Letter to the Editor: Put Flagstaff’s heritage first

This letter is to commend the Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC) for their stand to preserve the former City Hall on N. Beaver. The recent Arizona Daily Sun article mentions comments that say few locals are interested in historic preservation. I disagree as many residents support preservation but are discouraged by the obstacles created by the city. The article quotes a statement that visitors don’t come here for the buildings. Perhaps, but once they experience the uniqueness, they are impressed with the malpais structures and often make a connection to the past when they see the fossils embedded in the stone.

The developer chose this property as it is in the historic district, so the plan to raze the significant City Hall structure clearly shows their lack of empathy and respect for our history. I strongly encourage city council and staff to back the HPC ruling and put Flagstaff’s heritage first.