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President’s Comments Thought I should report back to you about yesterday afternoon's hearing at the Statehouse, regarding HB 2083, which sought to eliminate the historic environs review requirements provided for in K.S.A. 75-2724. As you know, this legislation was introduced by Luke Bell, Vice President of Governmental Affairs for the Kansas Association of Realtors (K.A.R.). Mr. Bell spoke first. He was a smooth talker, but his presentation was unsupported by the facts and he offered few, if any, examples to substantiate the requested changes. The only other support for the proposal came from a representative of the Home Builders Association. Her presentation was somewhat ironic inasmuch as she owns an historic barn that is listed on the National Register. She tried to give the what ifs argument about the possible effects on her neighbors even though she had to admit that none of them resided within 1000 feet of her property, i.e. the "environs." In contrast, those in opposition to the proposed changes in the historic preservation statute packed the Committee Room. Jennie Chinn, State Historic Preservation Officer (S.H.P.O.), and Patrick Zollner, Deputy S.H.P.O., appeared on behalf of the Kansas State Historical Society and spoke first. They were followed by Janine Joslin, Executive Director of the Kansas Preservation Alliance and Sally Hatcher from the Leavenworth Preservation Commission. I spoke next on behalf of the Historic Preservation Alliance of Wichita and Sedgwick County, Inc. Thereafter, Barbara Quaney, President, spoke for the Friends of Bethany Place, Inc. in Topeka. She was followed by a number of other speakers including Dean Bradley's brother, Michael Bradley, Board Member of the Friends of Bethany Place, Inc.; Claire Willenberg with J.P. Weigand, Inc.; and Cindy Guy of Century 21. Contrary to the proponents of the legislation, the opponents to the legislation gave presentations that were both supported by the facts and substantiated with examples! In summary, I would say that Mr. Bell of the K.A.R. got hammered quite soundly. If this Bill gets out of Committee, I will be amazed.
Greg Kite, President 02/23/2009 |