Central Roxborough to Discuss Historic District

The Central Roxborough Civic Association will look to continue its historical preservation efforts with a presentation on Sept. 5 at 7:30 p.m. at Leverington Presbyterian.

The discussion will focus on turning the area into a Neighborhood Conversation District.

“But for it [the overlay district] to be implemented the community has to design it based on community input and the resulting overlay has to demonstrate community support,” said Kay Sykora, one of the organizers. 

Sykora added, “A committee of interested neighbors has worked this summer assembling a list of the types of details that are representative of Roxborough.  We need your feedback – please join us.  Tell us how you feel, what your goals for Roxborough are.”

This conservation district is another piece in the neighborhood’s reaction to last winter’s demolition of the historic Bunting House.

“We need to stop being reactive,” Spear said in May.  “When I walk around the neighborhood I think to myself, ‘which one of these homes is going to be the next one.  Which one of these homes is going to be the next Bunting House?’”

This historic overlay along with a new zoning map would be used as tools to both maintain the historic character of Roxborough and the population density.

Patrick Hauck works for the Preservation Alliance of Greater Philadelphia, and he spoke about the importance of having a neighborhood recognized as a historic place.

“It helps give residents a sense of place,” Hauck said.  “It provides a link to the past, and provides a sense of identity.”

Hauck went on to say that getting a building or neighborhood on the national registry doesn’t guarantee preservation, but it creates an extra layer.

“Owners of historical buildings can do whatever they want with them 99 percent of the time,” Hauck said.  “But it allows residents to pressure developers.  It creates an awareness.”

The Central Roxborough Civic Association meets Thursday, Sept. 5, at 7:30 p.m., at Leverington Presbyterian Church.

For more information click here for the Roxborough Preservation Effort Facebook page.