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SCHOOL BOARD HEARS PLEAS TO SAVE 2 NAZARETH HOUSES * TWO DOZEN CITE HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF THE HOMES.

Morning Call - Allentown, Pa. Author: TRACY JORDAN, The Morning Call

Copyright Morning Call Apr 16, 1999

Preservationists pleaded with Nazareth Area School Board Thursday night to make sure two historic houses no longer needed for offices are sold to someone who appreciates the history and architectural significance of the Center Square properties.

"One of my friends said if those buildings come down it will look as if someone lost their two front teeth," said Evelyn Huth, who played a key role in downtown Nazareth's listing on the National Register of Historic Places in the 1980s. "We know you will make a responsible decision."

About two dozen residents attended the public hearing the school board held to receive comment on how to proceed with the sale without jeopardizing the borough's historic character.

Solicitor Annette P. Landes explained to residents that the district can put restrictions or covenants in the deeds to protect the exterior facades, but legally it may be difficult to prevent future owners from gutting or altering the interiors.

"It's a matter of deciding how restrictive the convenants would be," Landes said. "The covenants could be enforced by any taxpayer or historical group."

The school district plans to proceed with a private sale of the buildings rather than a public auction or sealed bids. It plans to move its administrative offices into the first floor of the former middle school this summer.

Proceeds from the sales will be used to offset the cost of the district's $52 million construction project, with the state Department of Education receiving a portion because of its contribution to the building program.

"The board is not here to debate the good or bad points of disposing of the two buildings," Superintendent Thomas Meloy said. "We have to decide how these buildings are going to be disposed of."

Meloy urged residents to submit written suggestions to his office describing restrictions the board should including in the deeds.

School board President Veronica Simpson, who owns a historic commercial building on Center Square, said she and the other directors share their concerns.

"If I weren't sitting up here, I'd be sitting out there," in the audience," Simpson said. "I can assure you, I have all of your interests at heart, as I'm sure everyone on the board does."

Director Carol Lee Fry said the fact the board decided to hold the hearing, which is not required at this point in the sale process, demonstrates the board's desire to preserve the properties.

"I'm really taking this to heart," added Director Donald Keller. "I want to do what is best for the borough and the school district."

Residents reminded board members of the scar Grace Bible Fellowship Church inflicted on the community in 1984 when it razed the home industrialist Conrad Miller built in 1890.

"I'm just sorry we didn't form a human chain around it," Huth said. "I was surprised at the speed at which it came down."

Lawyer James L. Zulick, whose law office is on Center Square, said he feels sad for the borough every time he passes the plot of grass where the Miller House stood.

"That fragile special nature we have requires us to pass it on to future generations," Zulick said. "I hope that we together can find a solution."

Nancy Little, chairwoman of the Nazareth Area Chamber of Commerce's Historic Preservation Committee, also spoke in favor of finding responsible owners for the properties.

"I would like to make a plea that the school board look with a great deal of soul searching," Little said. "I know these things are not easily decided, but I think you have to look in your heart for the right decision."

Little introduced Michael R. Lefevre, the state Historical and Museum Commission's coordinator of community preservation.

"I think it's great the school board is willing to hold this meeting," Lefevre said. "What makes a community special is its architecture, its history and its businesses. The potential for the erosion of the town is a serious matter that has brought us here."

Because Nazareth has no historical preservation ordinances, Lefevre said, it's possible under zoning ordinances for the buildings to be demolished and replaced with fast-food restaurants or chain drug stores.

Gwen Peischl's father, Herbert F. Cobley, retired as the district's superintendent in 1981 and his name graces the red brick administration building built in the late 1800s. She described Center Square as the "heart and soul" of Nazareth's downtown.

The other building, known as the Kern home, was built in 1820.

"If those buildings are sold without the care and concern or guidance, we could have a drug store or a McDonald's and destroy the character of Nazareth," Peischl said.

The Moravian Historical Society's executive director, Susan M. Dreydoppel, and curator, Mark A. Turdo, also pleaded for the preservation of the 19th century buildings, which represent Nazareth's transition from a Moravian town to an open community.

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