Grace Hall doomed?

There are those who believe the fate of Grace Hall is sealed. And that right under that seal is the word DOOMED - in bold, black letters.

And then there are those who believe that the race is not over, the deed is not done, in spite of the City Council's faulty vote last week, when it voted 5-1 to issue to Special Use Permit to WCLS that allows them to demolish Grace Hall after the first building permit in the South Phase is issued.

Are any further public meetings needed, before the wrecking ball shows up at 318 Christian Way?

The answer is, No.

Here's what the City has to say about the process from this point on.

"No additional public hearings are required in order for a building permit to be issued. A permit is applied for by the builder and required plans and application materials are reviewed by the City Engineer and City building inspector staff. The plans are reviewed for compliance with Woodstock’s zoning regulations, any conditions that may be included as part of the Special Use Permit, with applicable City building codes, and with the City’s engineering standards pertaining to water, sanitary sewer, storm water management, and paving. If the plans are approved, the permit is then issued by the Building Inspector. This process is administrative in nature and does not involve citizen participation."

And after that building permit is issued for the first duplex, WCLS will trot right in and ask for a demolition permit. Councilman Mike Turner asked WCLS President Terry Egan how soon he wanted to tear down Grace Hall, and the answer was either "As soon as possible."

Those of you who have been around Woodstock for years (maybe for life) remember the plans to demolish the Opera House. I didn't live here then; I've only heard that those in favor of tearing it down thought it would be a great corner for a parking lot.

A parking lot? Can you imagine the treasure reduced to a pile of bricks and carted away? For a parking lot?

There is still time. Get on the phone and call your City Council members. If you want to drive up Seminary and see Grace Hall still there, tell them. And tell them exactly what you want them to do - to stop the demolition and actually require WCLS to do what they told them to do last October.

The exterior of Grace Hall can be preserved. The interior could become four classy condos. Go to Emerson Lofts and actually go inside. You'll have a "Wow!" experience. The same thing could be done with Grace Hall.