May Is National Preservation Month
May is National Preservation Month. The National Register of Historic Places, authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America's historic places of resources. The National Register is the offical list of the nation's historic places worthy of preservation, but there are many places that are worthy of preservation and protection besides those listed on the National Register, and the old Parma Heights Library is one of them!
National Preservation Month is co-sponsored by local preservation groups, state historic societies, buisnesses, and civic organizations across the country. The field of historic preservation focuses specifically on architecture, and all places of historic and cultural significance. Think Stearns Homestead, the Ameritrust Bank as Heinen's, Cove Community Center in Lakewood, the City Hall in North Royalton, Spry Medical on Snow (was a post office), and the Parma Recreation Dept. moved into the old Parma-South Library near Pleasant Valley Road. The Parma Heights Library has a distinctive heritage for people of all ages and could become a teen/senior center and part Parma Heights Historical Museum. But this selling point is eroded just a little bit for every one-of-a-kind structure that is allowed to tumble into disrepair and ultimately fall to the wrecking ball.
Why a City Council and Mayor is unwilling to support and assist on preservation matters for the Parma Heights Library is baffling. Yet, over 300 people signed a petition to repurpose the Parma Heights Library. And though it might surprise cynics, old buildings can offer opportunities for a community’s future. This November, I'm voting for candidates that care enough to preserve structures and business districts that have historic or aesthetic importance. It’s important to not let our history be consigned to a land fill. Once a building is torn down, there’s no rebuilding it.
Emery Pinter
Worked in marketing research, marketing, and was a Librarian and Bookstore Manager. Advocate for small businesses. Member of the Parma Heights Front Porch Forum, 2ND Fridays Parma Heights, the Dig, Plant, and Grow Garden Club, and believes preserving historical assets and buildings are a key ingredient to any city.