BIKE: preserving historic structures?

[Patrick Goetz]

Richard Ryan wrote:
>     If you look at successful urban revitalization projects, you will
>     see that they almost always have successes in historic preservation 
>     BEFORE residents will move back into the area.  DR
> 


Certainly this isn't true for any of the Roma, Calthorpe, or similar 
projects.  We've moved into a post-modern era where what is being 
reclaimed is more frequently than not an abandoned mall, industrial 
area, or shopping center.

But even if you are correct, what's your point?  What we're saying is 
that groups like OWANA use the tool of historic preservation to prevent 
densification and multi-family housing.  You don't really seem to be 
disagreeing with this, but rather are restating that historic 
preservation has its place in creating a healthy urban environment.  To 
an extent, I agree with this.  If you're not denying our main point and 
we're agreeing that -- when used appropriately -- historic preservation 
can be a good thing, why is this discussion continuing?