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Friends of Historic Glasgow (Delaware) Discussions Meaning of an Historic Overlay 5-20-2005 The La Grange property is the largest single property in New Castle County that is completely covered by an historic overlay. Therefore, it is an unique situation. Anne Barczewski, who retains 75% ownership of the property, voluntarily placed that overlay on the property, c. 1996, with the understanding that it would prevent it from being developed. At the time, she was the farm's sole owner. Her wishes have not prevented her two sons, George and Steven Barczewski, who together own 16% of the farm, from actively trying to sell the farm to a developer. Through their attorney, David Ferry, they pressured their sister, Joanne B. Lewis, who owns 8%, to sign a sales agreement with a local developer. Anne suffers from Alzheimer's disease, and can no longer speak for herself. At present, it is not entirely clear how much ability to thwart development the New Castle County Historic Review Board (HRB) has. At their 17 May presentation before the County Council's Land Use Committee, the HRB made it clear that they can an will consider all historic aspects of the La Grange property, not just the historic manor house and grainery, both of which are on the National Historic Registry. This is good news. But New Castle County ordinances do not give the HRB unlimited powers. If development is allowed to proceed without regard to the historic overlay, then the message will have been given to all property owners that such an overlay is essentially meaningless. Hopefully, the HRB will impose strict requirements upon any and all development to ensure that such development is in keeping with the property's historic nature. That may be the only way to make the usual mixed use development plans--such as those being proposed by Mr. Nichols--too uneconomical to be executed. -By Dorcas Black |
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