The City of Fresno has long neglected its history in favor of development in the city's core neighborhoods. Most recently we had two historic structures located near M Street and CA 41 set ablaze due to the city's callous and unresponsive approach to securing history especially items that are city assets. This fire was yet another example of the city ignoring what makes it a unique place and the home to many cultures. The homes are part of the Armenian Town that grew in the early 20th Century as thousands of Armenians fled here to escape the Armenian Genocide. The city spent millions in taxpayer dollars to move these buildings and then did little to make sure they were safe. This shows the lack of caring we have for what the Armenians did to build and grow our city.
This is not the first example but the latest. Time and again the city has ignored and attempted to shirk responsibility for other city historical assets such as the Water Tower, Kearney Blvd, and Memorial Auditorium. In addition, the city seems unconcerned when private assets are threatened until after the damage is complete. In this budget I ask the city to take a more proactive approach to historic preservation or turn over all historic preservation aspects to outside sources. This way we can know for sure where the city stands on maintaining its history; this will serve as a monument to show if the city cares to know its past or wants to forget it.
The City of Fresno has long neglected its history in favor of development in the city's core neighborhoods. Most recently we had two historic structures located near M Street and CA 41 set ablaze due to the city's callous and unresponsive approach to securing history especially items that are city assets. This fire was yet another example of the city ignoring what makes it a unique place and the home to many cultures. The homes are part of the Armenian Town that grew in the early 20th Century as thousands of Armenians fled here to escape the Armenian Genocide. The city spent millions in taxpayer dollars to move these buildings and then did little to make sure they were safe. This shows the lack of caring we have for what the Armenians did to build and grow our city.
This is not the first example but the latest. Time and again the city has ignored and attempted to shirk responsibility for other city historical assets such as the Water Tower, Kearney Blvd, and Memorial Auditorium. In addition, the city seems unconcerned when private assets are threatened until after the damage is complete. In this budget I ask the city to take a more proactive approach to historic preservation or turn over all historic preservation aspects to outside sources. This way we can know for sure where the city stands on maintaining its history; this will serve as a monument to show if the city cares to know its past or wants to forget it.