July 23, 2014 at 2:10 p.m.
Showing up can make a difference (5/22/04)
Opinion
Want to make a difference in your community?
Show up Tuesday night.
That’s when the city of Portland will hold a public hearing — at 6 p.m. in the city hall meeting room at the Portland Fire Station — to gather comment on an application for a planning grant to develop detailed architectural plans for rescuing the Weiler Building and making it the new home of the John Jay Center for Learning.
An earlier grant from the Indiana Historic Landmarks Foundation, matched by donations from local individuals, determined that restoration of the former department store structure at the corner of Main and Meridian in the heart of the downtown is not only feasible but is also the most cost-effective way to proceed.
Though seriously in need of repair and restoration, the building is structurally sound and would cost a fortune to demolish. Its concrete and iron guarantee that it can have a new life.
It was that earlier study which convinced the John Jay board of directors to move forward with getting control of the property.
Now, it’s time to develop detailed architectural plans, the sort that can be used to get construction bids.
It’s going to be an expensive — but doable — project; and significant funds are already on hand to help cover the cost at The Portland Foundation, thanks to an anonymous donor.
But every penny counts, and that’s where this planning grant application comes into play. The city of Portland, stepping up to the plate on behalf of the downtown, has agreed to provide the matching funds.
The grant itself, however, depends upon a show of support from the local community.
That’s where you come in.
Letters of support, statements of support, and simply showing up on Tuesday night to express interest in seeing the process move forward all can make a difference.
From where we stand, establishing a vital institution in the heart of the downtown of the county seat while restoring a vital part of the community’s architectural heritage would qualify as one of the worthiest projects of the new century. — J.R.[[In-content Ad]]
Show up Tuesday night.
That’s when the city of Portland will hold a public hearing — at 6 p.m. in the city hall meeting room at the Portland Fire Station — to gather comment on an application for a planning grant to develop detailed architectural plans for rescuing the Weiler Building and making it the new home of the John Jay Center for Learning.
An earlier grant from the Indiana Historic Landmarks Foundation, matched by donations from local individuals, determined that restoration of the former department store structure at the corner of Main and Meridian in the heart of the downtown is not only feasible but is also the most cost-effective way to proceed.
Though seriously in need of repair and restoration, the building is structurally sound and would cost a fortune to demolish. Its concrete and iron guarantee that it can have a new life.
It was that earlier study which convinced the John Jay board of directors to move forward with getting control of the property.
Now, it’s time to develop detailed architectural plans, the sort that can be used to get construction bids.
It’s going to be an expensive — but doable — project; and significant funds are already on hand to help cover the cost at The Portland Foundation, thanks to an anonymous donor.
But every penny counts, and that’s where this planning grant application comes into play. The city of Portland, stepping up to the plate on behalf of the downtown, has agreed to provide the matching funds.
The grant itself, however, depends upon a show of support from the local community.
That’s where you come in.
Letters of support, statements of support, and simply showing up on Tuesday night to express interest in seeing the process move forward all can make a difference.
From where we stand, establishing a vital institution in the heart of the downtown of the county seat while restoring a vital part of the community’s architectural heritage would qualify as one of the worthiest projects of the new century. — J.R.[[In-content Ad]]
Top Stories
9/11 NEVER FORGET Mobile Exhibit
Chartwells marketing
September 17, 2024 7:36 a.m.
Events
250 X 250 AD