Preservation should begin with inventory

Rapid growth and development over the past 30 years have placed Sussex County’s deep history in a shadow.  And as all eyes and efforts now focus on restoring an artificially inflated economy, the shadows over the importance of the county’s historical assets have grown even darker. Yet that history is an important element of the county’s foundational assets - along with tourism and agriculture – that can help build a firmer economic base in the future.

In recent months there has been discussion of creating county ordinances to delay the demolition of historically significant structures. With no inclination to erect any barriers hindering construction and related economic activity, a majority of council members has shown little support for efforts by Councilwoman Joan Deaver to pass a demolition ordinance including a historic assessment provision.

Groups and individuals frustrated by council’s lack of interest in the demolition ordinance championed by Sussex Historic Preservation Planner Dan Parsons are considering educational initiatives to bring the importance of historic preservation more into the public eye.  Education and awareness can kindle public interest in appropriate action, but the key to success in this arena will be demonstrating that keeping historic preservation in focus does not come at the expense of economic progress.  Further, preservation proponents need to sharpen their case to clearly illustrate the role that history plays in the overall tourism picture.

Laws should be the last step, and then only if they are determined as the only way to address a clearly demonstrated need.  First, Sussex should confirm the importance of the historic preservation planner’s position by charging him and providing funding to develop a detailed inventory of the county’s historic assets, including structures.  Such an inventory, done with the permission of property owners, would include photographs and descriptions of historical significance.  When complete, that inventory would create a great story of Sussex history and perhaps spur private initiatives for preservation.

With a modest investment over the next several budget cycles, Sussex County could develop a nonthreatening preservation tool that could be far more productive in the long haul than a bureaucratic remedy.