Designation Is Not Quite Historic

* Re “Remaking History,” Aug. 2:

What a wonderful turn of events! Two of our properties are included in the Orange “historic district” and Old Towne. The homes are what were known as “Craftsman,” which indicates substandard construction and extensive alterations to make them livable. Tens of thousands of dollars [were] already spent.

[The houses were] built in 1924. We will be eligible for tax relief, low-cost loans and/or outright gifts of tax money to upgrade. The beauty of this is all homes in this district will be eligible since we wouldn’t brook any discrimination, would we? A 3-year-old house three doors away has been designated “historic,” so they can make claims too. Right?

Unless you have been a victim of this silliness, namely making a blanket proclamation on everything in certain boundaries, then having busy-bodied elected or appointed politicians without understanding of construction or construction materials giving orders to our legitimate and highly educated building departments, you are in for a rude awakening.

I’ve been there and those thinking these “historic” and “Old Towne” designations will bring you wealth and happiness are in for a big disappointment.

The State of California Office of Historic Preservation makes the rules and the city tears them up and dreams its own.

So now I will leave you while I trot down to City Hall for a low-cost loan, tax relief and anything else I can wheedle from those good folks there.

After all, our properties were confiscated in some sense of the word and we should be compensated. Isn’t that the American way? After 50 years of ownership and taxes I suppose we should be happy all this didn’t happen sooner.

JAMES C. BUCHANAN

Orange