Since March TPT has been actively working in conjunction with local citizens in Gallatin to save an important Federal Period house that stands at the gateway to the city. Kennesaw, a stately brick two story residence, was originally constructed by Washington Lafayette Baber, circa 1850. Later the property was owned by Albert Franklin, the brother of Isaac Franklin, who built the adjacent Fairvue Plantation. Over the course of the late 19th through the mid-20th century, the farm gained a reputation as a renowned producer of thoroughbred racehorses. A recent proposal, "Kennesaw Farms," would construct a high-density development on the site, and concerns were raised by the fact that the first site plan submitted called for the destruction of the house. On April 10 TPT Director Patrick McIntyre arranged a meeting between developer Tim Wheeler and several individuals interested in saving the house, including State Historian Walter Durham. Wheeler expressed a willingness to seriously explore the opportunities presented to incorporate the dwelling into the development. But those in attendance left without being able to obtain a firm commitment that would keepthe house from being razed. At the April 28 meeting of the Gallatin Regional Planning Commission, the parcel came up for rezoning-the critical step for the development to move forward. McIntyre was the first of several speakers to address the Commissioners, requesting that they defer rezoning the property at that time--- and mandate a site plan that included the house. "We don't have a position for or against developing the site," McIntyre said, "but we would like the historic house retained." The Commission subsequently voted to defer the request for 60 days. At press time TPT was continuing to work diligently on the issue.

WEB UPDATE:
      Great News! At the May 12 work session of the Gallatin Planning Commission, the developers committed to save Kennesaw, introducing a new plan that will incorporate the house within a commercial node. The architecture of the surrounding buildings will defer to the house, and are sympathetic in design to Kennesaw's architectural style.

Vote is Close, But Moore County Will Keep Lynchburg Historic Commission

      With 84% of the Lynchburg Historic District's property owners supporting local designation, and representatives from Jack Daniel's Distillery voicing the company's support as well, it came as a bit of a surprise April 21 when an amendment to the Metro Zoning Ordinance to abolish the commission failed to pass the Moore Metro Council by the very close margin of 8-6. The vote was preceded by a public hearing, where Commission president Lynne Tolley touted the economic benefits of local designation. Tennessee Historical Commission CLG Coordinator Kevin Chastine pointed out that over 50 municipalites in the state and 2300 in the U.S. have local historic commissions. TPT Director Patrick McIntyre also spoke, observing that the Historic Commission would serve as an "insurance policy to help maintain the character of your community." The Commission was established in 1996 but has never been officially activated. The members now hope that now they will institute their guidelines-- and be able to carry out the work of protecting the special appeal of downtown Lynchburg.

New Franklin Battlefield Threat
     Many Americans would be outraged if a shopping center were to be constructed where Pickett's fateful charge commenced at Gettysburg. But a similar situation may occur at Franklin, on 48 acres of historic undeveloped land associated with John Bell Hood's troops march toward Federal lines on the afternoon of November 30, 1864. Parkway Commons, a proposed development, would bring a Target, Kroger, and a large volume of traffic to the area, which lies immediately adjacent to the National Register-listed Winstead Hill. In a letter to Franklin's mayor and board of alderman, TPT Director Patrick McIntyre noted the city "has a well-deserved reputation for being one of the most attractive and inviting small towns in America. The thoughtful management of growth in the community will insure that the very qualities that make people want to visit and live in Franklin are not lost." At its April 17 meeting the Franklin Planning Commission approved rezoning the parcel where the development would be built. The rezoning now goes before the city council for final approval. At press time, TPT was working closely with interested local citizens and organizations, including Save the Franklin Battlefield, to find a way to keep one of the few undestroyed areas associated with the battle from being lost forever.

WEB UPDATE:
      Despite continued efforts by TPT and local preservationists, the mayor and Board of Alderman approved the rezoning on July 10, effectively "green-lighting" the development project.

Tennesseans Participate in "Preservation Lobby Day" in DC
      On March 11, executive director Patrick McIntyre traveled to Washington D.C. to join fellow Tennessee preservationists and visit Capitol Hill for Preservation Action's annual Lobby Day. Other members of the delegation included Historic Rugby Director (and TPT board member) Barbara Stagg, Tennessee Historical Commission assistant director Dick Tune, preservation consultants and Preservation Action board members Phil Thomason and Phil Walker of Nashville, and National Trust Southern Office representative Nancy Tinker. The group met with staff members from each of the 9 House of Representative's offices and two Senator's offices, as well as with several of the Congressmen. They asked for an increase in monies appropriated for the 2004 Historic Preservation Fund. The fund has been reduced greatly in recent years, from $94 million dollars in 2001 to $67 million in 2003. This reduction translates into a loss to the Tennessee Historical Commission of $218, 811 during the past two years. The group also expressed their support for reauthorizing Transportation Enhancement Funds (currently known as TEA-21) which has provided millions of dollars for preservation projects, but expires this year. At the same time, the group voiced their concern that proposed "environmental streamlining" efforts could weaken 4f, the provision of the Department of Transportation Act that takes into account historic resources in highway construction projects. Founded in 1974, Preservation Action's mission is to "advocate federal legislation to further the impact of historic preservation at the local, state, and national level."