Friday, October 19, 2012

Save the Green Hotel!

10/23/12 UPDATE: THANK YOU!! THE CITY COUNCIL DENIED THE APPEAL FOR THE HOLY ANGELS PARISH/DIOCESE OF CAMDEN TO RAZE THE BUILDING!! 
On October 22nd the Holy Angels Parish will appear in front of Woodbury City Council to once again attempt to obtain permission to demolish the Second Empire style brick Victorian hotel built in 1881 by Lewis M. Green, long-term mayor and father to Woodbury's first multi-millionaire, G.G. Green. The Greens can be viewed as being historic local philanthropists, contributing largely to the economic, commercial, residential, and entertainment outlets of the Woodbury area. The Holy Angels Parish and their controlling Diocese of Camden want to raze this structure to create a parking lot. Both Woodbury's Historic Preservation Commission and Planning/Zoning board have both denied their application for demolition previously, but they are not taking no for an answer.

What you can do to help is quite easy. A quick, kind, thoughtful email to any one or all of the following City Council members, stating your interest in saving the historic structure would be greatly appreciated. This will show the council how many of us are out there that see the value in preserving these structures. If you need help in writing your email, the following 5 reasons from the NJ Historic Trust are always helpful to point out:

 Historic Preservation:
1. Creates Jobs
Because historic preservation is more labor intensive than new construction, it is proven to create more and better-paying jobs.
2. Is Good for Communities
Americans want to live, work, and visit authentic communities that reflect the area’s unique history and character. 
3. Is Good for the Local Economy
More than 75 percent of the economic benefits of historic rehabilitation remain in the local economies. This is because developers of historic buildings buy local and hire local.
4. Is Good for the Environment
Historic rehabilitation, by definition, focuses on existing buildings in existing communities, meaning that green space and farmland are unharmed. These places tend to be dense, walk-able communities that are close to public transit, schools and jobs.
5. Is a Smart Investment
Over the past 32 years, the federal historic tax credit has cost the US $17.5 billion in lost tax revenue. This figure is more than offset by the $22.3 billion in federal taxes these projects have generated.
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City Council Members emails:

Francis I. Connor

Lester Lockman

Danielle Carter

C. Barry Sloane

Gwendolyn Joyce Brown

William H. Fleming

Heather S. Tierney

Harry E. Trout

Thomas B. Louis


THANK YOU!
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