All Posts Tagged With: "historic preservation"
Supreme Neglect: How to Revive Constitutional Protection for Private Property
The framers of the Constitution were acutely aware that politics—even in the highly limited democracy they envisioned—could be dangerous to private property. For that reason they added the “takings” clause to the Fifth Amendment: “Nor shall private property be taken for public use without just compensation.” Unfortunately, like so much other constitutional language intended to [...]
2Apr2009 | George C. Leef | 1 comment | ContinuedBeware the History Police
Preserving historic homes and buildings can be a good thing. Early 1900s storefronts, centennial homes with turrets and gables, and old gas-lighted public buildings are among the many aged structures that offer wide appeal if refurbished faithfully. Most people appreciate old things that are scarce but well-kept because they educate us, remind us of our [...]
1Jul2002 | Lawrence W. Reed | 0 comments | ContinuedThe Selfishness of the Unselfish
Several years ago, I encountered a woman at a cocktail party in Atlanta who was active in that city’s historical-preservation movement. To make conversation, I asked why she thought that stricter historical-preservation regulations were required. “Because greedy developers tear down too many old and beautiful homes or renovate them in ways that destroy their historical [...]
1May2000 | Donald J. Boudreaux | 0 comments | ContinuedFor Appearance’s Sake
Don’t let people control the appearance of their property. That’s the view of Montgomery County (Texas) Judge Alan “Barb” Sadler. During the spring of 1995, he proposed a law to restrict commercial signs on strips of privately owned land along rural highways in his county. Mr. Sadler decried the “general decay of the area, and [...]
1Nov1996 | James D. Saltzman | 0 comments | Continued-
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