started previously at the Federal Screw Company. In 1952, Longworth bought the livery building spending three months remodeling it for the industrial plating business. Later on in the decade he acquired the Mack building, with car showroom which had been used by Warren Daniels and later Sprague Motors.
The Heydlauff family business used the showroom for about 6 months in 1970 while their present building was being built . A disastrous fire destroyed their old building in 1970 and the showroom proved very adaptable for their purposes and thus saved their business.
Longworth specialized in industrial electroplating which included decorative auto parts and hand-rack plating using cadmium, nickel, tin, copper, zinc and chromium. They also did barrel and still plating. Plating mechanical components with these metals provided protection against friction, heat, rust and corrosion.
Marion Longworth retired in 1984 during his 38th business year. Longworth Plating was carried on by his son David, and daughter Flo Ann. David’s daughter Kim, and son Kent, represented the third generation in the business. Through the years Longworth’s work force averaged 10 employees, with Homer and Bill Beach working for about 40 years. Ed, Ted and Walter Bennett were a few of the old-time employees. By the closing year 2002, Odis Richardson had worked there 38 years in electroplating.
Chelsea House Livery Building
A few feet east of the Mack building, a Livery stands retaining the last vestiges of Chelsea’s horse and buggy days with its sign “Chelsea House Livery-Feed and 10 Cent Barn.”
John Wagner, proprietor of the Chelsea House Hotel, built this livery in 1905 to replace previous structures that served the same function in the same location. Since 1863, the hotel livery had been a place for customers to park their horses and carriages during their stay in Chelsea. Horses were stabled on the upper floor; feed and carriages were housed on the ground floor.
It appears that Wagner sold the Livery to B. J. Conlan some time in 1911 while he was still the proprietor of Chelsea House. In 1916 Chelsea House was sold and renamed the Crescent Hotel. A 1918 Sanborn map shows the Conlan Livery as a “horse and auto” livery open into early 1920s. The Jones Co. used the building for a used car garage and repair shop into the 1940s. Leigh Palmer of Palmer Motor Sales used the Livery to store cars during World War II.
Interim Livery building uses included a processing warehouse for onions, and wool storage and processing by a man named Alber.
Today the three buildings set quiet and vacant, devoid of noise from industrial machinery or the loading and unloading of supplies. Longworth Plating closed in 2002, selling the property to the City of Chelsea in December of 2008.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Background Information
The Save the Livery Coalition advocates adaptive reuse of the livery building.
Many experts agree that contamination is best handled by capping and sealing the floor and ground rather than through demolition (estimated to cost $55,000+). A structural engineer and two local builders recently inspected the livery and do not agree that the building is structurally unsound--another widely held belief.
Read the history of the Longworth Buildings. You will read that they are significant to the transportation corridor on Jackson Street that brought people to Chelsea as well as industry in town. The livery is located next to the Chelsea Farmers Supply, the rehabilitated and adaptively reused first hotel in Chelsea. In the early days of Chelsea, people exited the train at the Chelsea Depot, perhaps checked into the first hotel, and used horses and buggies kept in the livery.
The Save the Livery Coalition is dedicated to saving the livery from demolition that would produce 16/17 parking spaces.
Check back frequently. The DDA granted a 60 stay of demolition on August 20th in order to give Great Lakes Zoological Society time to work on the proposal for a destination small animal zoo in Chelsea. Another reason for families to come to Chelsea! (look for the link below)
Not only would families appreciate the zoo, but retaining the exteriors of the historic buildings provides another opportunity for historic tourism. History equates to business for our business owners.
Many experts agree that contamination is best handled by capping and sealing the floor and ground rather than through demolition (estimated to cost $55,000+). A structural engineer and two local builders recently inspected the livery and do not agree that the building is structurally unsound--another widely held belief.
Read the history of the Longworth Buildings. You will read that they are significant to the transportation corridor on Jackson Street that brought people to Chelsea as well as industry in town. The livery is located next to the Chelsea Farmers Supply, the rehabilitated and adaptively reused first hotel in Chelsea. In the early days of Chelsea, people exited the train at the Chelsea Depot, perhaps checked into the first hotel, and used horses and buggies kept in the livery.
The Save the Livery Coalition is dedicated to saving the livery from demolition that would produce 16/17 parking spaces.
Check back frequently. The DDA granted a 60 stay of demolition on August 20th in order to give Great Lakes Zoological Society time to work on the proposal for a destination small animal zoo in Chelsea. Another reason for families to come to Chelsea! (look for the link below)
Not only would families appreciate the zoo, but retaining the exteriors of the historic buildings provides another opportunity for historic tourism. History equates to business for our business owners.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
