I can't believe they demolished an Underground Railroad House!

[graywarrior]

This is just so wrong!

Boston Slams Demolition of Historic House

BOSTON - A 200-year-old house believed to have been a way station on the Underground Railroad has been almost entirely knocked down, angering preservationists.
City officials said the owner, real estate agent Eric Stevens, had permits to renovate the home, not to demolish it. The city has stopped work on the house, but critics say it is too little, too late.

"We fear it's pretty much lost to us," said James Igoe, president of Preservation MASS. "If nothing else, there has to be a lesson learned that things like this shouldn't be happening."

The red brick, Federal style home was once owned by John P. Coburn, a prominent black businessman and outspoken abolitionist, and may have sheltered escaped slaves in the 19th century.

It is not an official historic landmark, but it is part of the Black Heritage Trail, 14 structures through downtown Boston that are the focus of a National Park Service tour.

Stevens said he wanted to restore it but it was beyond repair.

"I'm willing to do whatever the neighborhood wants," Stevens said. "But we can't rebuild it until we take it down."

[Vincardog]

1. Typical RePigLickin response "We can not rebuild it until we Destroy it"

[Wilms]

6. They had to destroy the village to save it. n/t

[faithnotgreed]

2. outrageous

such typical modern doublespeak
gets a permit to renovate it only then says it was beyond repair

[newscott]

3. They also got rid of a tree that was a meeting spot

in Brockton MA last year.

Frederick was supposed to have given a speech on the spot.

[DearAbby]

4. What an absolute shame

Seems that there is no respect for history. This structure should have been preserved at all cost. Was an important part of our history, and now lost. Absolute shame.

[Ian David]

5. Here's the link...

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/1110AP_BRF_Historic_House_Razed.html

[Piperay]

7. Sleazy, greedy

fat-cat pig. :mad:

[graywarrior]

8. I used to live on Phillips Street where the house was located

on Beacon Hill. Damn, that pisses me off so bad!!!!!!