A list of useful links on the DHR web site:

1. The Department of Historic Resources home page:
http://www.dhr.virginia.gov

2. A list of publications put out by the DHR:
http://www.dhr.virginia.gov/homepage_general/publications.htm

3. Facts about the Tax Credit Program (this is a downloadable pdf file):
http://www.dhr.virginia.gov/pdf_files/Facts%20about%20Tax%20Credit%20Program.PDF

4. A list of forms through which the public can apply for use of DHR resources:
http://www.dhr.virginia.gov/homepage_general/forms.htm

5. An overview of the tax credits program:
http://www.dhr.virginia.gov/tax_credits/tax_credit.htm

6. The FAQ for historic registration and what it means for residents:
http://www.dhr.virginia.gov/registers/register_faq.htm
7. Contact information for the Roanoke regional office:
Roanoke Regional Preservation OfficeServing Southwest Virginia and the Lower Piedmont 1030 Penmar Avenue, SE Roanoke, VA 24013
Phone: (540) 857-7585 Fax: (540) 857-7588
Contact: John Kern, Director

ARB meeting

I attended the ARB meeting this evening to hear their presentation about new policies, by laws, and other items. It was a good presentation and was focused on issues raised by area residents. The issues were very familiar - conflicts in interest, economics, streamlining the application process, and other things. It was nice to see those issues addressed. It was disappointing to see so few of those residents at the meeting.

The facilitators said they'd be posting the minutes to the ARB website sometime on Friday. I'll be sure to post the link when that happens.

The new agent for the board - Erica Taylor - gave the presentation. They do seem to have stream lined a lot of the application process, which is a really positive thing. Even though I don't live in Old South West, she was very encouraging of my questions. I asked about grants and what sorts of help they have to offer residents and received the bad news that funding cuts have taken away any grants that might have once been available. They are willing to give advice to residents about building materials and resources, however.

ARB meetings will be starting at 5 pm now instead of the previous 4 pm start time. This is a response to complaints that most residents can't leave work in time to make the meetings.

The one thing that bothered me wasn't the process or rules but a comment that Joel Richert made about receiving "hysterical phone calls" from neighbors upset over unauthorized changes made to properties by other neighbors. I am forced to admit that the prospect of not only being spied upon by my neighbors but having them make hysterical phone calls to the local authorities about my repairs is frightening. I think that may be the most distasteful part of life in a historic neighborhood subject to an ARB - constant policing of neighbors by neighbors.

This is my Roanoke

I'm an anthropologist interested in urban anthropology. This blog is devoted to my Roanoke - the Roanoke I live in and study every day. I call it "My Roanoke" because the picture I'll be showing here is uniquely my own and not necessarily anyone else's.

I'm very interested in Historic Preservation and the effects such a designation has on the people living in those communities.