Middletown council faces backlash over historic building demolition plans

The future of downtown Middletown is once again under scrutiny, as city council members grapple with the fate of historic buildings like the Manchester Inn and First Financial Bank. During a recent council meeting, passionate pleas from residents highlighted the frustration over what many see as a pattern of neglect and mismanagement by the city regarding these iconic structures.

Gabe Shaneline, a long-time advocate for downtown revitalization, expressed deep concern over the potential demolition of these historic sites. He criticized the council for allowing the buildings to fall into disrepair, stating, "When the city owns property, it is bound to follow its own codes and ordinances." Shaneline emphasized that the community has invested significant time and resources into preserving these landmarks, and he warned that a decision to demolish could erase decades of history and heritage.

Mika Glazer Jones echoed these sentiments, arguing for the stabilization and reinvestment in historic buildings rather than opting for demolition. She pointed out the economic benefits of preserving such structures, citing that rehabilitation creates more local jobs and can attract funding through historic tax credits. "The greenest building is the one that is already built," she stated, urging the council to consider the environmental impact of demolishing these sites.

Dr. John Haida added to the discussion by highlighting the broader implications of the council's decisions. He warned that demolishing key landmarks could deter future developers and diminish community interest in downtown revitalization. "If we stick with the next month's August deadline and our council votes to bring down buildings, it's not likely that we'll ever get to this point again," he cautioned.

Residents are calling for a more inclusive decision-making process, urging the council to delay any votes on demolition to allow for further community input and collaboration with city staff. Jade Smarta, another community member, noted the productive working group sessions with city staff and requested more opportunities for citizen involvement in shaping the future of downtown.

As the council faces mounting pressure from passionate residents, the fate of Middletown's historic buildings hangs in the balance. The community's call for preservation reflects a desire not only to maintain their architectural legacy but also to foster a vibrant and economically sustainable downtown for future generations.