Beautiful Batavia

I am a resident of Batavia, Illinois
This is a new format for me and I am learning as I go. So please overlook my clumsey first attempt!

Batavia is a beautiful town that straddles the Fox River in Northern Illinois. It is chock full of 19th century buildings and homes, some lovingly restored. Yesterday, I found out one of the oldest homes in town was bought by a builder and will be torn down to make way for two larger, grander homes.

403 Elm St. Batavia

How can this happen? There are no ordinances in place to prevent the tear down epidemic that has ravaged many of our neighboring communities. These laws and ordinances are made by our neighbors who are elected by us. Our elected representatives need to hear from you. We CAN save other buildings from being destroyed.

It is my intention to use this forum for citizens of Batavia to voice their opinoin on the tear down and redevelopment happening in our town. Photos of some of Batavia's beautiful and not so beautiful homes will be posted. Education is the key to preservation and if the community really looks at these homes they hopefully will want them preserved!

I will inform City Hall of this blog and hopefully they will monitor and participate as well. I know how intimidating it is to appear before committees and and speak up at City Council meetings. Hopefully this will help those who are not comfortable, or who do not have the time to attend regular meetings at City Hall.

So spread the word and voice your opinion. Again, let's focus on tear downs and historic preservation. If the page takes off, we can always branch out to other areas.
Nancy Bell