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Public Forum
Society misrepresented facts
In response to Jay Myers letter to the editor on Nov. 22, 2006, I would like to formally apologize to Jay Myers and Somonson Construction Services for my comments. These comments were based on the following information provided in the domolition application submitted to the Preservation Board by the Historical Society.
“Simonson Builders toured the building to quote the project. Jay Myers, great nephew of the original owner, was part of that team. In order to renovate this structure into a state of decent and habitable occupancy, the projected cost would be in excess of one million dollars.”
After having pent the last your years restoring the McClellan/Clark home, it was obvious to me that this $1 million bid was excessive. My feelings were confirmed when I received a person letter from Jay Myers, which informed me that his casual comment about the restoration cost was in fact only half of what the Historical Society submitted to the city in their demolition application. Therefore, I can only conclude the alleged $1 million bid was not based on Mr. Myers’ comment, even though it was attributed to him in the application.
This misleading $1 million figure has resulted in a perceived conflict between two groups whose goal is to preserve the history of Ashland County. It also has created a division among members of our local government. All this turmoil and lack of cooperation is a direct result of this misrepresentation by the Historical Society.
As the President of the Center Street Historic District Association, and a citizen of Ashland, I’m left wondering if there will be any consequence for the Historical Society’s misrepresentation of facts to the public, their membership and the city government. Should an application based on deliberate misinformation be declared invalid and the permit rescinded? It is my sincerest hope the citizens of Ashland will not let a fabrication determine the fate of Ashland’s only Historic District and what it will look like for future generations.
Rodney D. Mohr, President
Center Street Historic District Association
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