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June 19, 2004 - Subscribe - Contact Us - Rate Card - Place an Ad Valley&State Backpage O&E Sports Archives Classifieds Faith&Beliefs Obituaries Revels April 8, 2004 House isn't right for historic district As I was unable to attend the hearing on April 6, I wanted to share my concerns. I served two full terms on the Ashland Historic Commission, watching and opposing the attempts to have various huge houses built on the subject property for a good part of that time, so I am fully aware of the background here. My concern is and has been with preserving our city's historic core and thus its unique character. Mr. DeBoer has testified repeatedly about his philanthropy and generosity to the city, the festival, and numerous other charities and indeed his good works speak for him; he has undoubtedly benefited many organizations here. However, what he will leave as a lasting legacy if this house is permitted to be built in one of Ashland's National Register Historic Districts, will be a monument to private and personal desire triumphing over years of effort on the part of the City and its residents to preserve its historic core. The DeBoers plan to use this immense home to entertain as part of their business and charitable endeavors. This is bound to have a deleterious effect on the neighborhood. Mr. DeBoer has stated publicly that after his death the Grandview house will be left to the Sid and Karen DeBoer Foundation to be used for charitable enterprises. That is a very worthy sentiment, but to have a charitable foundation in the midst of a neighborhood of small and moderate-sized residences will forever change the character of this neighborhood. No one denies anyone's right to build whatever kind or size of residence that meets the City's code requirements. But why do the DeBoers insist on building this edifice on a hillside in a historic district when a house of this size could be built on many properties more suitable for it and its use both during their lifetime and beyond? Joan Steele Ashland Support for Bates offered During two terms as representative, Alan Bates has demonstrated a keen understanding of the issues that confront the voters of Southern Oregon. As a member of the E Board, he worked diligently to help balance our state's budget and attempted to do so with both fairness and compassion. He has proven to me that he possesses the tenacity to see a job through to the end and has gained the experience Southern Oregon will need to guide it through the challenging times ahead. I respect Representative Bates for his tireless dedication to our region, and hope its voters will join me in helping him to become Senator Bates. Phillip Mason Medford DailyTidings.com Home Page Valley&State | Backpage | O&E | Sports | Archives | Weather | Classifieds Columnists | Faith&Beliefs | Obituaries | Revels | Subscribe | Contact Us Copyright 2004 Ashland Daily Tidings and Ottaway Newspapers All Rights Reserved Click Here Site Search: .:Advertisements:. RESOURCES - Mail Tribune News - ODOT Road Cams