Comments on: Oregon City taking long overdue count of historic buildings

By: Carol M. Bellows

Carol M. Bellows — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 04:47:05 +0000

I agree with Deb. We do have the expertise here in Oregon… In fact, internationally known leaders in preservation such as Robert Melnick who used to be the dean of the AAA school.

By: JD

JD — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 19:08:56 +0000

If you check out Painter Preservation & Planning/ Diana Painter, in appears that she has a unique skill set: Urban Planning & Architectural Historian. She also has an office in Spokane. They have done projects all up & down the West Coast

My guess is that the only reason OC can afford someone this qualified is because of the current economy. It’s good to buy local, but it’s also smart to pay for expertise, so that things don’t need to be re-done. Perhaps she will incorporate students from Oregon in this project. or perhaps she’ll open another office here! After all, it’s crazy to keep a business in CA in their current tax situation (even less business-friendly than OR).

Also, OC has had some serious issues that occurred when “hiring local”, especially in the realm of historical buildings/museums. I live there and I’m glad that we’re getting a fresh, impartial, experienced perspective.

As fo “much of the $$ going toward hotels/travel”…won’t those be spent here in Oregon?

By: deb

deb — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 03:54:50 +0000

I think it is unfortunate that Oregon City went out of state to hire consultants. We have the U of O with an entire preservation department, and many qualified people in the state. Oregon has some serious failings in the employment department. Why go to California or Washington to get this work done?

Get behind the green movement. Support your $$ going local. Big disappointment. Much of their $$ will go toward travel and hotels.