HomeMy WebLinkAboutHDC1998-019 Letter To John Greer, Chairman From Arkansas Historic Preservation Program 09/01/1998ARKANSAS
HISTORIC
PRESERVATION
PROGRAM
September 1, 1998
Mr. John Greer, Chairman
Little Rock Historic District Commission
615 West Markham
Little Rock, AR 72201
APPLICANT: Second Baptist Church
ADDRESS: 619 Cumberland and 618 Rock Streets
COA REQUEST: Construction of parking lot
Dear eer;
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the request for a Certification of
Appropriateness from Second Baptist Church to construct a parking lot at 619
Cumberland and 618 Rock Streets. Our policy is to give all requests a fair and open-
minded review. We are aware of the constituents' responsibility to provide parking for
their customers, patients, congregations, students, etc...
However, we must concur with LRHDC's staff recommendation to decline this
application. Federal and state laws charge Arkansas Historic Preservation Program with
the responsibility of identifying, protecting, and preserving our valuable historic
resources. We believe the integrity of this neighborhood is such a "valuable historic
resource." It is our opinion that the proposed parking lot would be an "incompatible
intrusion" to this historic area.
LRHDC's survey of available parking spaces within a reasonable vicinity of the church
illustrates that there is sufficient parking available to the church's congregation. An
estimated 746 spaces of off-street parking exists within a two -block area. 650 spaces
exist in public parking garages within a two -block area. Perimeter street parking
surrounding the church is also readily available.
Furthermore, we respect the decision made by the Arkansas Supreme Court in 1987,
when Second Baptist requested a COA for parking construction at the same location.
Second Baptist Church v. Little Rock Historic District Commission. 732 S.W. 2d 483
(Ark. 1987). We agree that the "historic district commission is given authority to
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